Sparrow Lake

Introduction

The southernmost lake in the Muskoka region, Sparrow Lake, is situated south of Gravenhurst, Ontario. It is a significant part of the Trent Severn Waterway, so you’ll no doubt spot all the fantastic boats rolling by on their way from Lake Couchiching to Georgian Bay. It’s close enough to the city for a weekend or week-long getaway, yet far enough away to forget your worries. The lake is named after William Sparrow, an Englishman, who fished and hunted the area in the 19th century, and whose mysterious disappearance has sparked many a rumour.

Controversy aside, you’ll love Sparrow Lake. You’ll get out of the city and unwind on the beautiful shores of this medium-sized lake. Embrace tranquillity from a Muskoka chair while you catch up on your summer reading or enjoy a cold beverage. Enjoy the shade on your patio, or soak up the sun on your private dock.

Activities on the lake

Enjoy a cold beer while you fish from the shore of Sparrow Lake, or paddle out to deeper waters and cast off from a canoe. Reel in your catch of northern pike, largemouth bass, walleye, muskellunge, or smallmouth bass and grill it on the barbecue. Whether you’re a seasoned angler looking to catch the big one or a rookie looking to get his feet wet, you will surely see something.

Boaters will find two marinas on the lake: Sopher’s Landing Marina, at the north side of McLean Bay, offers slip rentals, boat launching, and a full range of boat services and repairs; Lauderdale Resort and Marina offers slips, service, storage, boat launching, marine supplies, a convenience store and a licensed patio restaurant.

If fishing and boating aren’t for you, check out the challenging trails and smooth roads that beckon the adventurous sporting enthusiasts and those just looking for a relaxing ride along the Trent-Severn Waterway. Bring your bicycle and explore the beauty of the Muskoka region, or escape the summer heat and cool off in the refreshing waters of Sparrow Lake. The many coves and inlets making up the lake offer prime locations for your swimming adventures; they are also great for canoeing and kayaking. The granite islands spotted within the lake, and the rocky, well-treed shorelines offer hours of enjoyment. They are also the perfect perch from which to jump. Imagine hanging a tree swing from the edge and launching yourself out over the waters of Sparrow Lake.

Exploring the area

If you want to venture away from the lake, two golf courses are nearby in Washago. Lake St. George Golf Club offers fun golf at an affordable price with both a nine-hole and an 18-hole course, and Evergreen Golf Center is a nine-hole course suitable for all levels of play, and they even have a challenging 18-hole mini-putt. Or stop by Bayview Wildwood Resort; they have a fantastic restaurant on-site, and remember to ask about Friday’s special: fish ‘n chips. And if you want to leave the lake behind for the entire day, we suggest a scenic trip to Georgian Bay. Immerse yourself in the sights and trails of The Grotto in Bruce Peninsula National Park.

However you wish to enjoy Sparrow Lake, let us help you find your next home away from home.

Location
Official Name	Sparrow Lake
County/District	Muskoka
Municipality	Town of Gravenhurst
Drainage Basin	Severn River
Latitude/Longitude	44.818513 N -79.396116 W

Physical Features
Surface Area (km)	10.35
Elevation (m asl)	214
Mean Depth (m)	4
Maximum Depth (m)	12
Perimeter (km)
Island Shoreline (km)
Clarity (m)	3.2

Land Use and Development
Crown Land (%)	<5
Provincial Parks	none
Shoreline Development	high; shoreline residential, commercial
Access	public; public boat launch at Franklin Park and Morrison Creek Landing to the north; Sopher’s Marina
Water Level Management

Fish Species
Major Fish Species	smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, muskellunge, walleye
Other Fish Species	yellow perch, rock perch, rock bass, black crappie, pumpkinseed, bluegill, channel catfish, brown bullhead, bowfin