Tucked away in the heart of Northwestern Ontario, just a short drive from Kenora, lies a destination that feels worlds away from the hustle and noise of everyday life. Minaki Yurt Adventures isn’t your average wilderness retreat—it’s an all-season escape into the soul of the Canadian Shield, where towering pines, frozen lakes, and star-studded skies invite travellers to unplug, breathe deep, and reconnect with nature.
For over two decades, Minaki Yurt Adventures has been quietly offering a unique and immersive outdoor experience. Whether you're a winter warrior looking to cross-country ski through peaceful boreal trails or a summer seeker in search of off-grid tranquillity, this hidden gem caters to adventurers of all kinds—with a touch of rustic comfort.
At the heart of the Minaki experience are their handcrafted yurts—round, insulated dwellings that offer warmth, comfort, and a cozy connection to the land. Unlike standard cabin rentals, yurts invite you into a circular space designed to encourage togetherness, reflection, and deep rest. Heated with wood stoves and outfitted with essentials for a comfortable stay, the yurts are open year-round and offer a perfect basecamp for outdoor exploration.
Minaki’s off-grid ethos isn’t just a novelty—it’s a philosophy. The smaller yurts have no wifi, no TV, and no distractions from the natural world. Instead, guests are treated to something far richer: the silence of fresh snowfall in the woods, the crackle of a fire after a long day’s hike, and the thrill of spotting a moose or fox wandering nearby. (The Mee-nah-kee yurt does offer wifi and AppleTV as well as a bluetooth music system).
Winter is when Minaki Yurt Adventures truly shines. With over 20 kilometres of expertly groomed cross-country ski trails maintained by the volunteers of Club Minaki, the property becomes a snowy playground for classic and skate skiers alike. Winding through forests, over frozen lakes, and up gentle hills, the trails are designed for all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned skier or just beginning, the trails provide a perfect mix of challenge and beauty.
Not into skiing? Try snowshoeing along the quieter paths, or hop on a fat bike and cruise across the snow-packed trails for an exhilarating ride through the woods. With the sun low in the sky and the snow sparkling like diamonds, winter at Minaki feels like something out of a fairytale.
And at the end of your day? Return to your private yurt, fire up the woodstove, and warm your feet while sipping tea and recounting the day’s adventures. The main site also offers a wood fired sauna to help rejuvenate you, and afterwards you can cook up a pizza in the wood fired pizza oven.
When the snow melts and the lakes open up, Minaki transforms again. The network of trails becomes a hiker’s haven, with paths leading to rocky outcrops, quiet beaver ponds, and wildflower-filled meadows. You'll want to capture the breathtaking sunsets over the water and the bald eagles soaring overhead.
For paddlers, nearby Big Sand Lake and the Winnipeg River system provide a vast aquatic playground. Bring your canoe or kayak or take advantage of the complimentary canoes and paddleboards and set off into the pristine waters of Camp Lake for an afternoon of peaceful exploration, or cast a line and try your luck at catching northern pike, walleye, or smallmouth bass.
At night, without the glow of city lights, the sky at Minaki comes alive. On a clear night, the Milky Way stretches from horizon to horizon, and if you're lucky, you might even catch the northern lights dancing above your yurt. It's no wonder guests return year after year for this kind of magic.
One of the things that sets Minaki Yurt Adventures apart is its commitment to sustainability and community. Owners and hosts Nadene and Jordy have carefully nurtured the land and the experience over the last 30+ years, preserving the quiet beauty of the wilderness while offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Their eco-conscious approach is evident in every detail: composting toilets, solar-powered lighting, and careful stewardship of trails and land. Their passion for the outdoors and respect for the land is infectious—and something that first-time visitors quickly come to appreciate.
Minaki Yurt Adventures is perfect for:
It’s also an ideal destination for small retreats, creative getaways, or anyone needing a reset. With no digital distractions, your time at Minaki is truly yours—whether spent in quiet contemplation or out on the trails chasing adventure.
Minaki is located about 45 minutes north of Kenora, and about 3 hours east of Winnipeg. The drive itself is part of the adventure, winding through lake country and some of Ontario’s most beautiful wilderness. The property is open year-round, but bookings can fill up fast—especially in the peak winter months—so it’s wise to plan ahead.
Ready to trade your screen time for snowshoes? Your inbox for an insulated yurt? Then it might be time to pack a bag, grab a headlamp, and head north.
To learn more or make a reservation, visit Minaki Yurt Adventures.
