Sharbot Lake Ontario: Things to Do, Accommodation
Would you like to spend your vacations around a beautiful Lake while staying in the Cozzy Cottages? Most people of Ontario province will agree that summer isn’t complete without having to trip to some cozy place situated around a beautiful water body (lake or river).
Sharbot Lake is a hidden Gem that is located in Eastern Ontario. It is a popular destination where visitors and tourists love to go for boating, fishing, and swimming. Its crystal-clear water makes it so soothing to watch, and people are fond of taking selfies to post on their social media profiles.
In the article, we will try to cover everything related to Sharbot Lake, Ontario. So stick on if you are interested in knowing more about it.
Sharbot Lake Ontario
Sharbot Lake is a beautiful Lake located in the eastern part of Ontario province. It is known for its Crystal Clear Fresh Water and scenic nature views.
During the summer season, the place becomes a hub for tourists to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, tracking, and other water sports. As winter arrives, it becomes a heaven for people who love ice sports like Skiing, Ice fishing, and snowmobiling.
Besides that, it’s also a popular destination for fishing, as it has a variety of fish, including bass, pike, and muskie. There are also many fishing lodges and charter boats located on the lake that you can take to enhance your fishing experience. Keep in mind that, you are required to have a valid fishing permit if you want to fish in Lake Sharbot.
Thousands of tourists and locals visit Sharbot Lake every single year to explore the beauty of nature and have a break from their busy lives.
Sharbot Lake Provincial Park
Sharbot Lake Provincial Park is another scenic natural park that is located on the shores of Sharbot Lake, Ontario. It’s a popular destination for tourists and visitors as the park has tons of recreational activities throughout the whole year making it a must-visit place whenever you want.
The park has more than 200 camping sites providing ample space for both tents and trailers. Some of the sites even have stunning lakefront views so if you are lucky enough you might get one to stay for a light.
If you want you can kayak in Black Lake which is basically a smaller and calmer lake than Sharbot.
If you are a person who likes hiking and tracking then the park has two short trails Discovery Trail which is about 1.2 km long, and Ridgeview Trail which is about 0.5 km long which are fairly easy to hike.
Sharbot Lake Population
Unfortunately, Sharbot Lake doesn’t have a defined population as it’s not an incorporated town. It’s primarily a recreational area within the township of Central Frontenac in the province of Ontario. So the total population of Central Frontenac Township as of 2021 was 5,801. This includes residents living in various communities and settlements around Sharbot Lake, not just the park itself.
So, it can be concluded that the Ideal population around Sharbot Lake is close to 1500 – 1700.
Things to Do in Sharbot Lake
Explore the Sharbot Lake Provincial Park
Sharbot Lake Provincial Park is a must-visit place if you are planning to visit Sharbot Lake. Its closest proximity allows you to visit both places on the same day. The park is known for its nice sandy beaches that remain packed up for swimming and relaxing, especially on hot sunny days. Don’t worry you will find a good spot for yourself as the beach is quite big providing ample space for everyone’s needs.
Try Fishing
The Lake has a variety of fish like bass, pike, muskie, and a lot more. So go grab your pole and cast your line for bass, or muskie (the king of Sharbot Lake). Even if you are just a beginner you are sure to have some great fishing experience at the Sharbot Lake. Remember, that a valid fishing permit is required if you want to fish at the lake otherwise, it’s a legal offense to fish without a proper permit around the lake.
Try Camping in Wild
If you are an outdoor person then you will love the idea of trying camping in the wild. All you need do is just set up a tent, prepare your food, and enjoy the experience of being alone in the wilderness. As it begins to dark light up some fire to roast marshmallows, listen to spooky stories(if you dare to), and spend a night watching and sleeping under the stars.
Explore the Silver Lake Provincial Park
Silver Lake Park is known for having tons of recreational activities like picnics, kayaking, fishing, and bird watching, which visitors can do whenever they are planning to visit the park.
Visitors can also stay overnight in the park, as camping is allowed in some designated spots.
Enjoy Eating at Some Local Cafes
There are a lot of cafes around Lake that are known for serving delicious food and drinks. So once you are done with your water adventure then head out to any of these restaurants to enjoy a delicious meal. Almost all of them have welcoming staff who will take care of your craving tummy needs.
Explore the Sharbot Lake Village
It’s a small village in eastern Ontario, popular for being a tourist destination, especially in the summer. The village has so much history that exploring it is like stepping back in time, with a bit of a modern twist. Don’t forget to take photos and videos of this old monument as a memory.
Stroll the Paddles
It’s the best thing to do at Lake if you are planning to explore the Lake then you can’t afford to miss this one. All you need is a kayak or a canoe along with a paddle. Now find a calmer side of the lake so that you can smoothly paddle and enjoy the creation of mother nature while sailing along the lake.
Remember to stay along the calmer side of the lake, and use your paddle to avoid going into the running water if you are not an experienced person.
Watch the Sunset
At the time of sunset, find a great spot to watch this amazing natural phenomenon. If you are hiking down the trail, you need to consider taking a small break to watch the sun setting down as the sky turns into a fiery picture, making it a soothing and relaxing experience to watch.
If you plan to stay in the park overnight, you can also watch the sunrise but you might have to compromise with your sleep.
Hike the ‘Kick & Rush Trail’
‘Kick & Rush Trail’ is a 19-kilometer (11-mile) long trail that goes right through the Sharbot Lake Village making it a perfect way for a relaxed walk or riding a bike. Along the way, you’ll see the Railway Heritage Park, which is dedicated to the former railway that used to run through Sharbot Lake. However, you can’t board the train anymore as their operation has been seized nearly a decade ago.
Try Swimming
The Beach area along the village of Sharbot Lake, is an ideal place for swimming, relaxing, and picnicking with your friends and family. It also has a playground for the kids where they can play and have some fun. If you are not an experienced swimmer, you should not enter the deep water as the beach area bearly has any lifesaver so you are all on your own.
Best Places to Stay in Sharbot Lake
Rock Hill Bed and Breakfast
It’s a cozy B&B with beautifully decorated rooms, located right along the beautiful Sharbot Lake. The staff was helpful and welcoming and it didn’t feel it we were staying at some B&B.
Not to mention, the food is also very delicious. On top of that, you can also kayak or canoe on the calmer side of the lake while staying in the Rock Hill Bed and Breakfast.
Mohawk Lodge
It’s a private cottage, located right on the shores of Big Clear Sharbot Lake. The Cottages are perfect for anyone who wants to stay at Sharbot Lake. Each cottage has a cozy fireplace, a relaxing hot tub, and a private deck for the guests to enjoy.
Sharbot Lake Country Inn & The Crossing Pub
Sharbot Lake Country Inn is a family-friendly inn that offers a variety of rooms for visitors to stay. There is also a playground with plenty of space for kids to play around and have fun. Being so close to Sharbot Lake you can also enjoy water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Wolfe Springs Resort
If you are looking for a place where you can easily do a lot of adventurous activities then Wolfe Springs Resort is a place that you absolutely need to visit. The resort offers a lot of outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, swimming, and kayaking. Besides that, there is also a spa where you can relax after doing all the activities.
Clyde Hall Bed and Breakfast
Clyde Hall is an affordable choice for those people who are a bit tight on budget. It does offer a variety of amenities, including a shared kitchen, a living room common firepit area, and a lot more. Being located in a quiet area it’s a great spot to relax and reconnect with Mother Nature.
Is Sharbot Lake good for Swimming?
Yes, Sharbot Lake is a great place for swimming all thanks to its clean water. Its crystal clear water is one of the many reasons why people love to visit this place so much. The place is quite popular as it attracts thousands of tourists as well as locals every single year.
On top of that, the Canadian Ministry of the Environment regularly tests the water quality of the lake to make sure it meets all the safety standards for swimming. You can check the latest water quality report on the Swim Guide website.
The water temperature in Sharbot Lake can vary depending on what time of year you are visiting it. It generally remains warm in the summer months (July-August) and can be quite chilly in the spring(winter) and fall.
Overall, Sharbot Lake is a great place to go for a swim, especially if you’re looking for a clean lake away from the city. Make sure to check the water quality report before you go for swimming.
What fish are in Sharbot Lake?
If you are a fishing enthusiast, then Sharbot Lake is a haven for you. The place is home to a variety of fish, like bass, pike, & muskie, keep in mind that a valid fishing permit is required if you want to catch them at the Lake.
You can easily spot both largemouth and smallmouth bass hanging around weed beds and rocky shores, making them perfect targets to test your fishing skills. Be aware of the northern pike lurking in the shallows & deep water, which are always ready to attack at any moment.
If you’re lucky enough, then you might get a chance to catch the legendary muskellunge, the king of the lake.
Just make sure to check the fishing regulations before you head out on your aquatic adventure. So, grab your favorite fishing gear, and have a great fishing experience at Sharbot Lake!
How long is Sharbot Lake?
The length of Sharbot Lake isn’t as straightforward as it seems to be. The Lake has two different basins, each one has its own scenic views of Nature.
The East Basin is the narrower arm with an approx. length of 5.9 kilometers (3.7 miles) from north to south direction. While the West Basin is broader and more open which in turn stretches it over to the length of 9.5 kilometers (5.9 miles) from north to south direction.
Final Thoughts: Sharbot Lake, Ontario
Sharbot Lake is a perfect place to escape the bustle of your everyday life and enjoy some stunning views of nature. The place has tons of outdoor activities that you can’t get bored and will always have something to do during your entire vacation.
So, If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy some amazing outdoor activities then you should consider visiting Sharbot Lake.
Have a Safe Journey!