Paddling
in Kenora
Fourteen thousand islands on one of North America's largest lakes. Green Adventures runs guided sea kayak tours to the Sable Islands and rents canoes, kayaks, and SUPs from River Drive. Lake of the Woods Marina in Norman Bay has additional rentals seven days a week.
Fog goggles; reduced visibility; slow pace
The Prep
Lake of the Woods is a paddler's lake - 14,552 islands with rocky granite shoreline, sheltered channels, and open crossings that can build real waves. Green Adventures at 806 River Drive is the primary outfitter, offering guided wilderness tours including multi-day trips and sea kayak excursions to the Sable Islands. They rent canoes, kayaks, and SUPs. Lake of the Woods Marina in Norman Bay has kayak, SUP, canoe, and bike rentals seven days a week in season. The lake spans three jurisdictions - Ontario, Manitoba, and Minnesota - so cross-border paddling is possible with proper documentation. Rushing River Provincial Park (20 km southeast) offers calmer river paddling. Navigation skills are essential on this lake - it is genuinely vast and weather can change fast.
"Check AER conditions before you head out. Air quality and weather can shift quickly — especially during wildfire season and summer smog events."
Must Haves
- PFD (mandatory - Ontario law)
- Navigation equipment (GPS or compass - the lake is vast and island channels can be disorienting)
- Emergency communication device (cell service unreliable on the lake)
Pro Tips
- Green Adventures at 806 River Drive has guided tours and full rental fleet - (807) 407-8683
- Lake of the Woods Marina in Norman Bay rents kayaks, SUPs, and canoes 7 days/week in season
- The Sable Islands sea kayak tour is the signature guided trip - book through Green Adventures
Need Gear?
Rentals are available nearby for this activity.
The Locations
Sable Islands (Guided Sea Kayak)
Spectacular island group on Lake of the Woods accessible by guided sea kayak tour through Green Adventures. Rocky shoreline, sheltered channels, and the feeling of genuine wilderness. The signature paddle experience in the Kenora area. Guided trips include all equipment.
Lake of the Woods (Island Paddling)
14,552 islands with rocky granite shoreline. Sheltered channels for intermediate paddlers, open crossings for advanced. You could paddle this lake for years and not see it all. Navigation skills essential - the lake is vast and channels can be confusing. Canoe and kayak rentals from Green Adventures and Lake of the Woods Marina.
Rushing River Provincial Park
River paddling through ancient boreal forest, 20 km southeast of Kenora on Highway 71. Calmer and more sheltered than the open lake. Four hiking trails nearby (Beaver Pond 1.1 km, Granite Knoll 2.7 km, Lower Rapids 1.8 km). Good for a day trip combining paddling and hiking.
Local Etiquette
- 1
PFD required at all times
Ontario law
- 2
Lake of the Woods
navigation equipment essential - 14,552 islands, vast distances, easy to get disoriented
- 3
Cross-border regulations apply if paddling into Manitoba or Minnesota waters
- 4
Weather can change fast on open water
check conditions and file a float plan
- 5
Rushing River Provincial Park
vehicle permit required
The Après Strategy
Debrief your paddle at Green Adventures' base on River Drive - they know the lake better than anyone.
Operator Network
Local operators offering paddling experiences in the Kenora area. Verified businesses rooted in the region.
Grand River Rafting Co.
Specializing in scenic paddling trips and educational river tours since 2005.