Tucked away off the main road as you weave through Kenora is a little gem known as Tunnel Island.

After many years of driving past an inconspicuous sign marking the parking lot on our way somewhere else, and at the recommendation of several friends, locals and otherwise, I finally had the opportunity to explore this beautiful trail network a couple years ago, and have made my way back at every opportunity since.

Surrounded on all (ok, most, is it truly an island???) sides by the flowing waters of the Winnipeg River as it swirls out of Lake of the Woods, hindered only by several dams, these trails offer a quick escape into a wilderness filled with towering trees and mushrooms (less towering) and moss and rocks and roots. A few signs point out interesting features and give an historic perspective of the area, both its indigenous and spiritual roots in the Manitou Tree and Windigo Resting Tree, as well as stories from voyageurs who once paddled the waters. Loop B brings you close to the raging waters crashing through the dam, and the Scenic Loop offers a great view of the city of Kenora.

And the trail itself is a lot of fun. Some flowy sections on cushy forest floor, and and technical rocky sections, it’s a playground for any trail runner.

Make the stop next time you find yourself in Kenora or the LOTW area.