Stoney Lake - Jewel of the Kawarthas : Gail Burton - Frank Real Estate Brokerage

Stoney Lake - Jewel of the Kawarthas

View A Full Size Map of Stoney and Clear Lake

Stoney Lake is approximately forty kilometers long and five kilometers wide. Part of the Trent Severn Waterway system, it is entered through the locks at Burleigh Falls, a splendid and beautiful area of rushing white water over craggy pink granite rocks from Lovesick Lake. Stony and Clear Lake exit downstream through the locks at Youngs Point and into Lake Katchawanooka.

The easterly portion of the lake (known as Upper Stoney Lake) projects toward the northeast and is bypassed by the main navigational channel. The westerly portion of the lake is known as Lower Stoney. Historically, cottagers in "Upper" use an "e" in Stoney, while "Lower" cottagers drop the "e". This makes for great debate in the proper spelling of the lakes name, with many old maps and notations spelling it one way or the other. Clear Lake is free of islands and is known as either the "clear" end of Stoney, or Stoney is the "stoney" end of Clear.

An ambitious boater could drop their craft into Georgian Bay, follow down through the system, into Lake Ontario and on down through to the Hudson River (New York) and on into the Atlantic Ocean.

Situated on the edge of the Canadian Shield, Stony is dotted with hundreds of lovely rocky islands supporting some of the earliest traditional cottages in southern Ontario. In addition to the granite, abundant limestone makes the lake more resistant to the effects of acid rain, consequently, a healthy environment for excellent fishing. Stoney Lake has been renowned since the late 1880’s for the fishing, attracting some of the earliest cottagers from Ontario and the United States. Many of these original cottage families are still resident on the lake in the summer months.

View A Full Size Map of Chemong, Buckhorn and Pigeon Lake

The Lower Stoney Lake Cottager’s Association retains the gifted property on Juniper Island and maintains its original buildings. Annual regattas as well as organized sailing races have been held on Juniper Island since the 1880’s. The Juniper Island Store, snack bar and pavilion are a wonderful attraction on Juniper Island. The Stoney Lake Yacht Club (century old two storey wet slip boathouse) and Tennis Club are also operated from the Juniper Island property. Organized swimming, workouts, triathlons, square dances, sailing, dances and movies are available to all.

Years ago before powerboats and cottage roads, cottages were accessed by steam ships. Many of the older cottages still have large, old concrete docks where the steamers could land and tie up. These same steamers would bring fresh produce, milk and other supplies to the summer residents. During the winter, ice was cut from the lake in blocks, stored in sawdust in icehouses, preserving it for summer use. It was delivered by boat for their "ice boxes". Many of the older, larger cottages still have old icehouse structures on their islands. It wasn’t until the 1950’s that some islands were serviced by hydro. Today, some of the islanders still prefer to be without it. Telephone service was introduced to the islands in the 1960’s. The Quarry Bay area in Upper Stoney was a popular destination for early cottagers. At the turn of the century and for many years, they would row to this area to have their shore lunches and picnics. They were attracted by the natural sandy shoreline and beautiful scenery. The word Cheboutequion (one of the roads in this area) was one of the original names of the lake. It is a native word meaning long, rocky body of water.

St. Peter’s on the Rock, an island church is situated on one of the lovely islands in Lower Stoney. Non-denominational Sunday services have been offered for over 50 years. Summer weddings are popular, as well as christenings and there is a special thanksgiving service in the fall.

There are several excellent marinas on the lake providing full marina services-mechanics, new boats and accessories, life jackets, fishing supplies etc. Most also provide water taxi services, boat dockage and car parking.

Resorts with long established reputations are scattered around the lake. They offer full guest service, be it house keeping cottages or hotel like accommodation. There are also several restaurants that you can boat to. Evening and dinner cruises are offered throughout the summer. The Petroglyph Park is nearby offering miles of hiking or biking trails. There are riding stables as well as golf courses near by. Activities in the wintertime are plentiful. Cross-country skiing, skating, and snowmobiling are popular winter past times.

Wildfire Golf Course, a world class equity course opened in 2000. The award-winning (best new clubhouse, 2006, Fairways Magazine) clubhouse further compliments the award-winning course by its outstanding design. The clubhouse overlooks the lake and members have the option of either driving or boating to the golf course.

The Village of Lakefield is minutes away for all shopping needs. Supermarkets, specialty stores, a beer and liquor store, hardware stores as well as restaurants and banks. If you should desire to go to Lakefield by boat to shop, its only one lock away. A fun family outing!

Stoney/Clear Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Kawarthas. Beautiful scenery, strong cottage associations and a rich history have made this one of the most desirable cottage destinations for generations of cottagers. Stoney Lake, "Jewel of the Kawarthas".