Excerpt from the Ulysse guide Ontario by Motorcycle, text by Zabel Bourbeau.
From Fort Frances to Kenora
215 km.
To reach Fort Frances: approximately 2,000 km from Montreal, approximately 2,200 km from Quebec City
2 or 3 days | intermediate
Located at the western tip of Ontario, a few kilometers from the Manitoba border, the beautiful town of Kenora welcomes visitors on the north shore of the vast Lake of the Woods, a popular destination for boaters and outdoor enthusiasts. Formerly part of Manitoba under the name Rat Portage, the town became part of Ontario in 1892 and was renamed Kenora in 1905—a name derived from the three villages that merged to form it: Keewatin, Norman, and Rat Portage.
This getaway to Kenora begins in Fort Frances, about 200 km to the south. There you’ll find all the amenities and several lodging options, including the Bayview Motel, which overlooks Rainy Lake and is a perfect choice. On the opposite shore, just a few hundred meters away, you’ll catch a glimpse of the U.S. state of Minnesota.
After a good night’s sleep, hop on your motorcycle and head out of Fort Frances, following Highway 11 west.
- About 40 km further on, shortly after the village of Emo (see the “Well-Kept Secrets” box), turn right onto Highway 71 toward Kenora.
- Rivers and lakes will follow one after another as you head north, including the Great Lakes of the Woods, dotted with some 14,500 islands and nestled in the heart of landscapes typical of the Canadian Shield.
As on many roads in northern Ontario, you may be overcome by a sense of remoteness. At times resembling a roller coaster, the ribbon of asphalt will carry you pleasantly to your destination. Fairly flat and straight in the south, the terrain along this route becomes more varied and delightfully winding in the north due to the many bodies of water you’ll need to navigate around. A perfect road for crisscrossing the region on your steel steed!
Feel like taking a little trip to Northern Europe? Snap a photo in front of the sign marking the entrance to the village of Finland! About 30 km further on, in Nestor Falls, take a break at the rest area to admire the small waterfalls that give the community of Nestor Falls its name. Keep your eyes peeled—you might spot pelicans or loons at the base of the falls. Nearby, The Log Tavern 2.0 offers a delicious menu and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
In Sioux Narrows, about 45 km further on, take note of the unique architecture of the Douglas fir bridge.
Built in 1936 and reinforced in the 2000s, it is now designated as an Ontario Heritage Site.
Continue north. After about 55 km, take Highway 17 to the left and drive to Kenora. Once you arrive, why not treat yourself to a cruise on Lake of the Woods aboard the M.S. Kenora? The experience will allow you to appreciate the enchanting natural scenery and unique wildlife of this body of water, which has accompanied you for much of your adventure. You also can’t pass by the iconic Husky the Muskie without stopping to take a photo of this 12-meter sculpture depicting a giant muskie that looks as if it’s about to dive into Lake of the Woods.
If you’re feeling hungry, the Plaza Restaurant—a true Kenora institution—has been serving delicious Greek and Mediterranean cuisine since 1969. The Boathouse Lakeside Grill is another great choice with its lakeside terrace, as is the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company, housed in a former fire station and featuring a large terrace. And if you’d like to stay in the area for the night (or longer!), Nature’s Inn Kenora, located west of downtown in the Keewatin neighborhood, offers comfortable, modern suites equipped with kitchenettes.
Good to Know
Despite the remote location, finding gas isn’t really a problem on this route, as you can fill up in Fort Frances, Emo, Nestor Falls, Sioux Narrows, and Kenora.
Well-Kept Secrets
Before turning north shortly after the village of Emo, keep an eye out for Norlund Chapel, one of Canada’s smallest chapels, which you’ll spot on the right side of Highway 11. Take note of its bell tower: it’s the only remaining part of the former St. Patrick’s Church, which was destroyed by fire in 1971.
Places to Go
The Log Tavern 2.0
- 1535 Route 71, Nestor Falls, 807-484-0808
- Plaza Restaurant
- 125 Main St. S., Kenora, 807-468-8173,
- www.plazakenora.com
Boathouse Lakeside Grill
- 320 Matheson St. S.,
- Kenora, 807-468-6565,
- www.theboathousekenora.com
Lake of the Woods
- Brewing Company
- 350 Second St. S., Kenora,
- 833-321-2337,
- www.lowbrewco.com
The Bayview Motel
- 801 Agamiing Dr., Fort Frances,
- 807-274-5347,
- www.bayviewmotel.ca
Nature’s Inn Kenora
- 1505 Erie St. (Route 17), Keewatin,
- 807-547-2888,
- https://naturesinn.ca
M.S. Kenora
- Kenora Harbourfront
- 807-468-9124
- www.mskenora.com
Husky the Muskie
- 21 Sylvan St., Kenora, 804-407-2529,
- https://visitsunsetcountry.com/huskymuskie
