Just a short drive away lies an oasis of fun and adventure for the whole family. Lake of the Woods, Ontario, Canada is a renowned playground that boasts some of the best fishing, boating, swimming, paddling and sightseeing that you’re likely to encounter anywhere.
With over 14,000 island and 65,000 miles of shoreline Lake of the Woods is impressive. It is a body of water that is vast and varied. The ecological diversity and new opportunities for exploration are endless. From the shore line of the Sable Islands and Big Travers, to the tea coloured waters of Sabaskong bay and the crystal clear depths of Whitefish Bay, to the unique beauty of Clearwater Bay and the dense pines by Kenora, the exploration opportunities are all different and equally exciting. The varied ecological areas of Lake of the Woods also make for varied and exciting fishing opportunities.
This region is known for its wide-open boating expanses, world-class multi-species sport fishery, miles of hiking trails, unique culture, and natural attractions waiting to be discovered when you least expect it. After a day of exploring or out on the water, or deep in the boreal forest, you can wind down by taking in the laid-back urban atmosphere of Kenora’s restaurants, or the unique and memorable boutique shops of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls. With so much to see and do, experiencing Lake of the Woods is the vacation of a lifetime for the entire family.
This summer we invite you to come fall in love with Lake of the Woods.
Trails
Lake of the Woods is a dream come true for hikers, walkers, bikers and trail-lovers of all sorts. Our local trail systems are ever-evolving and weave through urban landscape, quiet wetlands and wilderness, varying structures, terrain, distances and usages.
The Kenora and Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls recreational trails offer an outdoor experience for all your senses. See the great northwest in all its glory, savour the sights and sounds of the Boreal forest, and keep your camera ready for the variety of wildlife you’re likely to encounter in their natural habitat.
Download our trail brochures to get started!
Fishing
Get out on the water—or even the closest dock—and enjoy some of the best freshwater fishing in Canada. Kenora’s waters are home to a diverse range of fish species. Catch walleye, northern pike, and lake trout, as well as small and largemouth bass, muskie, perch, sauger and whitefish. And while the fishing on Lake of the Woods is incomparable, the Kenora area is home to over 10,000 other fishable lakes and rivers.
With your bait and tackle in hand, rent a boat or hire one of Kenora’s many fishing guides to take you out to the hottest fishing spots. No experience on Lake of the Woods is complete without a full day of fishing.
On the Lake
Lake of the Woods is our greatest attraction, and there are many different ways to explore.
Canoeing and kayaking allows you to glide peacefully along the water and get up close to the mesmerizing shoreline of Lake of the Woods. This is a great way to see the lake as it allows you to spend time with a group of people and simply enjoy the area’s amazing wildlife and scenery.
Alternatively, if you are looking to put your feet up and enjoy Lake of the Woods hop on the M.S. Kenora cruise line. The fully licensed boat will take you through the Northern part of Lake of the Woods.
Events
There is always something happening in Kenora and Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, whether it’s in the height of the summer heat or the chilliest days of winter. We have incredible open-air markets, more fishing tournaments than you can shake a stick at, plus some amazing arts and music festivals that you won’t want to miss.
Check out some of the best-known events—Harbourfest, Kenora Bass International, Moose ‘n Fiddle Festival—but be sure to check out visitkenora.ca for more regional events and the SNNF Community Events Guide to see what’s happening in Sioux Narrows – Nestor Falls this summer.
Kenora
Kenora, a site of natural attractions, has visitors from all over the world year round. In the summer months visitors come to the area to undertake activities including swimming, biking, fishing, hiking, and boating.
Kenora’s tourist industry is also active during the winter months as visitors come not only to observe its natural environment but also to partake in ice fishing, snowboarding, skiing (both downhill and cross country) and snowmobiling.
When you visit Kenora, be sure to have your camera ready at all times. With an abundance of wildlife both in and around the City, your chance at that picture-perfect wildlife shot could not be better. Start your outdoor summer adventure on one of our urban trail systems and you’ll likely find herons, otters, beavers, and foxes—you might even be lucky enough to spot a lynx or a wolf. Even downtown, you’re sure to see deer, bald eagles and flocks of geese. If you’re really keen to see all that the Boreal forest has to offer, head out into the backcountry for a chance sighting of a moose, bobcat, or any one of the many other mammals that make this beautiful region their home.
To learn more about visiting Kenora see visitkenora.ca.
Sioux Narrows
Nestor Falls
The Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls is located along the eastern shores of the Lake of the Woods, nestled in Mother Nature. As a small municipality, we pride ourselves on community spirit, environmental stewardship, and forward thinking. Spend your time here on the Lake, in the sun and on the water and end your day around a cozy campfire.
We are a full service community marked by quaint and charming lifestyle while surrounded by an abundance of natural resources. There are over 60 customer service facilities offering a wide range of retail, and hospitality services.
The eastern shore of the Lake of the Woods offer you a wide range of attractions and experiences that will help make your holiday a memorable one. Many of our area’s assets are tucked away on side roads or in scenic bays and woodlands that are just waiting for your to find and explore.
To learn more about visiting Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls see snnf.ca.
