Boat Clear Water and Explore Kenora with Your Family
Why Rent On Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods spreads across 317,000 acres of water and more than 14,000 islands straddling the Minnesota-Ontario border, an inland lake of a scale and complexity that rewards years of repeat visits without ever fully giving up its secrets. The town of Baudette, Minnesota serves the southern shores, while Kenora, Ontario anchors the Canadian side with a full-service marina, a vibrant Main Street, and the Kenora Walleye Open each July drawing competitive anglers from across the continent. Waterfront lakehouses, luxury cabins, and pet-friendly rental homes throughout the Lake of the Woods corridor on both sides of the border comfortably sleep four to sixteen guests with private docks, beautiful water views, full kitchens, hot tubs, and the kind of sprawling outdoor spaces that a lake this size calls for. Properties that sleeps larger groups are a particular strength of the rental market here, making Lake of the Woods a natural choice for multigenerational family reunions.
The Northwest Angle, Trophy Walleye, and the Oak Island Bass Classic
Lake of the Woods contains the Northwest Angle, the only part of the contiguous United States that lies north of the 49th parallel, a geographic quirk that adds a satisfying oddity to a destination already full of distinctive features. Walleye fishing is the lake’s headline pursuit, and the combination of Border View Lodge and Cyrus Resort in Baudette, Arnesen’s Rocky Point Resort on the southern shore, and the Ballard’s Resort dock community serves anglers across the full range of experience and expectation. The Oak Island Bass Classic in August adds a second major fishing competition to the calendar. Four Mile Bay, Rainy River, Long Point, and Garden Island are consistently cited as the lake’s most productive walleye and muskie locations. Lake of the Woods Ice Company provides heated ice houses in winter for families who want to continue fishing through the cold months.
Why a Rental Beats a Hotel Here
Lake of the Woods is fundamentally a cabin-and-lakehouse destination, and the rental homes and resort properties that define the experience here have evolved over generations to deliver exactly what large families and fishing groups need: multiple bedrooms, private docks, fish-cleaning stations, room for gear, and the outdoor space to live on the water rather than just visit it. Hotels in Baudette and Kenora serve travellers passing through, but a lakeside vacation home or luxury cabin on one of the lake’s 14,000-plus island or shoreline positions is the complete version of what Lake of the Woods has to offer.
- Surface area (km)
- 2.35
- Max depth (m)
- 4.27
- Elevation (m)
- 2576
- Shoreline length (km)
- 0.75
Popular activities
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Bay Fishing
- Fly Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Jet Skiing
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Lake of the Woods has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Lake of the Woods is internationally renowned as the “Walleye Capital of the World”, attracting anglers from across North America for its world-class fishing year-round. The lake spans over 1,700 square miles, features more than 14,000 islands, and shares shoreline across Minnesota, Ontario, and Manitoba. Beyond fishing, Lake of the Woods is celebrated for its rugged natural beauty, wildlife viewing (think bald eagles and moose), and unique destinations like the Northwest Angle, the northernmost point in the contiguous United States.
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Some of the top fishing spots on Lake of the Woods include:
- Rainy River (especially in spring and fall for spawning walleye)
- Zippel Bay and Long Point (ideal in midsummer for walleye and sauger)
- Knight and Bridges Islands (noted for reef fishing in deeper water)
- Northwest Angle (legendary multi-species angling among a maze of islands)
For guided trips and boat rentals, top-rated lodges like Ballard’s Resort, Sportsman’s Lodge, and Border View Lodge offer everything needed for a successful fishing adventure.
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As of the current Minnesota fishing regulations:
- Walleye and Sauger combined limit: 6 fish
- Maximum of 4 can be Walleye
- Protected slot: All Walleye 19.5 to 28 inches must be released
- One Walleye over 28 inches may be kept as part of the daily limit
Limits and slot sizes can change seasonally, so always check the Minnesota DNR website before your trip for the latest updates.
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While Lake of the Woods spans three regions—Minnesota (USA), Ontario, and Manitoba (Canada)—only about 307,000 of its 950,400 total acres lie within Minnesota’s jurisdiction, primarily in the lake’s southern portion and the Northwest Angle. Most of the lake is in Canada, but the Minnesota side offers abundant access points, marinas, and full-service resorts catering to U.S. anglers.
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Several charming towns and villages surround Lake of the Woods, including:
- Baudette, Minnesota – The main gateway to the U.S. side, offering resorts, bait shops, dining, and lodging.
- Williams, MN – A quiet stop west of Baudette, near Zippel Bay State Park.
- Angle Inlet, MN – Located in the remote Northwest Angle, accessible via Canada or boat.
- Kenora, Ontario – A vibrant Canadian town with waterfront dining, marinas, and cultural attractions.
- Sioux Narrows, Ontario – Known for its scenic beauty, hiking trails, and arts festivals.
These towns provide excellent access to the lake’s diverse recreational offerings, from guided fishing trips to lakeside dining and cabin getaways.
