When it comes to finding the perfect canoe lake, Ontario’s Haliburton Highlands delivers some of the quietest, most scenic paddling in cottage country. From glassy no-motor lakes to expansive lakes with quiet bays, there are over 600 lakes in our region alone. At All-Season Cottage Rentals, we manage waterfront cottages throughout the Highlands, and most of our rentals include a canoe for guests to use. That means you can wake up steps from the dock and be on the water within minutes. These are our favourite lakes for canoeing in Ontario’s Haliburton Highlands, and we’ve got a cottage waiting on the shore of each one!
No-Motor Lakes in the Haliburton Highlands
We have several cottages located directly on quiet, no-motor lakes, where you can canoe without worrying about wake from motorboats. These lakes are calm, small, and perfect for a short paddle. Browse our rentals at each lake and choose the perfect one for your group’s needs:
- Boyne Lake: A peaceful non-motor lake just minutes from Haliburton village, with a natural shoreline that is ideal for spotting wildlife from the water. Reserve our Beaver Bay property on Boyne Lake.
- Ross Lake: Non-motorized lake near Haliburton Forest, great for trout and bass fishing and peaceful paddling. Book the Becker’s Place cottage.
- Glen Lake: Small motor-free lake within walking distance of Sir Sam’s Ski & Ride, ideal for swimming and calm paddling. Check out our Glen Lake Retreat.
- Gratitude Lake: A private, off-grid lake set on 50 acres, perfect for those seeking extra solitude as they paddle. Book our Off-Grid Cabin on Gratitude Lake.
- South Portage Lake: A quiet, private lake that only allows electric boats on the lake. Ideal for swimming, relaxing, and canoeing. Reserve the Stillwater Lakehouse.
- Basshaunt Lake: Motor-free lake, offering tranquility perfect for fishing, paddling, and swimming. Stay on the lake at Wally Pines.
Motor Lakes Great for Canoeing in Ontario’s Highlands
Prefer more room to roam? These larger lakes see some motorboat traffic, but they reward paddlers with long, scenic routes and hidden bays to explore. Head out early in the morning or in the evening for the best paddling conditions on these local lakes:
- Kennisis Lake: One of the largest lakes in the Highlands, stretching out over 23km. It features miles of shoreline and sheltered bays that make for rewarding day-long paddles. Stay at one of our cottage rentals on Kennisis Lake.
- Redstone Lake: A large, deep lake with a deeply indented shoreline and plenty of secluded coves to explore. It links to Little Redstone by a quiet channel for paddlers who want to explore even further. Book a property on Redstone Lake.
- Big Hawk Lake: A rugged, forested lake near the edge of Algonquin’s wilderness, with clear water and rocky, tree-lined shores that feel a world away. Reserve your getaway at Hawk View.
- Haliburton Lake: The largest lake in the region, offering over 33km of shoreline and deep water that can reach up to 180 feet. It offers a nice balance of open water and quiet bays, giving paddlers variety. Stay at a cottage rental on Haliburton Lake.
Stay on Some of the Best Canoe Lakes in Ontario with All-Season
Whether you are after a calm lake for gentle mornings or a large option for all-day exploring, we have waterfront properties to match. Browse our full list of cottage rentals and find the perfect canoe lake in Ontario’s Haliburton Highlands for your getaway. Questions about a lake or cottage? Give our local team a call at 705-754-1506.