Are you seeking a peaceful retreat by the tranquil waters of Troy Lake? While Troy Lake is not linked to the historic Rideau Canal Waterway in eastern Ontario, it is considered part of the picturesque Rideau Lakes region. Nestled just a stone’s throw away from Whitefish Lake and a brief five-mile jaunt from the Jones Falls Locks, Troy Lake offers seclusion for those longing for solitude. The limited number of cottages dotting the west shore ensures that every visitor can relish uninterrupted views of the glistening water and lush woods. Getting to know your neighbors is often faster by boat than by road, as the roads merely lead to the northern and western shores. At Troy Lake, vacationers delight in a myriad of water activities. The water at Troy Lake warms quickly in spring, making it an inviting spot for swimming. Sailing, water skiing, pontooning, canoeing, and kayaking are popular pastimes among visitors and residents alike. Whether you fancy a beachside bonfire or watching the sun dip below the horizon from the comfort of a deck, Troy Lake is the perfect setting. Residents boast that Troy Lake has been a prime fishing locale since the area was first settled. Renowned for its abundance of crappie, pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and various sunfish, the lake’s irregular shoreline and scattered islands provide ample cover for the aquatic residents. The idyllic wooded lakefront and vast natural habitat offer sanctuary to wildlife and waterfowl, including loons and great blue herons. Pack your binoculars and camera when planning a vacation at Troy Lake. Just a few hundred feet from Troy Lake’s southwest shore lies the smaller Mud Lake, forming a chain of interconnected lakes extending southwestward. The presence of wetland areas at the lake’s north and south ends is a testament to Troy Lake’s once greater size and depth. Referred to as Rideau Lakes collectively, the region boasts more lakes unconnected to the canal system than those integrated into the Waterway. Often dubbed ‘The Muskoka of Ottawa’ for its resemblance to the renowned ‘Cottage Country’ to the west.
While some residences have graced Troy Lake’s shoreline for generations, newer cottages have cropped up in recent years as an affordable alternative to properties along the increasingly pricey Rideau Waterway. Situated just an hour and a half from Ottawa and a brief 40-minute drive from Kingston, Troy Lake is the quintessential destination for those seeking a cozy lakeside retreat without breaking the bank. Although no services are available directly on the lake, the nearby Jones Falls is five miles away, with more extensive shopping and amenities in Newboro and Westport and quaint local shops in Elgin. Deserted country roads beckon cyclists for leisurely excursions, with the Rideau-Info website offering recommended cycling routes in the Jones Falls vicinity. Enclosed within the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve, the area boasts extensive protected lands, ideal for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling along informal trails. Visitors can rent various boats and houseboats from the canal and marinas to navigate the vast Rideau Waterway. Prospective visitors to Troy Lake can easily find vacation rentals along the lakefront, as many absentee owners rent out their cottages weekly or monthly. For those who need help to secure accommodation directly on the lake, the Rideau Canal area provides many lodging options, from hotels and resorts to charming bed-and-breakfasts and fishing camps. With abundant real estate opportunities surrounding Troy Lake, including properties with direct lakefront or lake access, it’s best to secure your vacation spot early to ensure the perfect getaway. So, pack your fishing gear, binoculars, camera, and birding guide – an unforgettable natural experience awaits you at Troy Lake.