Positioned close to the Ontario/Manitoba border, Kenora is commonly seen as a fast stopover on an extended street journey to go to Winnipeg, Manitoba. However we rapidly discovered that it had a lot extra to supply than that! With a gorgeous lakefront view, seashores, climbing trails, and boating, Kenora is a perfect getaway for anybody who enjoys spending time open air.
It additionally holds quite a lot of historic significance. Kenora, Ontario, gives 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 referred to as the situation dwelling at one time. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a calming getaway, reconnecting with nature, or concerned with having fun with the numerous issues to do in Kenora every season, we’ve received you coated! On this information, we’ll share our suggestions for locations to remain, unbelievable locations to eat, and points of interest 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 title 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’ Warfare.
- Gold was found within the space in 1850, beginning an area gold increase. 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 title with these of close by cities Keewatin and Norman.
- An ongoing boundary dispute had the provinces of Manitoba and Ontario preventing to say the realm till it was formally named a part of the province of Ontario in 1889.
- It served as a well-liked 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 practically 20 hours lengthy with out stops. To do that, you’d 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 a lot 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 accessible, permitting you to take a bus or practice. Ontario Northland bus lines will take you straight into Kenora. Nonetheless, you have 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 value $575 or extra for a roundtrip ticket, relying on ticket sort and baggage.
VIA Rail doesn’t journey straight into Kenora, but it surely 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 Economic system or $700 for Sleeper Plus Class. From Redditt, you’ll then take a 30-minute taxi journey to Kenora.
For flights, you may journey from Toronto to Winnipeg. WestJet runs a direct flight that may take 2 ½ hours a method. A roundtrip ticket will price roughly $840, together with taxes, relying on if you e-book and any extra 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 lodge is the place to relaxation their head. Your lodge is commonly a “dwelling base” for exploring, so that you wish to make sure you’ll be snug! Listed below are three choices in and across the Kenora space. Alternatively, there are a lot of Airbnb choices and cabin leases in Kenora to discover in case you would like to e-book a complete cabin or home to your keep.
Clarion Lakeside Inn and Convention Centre
470 1st Ave S
The Clarion Lakeside Inn and Conference Centre was lengthy thought of probably the greatest motels in Kenora till a significant hearth shut it down in January 2020. After a whole inside overhaul, the lodge portion of the constructing has formally reopened, with the restaurant and occasion areas to observe within the spring/summer season 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 “dwelling away from dwelling,” and we might really feel exactly that in our keep. The rooms had been clear and comfy, and the employees was extremely pleasant. Along with the great rooms and suites, at one finish of the constructing, one can find a comfy group patio with a BBQ accessible to all visitors.
Timberland Inn
805 Hwy 17 W
One other instance of the comfy lodging Kenora gives is the Timberland Inn, which is a brief stroll from Keewatin Seashore (which we’ll talk about later) and different common native points of interest. The vibe right here may be very “rustic cabin” with timber-frame development and wooden accents. Positioned 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 various unbelievable eating places in Kenora to discover, providing a variety of various flavours, sorts of meals, and attractive drinks to take pleasure in throughout your go to. Listed below are a couple of of the eating places and breweries that we advocate from our final journey:
Boathouse
310 Matheson Road South
Positioned straight on the water, The Boathouse gives a scrumptious menu and a shocking lakefront view. You possibly can cease in for a signature burger, sandwich or wrap for lunch, or take pleasure in 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 outside patio, Cottage Time, gives 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 title 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 Road 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. You probably have dietary considerations, they’ll work with you to satisfy your wants. Nonetheless, they do ask that you simply contact them to debate any particular lodging upfront.
HoJoe Espresso & Eatery
103 Important Road South
After all, no street journey is full with out espresso! Whether or not you’re trying to find a easy caffeine repair or a flowery espresso expertise, HoJoe Coffee & Eatery has you coated. They’ve an in depth listing of flavoured syrups and premium espresso or tea drinks so that you can take pleasure in. 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 Road South
A big piece of Kenora’s historical past, Lake of the Woods Brewing Company initially opened its doorways in 1898. Whereas they closed briefly throughout prohibition, it didn’t cease this common Kenora brewery from returning to the group in 1954. Should you’re within the historical past, e-book a brewery tour. Or simply cease in to take pleasure in 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 could have a candy tooth? In that case, you’ll want to try Sweet, Lake of the Woods whereas visiting Kenora. Right here, one can find an assortment of scrumptious, candy treats, together with truffles, goodies, and seasonal goodies. Seize a particular dessert, a late-night candy deal with, or snacks for the drive dwelling.
The Vault Social Home
154 Important Road South
With a heat, welcoming setting, a scrumptious menu of pub-style meals and an assortment of chilly beer on faucet, The Vault Social House has every thing you want for a night out with buddies or household. Relying on if you plan to go to, you might be able to belt a tune for karaoke or exhibit your information on trivia evening. Be sure 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 evening and all of your meals have been accounted for, it’s time to fill your schedule with the numerous Kenora points of interest and occasions accessible. The realm gives loads to do no matter your curiosity ranges, together with studying in regards to the space’s historical past, purchasing, climbing, or kicking again within the sand for a day on the seashore. There actually is one thing for everybody!
Historical past, Tradition, and Different Points of interest
With such highly effective historic significance within the space, it’s no surprise that there are a lot of alternatives to find out about Kenora’s previous whereas additionally celebrating the tradition and group that enable the town to flourish right now. Listed below are a couple of common Kenora actions to discover:
Metropolis of Kenora – Metropolis Corridor
1 Important Road South
This historic constructing as soon as served as the realm’s publish workplace. In the present day, it’s fastidiously maintained with pleasure and capabilities as Metropolis Corridor. Its lovely structure makes it a well-liked photograph cease for these visiting the realm. However be warned, the clock on the high 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 rapidly attracted consideration from throughout the nation because of its measurement and, earlier than lengthy, was referred to by locals as the town mascot. Its title resulted from a public naming competitors submitted by winner Invoice Brabooke.
Kenora Harbourfest
Should you’re planning to come back to Kenora in the course of the month of August, Harbourfest is a long-standing summer season custom within the space. The most important music competition in Northwestern Ontario, it brings collectively each well-known and up-and-coming musicians, together with nice meals and drinks, a basic automotive present, and extra. It’s a family-friendly occasion with a bit of one thing for everybody to take pleasure in.
Jarnel Contracting Pavilion
Positioned on the Kenora Harbourfront, the Jarnel Contracting Pavilion is dwelling 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 the town. Right here, you may be taught in regards to the newest points of interest and occasions from those that have their thumb on the heart beat of Kenora actions. It’s additionally dwelling 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 had been utilized by Indigenous communities within the space.
Lake of the Woods Railroader’s Museum
Lakeview Drive & Norman Drive
Town of Kenora performed a vital 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 find out about this historical past, see railroad memorabilia via the years, and revel in a inventive mannequin railroad with a number of trains.
The Muse – Lake of the Woods Museum & Douglass Household Artwork Centre
224 & 300 Important Road South
One other glorious alternative to find out about Kenora’s historical past, The Muse is comprised of two common Kenora points of interest 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 dwelling to shows, artifacts, and images 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, corresponding to artwork courses for youths, teenagers, and adults. Verify the event schedule on their website 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 House and different constructions are constituted 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 nicely. You received’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 purchasing throughout your go to to the Metropolis of Kenora? The realm has some enjoyable, distinctive, and one-of-a-kind small companies. Right here, one can find enjoyable items for household/buddies in addition to a bit of one thing particular for your self!
Boreal Paddle + Attire
339 2nd Road South
This retailer is the proper place to seize all of your gear for Kenora tenting, climbing, 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. When you can store many merchandise on their website, we advocate visiting the brick-and-mortar retailer to take all of it in first-hand.
The Hardwear Firm
106 Important Road South
One other retailer that may assist you discover all of the gear you want to your favorite outside actions is The Hardwear Company, devoted to biking, snowboarding, and paddle sports activities. Along with carrying high quality gear, they’ve a motorcycle store with skilled mechanics to assist maintain you up and shifting, no matter you take pleasure in most.
Certain Factor
137 Important Road South
This artisanal clothes and reward retailer is devoted to bringing collectively merchandise and types that assist honest wages and sustainable practices. At Sure Thing, you’ll discover one-of-a-kind clothes, hats, purses, dwelling décor, and extra. We had been impressed by the big range.
Turtle Seashore Clothes
152 Important Road South
Initially based in 1985, Turtle Beach Clothing 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 actual 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 preserve it for future generations.
Seashores, Parks, Nature, Boat Excursions, and Extra
Should you take pleasure in spending time open air, there are a lot of parks, climbing trails, and seashores in Kenora to discover. Listed below are a couple of of our favorite choices:
Anicinabe Park
Miikana Means & Golf Course Rd
An ideal possibility for these concerned with tenting in Kenora, Anicinable RV Park and Campground gives full-service trailer websites, partial-service trailer websites, and tent websites. There are additionally a number of Boler and Beachcomber trailers that you could lease; simply convey your individual bedding and tenting gear. There are additionally boat docks and a seashore to take pleasure in throughout your keep.
Beatty Park
10th Road, Keewatin
This public park is a pleasant place to spend the afternoon. It encompasses a picnic space, bandstand, and cenotaph. There are additionally lovely flower gardens that supply an ideal photograph backdrop. Whereas there are not any docks within the park itself, it is vitally near the boat launch at Portage Bay.
Garrow Park Seashore
One other park, discovered on the finish of Birchwood Crescent on Rabbit Lake, Garrow Park, gives many enjoyable actions, together with outside train stations, a picnic space, the Rabbit Lake Path, pickleball courts, a play construction for the youngsters, and, after all, the seashore. It’s an ideal place to spend the day in case you’re travelling with the entire household.
Mosswood Adventures & Rentals, discovered on the park, gives 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, cell ice bikes are additionally accessible.
Norman Seashore and Park
One other sandy seashore within the Kenora space, Norman Seashore 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, gives 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 Seashore
Should you’re concerned with spending a day at one of many lovely Kenora seashores, Coney Island is nicely well worth the journey. The seashore is just accessible by boat. Nonetheless, you may take the Coney Island Shuttle Service for $10 per particular person for a spherical journey. Youngsters 3 and beneath journey free. For many who favor paddle sports activities, rental kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards can be found.
Keewatin Seashore
Seashore Highway, Keewatin
Positioned in Keewatin, this can be a smaller seashore however nonetheless nicely 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 Road, Keewatin
Shaped by erosion because 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 because of their clean 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 take pleasure in climbing, the Mink Bay Trail is a gorgeous 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 climbing and mountain biking. Within the winter, the paths can be found for cross-country snowboarding and snowshoeing. Right here, you’ll take pleasure in 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 numerous sights within the Lake of the Woods space. The M.S. Kenora cruise runs for about 2 to 2 ¼ hours, showcasing Coney Island Seashore and delightful personal waterfront properties. Should you’re fortunate, you’ll additionally catch a few 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 a good time a particular occasion or event, the M.S. Kenora may also 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 on the lookout for 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 climbing 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 an area brewery. On the finish of the day, sit back and watch the sundown over the lake for a reminiscence you’ll always remember.
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