The possibilities for outdoor adventure are endless! For the truly adventurous, we offer wilderness camping, mountain biking, sailing, parasailing, rock climbing. For the more sedate, golf, fishing, hiking on local trails. And bring your camera! The Lake of the Woods provides a magnificent backdrop for vacation memories.
Beaches
The Kenora area is one of the few places in Canada with beautiful public beaches right in the city! You can drive 10 minutes and be at Rabbit Lake and Garrow Park, just north of town or drive just south a block south of WalMart and be at Anicinabe Park with a picinic area, playground and large beach. On the west side of town, you have Norman Park or Keewatin beach. Both have picnic areas and places for you to swim. Have fun!
Fishing
The Lake of the Woods is home to variety of fish species. Many anglers consider the area to be amongst the best in the world for fishing Walleye, Muskie, and many others.
For the seasoned professional, the majority of lodges are located in the heart of fishing supremacy; some lakes in the area have even been designated as trophy waters. Accommodations offer a variety in bait and lures, as well as boat rentals complete with live wells, fish finders and navigational aids.
For those interested in guide services, the area has several!
Cycling
Cycling in the Kenora area is a do-it-yourself adventure experience. There are some very challenging trails close to town. For the sensation of exposed rugged bedrock and a wonderful view of the town and the lake saddle up and ride to the top of the Little Amik Trail. The trail takes a small loop and is moderately challenging if only approximately one kilometre long. A good warm up.
From the parking lot you can choose to go a little more hardcore to the North or take a scenic ride to the beaches to the South and West. Taking a turn to the left and past the Paper Mill will bring you to Scramble Ave. Go to the end of the street and you will find an advanced level trail which leads to Garrow Park on Rabbit Lake. Be cautious. Many riders have been injured on the rocks, roots and rivulets.
Make your way to the East end of Rabbit Lake and youâll find a trailhead which leads to the pipeline and hydroline beside the school board storage building. From here turning left, to the West, will bring you back toward town but you will have to conquer a few hills and swampy sections. Turning right, to the East, is the beginning of the âepicâ ride. Big hills, big swamps and some endurance oriented excursion grinding will give you hours of sweat and enjoyment. Donât worry about getting lost - you are never very far from a road or highway to head home on. If you know you're going to go hard, fill your water bottles and tell someone where you plan to go. Ask at a local bike shop for more information.
Just West of Caseyâs Bar & Grill youâll find scenic Sandy Nook and even further West just past Keewatin on Hwy. 17, look for the Mackenzie Portage Road which leads to the moderately challenging Vernon Trails.
A 40 min. drive north on Hwy. 596 will lead you to the Minaki Yurt Adventures race trail. It is a well developed and maintained 25km course featuring some moderate to advanced level riding. They offer bike rentals, lessons, great local hospitality and unique accommodation options.
For those with a pioneering spirit and explorers enthusiasm there is great potential for discovering old logging roads and all terrain vehicle trails in the forest areas. Adventure tourists can take pleasure in the wilde ness, wildlife, landforms and the unique history of the Kenora area as one of the most rugged destinations they may ever ride a bike through.
Skiing
Mount Evergreen, located off the Airport Road, has 11 downhill runs, 2 T-Bar lifts, a Terrain Park, a large & spacious, and 20 km of beginner to expert classic and skate technique cross-country Skiing Trails. Five kilometers of the classic and skate cross-country ski trails are lit in the evening hours for nighttime use. The Rollercoaster, Two Towers, adn Matoo's Trail are amoung the best nordic ski trails in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.Phone: 807-548-5100Off Season call: 807-468-5377Website: www.skikenora.com
Vernon Nature Trails, located down McKenzie Portage Roard, offers 5km of groomed classic technique cross-country ski trails through different area ecosystems, ranging from oak ridges, to pine forests, to deciduous woodlands.
The Club Minaki trail system, located approximately 45 minutes North of Kenora, offers 20km of classic technique cross-country ski trails. The Grey Owl and Jackpine trails are highly recommended.
Rushing River Provincial Park, 25 km southeast of Kenora, offers 10 km of groomed classic technique cross-country ski trails along scenic terrain.
Golf
Kenora Golf & Country ClubGolf Course Road, Kenora, ONPhone 807-468-7995Web: www.kenoragolf.com/
Beauty Bay Golf CourseEssex Road, Kenora, ONPhone 807-548-4777
Bergman Driving RangePhone 807-543-3562
Hunting
Hunting on the Lake of the Woods provides a serene environment with a variety of species to hunt. Traditional bow hunting and other unique hunting experiences are available. Try timber wolf hunting or the fall bear hunt; grouse and duck hunts are always favourites; and of course there is deer and moose hunting available. Many resorts offer hunting packages for the experienced gamesman or the beginner.
Canoeing & Kayaking
Kayaking and canoeing are two perfect ways to experience the truly sublime and picturesque scenery which are unique to the area. The Kenora area features over 20 major canoe routes, as well as several businesses, which offer both rentals, and lessons developed to cater to everyone from beginners to experts.The Hardwear Company, located at 160 Main St. South, offers anywhere from half day to week long rentals of kayaks and canoes and will provide two hour lessons, off of the Harbourfront, there is a two person minimum for all lessons. This is a beginnersâ course, which teaches the layout of a kayak, how to enter and exit, how to turn, proper stroke technique, as well as how to execute safety maneuvers. The Hardwear Company can be contacted by phone at 807- 468-1226.Another avenue people may wish to pursue is Green Adventures, which rents all the equipment needed for a kayaking, as well as offers six different tours which range in difficulty from beginner to expert. They also offer more inclusive packages which include the required gear and transportation as well as meals. For more information contact Scott Green at 807-466-7412 or visit his website www.greenadventures.ca.
