Aerial view of rural community, with stretch of water front and centre

Top Tips & Things to Do in & Around Coboconk

Welcome to Coboconk

Coboconk is situated right where the Gull River meets the northern tip of Balsam Lake. If you’re travelling along the Trent-Severn Waterway, Coboconk is between Fenelon Falls and Kirkfield. For help planning your trip, contact Kawartha Lakes Tourism by clicking here.

Move Yourself

  • Get info on paddling routes in and around Coboconk by clicking here and out of Balsam Lake Provincial Park here.
  • Every year Coboconk hosts the “Freshwater Summit Festival” in late June. What is the “Freshwater Summit”? Coboconk is located on Balsam Lake, the highest point of the Trent-Severn Waterway. Balsam Lake is also the highest body of freshwater in Canada from which you can navigate to all oceans in a seaworthy vessel. In other words, this is Canada’s Freshwater Summit!
  • Just west of Coboconk, around the peninsula of Indian Point, is Balsam Lake Provincial Park. This is a gorgeous park with canoe rentals, playgrounds, a great beach, crystal clear waters, and lovely trails with lots of wildlife. Check them out for camping details and other great activities & events!
  • Visit the Smallest Jail in Canada! Built in 1884, the jail is currently operated as a craft shop and is open July and August, as well as Victoria Day & Thanksgiving long weekends.

Eats & Treats

  • Check out Bexley Golf Centre just west of Coboconk & Balsam Lake Provincial Park. They are a Butter Tart Tour stop!
  • In Coboconk, great eats are available at The Pattie House Smokin’ Barbecue, Riverbank Pizza, Ryan’s Charbroiled Burgers & Pizzas, and more! The Gull’s Nest Restaurant has a great patio overlooking the water, and we all know how delicious Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream is on a patio in the summer sun!

Fishing Tips from Local Pro Chris Huskilson

  • Balsam Lake is a fishing hot spot! Major species include Large and Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Muskie (and Tiger Muskie!), Northern Pike, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, Carp, and Catfish. Fishing is great all-year long. But for many species (Pike, Walleye, Perch, Bluegill, Crappie) fishing is most productive in spring, when the fish are fresh off the spawn and looking to feed. The biggest Muskies and Smallmouth Bass are typically caught in the fall.

Where to Stay

  • Rent a houseboat & stay on the water! Or check out our Trip Planner for other options! The Saucy Willow Inn is right on the water in Coboconk. Cedar Nook Cottages are just north of Coboconk.

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