Swim Clear Cool Water and Explore Huntsville with Family
Why Rent On Peninsula Lake
Peninsula Lake — Pen Lake to those who know it — is a cold-water lake just east of Huntsville in the District Municipality of Muskoka, covering 8.69 square kilometres across the Town of Huntsville and the Township of Lake of Bays. The lake connects by navigable channels to Fairy Lake and Vernon Lake and through a navigation lock on the North Muskoka River to Mary Lake, making a four-lake boating circuit possible from a single dock. Peninsula Lake has a long resort history: Deerhurst Resort, founded in 1896 on the northern shore, was among the first major summer resorts in northern Muskoka, and Hidden Valley Resort on the southeastern shore has since added skiing to the lake’s four-season identity. Seven commercial resort properties, two main islands, and a mix of private cottages give the lake a developed but still genuinely natural character — a combination that is harder to find in Muskoka than it once was.
On the water
Lake trout are the primary fishing target and the subject of active provincial population management; northern pike and smallmouth bass provide consistent warm-water action in the shallower areas and around Hills Island and Wolf Island. Lake whitefish and brook trout are also present. An Ontario Outdoors Card and fishing licence are required for all anglers — check current Ministry of Natural Resources regulations for season dates and sanctuary periods before fishing for lake trout. Boating the full Huntsville Lake chain is a genuine day-trip activity: pick up a local boating chart from one of the marinas before setting out, and ask marina staff about current channel conditions at low water. Kayaking and canoeing through the sheltered channels and around the islands reward a slower pace. In winter, ice fishing for lake trout and northern pike draws a loyal local following. All watercraft must be cleaned, drained, and dried before launching — zebra mussels and Eurasian water milfoil are documented in connected Muskoka water bodies.
What to do near Peninsula Lake
Deerhurst Resort on the northern shore offers non-cottage visitors the most comprehensive on-lake experience: spa, golf, dining, Nordic ski trails, zip line, and a dedicated beach and water sports area for resort guests. Hidden Valley Resort on the southeastern shore operates a downhill ski hill in winter and summer water sports, making Peninsula Lake one of the few Muskoka lakes with genuine year-round resort infrastructure on both ends. Huntsville town, a 10 to 15 minute drive west, is one of the most complete small cities in northern Muskoka — restaurants, grocery stores, outfitters, galleries, and a weekly farmers market. Arrowhead Provincial Park, about 10 kilometres north, adds hiking, swimming, and tubing on the Arrowhead River, and Algonquin Park’s Highway 60 corridor is within day-trip range.
When to go and where to stay
The main cottage and resort season runs late May through mid-October. Lake trout fishing is best in late spring and again in September and October when water cools. Fall colour on Peninsula Lake typically peaks in early to mid-October and is spectacular for boating and paddling in the now-quiet water. Deerhurst’s Nordic ski and skating programmes run December through March in most years; Hidden Valley’s ski hill typically opens in late December. Peak summer weeks book well in advance across both resorts and private cottage rentals. Deerhurst Resort and Hidden Valley offer resort accommodation directly on the lake; for a private cottage experience, vacation homes on Peninsula Lake’s shoreline deliver a private dock and kitchen with easy morning access to the water. Browse Lake.com for pet-friendly properties, multi-bedroom cottages for larger groups, and listings in the Deerhurst Road and Lake of Bays area.
- Surface area (km)
- 8.4
- Max depth (m)
- 37
- Elevation (m)
- 284
- Shoreline length (km)
- 27
Popular activities
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Wakeboarding
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Jet Skiing
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Marinas on Peninsula Lake
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Peninsula Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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It is generally safe to swim in Peninsula Lake in Ontario, Canada, but water quality can vary. The lake’s water quality is monitored, and while it passes tests most of the time, conditions can change due to weather and other factors.
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Peninsula Lake is a popular destination because of its location near Huntsville, Ontario. It offers a mid-sized cold-water lake with a maximum depth of 37 meters and a surface area of 840 hectares, making it suitable for various water activities. The lake also connects to Fairy Lake and the Muskoka River via a canal.
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In Peninsula Lake, Ontario, which is part of the Northeastern Ontario region, the main fishing seasons are:
– Walleye: Spring (May to June) and Fall (September to October).
– Northern Pike: Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to October).
– Smallmouth Bass: Summer (June to August).
Catch limits vary, so it’s best to check the annual Ontario fishing regulations for specific limits. These regulations help manage fish populations and ensure sustainable fishing. -
There is no specific beach mentioned at Peninsula Lakes, as it is a community with multiple lakes but not a traditional beach setting. The community offers resort-style amenities and lakes, which can be enjoyed by families for activities like walking, fishing, or picnics. However, it does not have a designated beach area for swimming or typical beach activities.
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Towns near Peninsula Lake include Huntsville and the communities within the Township of Lake of Bays. Huntsville is a larger town with various amenities, while the Township of Lake of Bays encompasses several smaller communities around the lake.
