Kenora Airport

Kenora Airport sits seven kilometres east of downtown Kenora on Highway 17, serving as the primary air access point for the Lake of the Woods region in northwestern Ontario. Operated by the City of Kenora, this regional airport handles scheduled passenger service via Bearskin Airlines and Wasaya Airways, along with significant general aviation and charter traffic drawn by the area’s fishing lodges and cottage communities. The terminal building—a modern structure of metal, glass, and wood—sets a welcoming tone from the moment passengers step inside. Clean, bright, and staffed by people who genuinely seem to enjoy their work, Kenora Airport offers an experience that contrasts sharply with the impersonality of larger hubs.

Getting There

Kenora Airport is located off Highway 17 East, approximately a ten-minute drive from the city centre. For those driving from Winnipeg (about two hours west), the route is straightforward: follow the Trans-Canada Highway east until the airport signs appear near the turnoff for Highway 596. From Thunder Bay (about four hours east), the same highway leads west. The airport has a large free parking lot immediately in front of the terminal, with designated spaces for accessible parking. There is no direct public transit service to the airport; taxis are the most common option for travelers without a car. Kenora Taxi and Lake of the Woods Taxi both operate in the area, and a ride from downtown typically costs around $20–$25. Rideshare services like Uber are not available in Kenora. Rental cars can be arranged through local agencies, but it is wise to book ahead as availability can be limited during peak summer months. For those staying at one of the many lodges on Lake of the Woods, many offer shuttle services—check with your accommodation ahead of time.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Kenora Airport is compact but well-appointed. Upon entering, passengers find a bright, open waiting area with large windows overlooking the tarmac. The design incorporates local materials—wood beams and stone accents—that reflect the surrounding landscape. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and the network is reliable enough for streaming or video calls. A small but clean washroom is located near the check-in counter, with a wheelchair-accessible toilet adjacent. There is also a nursing room for parents traveling with infants. A standout touch: the friendly staff keep a jar of candy on the check-in desk, a simple gesture that has become something of a local tradition. The boarding process is efficient; flights typically depart on time, and the ramp crew handles fueling and baggage with noticeable speed and courtesy. For general aviation pilots arriving by private aircraft, the ramp fee is 15 Canadian dollars, and 100LL fuel is available at $2.65 per litre. The only notable quirk is that the runway is not perfectly flat—there is a slight undulation that can make landings feel slightly different from the norm, but it poses no safety concern. The terminal is wheelchair-accessible throughout, with automatic doors and level access to the boarding area.

Kenora Airport and Kenora

Kenora is a town of roughly 15,000 people that punches well above its weight in terms of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Situated on the northern shore of Lake of the Woods, a vast body of water with over 14,000 islands and 65,000 kilometres of shoreline, the area is a premier destination for fishing, boating, and cottage life. The airport is the main entry point for visitors heading to remote fly-in fishing lodges, many of which are accessible only by floatplane or boat. In summer, the town buzzes with activity—tourists fill the waterfront restaurants, the Kenora Harbourfront hosts concerts and markets, and the historic Lake of the Woods Museum offers a glimpse into the region’s logging and transportation history. Winter brings a different kind of appeal: ice fishing on the lake, snowmobiling on hundreds of kilometres of trails, and the annual winter carnival. Kenora’s Indigenous heritage is also significant; the surrounding area is home to several First Nations communities, and the airport serves as a critical link for residents who rely on air travel for medical appointments, education, and supplies. The town itself is walkable, with a main street lined with shops, cafes, and the iconic Kenora Thistle Rink, a historic hockey arena built in 1952. For travelers passing through, Kenora Airport is more than just a transit point—it’s the front door to a region defined by water, forest, and a slower pace of life. The staff at the airport often double as informal ambassadors, ready with advice on where to eat or which lake to visit.

Practical Information

Kenora Airport is not open 24 hours a day. Typically, the terminal opens about an hour before the first scheduled flight and closes after the last departure of the day. Check the official website (http://airportkenora.com/) for current hours, as they may vary seasonally. The airport phone number is +1 807-548-5377. For general aviation, the ramp fee is $15 CAD for itinerant aircraft; 100LL fuel is $2.65 per litre (self-serve credit card or call for fuel truck). There is no ATM inside the terminal, so bring cash if needed. The nearest fuel station for rental cars is about two kilometres west on Highway 17. Parking is free and ample. A final practical tip: if you are flying out during peak times—Monday at 4 pm, Tuesday at noon, Wednesday at 3 pm, or Thursday at 8 am—arrive at least 45 minutes before departure, as the check-in line can get busy with fishing groups and lodge guests. But even if you are early, you will find the terminal a pleasant place to wait.