Today we leave Winnipeg, Manitoba to head eastward to Western Ontario for the next portion of our road trip. The plan takes us to Fort Frances, Ontario where we will cross the border back into the United States at International Falls, Minnesota. From there we’ll head to Duluth to begin a journey around Lake Superior.

Looking for interesting possibilities along our route I read about the Sandilands Forest Discovery Centre sponsored by the Manitoba Forestry Association. Their website indicates they will be open so we make the short detour only to find a bar across the road with a Closed sign.

After crossing the border into Ontario we see that the Provincial visitor center seems to be permanently closed. In travel, as in life, you win some and lose some.

On a more positive note, we find the Discovery Centre on the shores of Lake of the Woods just west of the town of Kenora a modern, well organized facility with exceptionally helpful and friendly staff. When I relate that I’ve been unable to contact our lodging for tonight by either phone or internet they volunteer to take care of the situation. Inquiring about a restaurant for lunch serving local fish they give detailed suggestions and directions.

This time we’re on the winning side! The recommendation of The Boathouse is exactly what we wanted. The restaurant sits on the lake front with great views. An outdoor deck is inviting but a brisk wind makes us opt for an indoor window table. It didn’t take us long to make our menu selections – wild rice soup and beer battered walleye with parmesan fries. Both dishes proved to be excellent choices. At first the service seemed a bit lax but improved considerably.

After lunch we spent some time exploring the town. Bob declared he could come back to Kenora for a stay instead of a just a lunch stop. We would certainly plan to be repeat customers at The Boathouse.

We procede to Fort Frances for an overnight at La Place Rendez-Vous on the shores of Rainy Lake. (The lodge is basic and somewhat a disappointment but the setting is nice.) The evening’s entertainment beyond enjoying the lake front view is finely washing the Saskatchewan dust and Manitoba mud off the car.