Northwestern Ontario

Best Island Route

★★★★☆ 4.0

About

Best Island Route explores the pristine island-dotted waters of Lake of the Woods near Kenora, offering a unique canoe experience across big water with excellent campsites and stunning sandy beaches. This route features a mix of Georgian Bay-style pine-and-granite scenery combined with inland lake paddling, ideal for paddlers seeking no-portage exploration. Best tackled in July-August when weather is most stable, access is straightforward from Kenora with numerous outfitting options available. Be aware that Lake of the Woods is subject to strong winds, so solid paddling skills and a seaworthy canoe are essential.

Highlights

Island explorationNo portagesSandy beachesBig water paddlingWildlife viewing
Best season: June-September

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difficulty level of Best Island Route?

The difficulty of Best Island Route varies by section. Whitewater ratings are not exact: grades change with water level and season. Verify current conditions locally before you paddle.

When is the best time to canoe Best Island Route?

The best time is June-September.

Where is Best Island Route located?

Best Island Route is located in the Northwestern Ontario region of Canada.

View interactive map

Sources

northernontario.travel · visitsunsetcountry.com · paddlingmag.com

Conditions change with water level and season. Grades and positions are for planning, not navigation. Verify locally before you paddle. Terms of use

Something wrong on this page? Report it