Shadow Lake, Silver Lake, and the Coboconk Mill Pond are collectively described as the Shadow Lakes community. The Shadow Lakes in the city of Kawartha Lakes are part of an important Central Ontario watershed that is in the Lake Ontario drainage basin. From the Haliburton Area of the Canadian Shield water flows south into the  Gull River System. It flows from Horseshoe Lake in Haliburton into Gull Lake, then Moore’s Lake, before entering Shadow Lake below the 3.6 metre (12-ft) dam at the crossroads in Norland. Shadow Lake has an area of 360 hectares (882 acres) and an elevation of 260 metres (850 ft). The primary outflow, at the south, is also the Gull River, which flows south through two rapids, known locally as “the chute”, to Silver Lake. It continues to the mouth of the Gull River at Balsam Lake at Coboconk. Balsam Lake is the highest of the lakes on the Trent Severn Waterway, a world famous integration of 45 locks allowing watercraft to navigate the 390 km. (230 mi.) distance from Georgian Bay to Lake Ontario.

Shadow and Silver Lakes combined have many bays along their 11 km length, with a total shoreline of 41 km. These largely protected, landlocked lakes provide for calm waters and create splendid boating conditions including great water for canoeing, kayaking and sailing enthusiasts.

The flow and water levels of the Gull River/Shadow Lakes system is controlled through Dams operated by Parks Canada. Visit the Parks Canada and Trent Severn Waterway websites for more information

Our area is home to many local small businesses, shops, restuarants and services. Be sure to visit the Coboconk, Norland and Area Chamber of Commerce to learn all about these exciting businesses.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

  • Swimming, Boating, Sailing
  • Fishing: Bass, Pickerel, Northern Pike
  • Golf: driving range and many 9 and 18 hole courses close by
  • Cycling and running on a challenging network of roads and trails
  • ATV trails are close by and maintained by the Kawartha ATV Association
  • Hiking: many trails with wildlife in abundance! Visit the City of Kawartha lakes Trails and Conservation areas website for information

WINTER ACTIVITIES