Kenora's Top Ten Best Kept Secrets
Hidden gems that only a local could tell you about...
There are exactly two ways to find out what the local residents enjoy doing around here; one is to sit down at Hojoe's coffee shop for a few hours and listen to the chatter... the other is to continue reading.
Ten
Go 
Skiing
If you’re looking for some winter excitement, strap on asnowboard or a pair of planks and hit the slopes. Kenora’s Mount Evergreen Ski Area is a great way to spend the day (or the weekend), with 8 different downhill runs, 2 t-bars and over 50km of groomed X-County ski trails, the ski area offers a great family atmosphere. Contact: Summer 468-5377, Winter 548-5100. Check out
www.skikenora.com for up-to-date conditions and ski reports.
Nine
Rushing River Provincial Park
If you’re camping, be sure to spend a night or two... if you’re not, a day trip is a must. This fully serviced park & campground offers canoe rentals, fishing, nature trails (cross-country ski trails in winter) and a few beaches to laze around on. Pack a lunch and picnic by the rapids. Long weekends are the busiest so call ahead to reserve a spot. (807) 548-4351.
Eight
Rent a Kayak
There’s nothing better that paddling along a shoreline at sunset in a sea kayak. There are thousands of lakes and streams in the area to explore. Strap a few kayaks on the SUV and get out there! A great local shop to rent a kayak is at the Hardwear Company Kayak Adventures (807) 468-1226. Paddle on!
Seven
Vernon Nature Trails
If you’re looking for a scenic hike you’ll want to visit the Vernon Trails. This 5 km loop system lies on the diverse vegetation zones of the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes Forest Region, the Boreal Forest Region and the Prairie Grasslands. The site offers spectacular lookout points and an open sheltered area at the parking lot. In the winter, the trails offer some great cross-county skiing. The trails are located about 6km down the MacKenzie Portage Road (just East of Keewatin on Hwy 17).
Six
Pamper Yourself
Take a day and make it all your own at one of the many spa’s and salons in Kenora. Some of the best we have to offer include Images Hair Salon (807) 468-3414, Keric Funk Salon, Spa & Boutique (807) 468-5050, the Brazilian Hut (807) 467-2811 and Extreme Tan (807) 467-8887. Have Fun!
Five
Native Culture
If you want to do something really cool, we suggest taking in a First Nation's Pow Wow. These cultural events happen quite often during the summer and usually offer some traditional Native foods such as Bannock. Check out our events calendar.
Four
Go fishing for the day
One thing we love around here is getting out on the lake to go fishing, and since you’re in the area, we invite you to do the same. There are many different guide services that will take you out for the day (summer or winter) to catch your limit and maybe even cook you a shore lunch. A good one to call is Halley’s Camps (807) 224-6531 or Smith Camps (807) 548-5764.
Three
Get out on the Lake!
If you haven’t been on the lake yet, you are missing out on the most spectacular attractions in the Area. For a lunch or dinner cruise, the M.S. Kenora takes you on a relaxing 1.5hr or 2.5 hr tour of Lake of the Woods (807) 468-9124. For the more adventurous, hop on-board a sailboat for the day (or even overnight if you wish) with Reflections Sailing Charters departing daily from the Wharf Marina (call 1-877-777-2605 to reserve a spot). Another option is the Grace Anne Tug Yacht, a great getaway for couples.
Two
Float plane tours
Local bush pilots get to see the splendor of Northwestern Ontario from the air every day. We think you should too. Contact River Air at (807) 224-6531 and book a scenic half hour or one hour tour.
One
Hang at the Beach
Kenora has a number a fantastic beaches to waste away a hot summer day - so pack your cooler, the sunscreen and a towel and plunge into a day at the lake. Check out the maps on pages 28 & 29 for beach locations.
