Location: Kenora
Top Things to do in Kenora
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Kenora, Canada
Kenora, originally named Rat Portage (French: Portage-aux-Rats), is a small city situated on the Lake of the Woods in Northwestern Ontario, Canada, close to the Manitoba boundary, and about 200 km (124 mi) east of Winnipeg. It is the seat of Kenora District.
Restaurants in Kenora
1. Rushing River Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By 221Regatta - Whitstable, United Kingdom
A great place to camp and a relaxing place to visit if only for one day. Just relax and watch the water flow
2. Husky The Muskie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By F4981JCmichaels
When we planned our road trip across Canada, west to east, We found Husky the Muskie on Google Earth, and it became a running joke that the whole trip was about seeing Husky. It was actually the half way point, more or less. And there is a distinct difference between the east and west that starts around this area.
Well, the joke was on us! When we got to Kenora on July 10, 2017, it was down-pouring. There were squalls on Lake-of-the-Woods. Access is from a parking lot across the street, and you can reach the small park on the lake with Husky from there. It wraps around underneath the road. But, since it was raining, I waited for a small break form the deluge, and went across the road to see the iconic statue.
There is also a Fountain in the lake, and ironically, it turned off only while I was there!
So, was Husky worth all the trouble? Yes! We love these sort of things-larger than life tourist statues. Husky did not let us down, in spite of it being less than perfect weather.
Also, the town of Kenora is interesting in its own right, sitting on the top of Lake-of-the-Woods, a huge lake bordered also by the U.S. on the southern half. And their visitor center is small, but worth a look.
We also learned here, around 4 p.m., that "winging it" is almost a thing of the past. Be sure to book hotels in advance if you are going around Lake Superior. We could not find a room, even though it was only 4 p.m., and we had to drive to Thunder Bay, arriving at 3 a.m.! Even there, everything was full. Finally, at 4 a.m., a no show was thankfully available at Valhalla Inn. And the rain all the everywhere on highway 17 between Kenora and Thunder Bay warning about moose walking out onto the roadway. We were told later that they don't move around a lot when it rains, so that saved us from what may have been an unpleasant surprise! Lesson learned! Even though we found plenty of lodging places in the area while checking it out on Google Earth, that didn't mean rooms were available. So we booked the next two rooms from Valhalla's business center. (Don't forget to erase your activity if you book things this way. I lost my phone earlier in the trip.)
So, if you are ever in Kenora, book in advance, check out Husky, the visitor center, and maybe even go fishing. There are plenty of lakes in this region.
3. Lake of the Woods Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
The award-winning Lake of the Woods Museum, one of the finest small museums in Canada, is located in the City of Kenora, Ontario, the gateway to Canada's west. The Museum was established in 1964 and seeks to promote understanding of and respect for the cultures and heritage of the Lake of the Woods area, and to engage a diverse community in discovery and learning. Today, this well-established museum is home to a varied and intriguing collection of artifacts and thematic displays and special events. Come and visit the museum to learn more about the intriguing history of Lake of the Woods.
Reviewed By Winnipeger67 - Winnipeg
Valuable recreation of early settlements and life for locals as well as how immigrant and native cultures interacted.
Large enough to contain a wealth of displays yet compact enough that you won't feel you have run a football field.
Great for young and old alike! Wheel chair/ stroller accessible.
4. Lake of the Woods Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4 based on 45 reviews
Lake of the Woods Brewing company is located in a 100+ year old historic fire hall in down town Kenora, ON. We brew all of our beer onsite with pride and careful attention to detail. The old fire truck bay has been converted into a taproom and eatery with a selection of our house-made beers on tap and a pub fare menu using local ingredients. The space features original ceramic brick walls, fireman's pole, grand staircase, and historic tin ceiling. In the summer the large glass garage doors for the old fire truck bay open to our patio and transform the entire inside space in to an open air dining experience. Our Beer & Gear store offers a selection of our beer in cans and growlers for takeaway as well as an assortment of premium swag. On our second floor is a Prohibition style Whiskey Bar with a premium whiskey, scotch & cocktail menu. Stop by and see us! Brewery tours are offered on Weekends from Noon to 5pm on the hour, every hour.
Reviewed By lieibr - Port Orchard, Washington
If you come here for the brew you won't be disappointed with their home brew! The food to accompany is good as well. Had the flatbread and enjoyed the vegetarian selection. Yes, I would have again. My husband had the burger and enjoyed it as...MoreHi Lieibr! Thanks!! We appreciate the great review!! Hope to see you again soon! Rob
5. Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre
Overall Ratings
4 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Darlene K - Winnipeg, Canada
As a summer resident, a stop at the Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre, early in the season, is an absolute must! Our family stocks up on all of the free promotional materials (maps, brochures, etc.) from which we plan our shopping trips, restaurant outings, and special calendar events for July & August.
As island cottagers, we really appreciate the accessibility by boat (there is ample docking space for day trips to the mainland).
The staff at the Discovery Centre are friendly and knowledgeable. We've got this place on speed-dial at our camp.
Thanks, Helena and Josh--we will be returning soon for the list of performers at the Thursday Evening Concert series for July & August.
6. Anicinabe Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Gla_Rangers - British Columbia, Canada
From Hwy 17 turn at the Walmart to find this excellent park. It is multi use, with a good sized campground, green space and beach.
Pass the RV campground office and continue downhill to the lower parking lot, which is closer to the beach. The beach is fairly small, but it is a really easy entry into the water, which is roped off to protect swimmers from the many boats on the lake.
7. Mather-Walls House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By louguay67 - Winnipeg, Canada
A bit of a hidden gem in Kenora, but worth the effort if you enjoy visiting period homes. This is a boss's house on the hill, overlooking the sawmill, complete with servant back-stairs, and a maid's room. Nice examples of early electrical wiring and indoor plumbing (both added after the house was build). Lots of original woodwork and wallpaper. Really enjoyed the fireplace in the library.
The building is in exceptional shape for it's age, carefully restored. Most of the furniture was used by various occupants of the home, adding to the charm.
Note: lots of stairs, so not handicapped accessible.
8. Kenora City Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
9. Redditt Bottle House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By prairiewheat - Winnipeg, Canada
We drove from Kenora to view the Redditt Bottle House. It took about 1/2 hour and was a pleasant scenic drive. There is a collection of small houses, well, and windmill made out of bottles and mortar. The houses are furnished with dolls to suit the theme of each house. I was quite impressed with the amount of work and the artistry involved.
The co-ordinates are 49° 58' 51.85" N 94° 23' 27.85" W
10. Mount Evergreen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
We are excited about what Mount Evergreen Ski Club has to offer this community and visitors in promoting family-oriented activities that have the potential lifelong enjoyment and healthy living. Mount Evergreen Ski Club, with its offering of both downhill and cross country venues, provides some of the best reasons and benefits for living in a winter nation.
Reviewed By Liisa1971
This ski club opened up for a day to allow dog skiers and kicksledders to race. The grounds are clean and easy to navigate. The chalet could be updated, but it did its job well. The trails were amazing. Loved our day spent there!
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