Positioned close to the Ontario/Manitoba border, Kenora is usually seen as a fast stopover on an extended street journey to go to Winnipeg, Manitoba. However we shortly realized that it had a lot extra to supply than that! With a phenomenal lakefront view, seashores, mountaineering trails, and boating, Kenora is a perfect getaway for anybody who enjoys spending time outdoor.
It additionally holds a whole lot of historic significance. Kenora, Ontario, presents many alternatives to be taught in regards to the indigenous individuals who initially settled right here, in addition to each the French and British settlers who every known as the situation residence at one time. Whether or not you’re in search of a soothing getaway, reconnecting with nature, or excited about having fun with the numerous issues to do in Kenora every season, we’ve obtained you coated! On this information, we’ll share our suggestions for locations to remain, unbelievable locations to eat, and sights you don’t wish to miss throughout your go to.
Historical past of Kenora, Ontario
- Initially, this was the territory of the Ojibway folks.
- Settlers first named the situation Rat Portage (Portage-aux-Rats), taken from the Ojibwe identify Wazhashk-Onigam, roughly translating to “Nation of the Muskrats.”
- It served as a French buying and selling submit till the realm was misplaced to the British within the Seven Years’ Conflict.
- Gold was found within the space in 1850, beginning a neighborhood gold growth. At one level, as many as 20 gold mines operated inside 24 km of the fort.
- It was renamed to Kenora in 1905 by combining letters from its identify with these of close by cities Keewatin and Norman.
- An ongoing boundary dispute had the provinces of Manitoba and Ontario combating to say the realm till it was formally named a part of the province of Ontario in 1889.
- It served as a preferred smuggler’s route in the course of the Prohibition period.
Instructions to Kenora, Ontario
The journey to Kenora from Toronto may be pushed, however put together for a drive that may be almost 20 hours lengthy with out stops. To do that, you’ll take ON-400 N to the Trans-Canada Hwy/ON-69 N earlier than taking the ramp onto Trans-Canada Hwy/ON-17W. In case your schedule permits, there are various nice locations to cease to interrupt up your journey together with Barrie, Parry Sound, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, and Thunder Bay.
Public transit is accessible, permitting you to take a bus or practice. Ontario Northland bus strains will take you straight into Kenora. Nevertheless, you should switch in Sudbury, Sault Ste Marie, and Thunder Bay. You possibly can see the Kenora bus schedule on their web site. The journey will take roughly 30 hours and value $575 or extra for a roundtrip ticket, relying on ticket sort and baggage.
VIA Rail doesn’t journey straight into Kenora, nevertheless it does cease in close by Redditt. The journey is estimated to final 1 day and 6 ½ hours at a value of roughly $220 for Financial system or $700 for Sleeper Plus Class. From Redditt, you’ll then take a 30-minute taxi journey to Kenora.
For flights, you can journey from Toronto to Winnipeg. WestJet runs a direct flight that can take 2 ½ hours a technique. A roundtrip ticket will value roughly $840, together with taxes, relying on if you e-book and any further baggage prices. You’ll then have to think about transportation from Winnipeg again to Kenora.
Lodging in Kenora, Ontario
One of many first concerns for a lot of when reserving a resort is the place to relaxation their head. Your resort is usually a “residence base” for exploring, so that you wish to make sure you’ll be snug! Listed here are three choices in and across the Kenora space. Alternatively, there are various Airbnb choices and cabin leases in Kenora to discover for those who would like to e-book a whole cabin or home in your keep.
Clarion Lakeside Inn and Convention Centre
470 1st Ave S
The Clarion Lakeside Inn and Convention Centre was lengthy thought of probably the greatest resorts in Kenora till a serious fireplace shut it down in January 2020. After a whole inside overhaul, the resort portion of the constructing has formally reopened, with the restaurant and occasion areas to comply with within the spring/summer time of 2024. The rooms are snug with the choice of a shocking lake view.
Nature’s Inn Kenora
1505 Erie St, Keewatin
We stayed on the Nature’s Inn on our final journey to the realm. This family-founded model is devoted to providing a “residence away from residence,” and we might really feel exactly that in our keep. The rooms have been clear and comfy, and the workers was extremely pleasant. Along with the good rooms and suites, at one finish of the constructing, you can see a comfortable group patio with a BBQ accessible to all company.
Timberland Inn
805 Hwy 17 W
One other instance of the comfortable lodging Kenora presents is the Timberland Inn, which is a brief stroll from Keewatin Seaside (which we’ll talk about later) and different widespread native sights. The vibe right here could be very “rustic cabin” with timber-frame development and wooden accents. Positioned close to the water, you possibly can benefit from the surrounding nature with entry to a patio and backyard space. As an added perk, you possibly can order dinner from the adjoining Chinese language meals restaurant to be delivered on to your room.
Greatest Eating places in Kenora
There are lots of unbelievable eating places in Kenora to discover, providing a variety of various flavours, kinds of meals, and engaging drinks to get pleasure from throughout your go to. Listed here are a number of of the eating places and breweries that we advocate from our final journey:
Boathouse
310 Matheson Avenue South
Positioned straight on the water, The Boathouse presents a scrumptious menu and a shocking lakefront view. You possibly can cease in for a signature burger, sandwich or wrap for lunch, or get pleasure from one of many mouthwatering choices on their dinner menu after 4:30 pm, such because the Maple Glazed Salmon dinner or Dockside Sirloin Blue Cheese. They’ve each vegetarian and gluten-free choices accessible.
Cottage Time Public Home
129 Bernier Drive
The realm’s largest out of doors patio, Cottage Time, presents an unbelievable mixture of Indigenous and Canadian-inspired meals and drinks. This comparatively new addition to the restaurant scene in Kenora was established in June 2022. The identify was impressed by Canadian Rock and the music of the late Gord Downie (The Tragically Hip). Get pleasure from a scrumptious homecooked-style breakfast, or cease in later for the standard Bacon Cheeseburger or Pulled Bison Tacos.
Dino’s Restaurant
206 2nd Avenue South
This family-owned Greek restaurant was first established in 1982, specializing in bringing high quality and scrumptious meals to the realm. Dino’s Restaurant has a lunch and dinner menu, in addition to a particular menu for seniors. When you have dietary issues, they’ll work with you to satisfy your wants. Nevertheless, they do ask that you just contact them to debate any particular lodging upfront.
HoJoe Espresso & Eatery
103 Predominant Avenue South
In fact, no street journey is full with out espresso! Whether or not you’re trying to find a easy caffeine repair or a elaborate espresso expertise, HoJoe Espresso & Eatery has you coated. They’ve an in depth listing of flavoured syrups and premium espresso or tea drinks so that you can get pleasure from. Pair your drink with a tasty deal with from their lengthy listing of baked items, or make it a meal with a soup, salad, panini, wrap, or breakfast merchandise.
Lake of the Woods Brewing Firm
350 Second Avenue South
A major piece of Kenora’s historical past, Lake of the Woods Brewing Firm initially opened its doorways in 1898. Whereas they closed briefly throughout prohibition, it didn’t cease this widespread Kenora brewery from returning to the group in 1954. In case you’re within the historical past, e-book a brewery tour. Or simply cease in to get pleasure from a chilly beer and a chunk to eat off their pub-inspired menu that includes wood-fired pizza.
Candy, Lake of the Woods
712 Lakeview Drive
Do you’ve gotten a candy tooth? If that’s the case, you’ll want to take a look at Candy, Lake of the Woods whereas visiting Kenora. Right here, you can see an assortment of scrumptious, candy treats, together with truffles, candies, and seasonal goodies. Seize a particular dessert, a late-night candy deal with, or snacks for the drive residence.
The Vault Social Home
154 Predominant Avenue South
With a heat, welcoming setting, a scrumptious menu of pub-style meals and an assortment of chilly beer on faucet, The Vault Social Home has every little thing you want for a night out with buddies or household. Relying on if you plan to go to, you could possibly belt a tune for karaoke or showcase your information on trivia evening. Be certain to ask about their every day particular earlier than ordering.
Issues To Do In Kenora
Now that you’ve a snug place to spend the evening and all of your meals have been accounted for, it’s time to fill your schedule with the numerous Kenora sights and occasions accessible. The realm presents loads to do no matter your curiosity ranges, together with studying in regards to the space’s historical past, procuring, mountaineering, or kicking again within the sand for a day on the seashore. There actually is one thing for everybody!
Historical past, Tradition, and Different Sights
With such highly effective historic significance within the space, it’s no surprise that there are various alternatives to find out about Kenora’s previous whereas additionally celebrating the tradition and group that permit town to flourish as we speak. Listed here are a number of widespread Kenora actions to discover:
Metropolis of Kenora – Metropolis Corridor
1 Predominant Avenue South
This historic constructing as soon as served as the realm’s submit workplace. In the present day, it’s fastidiously maintained with delight and features as Metropolis Corridor. Its stunning structure makes it a preferred photograph cease for these visiting the realm. However be warned, the clock on the prime of the tower is usually incorrect – so don’t set your watch by it!
Husky the Muskie
This 40-foot-tall sculpture of a muskellunge (in any other case referred to as a muskie) was first constructed in McLeod Park in 1967 as a part of the Canadian Centennial. It shortly attracted consideration from throughout the nation as a consequence of its dimension and, earlier than lengthy, was referred to by locals as town mascot. Its identify resulted from a public naming competitors submitted by winner Invoice Brabooke.
Kenora Harbourfest
In case you’re planning to return to Kenora in the course of the month of August, Harbourfest is a long-standing summer time custom within the space. The most important music pageant in Northwestern Ontario, it brings collectively each well-known and up-and-coming musicians, together with nice meals and drinks, a traditional automotive present, and extra. It’s a family-friendly occasion with somewhat one thing for everybody to get pleasure from.
Jarnel Contracting Pavilion
Positioned on the Kenora Harbourfront, the Jarnel Contracting Pavilion is residence to many native occasions, together with Harbourfest, fishing tournaments, farmers’ markets, and stay leisure. Even when there isn’t an occasion throughout your go to, the pavilion’s distinctive structure and gorgeous waterfront views are well worth the go to.
Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre
931 Lakeview Dr
Residence of Tourism Kenora, that is the perfect place to kick off your go to to town. Right here, you possibly can be taught in regards to the newest sights and occasions from those that have their thumb on the heart beat of Kenora actions. It’s additionally residence to seasonal and academic shows, together with North America’s largest outboard motor assortment, artwork shows, a freshwater fish exhibit, nautical knot-tying classes, and the Discovery Forest, an interpretive stroll the place you’ll be taught in regards to the native tree species and the way they have been utilized by Indigenous communities within the space.
Lake of the Woods Railroader’s Museum
Lakeview Drive & Norman Drive
The town of Kenora performed an important position within the historical past of railroading in Canada, serving as a key cease alongside the Canadian Pacific Railway within the early 1900s. On the Lake of the Woods Railroader’s Museum, you possibly can find out about this historical past, see railroad memorabilia via the years, and revel in a artistic mannequin railroad with a number of trains.
The Muse – Lake of the Woods Museum & Douglass Household Artwork Centre
224 & 300 Predominant Avenue South
One other glorious alternative to find out about Kenora’s historical past, The Muse is comprised of two widespread Kenora sights devoted to sharing the realm’s historical past, tradition, and artwork – the Lake of the Woods Museum and the Douglass Household Artwork Centre.
The Lake of the Woods Museum, based in 1964, is residence to shows, artifacts, and pictures illustrating the historical past of the Metropolis of Kenora from the Indigenous peoples who first inhabited the realm to trendy instances.
The Douglass Household Artwork Centre lets you benefit from the space’s vibrant arts scene, together with work by native artists, Indigenous artists, and aspiring artists. Along with the artwork show, they host programming devoted to inspiring a love of the humanities for all ages, reminiscent of artwork lessons for teenagers, teenagers, and adults. Examine the occasion schedule on their web site to see if one thing is scheduled throughout your go to to the realm.
Redditt Bottle Home
Created by reusing glass bottles, this can be a small “village,” together with tiny homes and windmills constructed from 1973 to 1979 by Hank Deverell for his spouse, Myrtle. The Redditt Bottle Home and different buildings are made out of 25,000 bottles and 1700 kilos of mortar after which furnished with dolls to create a enjoyable and eccentric show. There’s even a glass bottle wishing effectively. You gained’t see something prefer it wherever else, making exploring it a enjoyable cease. It’s superb what may be made with these recycled supplies and a few creativeness.
Buying
Are you hoping to do some procuring throughout your go to to the Metropolis of Kenora? The realm has some enjoyable, distinctive, and one-of-a-kind small companies. Right here, you can see enjoyable items for household/buddies in addition to somewhat one thing particular for your self!
Boreal Paddle + Attire
339 2nd Avenue South
This retailer is the proper place to seize all of your gear for Kenora tenting, mountaineering, paddling, or spending time on the seashore. They’ve curated varied merchandise and types, all devoted to encouraging a life-style of outside exploration and respecting the setting. Whilst you can store many merchandise on their web site, we advocate visiting the brick-and-mortar retailer to take all of it in first-hand.
The Hardwear Firm
106 Predominant Avenue South
One other retailer that can make it easier to discover all of the gear you want in your favorite out of doors actions is The Hardwear Firm, devoted to biking, snowboarding, and paddle sports activities. Along with carrying high quality gear, they’ve a motorbike store with skilled mechanics to assist maintain you up and shifting, no matter you get pleasure from most.
Positive Factor
137 Predominant Avenue South
This artisanal clothes and present retailer is devoted to bringing collectively merchandise and types that help truthful wages and sustainable practices. At Positive Factor, you’ll discover one-of-a-kind clothes, hats, purses, residence décor, and extra. We have been impressed by the large choice.
Turtle Seaside Clothes
152 Predominant Avenue South
Initially based in 1985, Turtle Seaside Clothes is devoted to defending the setting, particularly preserving the native waterways. That’s the reason a portion of the proceeds from every sale is donated to native charities with that precise mission in thoughts. For instance, their Save Our Lakes Line helps the Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Affiliation. It’s an effective way to offer again to this stunning space and assist keep it for future generations.
Seashores, Parks, Nature, Boat Excursions, and Extra
In case you get pleasure from spending time outdoor, there are various parks, mountaineering trails, and seashores in Kenora to discover. Listed here are a number of of our favorite choices:
Anicinabe Park
Miikana Approach & Golf Course Rd
An excellent possibility for these excited about tenting in Kenora, Anicinable RV Park and Campground presents full-service trailer websites, partial-service trailer websites, and tent websites. There are additionally a number of Boler and Beachcomber trailers you can lease; simply deliver your individual bedding and tenting gear. There are additionally boat docks and a seashore to get pleasure from throughout your keep.
Beatty Park
10th Avenue, Keewatin
This public park is a pleasant place to spend the afternoon. It includes a picnic space, bandstand, and cenotaph. There are additionally stunning flower gardens that provide an ideal photograph backdrop. Whereas there aren’t any docks within the park itself, it is extremely near the boat launch at Portage Bay.
Garrow Park Seaside
One other park, discovered on the finish of Birchwood Crescent on Rabbit Lake, Garrow Park, presents many enjoyable actions, together with out of doors train stations, a picnic space, the Rabbit Lake Path, pickleball courts, a play construction for the youngsters, and, in fact, the seashore. It’s an awesome place to spend the day for those who’re travelling with the entire household.
Mosswood Adventures & Leases, discovered on the park, presents a wide range of rental choices, together with water bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, and pedal boats in the summertime. Through the winter months, cellular ice bikes are additionally accessible.
Norman Seaside and Park
One other sandy seashore within the Kenora space, Norman Seaside and Park is a good family-friendly cease. The Kenora Rotary Splash is an ideal place for younger kids on a scorching day, whereas Hoopla Island, an aquatic sports activities park, presents older kids (6+) and adults a climbing wall, swing, trampoline, jumps, and slides out on the water. While you’re completed, seize a snack on the Dairy Queen or go to the Lake of the Woods Railroaders Museum.
Coney Island Seaside
In case you’re excited about spending a day at one of many stunning Kenora seashores, Coney Island is effectively well worth the journey. The seashore is just accessible by boat. Nevertheless, you possibly can take the Coney Island Shuttle Service for $10 per particular person for a spherical journey. Kids 3 and beneath journey free. For many who choose paddle sports activities, rental kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards can be found.
Keewatin Seaside
Seaside Street, Keewatin
Positioned in Keewatin, this can be a smaller seashore however nonetheless effectively well worth the go to. Docks can be found for short-term boat docking and as a spot to dive off. A playground on the park is ideal for youthful kids. Change rooms and public restrooms can be found.
Keewatin Rock-Holes
6th Avenue, Keewatin
Fashioned by erosion as a consequence of glacial ice, the Keewatin Rock-Holes are 4 cylindrical holes within the bedrock starting from thirty inches to a number of toes in diameter. They seem like man-made at first look as a consequence of their easy and uniform form as if that they had been drilled into the stone. A plaque close to the holes explains their formation intimately for these .
Mink Bay Wetland Path
1823 Trans-Canada Hwy
For many who get pleasure from mountaineering, the Mink Bay Path is a phenomenal path system that winds via provincially designated wetlands. There are simply over 4 kilometres of trails ranked as simple or reasonable in issue, together with trails appropriate for mountaineering and mountain biking. Within the winter, the paths can be found for cross-country snowboarding and snowshoeing. Right here, you’ll get pleasure from stunning views of grassy wetlands and peaceable forests.
M.S. Kenora Cruise Boat
This every day cruise is a enjoyable option to discover the Kenora space and see the numerous sights within the Lake of the Woods space. The M.S. Kenora cruise runs for roughly 2 to 2 ¼ hours, showcasing Coney Island Seaside and delightful non-public waterfront properties. In case you’re fortunate, you’ll additionally catch a number of the native wildlife in its pure habitat. Brunch, lunch, and dinner cruises can be found with a scrumptious premium menu.
In case your journey to Kenora has been deliberate to rejoice a particular occasion or event, the M.S. Kenora can be booked as a venue for weddings, birthdays, reunions, and extra.
Benefit from the Many Issues to Do in Kenora, Ontario
Whether or not you’re in search of a captivating weekend, studying the historical past of the Kenora space, from the unique Indigenous peoples within the space to the trendy developments or an adventurous trip mountaineering and exploring the pure fantastic thing about our province, Kenora is the proper getaway.
Seize a chunk to eat at one of many many unbelievable eating places or tour a neighborhood brewery. On the finish of the day, relax and watch the sundown over the lake for a reminiscence you’ll always remember.
