Covering an area of 4472 square km (1727 square mi), this irregular-shaped lake is something worth seeing. The lake has over 14,500 islands, large and small, boating on it can be like navigating a maze. The lake is famous for muskie fishing, but also harbors lake trout, bass, pike, walleye, whitefish, and crappie.
Lake of the Woods is on the US-Canadian border and lies within parts of the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Manitoba and the U.S. state of Minnesota.
Lake of the Woods is the translation of its original French name, Lac de Bois, in honor of its forested surroundings. The name could also be a mistranslation of the Indian name, Ojibwe, by which the lake was known.
From International Falls, Minnesota: Follow Highway 11 west 55 miles to Hwy 621 North to Sleeman, Ontario. Turn right and travel 30 miles to the marina in Morson, Ontario.
From Baudette, Minnesota: Cross the international border into Rainy River, Ontario. Take Highway 11 east for 10 miles to Sleeman, Ontario.
There is a wide selection of lodges and resorts around Lake of the Woods. On the southern end of the lake, you’ll find resorts north of Rainy River and near Morson. You can find accommodation in the Nestor Falls area, including Whitefish Bay. Sioux Narrows and Kenora on the lake’s north shore are also home to many resorts. Sine there are over 14,500 islands on Lake of the Woods, it’s easy to find an island getaway.
Fishing
Lake of the Woods offers some of the best fishing in North America. It’s home to fish species, including lake trout, northern pike, walleye, crappie, perch, panfish, and many others.
Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club
Lake of the Woods is also home to the Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club, which was established in 1903. The first recorded sailing trip on Lake of the Woods was in 1845. Rowing, sailing, and canoeing remained the main means of transportation until motorboats were introduced in the late 1890s. To this day, the Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club functions as a reminder of a long-standing tradition.
Besides fishing and sailing, you can also enjoy hiking, biking, and bird watching in the lake’s lush natural surroundings.
