Head Lake
Family-friendly neighbourhoods, exceptional fishing, and the Queen Elizabeth Wildlands II are at the heart of the best kept secret of the Kawartha’s – Head Lake.
Stream fed through the Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands, this land-locked lake boasts some of the most picturesque shoreline and cleanest water that Kawartha Lakes has to offer. Head Lake is also home to some of the most diverse shoreline shared by a single body of water, owing largely to its location in both the limestone belt in the south end of the lake, and the Canadian shield in the north. For waterfront shoppers looking for that “Muskoka-feel” without the 4 hour drive, Head Lake shines with beautiful rocky ridges, Group-of-Seven-style wind-swept pines, and granite islands scattered along the north end of the lake.
Mostly square in shape, Head Lake is 8km long by 5km wide, with a maximum depth of about 30 feet. Water levels are mostly stable and are dam-regulated, with spring levels being highest due to thaw, rainfall, and runoff. Much like it’s shoreline, the properties along the water are immensely varied. The homes along North Shore Road, one of the closest-knit communities on the lake, have a suburban-waterfront vibe, while properties tucked away on the peninsulas and islands will feel much more rugged and remote. There are approximately 400 homes and cottages that share the shores of Head Lake.
Geography, Topography, & Ecology
A happily landlocked lake, Head Lake sees mostly local boating and fishing (unless there is a tournament on!) While rocky shoals and granite outcroppings in the North end of the lake can be treacherous to the uninitiated, the southern end of the lake offers great unencumbered skiing, wakeboarding, and recreational boating. Being a relatively shallow lake, pontoon, jetdrive, and fishing boats are popular. A single public boat launch at 503/Laxton Line 5 is frequented mostly by avid anglers. Head Lake offers prime fishing with smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, perch, and muskie calling the waters home.
Swimming is a bit of a mixed bag on Head Lake. It’s shallow waters warm quickly, but there is immense variety in shoreline. Depending on where you are, you can expect deep, divable water right off the granite shore, shallow, silty wade-in bays, sandy shores with reeds and weeds, rocky walk-outs, and everything in between. One size does not fit all, and the best way to know if a property is for you is to make the trip (and bring a towel if you want to try the water for yourself).
Unique to Head Lake is the Queen Elisabeth Wildland II Park, which envelopes the north end of the lake. QEII is a 33,505 hectare un-maned park with rugged canoe routes involving lakes, wetlands, and portages, and home to over 100km of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail.
Sports & Recreation
Vibe Check
Head Lake is laid-back Canadian cottaging at it’s absolute finest. With the QEWII at it’s doorstep, rugged shorelines, and destination fishing, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts – and proof that birds of a feather really do flock together. Friendly neighbours visit each other regularly, sharing beers and bugspray throughout friendships that span generations at the lake.
Head Lake is your cool, fun uncle – rough around the edges, a little wild, and pure gold.
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