Location
Kenora and Lake of the Woods Resort Destination--A Northwestern
Ontario Winter Paradise…………………By
Carolyn Haney
Nestled in the most northwestern part of the province, north of Minnesota
and east of Manitoba, is home to the four season’s vacation area
of Lake of the
Woods. During the winter months, this area becomes a winter wonderland
with many different activities and events to choose from for the outdoor
enthusiast. There are four bustling communities that surround this natural
wonder and each has their own annual winter events. The largest community
on Lake of the Woods is the city of Kenora,
which hosts a majority of the events for the area
.
Kenora Winter Events
During the month of February in Kenora, visitors can partake in the first
annual “ Take Your Sweetheart…” ice-fishing derby on
the 11th or be a spectator at the Nordic Ski Championships, which takes
place from February 10th to 12th 2006. Sno X Racing and Snowmobile Poker
Derbies are also during the month of February (dates to be announced).
On March 19th, 2006, Kenora also hosts the annual Family Fishing Derby
on Keewatin Bay. The largest winter event in Kenora that attracts visitors
from all over Canada and the U.S. is held on March 24th to the 27th, 2006
which is the annual North American First Nations Festival of Culture and
Sport. This event includes the largest annual hockey tournament in the
area.
Sioux Narrow and Nestor Falls Winter Events
The communities of Sioux Narrows on Regina Bay and Nestor Falls located
on Sabaskong Bay are South of Kenora on Hwy# 71. During the winter months,
these two communities make up about one hundred permanent residents; however
there is still plenty to do. On April 4th and 5th 2006 is Nestor Falls
Annual Winter Carnival. Visitors who choose to be outdoors can participate
in ice fishing or poker derbies, those who would prefer to stay in where
it is warm can take part in a crib tournament.
Morson Winter Events
Only 35 miles north of the Canadian American border on the southeastern
shores of Lake of the Woods lay the small community of Morson. The community
hosts a couple of winter events such as Polkerama on February 11th 2006
and the LOW Live Release Fish Derby on February 25th, 2006.
Although each of these communities hosts several different events, there
are still many activities for visitors to experience on their own. Throughout
the area there are many places to go cross country skiing on groomed trails
such as the Vernon Nature Trails, Rushing River Provincial Park, and Mount
Evergreen Ski Club, which also has runs for downhill skiing and snowboarding.
The Sunset Trail Riders Association keep miles upon miles of trails groomed
for snowmobiles that connect to Manitoba and Minnesota. This area also
caters to naturalists, photographers, and birdwatchers with it’s
abundance of untamed wilderness. The Lake of the Woods area is an unspoiled
gem with activities for visitors of all ages to participate in, during
a brisk winter’s day.
Carolyn Haney recently graduated from the Georgian College Tourism Management
program and has worked in Kenora as a Travel Councillor for the Ministry
of Tourism and Recreation.
Publishers Note:
Additional web related sources for winter near the Lake of the Woods Resort
Destination
www.minaki.ca
Accommodations in the Kenora Area
Attractions in the Kenora Area
Outdoor Experiences
Culture and History
KenoraArea Tourism Information
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