Anstruther Lake

Anstruther Lake is a scenic medium sized deep-water cottage lake that will always be preserved. The lake will not face growth and urbanization because it is part of the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park. Anstruther Lake has about 230 cottages and one full service marina, all of which are protected by law from expropriation for the park. Two thirds of the cottages are water access only.  

Anstruther Lake is in North Kawartha Township, just west of Highway 28 near Apsley and east of Catchacoma. It is about 6 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide. The lake has depths up to 120 feet and a few deeper spots, but the average depth is about 40 feet. Motorboats are allowed on the lake, and fishing is good with bass, walleye and lake trout. Water flows into the lake through Camp Creek and out through Anstruther Creek.

Anstruther Lake is an active lake for residents year round. In the winter, the Apsley Trail can be accessed by snowmobilers from just behind the marina. Ice fishing is not allowed, which helps protect the lake trout and preserve quality fishing in the summer.

Anstruther is the largest lake on a chain, which includes smaller lakes where the Serpentine Loop is an excellent user-friendly canoe route. Campsites can be reserved online through the Ontario Parks website. Anstruther Lake is an excellent starting point for a canoe trip in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park. The park has 121 back country campsites and all are only accessible by water. A few of the campsites are at the north end of Anstruther Lake but most are on smaller lakes and will require a portage or more for access.