Where to start…

Enchantment of the natural world…

Be prepared to be self-reliant and observe the camping etiquette of leaving no trace, so whatever you bring in you’re expected to take out with you. Campsite cost is determined by the number of occupants, their ages and the duration. Refunds will not be given for pesky bugs or inclement weather.

Located in the Haliburton Highlands, this lake is isolated from much of anything, except for other paddlers, a few motorboats and a handful of lake residences. It’s the ideal getaway from the grind of a long work week.

With so few others around, there is little to break the enchantment of the natural world, coming in the form of evening loon serenades, night owl exchanges, warblers’ calls, the red crossbills who swoop and swish their way from pine tree to cedar and back again. Lose yourself by the water lapping on the rocky shore, revel in the cotton candy skies, and the brilliance of the setting sun, reflecting the finality of the day.

The Naming of Clear Lake…

It’s easy to see how Clear Lake lives up to its namesake, and by most accounts from HHWT staff, it offers unmatched clarity. Swimming is an opportunity to literally immerse yourself in the wonder of it all, and offers a welcomed respite from the heat after a summer paddle. Start your trip at the Kennisis Lake Dam where you can park in a lot that accommodates dozens of vehicles, including space for trailers. Set off from the dock, taking in the views as you head down the river with what at times feels like a treed archway to Red Pine Lake. In Red Pine Lake, look carefully (close to the middle, far from shore) you’ll see seagulls standing on the water, which is really a shallow. Pass by a balancing boulder, which resembles an installation art piece – a private art showcase, if you will. Navigation to Clear Lake is made easier by referencing The Adventure Map of the Frost Centre by Chrismar. The waterproof map shows all the area’s campsites, portages, topography, features, roadways and even fish species that can be found in a given lake. Purchase the map at the Trails Office, located beside the Frost Centre on Highway 35, or at the Algonquin Outfitters Haliburton location. It’s a worthwhile investment for planning and to using while venturing in to the network of routes.

Take note, there are two portages to get to Clear Lake. The second portage further away (not beside a residence) is the staff recommended of the two routes to take. (Going in late-summer the first portage I took, which was muddy in sections, demanded focus on minding the trail that included rocks and vegetation.)

Book ahead of time. There are three sites on the lake: 36, 35 and 53. Site 36 is the largest of the three, permitting three tents and 10 occupants. It has a lower and higher area with its fire pit and privy situated on the lower area while the elevated vantage point enables a view of the distant horizon across Clear Lake. Next to it is 35, which is essentially it’s own island and has it’s own stone step entranceway (almost like it was cut into perfectly shaped steps out of the water). All the sites have enough space, acting as buffer between each other that you’d be hard pressed to know anyone was near. This lake stands out for its beauty, but is representative of all the lakes in the HHWT area. Most people know about Algonquin Park, but if you’ve never been to the Highlands come and see for yourself why we’re the best kept secret in Central Ontario.

How to get here…

From Toronto, the Highlands is close to 2.5 hours away. Take Hwy 400 North to Hwy 11 towards Gravenhurst, then head east on Highway 118 towards Carnarvon, continue to Kennisis Lake Road and head north on it until you can’t go anymore, launching at the Kennisis Lake Dam where there is space for dozens of vehicles.

Need a canoe rental?…

Go to the Haliburton Highlands Water Trails office located at on Hwy 35 besides the Frost Centre. There are two canoe sizes to choose from: Swift Algonquin 16′ and the Prospector 17′. Fees start at $41.12 for the 16′ canoe and a few dollars more you can rent the 17′, not including tax. Each canoe includes a safety kit (bailer, throw/tow line, and whistle), two paddles and two personal flotation devices. Both canoes have two seats, so, if there is a third passenger, he/she will have to sit on the bottom of the canoe. Car kits, which enable transport of the canoes, are available to rent. Pickup and drop-off your canoe any time between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., seven days a week during late-spring and summer at the Trails’ office. Visit the https://ahtrails.ca/ or call the HHWT office (705-766-9033) for more information on camp site bookings and canoe rentals.

Be sure to check out the many other paddling destinations located in the Haliburton Highlands.