Swim Tea-Colored Water and Hike Restoule Provincial Park
Why Rent On Commanda Lake
In the Almaguin Highlands of Ontario’s near-north, Commanda Lake is the kind of place that rewards the families who make the effort to find it. Set in Parry Sound District along the boundary of Patterson and Pringle Townships, this 1,357-acre lake feeds from three creeks and drains into the Restoule River — and its 14-mile shoreline, still heavily forested and unhurried, is one of the least crowded beautiful lakes in the province.
Water sports are the main draw here: the open lake is excellent for waterskiing, tubing, and pontooning, while the inflowing streams are ideal for canoe and kayak exploration. Anglers come for the lake’s healthy populations of walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, lake trout, and both smallmouth and largemouth bass. The village of Restoule at the north end of the lake is your basecamp, and Restoule Provincial Park nearby adds hiking and camping options that keep nature families occupied for days.
Staying in a lakeside rental or cabin here means trading the crowd for the quiet — and the trade is very much in your favour. Cottages on Commanda tend to be spacious, well-equipped, and genuinely welcoming to guests. Full kitchens, private docks, and beautiful water views are standard features; fire pits and hot tubs are common upgrades. Pet-friendly properties are available throughout the area, and the forested surroundings give dogs as much to explore as their owners.
What You Need To Know
Commanda Lake is a remote destination, and the nearest large grocery store is a solid drive away in Powassan or Huntsville. Plan your supplies before you arrive, and treat the weekly shop as part of the ritual.
Commanda Lake is for families who want their lake holiday to feel like a genuine escape. The water is clean, the mornings are quiet, and the fishing is serious. If that’s what you’re after, you’ve found your lake.
- Max depth (m)
- 16
- Elevation (m)
- 222
- Shoreline length (km)
- 22.5
Popular activities
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Hiking
- Ice Fishing
- Cross-country Skiing
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Commanda Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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No, it is not safe to swim in Commanda Lake if there is a harmful blue-green algae bloom advisory. Check for signs of the bloom and wait until it has subsided before swimming, as the toxins from the algae can be harmful to humans and animals.
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Commanda Lake is a popular destination because it offers various recreational activities. The lake is ideal for fishing, with species like Pickerel, Pike, and Bass, and it also supports water skiing, tubing, boating, and canoeing. Its irregular shoreline and surrounding woods provide ample opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.
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For Commanda Lake in Ontario, which is part of Fisheries Management Zone 11, the fishing seasons and catch limits are as follows: Lake trout season is from February 15 to the third Sunday in March and from the third Saturday in May to Labour Day, with a limit of 2, only one of which can be greater than 40 centimeters. Brook trout season is from February 15 to September 30, with a limit of 5, but only one can be greater than 31 centimeters. Brown trout season is from the fourth Saturday in April to September 30, with a limit of 5. Channel catfish and crappie are open all year, with limits of 12 and 30 respectively.
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Yes, there is a public beach at Commanda Lake. The beach is clean and not overcrowded, with available washrooms. You can also rent paddle boats and kayaks nearby.
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The closest town to Commanda Lake with amenities and services is the Town of Kearney. It is about 10 minutes away and has wonderful swimming beaches and other amenities. Kearney provides the necessary services for visitors to Commanda Lake.
