Kenora District was established 1907 from Rainy River District and took its name from three communities located in the district: KEewatin, NOrman, and RAt Portage.

It's the largest district in Ontario and centuries prior to settlement was well known to fur traders of the North West Company and Hudson's Bay Company.

During the 1870's the area was fought over by the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba. Each wanted the area to be part of their province. In 1869 Ontario lay claim to the area but the government of Canada supported Manitoba's claim to the area. The dispute went on for the next decade until it was decided that the area would be part of Ontario. But in 1881 the government decided that no, it would be part of Manitoba. Then in 1884 the earlier decision was upheld and the area went to Ontario.

Settlement in the area was mostly fur traders and loggers until the railways were built in the 1880's. Further settlers arrived when gold was discovered in the 1890's.

"Today pulp-and-paper making is one of the most important industries in the District."²

"Population 4,564 in 1881 and 36,584 in 1980."³

Kenora District is located in North-West Ontario.