Muskoka lake guide
Peninsula Lake
Resort Heritage, Deerhurst Views, and 30 km of Muskoka Shoreline
- Nearby
- Huntsville (5 min west), Dwight (20 min northeast), Baysville (25 min south)
- In a line
- Known locally as "Pen Lake," Peninsula Lake has wider open water than Fairy Lake, and it is colder and clearer. Deerhurst Resort, where the 2010 G8 Summit was held, is on its shore.
Overview
Peninsula Lake covers 840 to 869 hectares with a maximum depth of 37 m and nearly 30 km of shoreline, split between the Town of Huntsville and the Township of Lake of Bays. Its two named peninsulas on the northern shore create protected bays popular for sailing. Water levels are controlled at two points: the outlet canal to Fairy Lake (excavated in 1888) and a water control structure at Fairy Lake's outlet. Seven commercial resorts operate on the lake including Deerhurst and Hidden Valley, plus Hidden Valley Highlands ski area, so the lake is active in all four seasons. Fish species include walleye, lake trout, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass.
Good to know
- Part of the four-lake Huntsville chain, with open boating access to Fairy Lake, Lake Vernon, and Mary Lake
- Lake trout habitat designation triggers a 30 m vegetation buffer and dock surface area limits
- Hills Island and Wolf Island are privately held, so island properties require confirming water-access-only status
- Hidden Valley ski area operates year-round, so the lake stays active across all four seasons
Worth checking
Before you buy on Peninsula Lake.
- 01
The canal connecting Peninsula to Fairy Lake is a federally navigable waterway. Shoreline works within 30 m require Fisheries and Oceans Canada approval in addition to Township permits.
- 02
Seven commercial resorts operate on the lake's 30 km shoreline. Noise, boat traffic, and seaplane activity peak on summer weekends, so check which bay the property sits in relative to resort docks.
- 03
Water level is managed at two control structures, and spring snowmelt regularly overtops low-profile docks in the shallower eastern bays around Wolf Island. Ask how the dock relates to the regulated operating range.
- 04
Hills Island and Wolf Island are privately held. For an island property, confirm it is water-access only and how you reach it through the year.
General information. Your home inspector, your lawyer and the township confirm the details on any specific property.
Talk to Seth
Thinking about Peninsula Lake? Call Seth.
He'll tell you the long version: the bays, the roads, and what to look at on any cottage you're considering.