You can hike through an abandoned railway tunnel in Ontario

By now, we know that there's no shortage of unusual places to explore in Ontario, and the Flett Tunnel tucked away near Thunder Bay is a perfect example.

Constructed in 1906, the tunnel was originally known as the Flett Railway Tunnel and served as an extension of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway tracks, which were frequently used to transport freight and grain. The last train ran through the tunnel in 1992, and the railway was officially abandoned in 1994.

Today, the Flett Tunnel has become something of a tourist attraction.

Hidden in the forests of Shabaqua, west of Thunder Bay and Kakabeka Falls, the trail can be reached by following the old rail corridor. Once you arrive at the tunnel, you'll find a massive rock-cut passage that once played a role in Canada's transportation history.

Stretching roughly 300 metres through bedrock, the tunnel remains one of the more unexpected attractions in Northwestern Ontario. Surrounded by towering stone walls and a dark interior, it's not your typical hiking destination, that's for sure.

And trust me when I say getting there is part of the adventure, too.

Visitors follow the former railway bed, now a rugged forest trail, before arriving at the tunnel entrance. The hike itself is relatively manageable, classified as easy to moderate, and runs five kilometres long.

Although the Flett Tunnel is open year-round, the property is now privately owned by Wagner Forest Management, and you must get a permit to hike to the site. Those interested can request a pass to enter via the company's website.

It's best to visit the destination in spring and summer (fall, the latest) since excessive snowfall in the winter months will make it less accessible and harder to hike.