The Best Things To Do in Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, Ontario

The township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls on the shores of the vast Lake of the Woods is an excellent example of all that small-town Northwestern Ontario, Canada has to offer. The two small communities of Sioux Narrows and Nestor Falls are about an hour’s drive southeast of Kenora, three hours east of Winnipeg, and 5.5 hours north of Duluth, Minnesota or west of Thunder Bay. Joined by a natural land corridor through the area’s many freshwater lakes, these two destinations on Hwy 71 (and the surrounding region) offer exceptional fishing, great outdoor adventures, beautiful boreal scenery, and artistic pursuits. Plus, there’s lots going on in every season.

Read on to discover more about this hidden gem and some of the best things to do in Sioux Narrows - Nestor Falls while you visit.

1. Explore the Outdoors in Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls

Embark on a canoe trip along waterways that have been paddled for centuries. Choose from a variety of routes, ranging from a simple 5 km out-and-back to longer 20 to 40 km loops. Hiking and cycling fans will want to check out the wide range of scenic trails in the area—the Aspen, Red Pine, and Boreal Trails are favourites with locals and visitors. (Red Pine in particular is great for cyclists with flow trails, family-friendly riding, and a new skills park in the works.) Anglers can discover nearly endless opportunities for fishing year-round while in the winter, cruise the groomed snowmobile trails that wind throughout the frozen landscape or do some snowshoeing. If you’re bringing your own gear, lovers of the lake can SUP, boat and kayak along the rugged and quintessentially northern shoreline. The municipality also recently opened a 4 Season Recreation Centre, which offers open-air rec opportunities (with a roof) for basketball and pickleball in the summer and skating in the winter, plus access to their new bike trail network.

2. Visit Natural and Historic Sights in Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls

There are two sought-after photo ops in the area. Head to the actual waterfall of Nestor Falls, located right on Hwy 71. It’s 40 feet (12 m) high and is a great place to see cascading water, ice formations, colourful fall leaves and more, depending on the time of year and the amount of recent precipitation. Once used for transporting logs in the early 1900s, it’s a part of the area’s history (plus a nice spot for a picnic or birdwatching). At Sioux Narrows, stop to take in the bridge, also found on Hwy 71. Considered a symbol of the town, it was once the longest single-span bridge in the world and is now a heritage site. The bridge was first built in the 1930s and spans the Sioux Narrows strait between Regina Bay and Whitefish Bay on Lake of the Woods. It was rebuilt in 2007 but the look of new bridge honours the original, including the strategic use of timbers from the old bridge and the signature silhouette. It’s said that in the mid-1700s, an Ojibwe-Cree alliance defeated a party of western Sioux at a narrows here on the lake, later giving Sioux Narrows its name.

3. Enjoy the Provincial Parks Near Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls

Caliper Lake Provincial Park is open mid-May to mid-October and has a quiet campground with a gorgeous stand of old-growth red and white pine trees. There’s a large beach with warm, shallow water and a swim platform, and good fishing for walleye, pike, smallmouth bass or crappie. Rent a canoe to go for a paddle or hike the moderate Beaver Pond trail which has both 2 kilometre and 3 kilometre distances. Sioux Narrows Provincial Park, also open mid-May to mid-October, is on the shores of Lake of the Woods, complete with ancient bedrock and towering white pines, and includes waterfront campsites so you can swim right at your site. Known for its walleye fishing, this small park is also a great base for anglers in search of smallmouth and largemouth bass. A fascinating Indigenous pictograph site (rock painting) is a 10-minute boat ride away. There are three short and easy hiking paths, and you can also cross-country ski in the winter.

4. Come for the Festivals in Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls

The Moose N’ Fiddle music festival is a summer tradition at Caliper Lake Provincial Park. Generally held on mid-August weekend (watch their website for updated info), it’s a laidback festival surrounded by lakes and trees, with plenty of indie, folk-inspired musicians to discover. There’s an artisan market, tasty food from local food trucks and craft beer too. In early August, there’s the Sioux Narrows Annual Arts Festival that’s been a hub for local artists and art-loving visitors for more than 60 years.

5. Get Golfing: Sioux Narrows' White Moose Golf Course

Pack your clubs (or rent them there) so you can say you’ve golfed at the White Moose. This well-maintained, 9-hole, par 35 course is a true original because you can pilot your boat right to the clubhouse if you want. It’s just north of Sioux Narrows and features a clubhouse, pro shop, rentals and retail items.

6. Book an Artist Studio in Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls

The township offers two tiny studios for artists and creators to book daily. The ON THE WATER studio sits on the lake and ON THE ROCK is found at the end of a forested trail—both are equipped with a workspace and modest furnishings. Usually reserved for full-time and seasonal residents, visitors can inquire about availability by emailing info@snnf.ca with the subject line, "Request To Book A Tiny Studio." Take inspiration from the beautiful natural surroundings and work on a project that’s close to your heart. The studios are available from June 1 through to September 7, 2025. Use of the studio is subject to availability and is on a first-come, first-served basis.  

7. Go Fishing + Dive Deep into Angling at the Northern Ontario Sportfishing Centre

The township is home to some of the most incredible multi-species fishing in the world—stay in one of the region's welcoming fishing lodges and discover why SNNF is beloved by anglers. In Sioux Narrows, don't miss the Northern Ontario Sportfishing Centre, dedicated to telling the story of sport fishing in Northern Ontario. It is open seasonally and features carved totem poles, a vintage motor collection and other fishing memorabilia, unique boats and a chance to fish off the nearby dock. Avid anglers can take advantage of the Summer Seminar Series where experts share information on fishing-related topics.

8. Shop, Eat, Play and Stay in Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls

Visit the “Where to Stay” page at the Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls website for a complete listing of numerous local resorts and lodges. Some unique options to consider include renting a houseboat, a family-friendly island resort, or a fly-in outpost camp that you reach via float plane.

The “Places to Eat” page is another great resource for casual fare, both seasonally and year-round. For shopping, Gill’s Trading Post in Sioux Narrows is the place to go for fishing gear, souvenirs and more, while Dalseg’s Fine Foods has groceries including fresh produce and meat, alcohol sales, a coffee nook and even a laundromat. For fresh Ontario produce, baked goods, arts and crafts, and more, check out the summer farmer's market at the 4 Season Recreation Centre.

Souvenir shoppers, be sure to check out stunning work by local photographer Wanda Kabel as a way of remembering the natural beauty of the region too (especially the northern lights!).

Plan Your Visit To Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls

When you’re planning your visit, have a listen to the local podcast, Table Talk with Dee Lysak, to get an idea of the area’s special charm.

Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls may be home to fewer than a thousand permanent residents, but it offers a lot for visitors to discover! Start planning your trip today.

Plan Your Visit to Sioux Narrows Nestor Falls

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