The lake and the area
White Lake, and what's around it
An hour west of Ottawa in the Ottawa Valley. Quieter than its size suggests — a guest wrote that the lake being quiet was the thing that surprised them most.
Swimming
Is there somewhere shallow for little kids to swim?
There are two places to get in. To the right of the fire pit is a shallow, soft-bottomed walk-in — that is the one for little kids and non-swimmers. Off the dock the water is deeper, around eight feet, with a ladder and a rockier bottom, so water shoes are a good idea there. Honestly: the shallow side can get weedy in mid-summer. There is no lifeguard, and children must be supervised at the water.
Fishing and boats
Can we fish?
Yes, straight off the dock. White Lake has bass, pike and walleye, and it fishes well in both summer and winter — ice fishing is popular. You will need an Ontario fishing licence, and you should bring your own gear.
Can we bring our own boat?
Yes. There is a public launch at Cedar Cove Resort — a $10 launch fee, about a minute away by water or ten minutes around the lake by car. There is no parking at the launch, so launch the boat, then bring the vehicle and trailer back to the cottage where there is plenty of room.
Four kayaks live in the lakeside shed — two hard-shell, two inflatable with a pump. Life jackets are on site; please use them.
Year-round
It is not just a July cottage
Spring
Ice-out is usually late April. The lake is quiet, the fishing is good, and the geese bring their goslings across the lawn. Bring layers — you will likely want the wood stove in the evening.
Summer
Swimming, kayaking, the fire pit every night. The bunkie is open, so all five bedrooms are available. Air conditioning in both buildings. This is the busy season and Fridays are the changeover day.
Autumn
The best light of the year across the water, and the Ottawa Valley colour peaks early-to-mid October. Cooler swimming, better fishing, and the wood stove earns its keep.
Winter
Snow, ice fishing, and Pakenham 25 minutes away. Only the main cottage is available — three bedrooms — and the driveway is plowed just to the garage, so bring something with four-wheel drive or plan to park at the top.
Getting around
How far is everything
| Place | Roughly |
|---|---|
| Ottawa | 1 hr |
| Arnprior — groceries, LCBO, hospital | 20 min |
| Cedar Cove Resort and boat launch | 10 min by car, 1 min by boat |
| California Road trails | 15 min |
| Cartwright Springs Brewery | 23 min |
| Pakenham Ski Hill | 25 min |
| Calabogie Ski Hill | 40 min |
There is Crown land for hiking directly across the main road, and more of it nearby that is open during hunting season. Restaurant hours out here swing with the season, so call ahead rather than driving on hope.
Eating and drinking
Nearby, and worth the drive
Cartwright Springs Brewery
About 23 minutes. The one guests ask about most.
Lakeside Grill at Cedar Cove
Around the lake, or a very short boat ride across it.
Centennial Restaurant
Pakenham, about 25 minutes.
Copper Kettle
Pakenham. Weekends only, reservations required, cash only.
The Kitchen at White Lake
Takeout, limited hours. Closest to the cottage.
Arnprior
Twenty minutes for a full grocery shop and the LCBO.