Swim Gin-Clear Water with Family Near Huntsville Together
Why Rent On Foote Lake
Foote Lake sits in the Parry Sound District near the village of Kearney and the town of Huntsville, in a section of the Almaguin Highlands that rewards families who are happy to leave the main tourist corridors behind. At 127 hectares, this is a lake that you can learn in a day and grow fond of over a week, its shoreline edged by rolling hills and dense mixed forest that close in around the water in a way that makes the whole lake feel like a private room. Huntsville is close enough for dinner, a trip to a brewery, or a stock-up at the grocery store, while the lake itself remains quietly removed from the town’s summer energy.
Fishing on a Well-Kept Almaguin Lake
Foote Lake’s maximum depth of 11 metres and its position within the Almaguin Highlands watershed give it the conditions that support a healthy fish population. The lake is a consistently productive spot for families who fish, and the surrounding landscape, with its crisscrossing hiking and biking trails, keeps non-anglers fully occupied throughout the day. Boat launches accessible via Savage Settlement Road provide entry for those bringing their own watercraft, and while there are no large on-site marinas, the access is clean and straightforward. In winter, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and ice skating transform a quiet lake into a thoroughly active one.
A Rental That Fits the Setting
Foote Lake calls for a cabin or waterfront cottage rather than a polished resort stay, and the properties in the area answer that call well. A lakeside rental here gives your family private water access, the full kitchen that makes self-sufficient lake living comfortable, and the outdoor fire pit that every Almaguin evening seems to call for. Properties are typically sized for groups of four to eight guests, with private docks and enough space to store canoes and kayaks for the week. Hot tubs are available on several properties, welcome when the Parry Sound District nights cool quickly in September.
What To Know
Foote Lake has no major on-water amenities, no waterfront restaurant or marina store where you can pick up a forgotten item. Your provisioning trip needs to happen in Huntsville or Kearney before you reach your rental. Treat that stop as part of the ritual rather than an inconvenience, and stock up properly. Once you arrive at the lake, the self-sufficiency becomes the point.
Foote Lake is the kind of place that families with some Muskoka experience tend to find once they are ready for something a little less crowded and a little more honest about what a lake in this part of Ontario actually looks and sounds like. Unhurried, well-forested, and genuinely quiet, it is a strong choice for the right family.
- Surface area (km)
- 1.27
- Max depth (m)
- 11
- Elevation (m)
- 388
Popular activities
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
Planning a trip?
Tell us about your upcoming trip and how we can help!
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Foote Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
-
No, it is not always safe to swim in Foot Lake. Water quality can be poor after rainfall due to runoff carrying contaminants, and city staff tests the water for Fecal Coliform bacteria only during certain periods.
-
Foote Lake is a popular destination because of its beautiful water for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. It is also close to Huntsville and located near other recreational areas like the Almaguin Highlands, which offer trails, fishing, and winter sports. The lake’s proximity to Provincial Parks and various outdoor activities makes it an attractive spot.
-
The fishing seasons and catch limits for trout and salmon in Lake Ontario, which includes areas like Foote Lake, are as follows: Lake trout season is from the fourth Saturday in May to September 8, with a catch limit of 2 daily and 1 in possession. For all trout and salmon species combined, the daily catch and possession limit is 5 and 2, respectively.
-
There is a public beach at Foote Site Park, which is the only public swimming beach along River Road. The park includes a hardened boat ramp and is a popular spot on hot summer days.
-
The closest town to Foote Lake for groceries and other amenities is Huntsville. Local shopping is available at Novar Foodland, which is about 10km away, and larger downtown Huntsville shopping amenities are only 18 minutes away.
