Part of the Trent-Severn Waterway, a National Historic Site of Canada, Rice Lake is very shallow and approximately 37 kilometers (23 miles) long and 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) across. Tributaries are the Otonabee River and the Indian River; the lake empties into the Trent River near Hastings. There are 27 islands with Grasshopper Island at the east end of the lake which is home to Island Spirits eco-retreat, offering the public off-grid overnight accommodation and quite a lot of natural, 2 and 4-legged entertainment.
The lake is steeped in heritage and culture. Rice Lake was named for the wild rice which once covered the lake, stretching down from the north shore in long fingers and in some places almost reaching the other shore! The rice was a welcomed source of food in the winter months for pioneers and native people. You can visit Alderville First Nation a few kilometres south of Roseneath Landing where you can buy some wild rice (and discover a full-size teepee) at the Alderville Indian Crafts store. West of this, at the Harwood dock, learn about the ill-fated Cobourg to Peterborough railway that trekked right over this spot.
Rice Lake has a great selection of year round recreational activities with a variety of fishing opportunities: boating, paddling, hiking, cycling, bird watching, ice fishing, snow shoeing, and snowmobiling.
Fishing has long been a tradition on the lake for many families. Walleye (pickerel), bass (both small and largemouth), and panfish are the most sought after species; however, muskie and carp also share the waterway and the fun. Boat rentals can be found around the lake at many cottage resorts, marinas, and bait shops.
A range of accommodations encompass the shores of Rice Lake: cottages, RV parks, bed and breakfasts, and recreational resorts that offer a variety of outdoor activities right on site! If you're looking for winter accommodations, Sunset Retreat on Rice Lake is open year round so you're covered for ice fishing experiences as well as a summer day on the lake for fishing, canoeing, kayaking and family fun. Casual dining is available in the surrounding villages of Bewdley, Harwood, and Hastings. A variety of artistic shops and galleries dot the shore as well making Rice Lake an all around great spot for a vacation.
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