Situated close to the Ontario/Manitoba border, Kenora is commonly seen as a fast stopover on an extended highway journey to go to Winnipeg, Manitoba. However we shortly discovered that it had a lot extra to supply than that! With a good looking lakefront view, seashores, mountain climbing trails, and boating, Kenora is a perfect getaway for anybody who enjoys spending time outdoor.
It additionally holds a number of historic significance. Kenora, Ontario, provides many alternatives to study 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 placement residence at one time. Whether or not you’re in search of a calming getaway, reconnecting with nature, or concerned about having fun with the various issues to do in Kenora every season, we’ve received you coated! On this information, we’ll share our suggestions for locations to remain, unimaginable 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 individuals.
- Settlers first named the placement 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 publish till the realm was misplaced to the British within the Seven Years’ Struggle.
- 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 preventing to assert the realm till it was formally named a part of the province of Ontario in 1889.
- It served as a preferred smuggler’s route through the Prohibition period.
Instructions to Kenora, Ontario
The journey to Kenora from Toronto could be pushed, however put together for a drive that will 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 lots of nice locations to cease to interrupt up your journey together with Barrie, Parry Sound, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, and Thunder Bay.
Public transit is out there, permitting you to take a bus or prepare. Ontario Northland bus strains will take you immediately into Kenora. Nevertheless, you need to 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 price $575 or extra for a roundtrip ticket, relying on ticket sort and baggage.
VIA Rail doesn’t journey immediately 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 experience to Kenora.
For flights, you may journey from Toronto to Winnipeg. WestJet runs a direct flight that may take 2 ½ hours a technique. A roundtrip ticket will value roughly $840, together with taxes, relying on once you e book and any extra baggage prices. You’d 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 lodge is the place to relaxation their head. Your lodge is commonly 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 lots of Airbnb choices and cabin leases in Kenora to discover for those who would favor to e book a complete 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 top-of-the-line inns in Kenora till a serious hearth shut it down in January 2020. After an entire inside overhaul, the lodge 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 surprising 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 may 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’ll find a comfortable group patio with a BBQ out there to all company.
Timberland Inn
805 Hwy 17 W
One other instance of the comfortable lodging Kenora provides is the Timberland Inn, which is a brief stroll from Keewatin Seaside (which we’ll talk about later) and different fashionable native sights. The vibe right here may be very “rustic cabin” with timber-frame building and wooden accents. Situated close to the water, you may benefit from the surrounding nature with entry to a patio and backyard space. As an added perk, you may order dinner from the adjoining Chinese language meals restaurant to be delivered on to your room.
Finest Eating places in Kenora
There are lots of unimaginable eating places in Kenora to discover, providing a variety of various flavours, varieties of meals, and attractive drinks to get pleasure from throughout your go to. Listed here are a couple of of the eating places and breweries that we advocate from our final journey:
Boathouse
310 Matheson Avenue South
Situated immediately on the water, The Boathouse provides a scrumptious menu and a surprising 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 out there.
Cottage Time Public Home
129 Bernier Drive
The world’s largest outside patio, Cottage Time, provides an unimaginable 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). Take pleasure in 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. If in case you have dietary considerations, they will work with you to satisfy your wants. Nevertheless, they do ask that you just contact them to debate any particular lodging prematurely.
HoJoe Espresso & Eatery
103 Important Avenue South
In fact, no highway journey is full with out espresso! Whether or not you’re trying to find a easy caffeine repair or a flowery espresso expertise, HoJoe Espresso & Eatery has you coated. They’ve an in depth record 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 record 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 fashionable 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 chew to eat off their pub-inspired menu that includes wood-fired pizza.
Candy, Lake of the Woods
712 Lakeview Drive
Do you could have a candy tooth? In that case, you want to take a look at Candy, Lake of the Woods whereas visiting Kenora. Right here, you’ll find an assortment of scrumptious, candy treats, together with truffles, sweets, and seasonal goodies. Seize a particular dessert, a late-night candy deal with, or snacks for the drive residence.
The Vault Social Home
154 Important Avenue South
With a heat, welcoming surroundings, a scrumptious menu of pub-style meals and an assortment of chilly beer on faucet, The Vault Social Home has every thing you want for a night out with buddies or household. Relying on once you plan to go to, you might be able to belt a tune for karaoke or exhibit your information on trivia night time. Ensure to ask about their each day particular earlier than ordering.
Issues To Do In Kenora
Now that you’ve a cushty place to spend the night time and all of your meals have been accounted for, it’s time to fill your schedule with the various Kenora sights and occasions out there. The world provides a lot to do no matter your curiosity ranges, together with studying in regards to the space’s historical past, procuring, mountain climbing, or kicking again within the sand for a day on the seaside. 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 marvel that there are lots of alternatives to study Kenora’s previous whereas additionally celebrating the tradition and group that enable the town to flourish at the moment. Listed here are a couple of fashionable Kenora actions to discover:
Metropolis of Kenora – Metropolis Corridor
1 Important Avenue South
This historic constructing as soon as served as the realm’s publish workplace. Right this moment, it’s fastidiously maintained with delight and features as Metropolis Corridor. Its lovely structure makes it a preferred photograph cease for these visiting the realm. However be warned, the clock on the prime of the tower is commonly incorrect – so don’t set your watch by it!
Husky the Muskie
This 40-foot-tall sculpture of a muskellunge (in any other case often called 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 result of its dimension and, earlier than lengthy, was referred to by locals as the town mascot. Its identify resulted from a public naming competitors submitted by winner Invoice Brabooke.
Kenora Harbourfest
In case you’re planning to come back to Kenora through 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 automobile present, and extra. It’s a family-friendly occasion with just a little one thing for everybody to get pleasure from.
Jarnel Contracting Pavilion
Situated on the Kenora Harbourfront, the Jarnel Contracting Pavilion is residence to many native occasions, together with Harbourfest, fishing tournaments, farmers’ markets, and reside leisure. Even when there isn’t an occasion throughout your go to, the pavilion’s distinctive structure and beautiful waterfront views are definitely 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 the town. Right here, you may study in regards to the newest sights and occasions from those that have their thumb on the heartbeat 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 study 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 a necessary 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 may study this historical past, see railroad memorabilia by means of the years, and luxuriate in a artistic mannequin railroad with a number of trains.
The Muse – Lake of the Woods Museum & Douglass Household Artwork Centre
224 & 300 Important Avenue South
One other wonderful alternative to study Kenora’s historical past, The Muse is comprised of two fashionable 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 fashionable occasions.
The Douglass Household Artwork Centre permits you to 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, corresponding to artwork lessons for youths, teenagers, and adults. Test 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 constructions are constructed from 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 properly. You gained’t see something prefer it anyplace else, making exploring it a enjoyable cease. It’s wonderful what could 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 world has some enjoyable, distinctive, and one-of-a-kind small companies. Right here, you’ll find enjoyable items for household/buddies in addition to just a little one thing particular for your self!
Boreal Paddle + Attire
339 2nd Avenue South
This retailer is the right place to seize all of your gear for Kenora tenting, mountain climbing, paddling, or spending time on the seaside. They’ve curated varied merchandise and types, all devoted to encouraging a life-style of outside exploration and respecting the surroundings. When 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 Important Avenue South
One other retailer that may aid you discover all of the gear you want in your favorite outside 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 transferring, no matter you get pleasure from most.
Certain Factor
137 Important Avenue South
This artisanal clothes and reward retailer is devoted to bringing collectively merchandise and types that assist truthful wages and sustainable practices. At Certain Factor, you’ll discover one-of-a-kind clothes, hats, purses, residence décor, and extra. We have been impressed by the big range.
Turtle Seaside Clothes
152 Important Avenue South
Initially based in 1985, Turtle Seaside Clothes is devoted to defending the surroundings, 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 present again to this lovely 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 lots of parks, mountain climbing trails, and seashores in Kenora to discover. Listed here are a couple of of our favorite choices:
Anicinabe Park
Miikana Method & Golf Course Rd
An excellent choice for these concerned about tenting in Kenora, Anicinable RV Park and Campground provides full-service trailer websites, partial-service trailer websites, and tent websites. There are additionally a number of Boler and Beachcomber trailers that you could hire; simply convey your individual bedding and tenting gear. There are additionally boat docks and a seaside 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 lovely flower gardens that provide an ideal photograph backdrop. Whereas there are not any docks within the park itself, it is rather 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, provides many enjoyable actions, together with outside train stations, a picnic space, the Rabbit Lake Path, pickleball courts, a play construction for the children, and, after all, the seaside. It’s an ideal place to spend the day for those who’re travelling with the entire household.
Mosswood Adventures & Leases, discovered on the park, provides a wide range of rental choices, together with water bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, and pedal boats in the summertime. In the course of the winter months, cellular ice bikes are additionally out there.
Norman Seaside and Park
One other sandy seaside within the Kenora space, Norman Seaside and Park is a superb 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, provides older kids (6+) and adults a climbing wall, swing, trampoline, jumps, and slides out on the water. Once 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 concerned about spending a day at one of many lovely Kenora seashores, Coney Island is properly definitely worth the journey. The seaside is simply accessible by boat. Nevertheless, you may take the Coney Island Shuttle Service for $10 per particular person for a spherical journey. Kids 3 and underneath experience free. For individuals who desire paddle sports activities, rental kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards can be found.
Keewatin Seaside
Seaside Street, Keewatin
Situated in Keewatin, this can be a smaller seaside however nonetheless properly definitely 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 result of glacial ice, the Keewatin Rock-Holes are 4 cylindrical holes within the bedrock starting from thirty inches to a number of ft in diameter. They seem like man-made at first look as a result of their easy and uniform form as if they’d 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 individuals who get pleasure from mountain climbing, the Mink Bay Path is a good looking path system that winds by means of provincially designated wetlands. There are simply over 4 kilometres of trails ranked as straightforward or reasonable in problem, together with trails appropriate for mountain climbing and mountain biking. Within the winter, the paths can be found for cross-country snowboarding and snowshoeing. Right here, you’ll get pleasure from lovely views of grassy wetlands and peaceable forests.
M.S. Kenora Cruise Boat
This each day cruise is a enjoyable technique to discover the Kenora space and see the various 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 exquisite personal 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 have fun 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 an enchanting 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 mountain climbing and exploring the pure fantastic thing about our province, Kenora is the right getaway.
Seize a chew to eat at one of many many unimaginable 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.
