Why vacation here, when you could just live here? – Karla Treadway, Business Owner
Recently named the 2017 Top Ten Best Canadian Cottage Region by USA Today, Kenora’s vision reflects a life on the lake: ‘Kenora is North America’s Premier Boating Destination. We are the connection to Lake of the Woods and its 14,522 islands. Through our events and amenities we celebrate our history and build our future. We love our lake; we are its stewards and we nurture its pristine environment’. Kenora’s cultural centre is the downtown Harbourfront, a park on the shore of Lake of the Woods, which hosts Kenora’s annual winter and summer festivals, as well as concert series and other special events.
Kenora residents enjoy outdoor sports, beaches and parks and other means of staying active year-round. Kenora has both community nature and urban trails and several campgrounds in the area. The Kenora Recreation Centre is open all year and provides swimming, fitness, arena, tennis, basketball, baseball and walking track facilities. The City of Kenora is also home to two golf courses.
Kenora offers a wide variety of dining options at over 40 area restaurants featuring local and regional fare. Residents and tourists alike enjoy opportunities to dine on outdoor waterfront patios or at restaurants located in heritage buildings.
Housing in Kenora ranges from high-end homes on the lake to affordable housing inside the municipality. A multitude of camps, cottage rentals, lodges, and motel accommodations are also available, supporting the region’s thriving tourism sector.
Kenora has a vibrant arts and culture scene. The Lake of the Woods Museum is currently working on The Big Picture campaign, which will see the construction of a new art centre in the community. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2018.
There are two school boards in Kenora: Keewatin Patricia District School Board and Kenora Catholic District School Board. Confederation College and Seven Generations Educational Institute offer post-secondary education and training opportunities.