Mary Lake

Introduction

Welcome to Mary Lake, part of an artificial waterway connecting Fairy Lake, Lake Vernon and Peninsula Lake. Water travels through these lakes and drains into the North Muskoka River. A family-friendly summer wonderland, Mary Lake sits near the village of Port Sydney and fifteen minutes from the town of Huntsville. The lake and the surrounding area have become famous for cottagers looking for a smaller lake feel with more natural shorelines.

Activities on the lake

Mary Lake has a large surface area and is easy to navigate. It is ideal for all boating activities and has the convenience of Mary Lake Marina for rentals, fuel and sales. Fishing is popular on the lake, with the primary species being lake trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, lake whitefish, largemouth bass and walleye.

On the south end of Mary Lake, the kids will love swimming at Port Sydney Beach, which features a long shallow entry for younger children and a dock for jumping into deeper waters for the more experienced swimmers. Or you can always send your kids riding the natural waterslide down the smooth rocks at the falls down the street. Port Sydney Beach also hosts several annual activities for the family. There are Canada Day celebrations, regattas and the Muskoka Kids Triathalon.

Exploring the area

You don’t need to go far if you forgot something at home or need to stock up on supplies for the cottage. David’s General Store has many items for sale, including baked goods, groceries, and ice cream for those hot summer days. And you’ve got to try their delicious homemade pizza. Other attractions nearby include Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm and the North Granite Ridge Golf Club.

Whether swimming, day-tripping, fishing, wakeboarding, or tubing, there is plenty to explore around Mary Lake; you will love it there.

Location
Official Name	Mary Lake
County/District	Muskoka
Municipality	Town of Huntsville
Drainage Basin	North Muskoka River
Latitude/Longitude	45.2458 N 79.2553 W

Physical Features
Surface Area (km)	10.61
Elevation (m asl)	281
Mean Depth (m)	25
Maximum Depth (m)	56
Perimeter (km)	20.5
Island Shoreline (km)	3.6
Clarity (m)	3.4

Land Use and Development
Crown Land (%)	0
Provincial Parks	none
Shoreline Development	intense; urban, commercial, shoreline residential
Access	public; boat launch at Port Sydney; navigation lock from Fairy Lake; marinas
Water Level Management	regulated; water level is controlled by an MNR owned and operated dam at Port Sydney; water levels are governed by the Muskoka River Water Management Plan

Fish Species
Major Fish Species	lake trout, lake whitefish, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, burbot, brook trout, black crappie
Other Fish Species	pumpkinseed, trout-perch, white sucker, brown bullhead, golden shiner, rainbow smelt, yellow perch, bluntnose minnow, longnose sucker, rock bass, slimy sculpin, spottail shiner