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 discovered that it had a lot extra to supply than that! With an attractive lakefront view, seashores, mountaineering trails, and boating, Kenora is a perfect getaway for anybody who enjoys spending time open air.
It additionally holds lots 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 known as the situation dwelling at one time. Whether or not you’re in search of a soothing getaway, reconnecting with nature, or eager about 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, 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 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 put up 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 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 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 through the Prohibition period.
Instructions to Kenora, Ontario The journey to Kenora from Toronto might 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 could 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 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 journey to Kenora.
For flights, you possibly can journey from Toronto to Winnipeg. WestJet runs a direct flight that can take 2 ½ hours a technique. A roundtrip ticket will price roughly $840, together with taxes, relying on once you ebook and any extra baggage prices. You’d then have to contemplate transportation from Winnipeg again to Kenora.
Lodging in Kenora, Ontario One of many first issues for a lot of when reserving a resort is the place to relaxation their head. Your resort is usually a “dwelling base” for exploring, so that you wish to make sure you’ll be comfy! Listed below are three choices in and across the Kenora space. Alternatively, there are lots of Airbnb choices and cabin leases in Kenora to discover when you would favor to ebook 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 the most effective lodges in Kenora till a serious hearth 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 season of 2024. The rooms are comfy 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 “dwelling away from dwelling,” and we might really feel exactly that in our keep. The rooms had 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 find a comfortable neighborhood patio with a BBQ out there to all friends.
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 sights. The vibe right here may be very “rustic cabin” with timber-frame building 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.
Greatest Eating places in Kenora There are a lot of unimaginable eating places in Kenora to discover, providing a variety of various flavours, varieties 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 immediately on the water, The Boathouse gives a scrumptious menu and a surprising 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 out there.
Cottage Time Public Home 129 Bernier Drive
The realm’s largest out of doors patio, Cottage Time , gives 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 title 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 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. In case you have dietary issues, they’ll work with you to fulfill your wants. Nevertheless, they do ask that you just contact them to debate any particular lodging upfront.
HoJoe Espresso & Eatery 103 Principal 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 elaborate 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 take pleasure in. 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 Road 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 common Kenora brewery from returning to the neighborhood in 1954. In the event you’re within the historical past, ebook 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’ve a candy tooth? In that case, you’ll want to take a look at Candy, Lake of the Woods whereas visiting Kenora. Right here, you can find 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 dwelling.
The Vault Social Home 154 Principal 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 Home has the whole lot you want for a night out with mates or household. Relying on once you plan to go to, you could possibly belt a tune for karaoke or exhibit your information on trivia evening. Ensure to ask about their day by 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 out there. The realm gives a lot 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 Points of interest With such highly effective historic significance within the space, it’s no marvel that there are lots of alternatives to find out about Kenora’s previous whereas additionally celebrating the tradition and neighborhood that enable town to flourish right now. Listed below are a couple of common Kenora actions to discover:
Metropolis of Kenora – Metropolis Corridor 1 Principal Road South
This historic constructing as soon as served as the realm’s put up workplace. Immediately, it’s fastidiously maintained with pleasure 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 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 often known 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 result of its measurement and, earlier than lengthy, was referred to by locals as town mascot. Its title resulted from a public naming competitors submitted by winner Invoice Brabooke.
Kenora Harbourfest In the event you’re planning to come back to Kenora through 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 traditional automobile present, and extra. It’s a family-friendly occasion with a little bit 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 dwell leisure. Even when there isn’t an occasion throughout your go to, the pavilion’s distinctive structure and beautiful 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 may 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 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 an important function 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 by 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 Principal Road South
One other glorious alternative to find out about Kenora’s historical past, The Muse is comprised of two common 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 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 occasions.
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, equivalent 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 produced from 25,000 bottles and 1700 kilos of mortar after which furnished with dolls to create a enjoyable and kooky show. There’s even a glass bottle wishing effectively. You received’t see something prefer it wherever else, making exploring it a enjoyable cease. It’s superb what might be made with these recycled supplies and a few creativeness.
Purchasing 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 find enjoyable presents for household/mates in addition to a little bit one thing particular for your self!
Boreal Paddle + Attire 339 2nd Road South
This retailer is the right 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 way of life of out of doors 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 Principal Road South
One other retailer that can enable you 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 transferring, no matter you take pleasure in most.
Certain Factor 137 Principal Road South
This artisanal clothes and reward retailer is devoted to bringing collectively merchandise and types that help truthful wages and sustainable practices. At Certain Factor , you’ll discover one-of-a-kind clothes, hats, purses, dwelling décor, and extra. We had been impressed by the big variety.
Turtle Seashore Clothes 152 Principal Road South
Initially based in 1985, Turtle Seashore 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 provide again to this lovely space and assist keep it for future generations.
Seashores, Parks, Nature, Boat Excursions, and Extra In the event you take pleasure in spending time open air, there are lots of parks, mountaineering trails, and seashores in Kenora to discover. Listed below are a couple of of our favorite choices:
Anicinabe Park Miikana Approach & Golf Course Rd
An amazing choice for these eager about 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 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 rather 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 out of doors train stations, a picnic space, the Rabbit Lake Path, pickleball courts, a play construction for the children, and, in fact, the seashore. It’s an amazing place to spend the day when you’re travelling with the entire household.
Mosswood Adventures & Leases , discovered on the park, gives quite a lot 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 out there.
Norman Seashore and Park One other sandy seashore within the Kenora space, Norman Seashore 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, gives 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 Seashore In the event you’re eager about spending a day at one of many lovely Kenora seashores, Coney Island is effectively well worth the journey. The seashore is just accessible by boat. Nevertheless, you may take the Coney Island Shuttle Service for $10 per individual for a spherical journey. Youngsters 3 and beneath journey free. For many who want 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 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 Road, Keewatin
Shaped 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 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 mountaineering, the Mink Bay Path is an attractive path system that winds by provincially designated wetlands. There are simply over 4 kilometres of trails ranked as straightforward or reasonable in problem, 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 take pleasure in lovely views of grassy wetlands and peaceable forests.
M.S. Kenora Cruise Boat This day by day cruise is a enjoyable solution 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 exquisite personal waterfront properties. In the event you’re fortunate, you’ll additionally catch among 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 will 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 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 mountaineering and exploring the pure great thing about our province, Kenora is the right getaway.
Seize a chunk 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.
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