Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods is home to some of the most beautiful waters and landscapes in North America. Centrally located within the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Manitoba, and in Minnesota in the U.S., the lake is comprised of over 14,500 islands and provides nesting grounds and wildlife habitats for countless species.

Lake of the Woods is 43 km north of Rainy River and can be reached by taking Highway 621 north from Highway 11.

For up-to-date information and more details on Lake of the Woods, we recommend you visit their website. For information about other places of interest to explore nearby, keep scrolling to see what Destination Ontario recommends.

A sightseeing cruise sails past a stunning sunset

More about Lake of the Woods

Whatever time of year you plan to visit Lake of the Woods, you’ll find plenty to see and do. From learning about the nesting habitats of the piping plover to watching American white pelicans fish for their dinner, visitors to the lake should have their cameras at the ready. There’s plenty to do around Lake of the Woods, including fishing, boating and other outdoor activities.

Whichever region of Lake of the Woods you explore, you’ll find an amazing variety of fun and exciting things to do, including activities for all age ranges. 

Located in the southwest corner of Ontario, Lake of the Woods is a great place to visit any time of year. With access to numerous islands, waterways, and shoreline, visitors can explore any number of outdoor recreational activities. 

Nestled near the border with Manitoba, the small city of Kenora is a popular stop for tourists looking to learn more about the area. Festivals and events are held throughout the year, and Harbourfest, the largest music festival in Northern Ontario, occurs during the August Long Weekend. Local museums educate about life in the area during earlier times, and visitors can take a dinner cruise on Lake of the Woods on the M.S. Kenora and watch the sunset.

For those looking for unique places to snap a photo, be sure to have your picture taken with Husky the Muskie. Husky is 12 metres tall and weighs more than two tons, and is sure to provide a lasting memory of your trip.

Last updated: August 18, 2023

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