Good people. Good beer. Great places to drink it.
This time, we’re headed lakeside… Way lakeside, to one of Rainy Lake’s most beloved hangouts: La Place Rendez-Vous, or as the locals (and now you) know it, The Vous.
A Rainy Lake Classic Since 1972
Perched right on the shores of Rainy Lake, The Vous has been a lakeside retreat for travellers, locals, and lake-lovers alike since 1972. It’s the only hotel and restaurant in Canada located directly on the shores of Rainy Lake. And as they like to say, they specialize in lake views, sand-between-your-toes moments, and cocktails enjoyed with a front-row view of the water.
Family-owned, community-rooted, and recently renovated, The Vous is known for stellar customer service, killer comfort food, and the kind of guest experience that keeps generations coming back year after year. La Place Rendez-Vous is where fishermen dock their boats for burgers, families watch kids play on the beach, and servers who know your name, your order, and probably your cousin.
They host weddings. They host hockey teams. They host patio views that deserve their own Instagram account. And most importantly, they host you. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick pint, planning a full-on getaway, or just chasing a little lakeside magic, The Vous makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile.
What’s Pouring:
From the drink menu, you’ll find a solid lineup of Lake of the Woods Brewing Company favourites, including Sultana Gold Blonde Ale, Forgotten Lake Blueberry Ale, Nautical Disaster Double IPA, and Lakeside Kolsch. And as the team at The Vous puts it, “Basically… if it pairs well with lake views or wings, they’ve probably got it.” Safe to say, they’re well stocked.
Of course, we had to ask for personal favourites, which immediately turned into a full-on debate (sorry about that). Bartenders are firmly Team Nautical Disaster, the kitchen rides hard for Lakeside, management won’t budge on Sultana, and the boss is proudly Team Forgotten Lake. The official Vous answer? “Whichever Lake of the Woods beer is in your hand while you’ve got a front row view of Rainy Lake.” Hey, we’ll drink to that!
When it comes to supporting local craft beer, The Vous keeps it real: supporting their neighbours is just part of who they are. “Local beer tastes like home, and working with people who care about quality, community, and good times is a no-brainer.” We love to hear it. 🙂 As they said, “Craft beer brings personality, creativity, and heart to the table – and our guests feel that. Plus, nothing pairs better with Rainy Lake views than a beer brewed by people who love this region as much as we do.”
What You Have to Eat
Picking just one menu item is borderline rude (their words, not ours), but here are a few icons:
Wings: the legendary Thursday tradition (if you know, you KNOW)
Homemade chicken tenders: the secret is love (and breading)
Burgers: best in town, no debate
Add in rotating seasonal menus and globally inspired features throughout the year, and you’ve got a menu that keeps things fresh while still honouring the comfort-food classics everyone loves. Pro tip: order wings or a burger, grab a LOWBREWCO pint, and settle into pure lakeside bliss. Now that is exactly how we want our brews to be enjoyed!
What’s Coming Up
There’s fun programming on the horizon, with fresh ideas in the works to bring the community together in 2026. The Vous is also gearing up for renovations to their lobby and entrance area, plus exterior updates to give the space a fresh look that matches the warmth and energy inside. Don’t worry though, business is still as usual! Follow their socials so you don’t miss a thing!
Final Cheers
We gave The Vous a free space to share anything they’d like, and they chose to shoutout their team! The real magic-makers who remember your favourite drink, cheer on your fishing stories, and somehow keep everything running with smiles that never quit.
“And shoutout to Lake of the Woods Brewing Co. for being part of the good times here. Beer tastes better when it’s shared with friends – especially lakeside friends.” WE LOVE THE VOUS!
Where to Find La Place Rendez-Vous
1201 Idylwild Drive, Fort Frances, ON
807-274-9811
Facebook: La Place Rendez-Vous
Instagram: @laplacerendezvous
