Kenora on Lake of the Woods

The last few days I have been in Kenora, Ontario researching and exploring the unknown. The community is located on the shores of Lake of the Woods. It is a very well maintained and beautiful community. No industrial mills in sight anyway. It is a picturesque waterfront destination full of activity. Kenora is one of the prettier communities in the Sunset Country region I have visited so far.  And it is the main entry community in the northwest of Ontario when arriving from Manitoba.

Kenora enjoys a good selection of downtown shops and galleries with a healthy mix of big box stores located in the outlying area of the community. The downtown buildings are older and are full of history,  most standing tall in brick.  Around every corner is a mural – some great, some need a little help.  And down on the waterfront.. well there was a flurry of activity with people running, walking, meeting, watching and jogging.  There were planes flying in and out, boats shuttling people and canoes paddling around avoiding the bigger, faster watercraft buzzing in the harbour.  It was prime people watching territory.. so, what did I do..  I joined the crowd and took a seat and gawked.

For those who follow the BLOG, by now,  know that I like to start my research downtown during the morning hours because that is when parking is more available and people are not as stressed.  Kenora was no different.  I parked early in the morning and walked up and down the downtown streets and along the waterfront clicking away.  Taking lots of pictures.  Took me half a day as I took my time this time and enjoyed the buildings and murals.

Older Couple enjoying the moment in McLeod Park

While walking along the waterfront located in town I came across a beautiful thing when visiting McLoed Park.  It is one of the main parks in town with the “Husky the Musky” giant fish statue, a heritage tug boat and a large geyser which is more like a lake fountain. While in the park I saw two elderly people, holding hands, still in love. It sent a good feeling up my spine. It was sooo cute!

I visited many parks in the past few days. I stopped in on Norman, Keewatin, McLeod, Portage Bay, Garrow Beach Parks.

However the main adventure was hiking on the Vernon Park Trails. By far Vernon Trails were my favorite!  They were more bush and wild. I guess I need a nature fix every once in awhile to keep me sane.

Views from Wetland Trail of Fishing on Lake of the Woods

The trails were located away from the town in the forests on the opposite side of the lake.  A more natural environment for my liking. The trails were covered in dirt with exposed tree roots and boulders.  The odd section had mud and there was allot of it.  I got dirty on purpose, just cause I can.  The many trails in the wilderness park are interconnected and lead to wetlands and viewpoints.

The Lookout Trail was a joke as the lookouts offered no good view. The best trail for views was the Wetland Trail (main photo).  During my stay at the wetland trail lookout I saw a couple of guys fishing away. And then one of the guys hook into a fish and haul it in. They saw me watching with my camera and offered up a celebratory picture for me. Cool guys, thanks for thinking of me.

I finished my day hiking every trail in the Vernon Trail  Network. I guess I got carried away. I did not meet one soul on the trails. I had my music, my equipment and that was all I needed to keep me entertained. I guess I am low maintenance in the forest.  It even began to rain.. no worries I was in my own world and all that mattered was that I was happy.  Heck it was sure not because of my singing that kept me going.  Tommorrow we do more Kenora.