Lake of the Woods Vacation Rentals

Lake of the Woods, ON, Canada
49.0963° N, -94.3165° W
Lake of the Woods, ON, Canada
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Lake of the Woods, Minnesota—crowned the “Walleye Capital of the World”—offers an unmatched angling experience with its 317,000 acres of fish-rich waters, over 14,000 islands, and more than 65,000 miles of shoreline. The lake’s top industry is tourism, and it’s easy to see why: fishing derbies, top-tier marinas, and a vibrant network of businesses make this a year-round destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Notable fishing events include the Oak Island Bass Classic in August, where anglers compete in the scenic waters surrounding Oak Island, and the Kenora Walleye Open held each July, attracting seasoned pros and enthusiastic locals alike. For marinas and launches, Border View Lodge and Cyrus Resort in Baudette are trusted hubs for guided fishing trips, offering boat rentals and lodging. Arnesen’s Rocky Point Resort, situated along the southern shore, is another favorite with its full-service marina and proximity to Zippel Bay State Park.

Popular fishing spots include Four Mile Bay, Rainy River, and the Northwest Angle—the only part of the contiguous U.S. that lies north of the 49th parallel. Garden Island and Long Point are revered by walleye and muskie hunters. Whether you’re ice fishing from heated houses provided by Lake of the Woods Ice Company or casting off from the docks at Ballard’s Resort, the lake delivers world-class fishing in a wild, unforgettable setting.

Surface area (km)
2.35
Max depth (m)
4.27
Elevation (m)
2576
Shoreline length (km)
0.75
Best time to go
Visit Lake of the Woods from late June to early September. Experience long sun-kissed days perfect for paddle boarding and fishing, as shimmering waters reflect the azure sky. Embrace tranquility while the crowds dissipate, allowing you to savor the untouched beauty.
Water Quality
Lake of the Woods in Ontario exhibits water colors ranging from deep blue-green to emerald, with areas near the Rainy River mouth often displaying tannin-stained hues due to organic material runoff. The water clarity varies from crystal-clear in deeper, open waters to murky in shallower bays, with algal blooms sometimes causing reduced transparency.

Ideal for

  • Family friendly:
  • Pet friendly:
  • Romantic getaways:

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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.