Calling all foodies, it’s time for a road trip to Kenora. One moment you’re driving through the heart of Northwestern Ontario; the next, you’re watching boats drift across Lake of the Woods, ice cream in hand, wondering why you didn’t visit sooner.
Over three unforgettable days, we explored the waterfront, sampled incredible local food, cruised through the islands of Lake of the Woods and discovered why Kenora deserves a spot on every Ontario summer bucket list.
Here’s exactly how we’d spend the perfect getaway.
Day One: Arrive, Explore & Settle In
Maybe it’s the endless views of Lake of the Woods, the friendly local businesses or the fact that every meal seems to come with a waterfront view. We spent two days eating our way through town, getting out on the lake and discovering what makes this corner of Northwestern Ontario such a memorable summer destination.
Whether you’re driving from Winnipeg, exploring Northwestern Ontario or making the trip from elsewhere in Ontario, Kenora is a destination that’s well worth the drive.
Expect everything from fresh-caught walleye and local craft beer to waterfront patios, homemade baking and one of the most memorable shore lunches you’ll ever experience.
If you’re travelling through the region, make a quick stop at the Centre of Canada. It’s one of those classic roadside attractions you can’t help but pull over for and the perfect excuse to snap a photo before continuing on to Kenora.
Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre
After settling into the Clarion Lakeside Inn & Conference Centre, we headed to the Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre. It doesn’t take long to explore, but it’s a great first stop. Learning about the history of Lake of the Woods, the surrounding communities and the people who have called this region home gave us an even greater appreciation for everything we were about to experience over the next couple of days.
Hing’s Chinese Restaurant
For our first dinner in Kenora, we stopped by Hing’s Chinese Restaurant, a longtime local favourite that’s been serving the community for decades. It was a great way to kick off the trip before spending the evening exploring the waterfront.
Day Two: Craft Beer, Cruises & Waterfront Dining
Ho Joe Coffee & Eatery
The first stop of the morning was Ho Joe Coffee & Eatery. We grabbed a couple of lattes and breakfast bagels loaded with egg, cheddar, cream cheese and fresh tomato before heading out for a full day of exploring. It was simple, fresh and exactly what we needed to start the day.
Brewers Village
Next, we made our way to Brewers Village, Kenora’s only outdoor beer garden, event space and community gathering place. Featured on Bryan Baeumler’s Bryan’s All In, it’s quickly become one of the city’s most unique destinations. The vibrant space brings together the Lake of the Woods Craft Beer Bar, Geneo’s Wood Fired Pizza, Island Vibes Creamery and even a retro arcade built inside a shipping container. Whether you’re stopping in for a local pint, an event, or simply to soak up the atmosphere, it’s easy to see why Brewers Village has become such a popular place to spend an afternoon with friends.
We grabbed a beer flight from the Lake of the Woods Craft Beer Bar, sampling the Forgotten Lake Blueberry Ale, Lakeside Kölsch and Nautical Disaster Double IPA. Each beer showcased a different side of the brewery’s lineup, from light and refreshing to bold and hop-forward, making it a great introduction before visiting the brewery itself. Before we left, we couldn’t resist stepping into the Arcade for Humans, where vintage pinball machines, classic arcade games and an ’80s soundtrack added a fun dose of nostalgia to the afternoon.
Lake of the Woods Brewing Company
Just a few minutes away, we continued the experience at the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company flagship taproom, housed inside a beautifully restored 113-year-old fire hall in downtown Kenora. After a behind-the-scenes brewery tour, we settled in for lunch inside the historic building, ordering the Shorelunch BLT, Al Pastor Tacos and Mini Macs to share.
The Shorelunch BLT quickly became one of our favourites. Crispy breaded local walleye was layered with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, fresh lettuce and tomato, all brought together with roasted jalapeño aioli on garlic-fried marble rye. It was everything you want from a fish sandwich with a delicious Northern Ontario twist.
The Al Pastor Tacos were packed with house-smoked pork that was tender and full of flavour. The honey sriracha added a touch of sweetness and just the right amount of heat, while the cabbage slaw, fresh jalapeño and lime aioli kept every bite fresh and balanced.
We also couldn’t pass up the Mini Macs, three perfectly sized burgers topped with American cheese, red onion, pickles and the brewery’s signature Hammer ‘N Sickle sauce. They’re the kind of shareable bite that’s impossible to stop reaching for.
MS Kenora Dinner Cruise
If there’s one experience you absolutely shouldn’t miss while visiting Kenora, it’s an evening cruise aboard the MS Kenora. Departing from Kenora’s waterfront, the cruise winds through the northern reaches of Lake of the Woods, passing picturesque channels, quiet bays, beautiful cottages and rugged stretches of Canadian Shield. With more than 14,500 islands and 65,000 miles of shoreline, there’s always something incredible to take in. Keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring overhead as you make your way through the iconic Devil’s Gap before returning to the harbour.
As the sun began to dip behind the islands, dinner was served. We chose the breaded walleye, a Northern Ontario classic, served with creamy mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and a lemony aioli that paired perfectly with the crispy fish. To finish, we enjoyed a fresh strawberry shortcake, the perfect ending to an unforgettable evening on the water.
There’s something special about watching the sunset from the middle of Lake of the Woods. Between the incredible scenery, delicious meal and relaxing cruise, it’s an experience we’d recommend to anyone visiting Kenora.
Day Three: Farmers’ Markets, Shore Lunches & Lake Adventures
Matiowski Farmers’ Market
If you’re visiting on a Wednesday, don’t miss the Matiowski Farmers’ Market. It’s one of those places where you could easily spend an hour wandering from vendor to vendor, chatting with local producers and discovering everything the region has to offer.
Between the fresh produce, homemade baking and handcrafted goods, we couldn’t resist bringing home a few treats of our own. We picked up a loaf of banana bread, chocolate chip granola bars made with local honey and even a little Lake of the Woods merch before continuing our morning.
Iron & Clay Coffee Co.
Next, we stopped by Iron & Clay Coffee Co. to grab a pair of salted caramel iced lattes. Since one loaf of banana bread clearly wasn’t enough, we picked up an extra slice to share before heading out on the water. With its bright interior and ample seating, the shop offered an inviting space to kick back and relax.
Shore Lunch with Green Adventures
Then came one of the experiences we’d been looking forward to most: an authentic shore lunch on Lake of the Woods with Green Adventures.
We met our guide at Lake of the Woods Marina, grabbed our life jackets and headed out onto the lake. If you’re planning to fish as part of the experience, be sure to purchase your Ontario fishing licence and Outdoors Card ahead of time. After trying our luck on the water and even catching a perch, we made our way to Coney Island where our guide prepared our fresh catch.
It’s hard to imagine a more authentic Northern Ontario meal. Freshly caught fish, cooked over an open fire on a secluded island and enjoyed while surrounded by the quiet beauty of Lake of the Woods, it’s the kind of experience you simply can’t recreate anywhere else. Simple, unforgettable and deeply rooted in local tradition, it’s easily one of the highlights of any trip to Kenora.
Ye Old Chip Truck
After a day on the lake, we made our way back into town for a stop at Ye Old Chip Truck. Sometimes the simplest meals are the most memorable and this place proves it. We ordered a basket of their famous fries, topped them with plenty of vinegar and salt and enjoyed every crispy bite. It’s a Kenora institution for good reason.
The Boathouse & Roll Up Ice Cream
For our final dinner, we grabbed a patio table at The Boathouse, where the waterfront views are just as memorable as the food. We started with the Burrata Salad, followed by the Lobster Roll and rich Lobster Ravioli, all paired with a refreshing Wild Blue Margarita. Every dish showcased fresh ingredients and was the perfect way to celebrate our final evening in Kenora.
Before calling it a night, we walked over to Ice Creamery for one last sweet treat (the best roll up ice cream!) and a stroll along the harbour as the sun set over Lake of the Woods.
Day Four: One Last Bite Before the Drive Home
The Hungry Pug
Before hitting the road, we made one final stop at The Hungry Pug. We ordered the Ultimate Breakfast BLT, loaded with bacon, egg, lettuce and tomato, alongside fresh coffee before beginning the drive home.
It was the perfect ending to a few unforgettable days in Kenora. Between the incredible food, welcoming local businesses and endless time on the water, it’s a destination we’ll be looking forward to visiting again.
Plan Your Kenora Getaway
After just three days, we left wishing we’d planned a little longer. From unforgettable meals and genuine local hospitality to evenings spent watching the sun set over Lake of the Woods, Kenora reminded us that some of Ontario’s best culinary destinations are found well beyond the province’s biggest cities.
If you’re planning a summer road trip, add Kenora to your list. Trust us—you’ll already be planning your return before you’ve even left.
