Balsam Lake (Ontario) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Balsam Lake |
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 Balsam Lake
Location in Southern Ontario
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| Location | Kawartha Lakes, Ontario |
| Group | Kawartha Lakes |
| Coordinates | 44°34′50″N 78°50′30″W / 44.58056°N 78.84167°W |
| Primary inflows | Gull River, Staples River, Corben Creek |
| Primary outflows | Rosedale River, Trent Canal |
| Catchment area | 115 km2 (44 sq mi) |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 16 km (9.9 mi) |
| Max. width | 3 km (1.9 mi) |
| Surface area | 48 km2 (19 sq mi) |
| Max. depth | 15.24 m (50.0 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 256.3 metres (841 ft) |
| Islands | Grand Island, Hogg Island, Ball Island, Delamere Island, Ant Island, Cherry Island |
| Settlements | Coboconk |
Balsam Lake is a beautiful lake located in the City of Kawartha Lakes in Ontario, Canada. It's a special part of the Great Lakes Basin and one of the many lakes that make up the Kawartha Lakes chain. What makes Balsam Lake unique is that it sits at the very top, or "summit," of the famous Trent–Severn Waterway.
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Exploring Balsam Lake's Geography
Balsam Lake stretches about 16 kilometers (10 miles) long. It averages 3 kilometers (2 miles) wide, but its actual width changes a lot. This is because of the many large bays that shape its shoreline. The lake covers a total area of 48 square kilometers (18.5 square miles).
The Highest Point of the Waterway
Balsam Lake holds an important record: it's the highest point of the Trent–Severn Waterway. It sits at an elevation of 256.3 meters (841 feet) above sea level. From here, boats can travel downhill in two directions. They can go northwest towards Georgian Bay or southeast towards Lake Ontario.
This makes Balsam Lake the highest place a boat can reach from the ocean in the entire Great Lakes-Saint Lawrence River area. It's like the peak of a watery mountain range!
Water Flow and Nearby Towns
Water flows into Balsam Lake from a few main sources. The Gull River enters from the north, and the Staples River comes in from the southwest. The main way water leaves the lake is through the Rosedale River and the Trent Canal. These lead to Cameron Lake to the east.
On the northern side of Balsam Lake, you'll find the charming village of Coboconk. It's a great spot to visit if you're exploring the area.
Nature and Fun at Balsam Lake
Balsam Lake is not just important for waterways; it's also a fantastic place to enjoy nature. Two provincial parks are located on its north shore: Balsam Lake Provincial Park and Indian Point Provincial Park. These parks offer great opportunities to explore the outdoors.
Fishing and Recreation
If you love fishing, Balsam Lake is a popular spot. You can find excellent fishing for different types of fish, including bass, walleye, and muskie. On a warm summer day, many boats gather in Mackenzie Bay, located in West Bay. It's a favorite place for people to relax and enjoy the water.
