Kenora Ontario -- boating,
fishing and outdoor adventure
in scenic cottage country

Kenora is the perfect scenic cottage town on the North coast of Lake of the Woods, a lake large enough to be in two Canadian provinces (Ontario and Manitoba) and one American state (Minnesota).

Not only does Kenora have everything you’d want in a cottage town -- chip wagons, ice cream stands, a Laundromat and grocery store with boat docks and a scenic harbour-side park, it also has:

And all of these options for outdoor leisure/adventure:

In the past, the local economy was based mainly on logging, but more recently tourism has become the focus, with a growing retirement community choosing to fulfill the dream of moving to the cottage forever.

Kenora is a little more than three hours east of Winnipeg, depending on how long it takes you to eat your burger or cone when you stop at Yogi’s (in Prawda) which is at about the half point on the TransCanada Highway.

Or, if you crave something sugary, Nelda’s Cinnamon Bun Bakery (on the TC at the junction with Highway 308, about 10 clicks east of Prawda) has the most gooey, flakey and absolutely wonderful cinnamon buns imaginable.

Start with a Kenora tour

Cruise the lake on M.S. Kenora. Daily lunch, afternoon, dinner and Sunday brunch cruises on the lake, May to mid-September, and walk-ons are welcome. (807) 468-9124.

For a more personalized nature and sightseeing cruise with a shore lunch, call Smith Camps (807) 548-5764 or Ash Rapids Camp (807) 543-4025.

You can see Kenora and Lake of the Woods with a bush pilot as your guide during a float plane tour. Half hour and one hour flights leave from the Second Street dock, where you can get information, or call (807) 468-7104.

Stroll around downtown to see Kenora’s 21 wall murals and historic buildings.

Walking tours of downtown, the cemetery and Friday night lantern tours are available. Call for dates and times, (807) 467-2067.

Things to see and do in Kenora

Golf at public Kenora Golf & Country Club. 18 holes with hills, lake, river plus a driving range and lounge/restaurant with a deck offering lovely lake views. Book at (807) 468-7995.

Go Bowling! 5 Pin day and glow bowling at Kenora Bowling Lanes, 126 Matheson Street South.

Fishing. There are a number of local guides who will take to you the best spots in summer or for winter ice fishing as well as fishing camps and resorts. Three options: Ash Rapids Camp, (807) 543-4025; Crow Rock (1-800-547-FISH), or Sunset Cove Resort, (1-888-484-2192).

Go to a Powwow! Enjoy the dancing and drumming and sample bannock and other traditional foods at an Ojibwa Powwow, a sharing event at which everyone is welcome. Call Grand Council Treaty Three Office to find out where and when: (807) 548-4214.

Canoes and Kayaks are for rent at Hardwear Company, who can also advise on where to find exactly what you want to experience on LOTW and also nearby lakes and streams, (807) 468-1226.

For motorboat rentals, fishing trips, rock-climbing day trips, kayak lessons and guided paddling trips for paddlers of any experience level, call Green Adventures Kayaking Company, (807) 467-8535 or go to the booking office, 205 Matheson Street.

Harbourfest is music, parties, dancing and even fireworks set to music on the waterfront for three days at the end of July, drawing top talent. (In 2009, headliners were Terri Clark, Jaydee Bixby and Blue Rodeo).

Winter Attractions in Kenora

While some of the shops close, Kenora is a year-round destination with plenty of ourdoor options at resorts, including just sitting by the fire relaxing, or:

Shopping in Kenora

The Blue Heron

Blue Heron two is a treasure trove of touristy kitsch, with different areas displaying housewares, crystal, party supplies, toys, wicker, gifts, antiques, games, art prints, gourmet goodies, locally-grown wild rice and one entire room on the upper level where it is perpetual Christmas.

Both Blue Herons are within steps of each other on the waterfront and are open daily. 1st Ave. South.

The Painted Sheep Boutique

Caters to knitters, but also has gift items and pting jewellery by artisans, plus a small selection of cottagewear. 1st Ave. South.

Indira

Beautiful clothing, jewellery and accessories and also shoes and menswear. 307 Second St. South.

Sure Thing

Global giftware and eco-friendly clothing for men and women made of hemp, soy and bamboo and also beachwear. Open daily in summer, 311 Second Street South.

Chip & Pepper

A hit in New York City, Chip & Pepper have just one store in Canada, and this is it, with their own line of tee shirts and premium denim, open summer only. 137 Main Street South.

Fragile Glass Studio

Art glass and giftware beautifully presented in an 1894 church restored as a gallery and Bed and Breakfast at 529 3rd Ave. South, (807) 468-7100.

Where to Eat in Kenora

Haps Pub & Grill

Known for their deep-fried, crispy chicken fingers and thick, baked quesadillas as well as bergers, nachos and pub food. Inside, the atmosphere is classic pub, with two pool tables in the back and huge booths next to exposed stone walls.

There’s also a large patio on the lake side for when the weather’s nice. Bernier Dr., with an entrance from Main Street.

Keewatin Place

“This,” the friendly woman said, handing my husband his lunch, “is the best sandwich you’ll ever eat.”

Surprisingly (we Winnipeggers are pretty jaded, since we’re spoiled for choice) she was right. This is the best deli sliced meats on a big fat fresh roll sandwich we’ve ever tasted. Keewatin Place is also a grocery and bakery with (in season) fresh blueberries and gourmet foods. Highway 17 West. Open daily until 10 p.m.

Second Street Bakery

Is the place for breaks, cakes, pies and other treats. They also have soups, salads and sandwiches, and they offer gluten-free and lactose-free breads. A friendly spot with a family atmosphere, and a pretty patio, 400 Second Street South.

Ash Rapids Lodge

This rustic wilderness resort offers fine dining in their licensed restaurant. Prime Rib, Fresh-caught walleye and steaks. Open daily except Tuesdays from Canada Day (July 1) to September 15. Reach by boat (call for details) or fly-and-dine package. Reservations usually required for dinner (but not lunch), (807) 543-4025.

Crow Rock Lodge

Another boat-in or fly-in lodge, this one on Crow Rock Island, with walleye, prime rib, chicken breast stuffed with wild rice and the dessert they’re known for, key lime pie. Reservations: (807) 543-4001.

The Log Cabin Tavern

Ribs, prime rib, steaks and chicken tastes great on the screened-in deck, where you can play a round of mini-golf after dinner. Rabbit Lake Road, (807) 548-8778.

The Cornerstone Restaurant

Enjoy pizza, steaks and pastas in a beautifully restored old bank. Open for lunch and dinner, 154 Main St. South.

Dino’s Greek Restaurant

Kenora institution offering Greek fusion fare, seafood, lamb, all artfully prepared. 206 Second Street South.

The Plaza

Known for its tender calamari and avgolemono soup. Live music on weekends. Open Tuesdays to Saturdays plus Sundays in summer. 125 Main Street.

Where to stay in Kenora

Southview Inn & Bistro

Rustic cottages and lakeview hotel rooms with a bistro that has a gorgeous patio. Highway 17 in Keewatin, (807) 547-2471.

Best Western Inn

The round building on the waterfront. It has the usual chain hotel amenities including an indoor pool and sauna. What’s special here is the view of the lake, from your room or from the restaurant. Close to everything and has easy wheelchair access. 470 First Ave. South, (807) 468-5521.

Andy Lake Resort and Conference Centre

Half an hour southeast of Kenora on Highway 71. In the past, Andy Lake concentrated on mostly male guests who came for the spectacular catch-and-release fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, lake trout and muskie, but now they also offer family vacations. Fireplaces, hot tubs, water trampolines, a playground, and canoes and kayaks. (888-543-7533).

Rent a houseboat in Kenora for a floating vacation

LOTW has 65,000 miles of shoreline, 14,000 islands (many uninhabited) and countless bays to explore. A fully-equipped boat sleeping six to eight people costs about $3,000 per week from Canada Houseboat Vacations (1-800-201-2100) or Houseboat Adventures (1-800-253-6672) or Lake of the Woods Houseboats (1-800-341-1048).