Tucked between Peterborough and Northumberland County, Rice Lake is one of Ontario's most underrated four-season destinations. Part of the historic Trent-Severn Waterway, this shallow, 37-kilometre-long lake is surrounded by charming towns, rich wetlands, and a laid-back cottage-country vibe that draws anglers, paddlers, and weekend explorers year after year. Whether you're planning a quick day trip or a full weekend escape, here's everything worth doing at Rice Lake.
1. Fishing on Rice Lake
Fishing is Rice Lake's biggest draw, and it has been for generations. The lake's shallow, weedy structure supports one of the most diverse warm-water fisheries in southern Ontario, home to walleye (pickerel), smallmouth and largemouth bass, muskie, black crappie, and panfish. Anglers swear by "rip jigging" through the weed beds to mimic fleeing baitfish, and the fishing continues right through winter with ice fishing from January to early March. Public boat launches are available in Roseneath and on the west end near Bewdley, and an Ontario fishing licence is required for anyone 18 and older.
2. Boating, Kayaking, and Paddling
With 27 islands, quiet reed beds, and connections to the Otonabee and Indian Rivers, Rice Lake is made for exploring by water. Rent a boat or bring your own kayak or canoe to wind through the wetlands, watch herons and ospreys work the shallows at dawn, or simply cruise the open water on a warm afternoon. Because the lake is shallow and grows aquatic vegetation through summer, it's better suited to boating and paddling than open-water swimming - for a proper sandy beach day, Cobourg Beach on Lake Ontario is about 30 minutes south.
3. Cycling and Hiking Trails
The Rice Lake Ramble Cycling Route is a scenic way to take in the shoreline, farmland, and small-town charm surrounding the lake. There are also several woodland trails nearby, including the conservation area near Bewdley, which offers walking paths and a pond perfect for a quiet nature break.
4. Explore the Lakeside Towns
The villages ringing Rice Lake each have their own personality. Bewdley is a laid-back lakefront hub with local eateries just steps from the water. Hastings has a picturesque marina and hosts fishing derbies, classic car shows, and farmer's markets throughout the year. Roseneath is home to a historic 1906 carousel, open to the public on summer Sundays, while Gores Landing, Keene, and Harwood round out the lake's collection of small-town shops and restaurants.
5. Wildlife, Birdwatching, and Nature Sites
Rice Lake sits on a major migratory bird path, making it a hotspot for spotting eagles, herons, and ospreys among the marshes and wetlands. Nature lovers can also visit the Alderville Black Oak Savanna, a working ecological restoration site near Alderville First Nation, or spend an afternoon at the Primrose Donkey Sanctuary in Roseneath, home to dozens of rescued donkeys, mules, and other animals.
6. Day Trips from Rice Lake
On a rainy day, the surrounding region has plenty to offer. Campbellford, about 30 minutes east of Roseneath, makes for an easy day trip, and Lang Pioneer Village Museum near Keene offers a look into 19th-century rural life. History and culture lovers can also explore local art galleries and studios scattered around the lake's towns.
Where to Stay on Ricelake, Ontario
After a full day of fishing, boating, or exploring the towns around Rice Lake, having the right home base makes all the difference - and that's exactly what Sunny Shades Resort & Spa in Bewdley, Ontario offers. Set directly on the Rice Lake waterfront, the waterfront cottages gives guests easy access to everything the lake has to offer, right from their doorstep.
Sunny Shades offers a range of stay options to suit every kind of traveller, from cozy lakefront cottages and seasonal trailers to RV and trailer camping spots, with a day pass option (from CAD 35) for those who just want a taste of the resort's amenities. On-site, guests can take advantage of a heated swimming pool, an outdoor kids' area, indoor and outdoor games, and direct boat launch and boat rental access - making it effortless to get out on the water for a morning of fishing or an evening cruise.
Because it sits right on the lake, Sunny Shades pairs naturally with everything on this list: launch a boat for the day, cycle into Bewdley for lunch, then come back to relax by the pool or unwind before heading out again the next morning. For anyone planning a Rice Lake getaway, it's a fitting, low-hassle base that keeps the lake, and everything around it, within easy reach.
???? Learn more or book your stay at www.sunnyshades.ca