Bobcaygeon

Bobcaygeon is a community of about 3,600 people (2021) in the Kawarthas region of Central Ontario. Built on three islands, it was settled in 1832. It is a popular place for shopping and sport fishing.

Understand
Taken from the Algonquin language, the name Bobcaygeon means "shallow rapids". Its lock was the first to be built on the Trent-Severn Waterway, connecting Pigeon and Stugeon Lakes with a short canal along the Bobcaygeon River in 1833. Today, the town and surrounding area is a popular retirement destination, and a busy hub for boaters traversing the Trent-Severn, or cottagers venturing further into the Kawarthas.

It is well-known in Canada because in 1998, the Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip immortalized Bobcaygeon in their hit single that takes its name from the village.

Visitor information

 * Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce

By car
It is 36 km north-east of Lindsay along Highway 36 (Kawartha Lakes Road 36). To drive around the west side of Sturgeon Lake, follow Highway 35 from Lindsay, then County Road 121 to Fenelon Falls and County Road 8, which meets Bobcaygeon's Main Street in the north end of town.

By boat
The Trent-Severn Waterway connects Lake Ontario (Trenton) to Georgian Bay (in Simcoe, via Peterborough and Orillia. Lock 32 is in Bobcaygeon; west of Lock 31 in Buckhorn, northeast of Lock 33 in Linday, and east of Lock 34 in Fenerlon Falls. Mooring is available for up to 48 hours, with a permit.

Many marinas are available along this stretch of the waterway. Two are located close to the locks:



Get around
Except for the Kawartha Dairy ice cream shop, most of the town's attractions are on the town's largest island on a short stretch of Bolton Street, and within an easy 5-10 minute walk. Street parking in front of the popular shops is limited, and traffic over the bridges can be heavy (especially if the swing bridge is open to allow boats to pass); park where you can, and continue on foot.

Buy
Bobcaygeon has become a shopping destination because of Bigley, and many independent shops.

Sleep

 * On Front St. East, there are several camps of rentals cottage available during the summer.
 * On Front St. East, there are several camps of rentals cottage available during the summer.
 * On Front St. East, there are several camps of rentals cottage available during the summer.
 * On Front St. East, there are several camps of rentals cottage available during the summer.
 * On Front St. East, there are several camps of rentals cottage available during the summer.
 * On Front St. East, there are several camps of rentals cottage available during the summer.

Stay safe
Blue-green algae is a toxic form of algae that can be an occasional problem in this region. Do not swim or wade in water where this algae is present, do not drink the water, and do not let pets in the water. Blooms most commonly occur in late summer and early fall. They thrive in areas where the water is shallow, slow moving and warm, but they may be present in deeper, cooler water. Dense blue-green algae blooms may make the water look bluish-green, or like green pea soup or turquoise paint. Very dense blooms may form solid-looking clumps. Fresh blooms often smell like newly mown grass, while older blooms may smell like rotting garbage.

Poison ivy is common in wooded areas. All parts of poison ivy, including the roots, contain a poisonous substance which causes an irritating inflammation of the skin of most people, the inflamed areas frequently developing blisters and accompanied by intense itchiness.

Go next

 * Buckhorn, Lakefield and Stoney Lake — a large part of cottage country, with provincial parks and natural areas.
 * Fenelon Falls — known as the "Jewel of the Kawarthas", an old mill town with a picturesque main street above a wide waterfall on the Trent-Severn.
 * Haliburton Highlands — rustic cottages and outdoor adventures on about 600 lakes in an expansive wilderness on the Canadian Shield.
 * Lindsay — the Kawarthas' main community, at the crossroads of the Trans-Canada Highway, the Trans Canada Trail, Highway 35, and the Trent-Severn Waterway.
 * Quinte-Northumberland — east along the Trans-Canada, a rural region home to the eastern end of the Trent-Severn in Trenton, and the beaches and wineries of Prince Edward County.