Sioux Narrows Provincial Park introduces the quieter side of Lake of the Woods, a popular summer destination in northwest Ontario. While nearby Kenora is a hot spot for water sports, boat cruises, fishing and a bustling downtown, Sioux Narrows offers visitors a natural escape and a peaceful place to build memories as a family.
Sioux Narrows is the traditional homeland of the Anishinabbe people who remain the customary keepers of the waters and land of Lake of the Woods. It is also an important cultural site of an Ojibwe battle with Sioux Warrors, where the Ojibwe claimed victory. There are pictographs in the rock along the lake in the area that preserves the cultural and historical significance of local Indigenous rock art.
If you’re looking for serene lakeside camping, family-friendly swimming and stunning Canadian Shield scenery, you’ll find it here.
Where is Sioux Narrows Provincial Park?
Sioux Narrows Provincial Park is about an hour’s drive south of Kenora. Just off Highway 71 and a few minutes from the small community of Sioux Narrows, this little provincial park is the perfect place to camp on Lake of the Woods with kids.
Why Visit Sioux Narrows Provincial Park?
The entire region of Lake of the Woods is beautiful, but the city of Kenora can feel busy. City campgrounds are available, but they’re in park-type settings with back-to-back RVs and very little privacy. Being in this summer hub can be fun, but Sioux Narrows is an excellent option if you want something quieter and closer to nature.
Sioux Narrows is far enough from the hustle of Kenora to offer a completely different vibe. Imagine birdsong in the mornings, lakeside campsites, family campfires, and starry skies without the background noise of speed boats and city traffic.
It’s restful here, but there are still lots of adventures to be had as a family.
What families will love about this Ontario park
On the map, you’ll just see a little block of green next to the water. It’s small, but has a lot to love if you’re travelling here with kids.
1. Sandy beach and swimming platform
The park has a small but lovely sandy beach, surrounded by green lawns and trees. The water has a shallow entry, which is perfect for wading toddlers and young swimmers (though you should always keep your young kids within arm’s reach while in the water). The beach area is tucked into a calm bay, with a well-built floating swimming platform that older kids will love jumping off of!
2. Paddle rentals on the beach and nearby
While there are canoe rentals available from the park office in the summer, the local Mosswood Adventures and Rentals started offering pop-up beachside paddle craft rentals in Sioux Narrows Provincial Park. In 2024, rentals were available Friday through Monday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM all summer.
Families can rent canoes, sit-on-top kayaks, fishing kayaks, standup paddleboards and mountain bikes from Mosswood.
3. Boating and Pictographs
There is a boat launch here for those with their own paddlecraft or motorboats. This park is a fantastic jump-off location for exploring Lake of the Woods, which has over 14,000 islands and 105,000 kilometres of shoreline!
You might also see Indigenous pictographs in the area. Please do so respectfully, as some are considered sacred religious sites and must be treated with care. Do not touch pictographs, as this can break down the paint. Please view the rock art from a distance so it can be preserved for years to come.
4. Fishing Lake of the Woods
Sioux Narrows is one of the best Ontario parks for families who love fishing. The area is world-renowned for walleye fishing, and your catch of the day will make a delicious dinner around the campfire. Lake of the Woods also offers anglers pike, smallmouth bass, lake trout, perch, whitefish and muskie. You might also reel in a crappie or catch a glimpse of a prehistoric sturgeon.
Make sure you carry a valid Ontario Fishing License and read up on and follow fishing regulations for Lake of the Woods.
5. Nature walks
Sioux Narrows Provincial Park has three easy family-friendly hiking trails and plenty of open spaces for kids to run around.
Fern Valley Trail: This 1.6 km trail starts near the park entrance, runs through the boreal forest, and leads just outside the park boundary before looping back into the park near the beach area.
Lookout Trail: This trail starts near the beach area and offers a 2 km hike to a view of Lake of the Woods.
Deer Path Trail: For a short walk, take this 600m trail that connects the campground to the park office.
While on your nature walk, you might catch a glimpse of local wildlife. Squirrels, chipmunks, and whitetail deer are often seen. You’ll also enjoy sighting bald eagles, loons and big white pelicans along the lakeshore.
Camping at Sioux Narrows Provincial Park
The campground is peaceful and situated along the edge of the Canadian Shield. Many campsites are on or near the water, sheltered by towering White Pine. The park is small, offering 71 sites and two group campsites. About a third of the car and RV campsites have electrical service; some are more private than others.
The gem of the park is the eight walk-in tenting sites available. These sites are away from the main campground and right on the water. If unzipping your tent each morning to epic lake views appeals to you, and you don’t mind packing in your gear 20 to 50 metres from your parked car, these sites are for you!
Campground Information Breakdown:
- 71 sites are available by reservation. Book through Ontario Parks.
- Two group campsites are available. Book through Ontario Parks.
- Comfort station includes washrooms and showers.
- Each site has a picnic table and a fire pit.
- A picnic shelter is in the day-use area, and a BBQ is available for rent.
- The boat launch is free, but docking space and trailer parking are limited.
Nearby Amenities at the Town of Sioux Narrows
Forgot something? No problem. The small town of Sioux Narrows is a short car or bike ride away. They have a well-stocked convenience store for groceries, ice and supplies. You’ll also find casual dining options, seasonal food stands, bait shops, boat and paddle craft rentals, a gas station and a small visitor centre.
Support local! You could essentially stock up for your trip in Sioux Narrows. Many businesses here are family-run by locals who rely on summer tourism.
Day Trips from Sioux Narrows Provincial Park
If you want to get out of the park and do a little exploring, there are several great day trip options.
Rushing River Provincial Park
Just 30 minutes north of Sioux Narrows, you’ll find this popular stop for waterfalls, river swims and hiking. There is a small network of easy hiking trails (500m – 3km) that can also be explored on bikes. Rushing River also has four sandy beaches in shallow areas, which are roped off to keep swimmers far from currents.
Because it’s a larger Ontario Park, it offers the Discovery Program for children. You can pick up a Discovery Activity Book from the Exploration Station and go on a self-led scavenger hunt to learn about the park, plants, animals and other wonders of nature here. Learn more about Rushing River Provincial Park.
Kenora
Kenora, Ontario, is a popular spot for summer visitors, only 60 minutes north of Sioux Narrows. It has all services and amenities, including a vibrant downtown with a fun food and art scene. Here are our favourite things to do in Kenora with kids:
- Hoopla Island Water Park: Kids LOVE this inflatable water park. There’s climbing, balancing, jumping, splashing, and a lot of laughter. Kids must be at least 6 years old and 3’7” to visit, and lifejackets are mandatory and provided.
- Rotary Splash Park: Located at Norman Beach and Park, the Rotary Splash Park is an awesome alternative for kids under six who can’t experience Hoopla Island. It has many fun features, is close to a playground and is located near the sandy Norman Beach for swimming and sandcastles.
- Boat Cruise on the M.S. Kenora: If you want to explore Lake of the Woods and have a bite to eat, this is an easy and fun way to do it. The M.S. Kenora offers luncheon, afternoon and dinner cruises that depart from downtown Kenora. Each includes a complete meal or tasty snack service. You’ll zigzag around the many islands of Lake of the Woods, viewing serene and wild bays, stunning island cottages and peaceful waters.
- Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre: Located in the Visitor Centre, this is a great spot to visit on a rainy or cold day—and it’s free! Suited for kids of all ages, your family can explore exhibits of historic outboard boat motors, learn about local fish species, learn how to tie knots, and discover local Indigenous culture on a walk through the interpretive Discovery Forest.
Town of Sioux Narrows
If you just need a short break from the campsite, take the kids to the little community of Sioux Narrows for a change of scenery and an ice cream cone. You can walk along the iconic timber bridge and read the interpretive signs along the way. The original wooden bridge was built in the 1930s and was the longest single-span bridge in North America.
Adventures in Northern Ontario
Sioux Narrows Provincial Park isn’t big and flashy, but that’s exactly why it’s worth visiting. Introduce your kids to the quieter side of Lake of the Woods and enjoy time to slow down, reconnect with each other and enjoy the outdoors.
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