Put in, take out, and drive to the next spot on a tour of Kawarthas Northumberland’s paddling highlights
This itinerary offers the best of both worlds: you’ll see some of the region’s most appealing paddling destinations over the course of several days, without the need to trek deep into the backcountry. Sling these trips together with overnights in Coboconk, Buckhorn, and Campbellford, and you’ll feel rejuvenated by the great outdoors and refreshed by comfortable accommodations.
Find more paddling inspiration here:
There are a few different paddling options on Balsam Lake with canoe rentals and amenities at the ready at Balsam Lake Provincial Park. One option is to head north around Indian Point Provincial Park and up through Coboconk into the Gull River. Coboconk Canada’s fresh water summit – this means it is Canada’s highest body of fresh water from which one can circumnavigate the world by boat. Read more about the route here.
The other option we suggest you check out on Balsam Lake is the stretch of canal between Balsam Lake and Mitchell Lake. This narrow section of the Trent-Severn Waterway is a hidden gem and will give you photo worthy fall views. There’s an easy access point from the Balsam Lake boat launch off of Balsam Lake Drive.
Where to stay overnight:
Dining:
Bottle Lake is a beautiful and very accessible lake. You’ll find an incredible sandy beach on the northeast end of the lake, waterfalls and mill ruins to discover. Bottle Creek is also a highlight to paddle as it empties into Bottle Lake and it is very easy to paddle up it as the current is mild.
You access Bottle Lake from Beaver Lake Road, east off of Highway 507. As this is within the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park boundary, you’ll be responsible for arranging a day use pass.
Where to stay overnight:
Dining:
Ferris Provincial Park is a must-visit in the fall. You’ll have a good mix of paddling, hiking, scenic views and tasty local treats. You can launch your boat in at Ferris Provincial Park, or if you don’t have your own, you can rent a kayak from the park (availability varies, so contact park staff in advance to make arrangements). The paddle from Ferris Provincial Park to Lock 10 is approximately 5km round-trip.
After your paddle take in the views while traversing the Ranney Gorge Suspension bridge and enjoy the lookout over Ranney falls. A visit to Campbellford isn’t complete without a trip to Dooher’s Bakery, Empire Cheese Co-Operative and World’s Finest Chocolate Outlet.
Read more about paddling this area here.
Also try: Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Presqu’ile Bay and marsh are sheltered enough to allow for some great paddling exploration. The water vantage point will give you excellent birding opportunities. Presqu’ile is a renowned bird watching destination in Ontario with over 300 bird species spotted within the park and its location acts as a major stopover for migrating birds and monarchs.
Boats can be launched at the Camp Office viewing platform or at Calf Pasture picnic area. Presqu’ile also offers scenic fall hiking trails and tasty food trucks await you at the entrance at Presqu’ile Park Place.
The park notes that Lake Ontario should only be paddled on the calmest days, and states that “during waterbird nesting season you must remain a minimum of 200 m away from the two offshore islands (High Bluff and Gull).”
Read more about paddling Presqu’ile here.
Where to stay overnight:
Water’s Edge Inn, Campbellford
Dining:
Caper’s Tap House Campbellford
There’s always more to see and do—browse the itineraries below for more daytrip and overnight suggestions around Kawarthas Northumberland.
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