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The city of Ontario features some lakes in Oshawa along with creeks and ponds, providing residents with peaceful city escapes. Oshawa is located on the shorelines of Ontario. Water bodies in the area offer both visual appeal and critical ecological spaces for fish, birds, and other wildlife species. Residents in Oshawa can find leisure activities suited to their preferences, whether it’s fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing near the water. These water bodies are popular for recreational activities, along with relaxation in nature.
10 Lakes And In And Around Oshawa
Here is a list of lakes in Oshawa which are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to unwind in a beautiful setting.
1. Lake Ontario
Photo: Joe deSousa / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Ontario is one of five Great Lakes of North America and is the last great lake before water flows into the St. Lawrence River. It is an important part of the region’s ecosystem, economy, and recreation. There are many fish in this lake in Oshawa, such as salmon, trout, and bass, and it is a popular place for anglers. Along the shoreline, bald eagles, herons, and migratory waterfowl may be spotted by birdwatchers. Oshawa’s Lakeview Park has sandy beaches, walking trails, and picnic spots along the lakefront areas. Whether you’re fishing, sailing, or simply enjoying a walk along the waterfront, Lake Ontario is one of the essential lakes in Oshawa.
Location: Directly south of Oshawa, Ontario
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Nearby Attractions: Oshawa’s Lakeview Park, Toronto Islands, Niagara Falls
2. Lake Scugog
Photo: Mykola Swarnyk / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Scugog functions as a human-made water body that emerged during the 19th century after the Scugog River received its dam structure. The lake exists 30 kilometers beyond Oshawa. This lake in the nearby Oshawa area offers shallow waters but teeming aquatic life, which attracts many fishermen to this location. Largemouth bass, muskellunge, and perch are the main fishing targets at this lake, while birdwatchers can identify ducks and geese as well as swans in the area. Port Perry draws residents from the area because it combines lakeside dining with charming shops and comfortable cafés.
Location: About 30 km north of Oshawa, Ontario
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Nearby Attractions: Port Perry, Great Blue Heron Casino, Nonquon Provincial Wildlife Area
3. Lake Simcoe
Photo: Bosintang / Wikimedia Commons
Located about 60 km northwest of Oshawa, Lake Simcoe is one of Ontario’s largest lakes and a major destination for fishing, boating, and winter activities. The lake is home to lake trout, whitefish, and yellow perch, attracting anglers year-round. In winter, it becomes one of Canada’s top ice-fishing spots, with dozens of huts dotting the frozen surface. The shoreline features scenic parks, sandy beaches, and charming lakeside communities. Sibbald Point Provincial Park, with its sandy shores and campgrounds, is a popular summer getaway. Jackson’s Point and Georgina Island offer a mix of relaxation and cultural experiences, including Indigenous heritage sites.
Location: About 60 km northwest of Oshawa, Ontario
Best Time To Visit: June to September for boating and swimming, winter for ice fishing
Nearby Attractions: Sibbald Point Provincial Park, Georgina Island, Barrie Waterfront
4. Musselman’s Lake
Photo: Boris Kasimov / Wikimedia Commons
Musselman’s Lake enjoys a friendly community atmosphere because it is bordered by permanent residential homes and summer cottages. People find Musselman’s Lake suitable for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing because it contains largemouth bass and sunfish species. The lake lacks big public beaches but visitors can find nature walks and picnic areas in nearby parks and trails. Musselman’s Lake functions as an excellent day trip destination near Oshawa which provides families and nature enthusiasts with a peaceful outdoor experience.
Location: About 40 km northwest of Oshawa, near Stouffville
Best Time To Visit: May to September for water activities
Nearby Attractions: Whitchurch-Stouffville, Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park, Oak Ridges Trail
5. Moraine Lake
Photo: LASZLO ILYES / Wikimedia Commons
Moraine Lake is famous worldwide for its striking blue-green colour, which comes from glacial meltwater carrying rock particles into the lake. Surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the lake is a paradise for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers. Popular activities include canoeing, hiking trails like the Rockpile Trail (which offers the classic postcard view), and spotting wildlife such as bears and mountain goats. However, access to the lake is seasonal, as the road leading to it is closed in winter due to heavy snowfall.
Location: 70 km from Oshawa
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Nearby Attractions: Lake Louise, Banff Town, Peyto Lake
6. Mile Lake
Photo: Bbadgett / Wikimedia Commons
Mile Lake is a small, lesser-known lake in Ontario, located roughly 65 km northeast of Oshawa. It is part of a network of lakes and rivers that support diverse wildlife, making it a great place for canoeing, fishing, and camping. The lake’s calm waters are home to fish like bass and pike, while the surrounding forests provide habitat for deer, foxes, and birds. Due to its remote location, Mile Lake in the Oshawa region remains uncrowded, making it a perfect getaway for those seeking solitude in nature. There are few developed amenities, so visitors should be prepared for a more rustic experience.
Location: About 65 km northeast of Oshawa,
Best Time To Visit: May to September for canoeing and fishing
Nearby Attractions: Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park, Bancroft, Silent Lake Provincial Park
7. Farewell Creek
Photo: rperucho / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Farewell Creek flows through Durham Region, running from the Oak Ridges Moraine through Oshawa and into Lake Ontario. The creek plays a vital role in local wildlife conservation, supporting fish like brook trout and various bird species. Its wetlands and surrounding forests help filter water and provide a habitat for turtles, frogs, and small mammals. Oshawa’s Farewell Creek Trail follows the creek, offering scenic walking and biking routes. The area is also used for environmental restoration projects to protect the creek’s ecosystem. While it’s not a lake, its natural beauty makes it a hidden gem for locals looking to connect with nature.
Location: Runs through Oshawa, flowing into Lake Ontario
Best Time To Visit: Year-round for walking and wildlife watching
Nearby Attractions: Lakeview Park, McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve, Darlington Provincial Park
8. Bowmanville Creek Pond
Photo: hunt-er / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
It is a peaceful waterbody, home to fish and birds, and a key part of local conservation efforts. The tranquil Bowmanville Creek Pond serves as an important conservation site where fish and birds thrive and function as a vital local conservation resource. The small pond exists within Bowmanville, which lies to the east of Oshawa, along with being a part of the Bowmanville Creek system. The creek gains fame each year because fish migrate upstream to reproduce which brings both fishermen and nature enthusiasts to the area. Wildlife, such as ducks, herons, and turtles, exist in the pond together with its adjacent wetlands.
Location: Bowmanville, about 15 km east of Oshawa
Best Time To Visit: Spring and fall for fish migration, summer for walking and birdwatching
Nearby Attractions: Bowmanville Harbour, Enniskillen Conservation Area, Darlington Provincial Park
9. Rice Lake
Photo: Atkinson 291 / Wikimedia Commons
Rice Lake exists as a long shallow lake that belongs to the Trent-Severn Waterway system at a 50 km distance northeast of Oshawa. The lake receives its name from the wild rice which prospered extensively in its water body. Rice Lake attracts numerous anglers who successfully catch walleye bass and muskie species. Weekend visitors from different parts of the region choose the shoreline of Rice Lake,, which features cottages and small towns, as their vacation destination. During summer months boating and kayaking are popular activities but ice fishing and snowmobiling become accessible during the winter season.
Location: About 50 km northeast of Oshawa, near Peterborough
Best Time To Visit: May to October for fishing and boating, winter for ice fishing
Nearby Attractions: Lang Pioneer Village, Peterborough Lift Lock, Serpent Mounds Park
10. Little Lake
Photo: Bob Linsdell / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Peterborough, about 70 km northeast of Oshawa, Little Lake is a small but lively waterbody connected to the Otonabee River. It serves as a central recreational spot for the city, with parks, trails, and a marina along its shores. The lake hosts events like the Peterborough Musicfest, bringing concerts and festivities to Del Crary Park. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and paddling on the calm waters, while nearby parks provide space for picnicking and hiking. In winter, the frozen lake is used for skating and ice fishing.
Location: Peterborough, about 70 km northeast of Oshawa
Best Time To Visit: June to September for water activities, winter for ice skating
Nearby Attractions: Peterborough Lift Lock, Del Crary Park, Canadian Canoe Museum
The lakes in Oshawa create an ideal environment for both recreational activities and peaceful downtime. The protection of these amazing lakes for our future descendants continues to be a fundamental necessity because of growing interest in outdoor recreation. Plan a trip with TripXL and have an ideal nature-based vacation experience in Oshawa’s lakes and further areas.
Cover Photo: White.Rainforest / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
