There are hundreds of lakes in Muskoka. As we're often asked, "how big is the lake?" we have compiled the following information to try and answer this question. Generally, in Muskoka, Ontario there are four " large " or " big lake" systems:

1. 1. The "big three" consists of Lakes Muskoka, Joseph (including Little Lake Joseph) and Rosseau. These three lakes are interconnected by a lock system at " the hub of the lakes", Port Carling. Lake Joseph and Rosseau are connected by the Joseph River and a canal ("cut") at Port Sandfield. All three lakes are very popular due to the variety of summer activities available.

2. 2. The "Hunstville chain of lakes" consists of Lake Vernon, Fairy, Peninsula and Mary. This chain offers approximately forty miles of boating. Lakes Fairy and Peninsula are joined by a canal system and Mary Lake is reached via a lock system from Fairy Lake.

3. 3. Lake of Bays, is a large lake that does not interconnect with anything else. Some people consider Lake of Bays a little less busy than the other large lakes although there is still plenty to see and do.

4. 4. Just touching the southernmost part of the district is the Trent-Severn Waterway Park System. This waterway is a major recreational boating park that links a number of lakes and rivers with a series of 125 locks. It extends for approximately 386km, through Central Ontario and links the Bay of Quinte (Lake Ontario) to Georgian Bay. In Muskoka, Lakes Couchiching, Sparrow, the Severn River and Gloucester Pool (at Port Severn) are part of this system.

NOTE Information in this table has been compiled from data provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources. If you need more specific information on a particular lake, including the type of fish that could possibly be caught in it, please call them directly at the Regional office (Huntsville) (705) 789-9611, or, the local District Office(s): for Gravenhurst/Bracebridge area call (705) 645-8747, for Huntsville area call (705) 789-0117. As many lakes have the same name, be sure you have the correct location.