Canoe Journey – Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists

Other Canoe Journey- Bob’s Lake

Bob’s Lake

Bob’s Lake is west of Perth and south of Maberly and a little outside the perimeter of our present canoe trips. However, after having explored it, I think it is well worth doing.

How to Get There: From Maberly, which is west of Perth on Highway #7, go south on Bolingbroke Road (County Road 36) to the hamlet of Bolingbroke. Turn west on Crow Lake Road about five km to Bardour Road. This road only goes south. Follow along until you reach residence #392A/392B.

Launch Site: Just past this residence about ten meters, the road narrows between two bodies of water. Park here and put in your canoe on the east side (to your left). There is only enough space to launch one canoe at a time.

The Paddle: This section of Bob’s Lake called Mill Bay contains many bays and islands and we found it took all our time to canoe just this part of the lake, including lunch time. There are a couple of small islands that make a good stop for lunch. Keep your directions straight, don’t get lost and, enjoy!

Watch For: We paddled through a wonderful channel of wild rice, put up many ducks, mostly blacks, and studied an osprey nest on a small island.

Seasonal Information: Good all open season. Please respect posted property.

Canoe Journeys – #27 Bennett Lake

Bennett Lake :

#27 (Tay Valley Township)

How to Get There: From Perth, travel north on County Rd. 511 to Balderson, then west on County Rd. 7 to Fallbrook, then west on County Rd. 19 (Bennett Lake Rd.) 2 km to Ennis Rd. Follow on Ennis Rd. to Ennis Cottages (approx. 6 km).

The Launch Site: Boat launch site at Ennis Cottages. Launch fee $2.50 per vessel.

The Paddle: 1) Follow the lake shore clockwise and into Fall River and Fagan Lake. Several lunch spots on islands. 2) Follow the lakeshore counter-clockwise into Fall River to dam and back. Lunch at small park at dam, with permission.

Watch For: 1) Many small coves with various duck species and wild wetland flowers.
2) Rare black tern nests and other marshland birds.

Seasonal Information: Beautiful fall colours. Good both ways until freeze-up.

Last MVFN Canoe/Kayak Trip of the Season

Last MVFN Canoe/Kayak Trip of the Season
(except for canoe camp and maybe one other in early October to see the fall colours)

Bob’s Lake, August 24
Meeting places: East half of Lanark: Union Hall, corner County Rds. 9 and 16
for departure by 8:45 A.M. West Half of Lanark: Fall River Pub, Maberly
for departure by 9:45 a.m.

Bring: lunch, bug juice, sun screen, binoculars etc. Please be sure your canoe/kayak has all of the regulation safety devices.

If you need a partner for your canoe or you need to be partnered up with someone else,
Please call CLIFF BENNETT at 613.256.5013 or email
Note: In case of bad weather, this event will be cancelled. If in doubt, call me before 8:15 A.M.

Canoe Journeys #23 The Waterway:Hogg Bay/Big Rideau/Loon Lake Loop

The Waterway:Hogg Bay/Big Rideau/Loon Lake Loop

#23 (Tay Valley Township)

How to Get There: Six km south of Perth on County Road 1 to County Road 21. Twelve km to Murphys Point.

The Launch Site: At the main beach on Hogg Bay. Site fees apply.

The Paddle: Recommended direction for prevailing winds from the west: paddle the narrow channel from Hogg Bay into Big Rideau Lake and keep to the left shoreline around the point into Noble Bay. Paddle almost to the end of the bay, then portage 100 m into Loon Lake, then second portage of 100 m into Hogg Bay. Picnic at McParlan House (Hogg Bay), natural beach or point (Big Rideau) or Park Store (Loon Lake). Camping available at 14 boat-access campsites.

Watch For: Black Creek rapids, Burgess Sawmill ruins and restored homestead (Hogg Bay).

Seasonal Information: Park open from early May to Thanksgiving, camping or day-use vehicle permit required. Canoe rentals available late June – Labour Day.