Swim Clear Water and Breathe Pine Air Near Huntsville
Why Rent On Longs Lake
Longs Lake sits within the Town of Huntsville in the geographic Township of Stephenson, west of the village of Utterson and north of Huntsville itself. The area immediately around the lake carries the rural tranquility that Utterson is known for, while Huntsville’s restaurants, cultural programming, and waterfront parks are close enough for a proper evening out without disturbing the general quietness of the stay. The lake draws families who have been to Muskoka before and are ready for a version that breathes a little more easily.
Fishing, Paddling, and the Muskoka Rural Calendar
Bass, trout, and pike all inhabit Longs Lake’s waters, and several boat access points and local marinas make getting onto the lake simple for fishing and recreational use. In summer, kayaking, canoeing, and sailing suit the lake’s calm character, and the warm water invites swimming from private docks throughout July and August. Winter transforms the area in the classically Muskoka way: ice fishing huts appear on the frozen surface, snowmobile trails link the surrounding properties, and the cross-country ski networks around Huntsville come fully alive. Local lore even suggests that horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snow-covered forest are occasionally organised by area properties in the deep of winter.
Why a Lakeside Rental Fits This Lake
Longs Lake is the kind of place where a private rental does what it does best: it slows everything down to the lake’s own pace. A waterfront cottage or cabin here means morning coffee on the dock while the mist is still on the water, long afternoons with nothing to decide except whether to paddle or fish, and evenings by an outdoor fire when the Muskoka dark closes in. Full kitchens let your family eat well on the lake’s own schedule, and properties with private docks, fire pits, and hot tubs make the overall experience feel genuinely complete. Pet-friendly options are widely available.
What To Know
Longs Lake, being situated in a quieter section of the Huntsville area, has fewer on-water services than the town’s more prominent lakes. There is no waterfront marina store or rental shop on the lake itself. Come prepared with your own gear, your own kayaks or canoe if those matter, and a fully stocked kitchen from Huntsville before settling in. That preparation pays for itself within the first afternoon.
Longs Lake is the Muskoka experience for the family that wants their lake week to feel genuinely unhurried. The proximity to Huntsville means you are never far from what you need, and the lake’s own calm character means you rarely feel the urge to go looking for it.
- Surface area (km)
- 0.43
- Max depth (m)
- 10
- Elevation (m)
- 300
- Shoreline length (km)
- 4.74
Popular activities
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
Planning a trip?
Tell us about your upcoming trip and how we can help!
Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Longs Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
-
Yes, it is generally safe to swim in Long Lake, but with some precautions. The water is regularly monitored by Hennepin County to ensure it is safe for swimming during the open beach season. However, there are no lifeguards on duty, so swimming is at your own risk.
-
Long Lake in Ontario, Canada, is a popular destination because of its excellent fishing opportunities. The lake supports natural and stocked populations of trout and bass, and its surrounding landscape of dense forest and undisturbed lakes offers various outdoor activities like canoeing, hiking, and skiing. The area also provides a range of vacation rentals and scenic seasonal changes.
-
The fishing season for trout in Longs Lake, Ontario, typically starts on the fourth Saturday in May and ends on September 8. The catch limits vary, but for Lake Trout in Fisheries Management Zone 18, which includes Longs Lake, the limits are specified by the Ontario fishing regulations. For example, sport licence holders may have different limits than conservation licence holders.
-
Yes, there is a public beach at Long Lake. The Long Lake Town Beach in New York offers a sandy beach, swimming docks, and Red Cross certified lifeguards. It is located in the hamlet of Long Lake and is open during summer hours.
-
The nearest towns to Longs Lake in Ontario, Canada, are Huntsville and Utterson. Longs Lake is situated in the geographic Township of Stephenson within the Town of Huntsville, located west of Utterson. These towns are in the Muskoka region.