Dubbed The 'Lake Tahoe Of The North,' This Incredible Canadian Getaway Is Idyllic For Fishing And Boating

It's estimated that Canada is home to a whopping 2 million lakes, equal to 14% of the total number of lakes on Earth. That's a whole load of freshwater, so it's hardly a surprise that the country has been hailed as a veritable paradise for water-loving travelers. The question is, which lake will you visit first? Surely the glacier-carved reaches of legendary Lake Louise can't be ignored? Or perhaps Canada's surreal, fjord lake in Newfoundland tempts you more? Or, just maybe, you're drawn by the prospect of somewhere that's been dubbed the "Lake Tahoe of the North."

If so, set your sights on Lake Rosseau, one of the jewels of the Muskoka Lakes region in Ontario. There are upwards of 1,500 individual bodies of water here, but Lake Rosseau shines as one of the so-called "Big Three" for its sheer size and enticing array of attractions. Spreading across an estimated 24 square miles, Rosseau offers oodles of boating opportunities, seemingly endless runs of idyllic shores threaded with emerald forests, and — here's the real kicker — some of the most luxurious waterside homes around. In fact, several Hollywood stars own homes in the area, and A-list visitors are spotted on the shores every summer. No wonder folk have drawn those Tahoe comparisons, eh?

Getting to Lake Rosseau is a case of hopping in the car and heading north from Toronto. There are multiple routes you can take, but the King's Highway 400 tends to be the fastest when traffic isn't an issue. You're looking at travel times of around three hours from the city and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). To access the eastern shores of Lake Rosseau, veer off the 400 at Barrie and proceed on Highway 11. 

To make the most of boating season, you may choose to set sail through America's five Great Lakes, or launch the kayak right into Lake Ontario. But, there's something special about picking Lake Rosseau for your H2O-based adventure. It's ranked among the best spots in Muskoka for touring by water, with a mix of shoreline coves and artistic towns to discover along the way. 

If you get something with power, it's possible to see loads in a single day. You could ring a loop around Tobin Island, the largest island on Lake Rosseau, to peer at exclusive mansions tucked into the woods. See if you can find the ultra-chic Tobin Island Boathouse there. It's a unique architectural wonder that makes use of Japanese building traditions to fit organically with the wild Canadian surroundings. Prefer to let someone else do the driving? Muskoka Cruises offers 90-minute tours of the surrounding sights on Lake Rosseau. 

And, of course, there's stacks of fishing to be done. Large and smallmouth bass, whitefish, walleye, and crappie all abound in the waters here. There are multiple boat launches on offer for those with the rod in tow, ranging from the Rosseau Waterfront Park up north to the SWS marina down south, where there's an adjoining dock on neighboring Lake Muskoka. Northern pike season starts around May, while winter is high time for ice fishing.

The prestigious JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort offers a hint at why this place recalls Tahoe. Located on its own little headland just north of Minnet, it's a luxury lodge with sweeping views of the lake, celebrated restaurants, and even a spa. You can moor up and hop onto dry land for lunch with spectacular scenery as the backdrop.

Meanwhile, the lake's namesake town of Rosseau awaits on the northern shore. It's a charmer and then some, brimming with 19th-century buildings that are now bakeries and old-world general stores. In the summer, the town hosts a lively farmer's market that takes place right beside the lake. Rosseau is also home to the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for incredible mammal species like black bears and Canadian lynx.

The "hub of the lakes," though, is Port Carling. That's right at the south end of Lake Rosseau, with one foot in the Indian River that links up the three largest lakes in the Muskoka region. It's a fantastic base for your water-bound adventures, and the town is packed with heritage. The Muskoka Lakes Museum in Port Carling chronicles the age of the pioneers and local Indigenous tribes alike. For more adventures on land, head to one of three sandy beaches or set out for a hike on the historic Hazelwood Trail.