Majestic Mary Lake is situated southwest of the town of Huntsville in the townships of Stephenson and Brunel. Access can be gained from Muskoka Rd 10, or from within the quaint village of Port Sydney. Mary Lake is part of the Huntsville lake chain with access to Lake Peninsula, Lake Vernon and Fairy Lake via the Brunel lock system. This chain of lakes grants access to over 40 miles of boating making it very desirable to cottagers and homeowners looking for an adventurous lifestyle.
Home to a number of cottage resorts and lodges and camps, Mary Lake has become a popular lake for cottagers looking for a smaller lake feel with less commercially developed shorelines. Although the lake is smaller than some of those close by, the lake continues to support the growing tourism with dining, shopping, accommodations and marinas all within close proximity.
Water levels on Mary Lake are regulated and controlled by an MNR owned and operated dam at Port Sydney. The maximum depth of the lake is a respectable 56 metres, with an average depth of about 25 metres. Shoreline perimeter of Mary Lake is approximately 20kms, so there is plenty of lake to explore on your boat or canoe. In addition, Mary Lake features access to 3 other lakes.
The gorgeous shores of Mary Lake offer a variety of entertainment for all ages. Clyffe House Cottage Resort is nestled in a 20 acre valley and claim to have one of the most spectacular waterfronts on Mary Lake. They offer a wide variety of activities for families and individuals of all ages and abilities. For those looking for day activities, downtown Port Sydney showcases a stunning beach area accessible to the public with waters suitable for children no matter what age. A long shallow entry for younger children, and a dock for jumping into deeper waters for the more experienced swimmers. Port Sydney beach is also home to a number of annual activities such as the Muskoka Kids Triathlon, Canada Day Celebrations, and regattas. As an added bous, the lake also offers rental properties for large group gatherings such as Pitmans Bay. In addition, there are a number of other youth camps, cottage resorts, and a full service marina offering their services to those enjoying Mary Lake. Needless to say, there is no shortage of fun to be had on Mary Lake season of the year.
Fishing is popular on Mary Lake with the major species being lake trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, lake whitefish, largemouth bass and walleye. Currently, the lake trout population is attempting to be rehabilitated with the stocking of lake trout eggs collected in Lake of Bays. Rehabilitation stocking is also being attempted with lake whitefish using adult fish from Lake of Bays and fingerlings from Lake Simcoe.
For those wishing to use a water vessel for fishing can access public boat launches in downtown Port Sydney, or for a fee at any of the local marinas. The lake can also be accessed from Fairy Lake via the Brunel navigation lock.
Thank you to www.muskokablog.ca for the use of the photos.
Any time is a good time to visit Mary Lake. Every season creates different activities and excitement. In the winter, ice fishing and cross country skiing offer sights from a magazine. In the fall, you can take in the incredible sight of the changing leaves as they explode into vibrant red, orange and yellow hues. In the spring and summer, swimming, fishing, camping, hiking and motorized or non motorized water sports are just some of the activities to entertain the whole family. No matter your age, there is something for everyone around Mary Lake.
Mary Lake is growing in popularity, and the desire to be part of this beautiful community is increasing. Driving to Mary Lake from Toronto is only about two hours, making it a great place to spend your summer creating memories. The pristine and natural shorelines are a stunning backdrop for any vacation. Port Sydney does offer essentials such as gas, dining, and a general store, and the comforts and amenities of Huntsville and Bracebridge are all within a 15 minute drive. Contact us for a comprehensive list of available listings around Mary Lake