Fishing
Sand Lake and the Rideau system are well known for bass and pike. Cast right off the cottage dock, or paddle out to a quiet bay. An Ontario fishing licence is required.
The area
The Rideau Lakes
Fishing, paddling, hiking and historic canal towns — Sand Lake sits in the heart of it, in Elgin, Ontario.
Getting here
Drive times to Sand Lake Marina
Elgin10 minby car
Kingston40 minsouth
Ottawa90 minnortheast
Toronto~3 hrsvia Hwy 401
On the map
Everything around Sand Lake, on one map.
Fishing, paddling and swimming are right off the island. Westport, the hiking trails, the canal locks and the restaurants are a short drive or boat ride away — tap a pin for details, or filter by what you’re after.
Things to do
Right off the dock, or a short boat ride away.
Each one has a local guide — tap a card to read the full rundown, with a map.
Kayaking & Canoeing
The cottage includes a canoe and kayak with paddles and life jackets. Loop the island, trace the shoreline, or head out early when the lake is glass-calm.
Rideau Canal Locks
Chaffey's Lock is one of the most scenic stops on the historic Rideau Canal, with lunch at The Opinicon nearby. About 30 minutes from Sand Lake.
Swimming
The dock is your launching point. Sand Lake is clean and calm — ideal for a morning swim straight off the dock.
The standout — fishing
Cast a line, right off the dock.
Sand Lake and the wider Rideau system are well known for bass and pike — and at Birch Island the water is at your feet. Step out with a coffee and make a few casts off the private dock, or take the canoe or kayak out to a quiet, weedy bay where the bigger fish hold. It’s well-studied water, too — the Queen’s University Biological Station has researched these lakes nearby for decades.
You’ll need a valid Ontario fishing licence, and it’s worth checking the current seasons before you go. Local guides on fishing, packing, and getting to the island live on the guides page as they’re published.
Browse our guidesMake it your basecamp.
The island is the quiet part. The Rideau Lakes are everything else. Book direct and have both.