Lake Manitouwabing
Indigenous History
The Anishinaabe people have lived in the region around Lake Manitouwabing for thousands of years, and they have a deep connection to the land and waters of the area. According to their oral history, the Anishinaabe believe that they were created in the area and have always been stewards of the land.
They called the lake "Manidoo-waabaawang," which means "Spirit Bay" in English. The name reflects the Anishinaabe's belief that the lake was a sacred place where spirits could communicate with the living.
The Anishinaabe people used the area for fishing and hunting, and they also had trading relationships with other Indigenous groups in the region. They lived in harmony with the land and water, taking only what they needed and respecting the balance of nature.
Lake History
Lake Manitouwabing has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s when it was used as a transportation route for logging and mining. The Parry Sound River, which flows into Lake Manitouwabing, was used to transport logs and minerals to nearby towns and cities.
As the area became more accessible by road and rail, the lake became a popular destination for fishing and recreation. The first cottages were built on the lake in the early 1900s, and by the 1920s, it had become a popular summer destination for people from Toronto and other cities.
In the 1930s, a group of cottagers formed the Lake Manitouwabing Ratepayers' Association to protect the lake and its surroundings. They were concerned about the impact of logging, mining, and development on the lake's water quality and natural beauty.
Lake Facts
According to the lake association "Manitouwabing Lake is a sprawling, many bayed lake on the North Branch of the Seguin River. It is essentially shallow with isolated basins of deeper water. Water temperatures during summer surveys ranged between 69F at the surface and 40F near the bottom. Thermal stratification was not well developed in the larger basins. Mean dissolved oxygen content ranged between 9.2 parts per million near the surface and 8.2 parts per million near the bottom. The water is neutral (mean pH 7.0) and light brown in colour (secchi disc reading 9 feet). An average total dissolved solids concentration of 37 parts per million was determined from conductivity readings. Lake Manitouwabing is one of the largest lakes in the region, with a surface area of 1178 hectares and almost 120 kms of shoreline. The lake is 18 kilometers long and has a maximum depth of 33 meters. It is located in the district of Parry Sound and is part of the Parry Sound River watershed."
The lake is fed by the Middle River as well as several small streams and is drained by the Parry Sound River system , which flows into Georgian Bay. The lake has several islands and bays that are popular for boating and fishing.
The M.N.R. states on their website that " The water level on the lake is controlled by a dam on the outlet at Hurdville which has raised the water by approximately 2.5 m from its’ natural level. As a result, there are significant flooded areas with soft bottom, which may explain the high abundance of Brown Bullhead in the lake. The fishery has been relatively well studied due to perennial interest by the local community, particularly in the stocking of the lake with Walleye. The Walleye population is self-sustaining through natural reproduction. In general, supplemental stocking of self-sustaining population is not done because it is not effective and can have long-term negative impacts on the natural reproduction"
Major Fish Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Lake Whitefish, Northern Pike and Black Crappie.
Real Estate on Manitouwabing
Lake Manitouwabing is a highly sought-after destination for cottage buyers looking for a peaceful retreat with access to outdoor activities. With over 100 kilometers of shoreline and crystal-clear waters, the lake offers a range of waterfront properties for those looking for a slice of paradise.
2019 - 46 sold $85,000 - $1,575,000 | Median $500,000
2020 - 42 sold $82,000 - $2,900,000 | Median $587,500
2021 - 36 sold $41,000 - $2,345,000 | Median $669,000
2022 - 11 sold $340,000 - $2,600,000 | Median $1,111,000
*Freehold Properties ( no leased land, time-shares, rentals etc.)
Source - The Lakelands Association of Realtors®
There are several different types of properties available on the lake, ranging from cozy seasonal cottages to year round luxury waterfront homes with modern amenities. Very few good building lots come up for sale most years. Many of the properties offer stunning views of the lake and easy access to boating and fishing.
Nearby Attractions
The Ridge at Manitou
The Ridge at Manitou is a premier golf course located on the southwestern shore of Lake Manitouwabing. This 18-hole championship golf course was designed by renowned golf course architect Thomas McBroom and offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. In addition to golfing, The Ridge at Manitou also offers a restaurant, clubhouse, and a pro shop. https://ridgeatmanitou.com/
Oastler Lake Provincial Park
Located about 30 kilometers north of Lake Manitouwabing, Oastler Lake Provincial Park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and swimming. The park features several hiking trails that wind through the forest and around the lake, providing scenic views of the surrounding wilderness. The park also has a sandy beach and a boat launch for those looking to cool off in the lake. https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/oastlerlake
Parry Sound and Georgian Bay
Parry Sound is a city located about 30 kilometers east of Lake Manitouwabing, and Georgian Bay is a large body of water located to the north of the city. Parry Sound offers a range of services and amenities, including restaurants, shops, and museums. Visitors can take a cruise on the Georgian Bay to explore the nearby islands and experience the stunning natural beauty of the region. https://www.parrysoundtourism.com/ https://www.georgianbayislands.com/
White Squall Paddling Centre
One of our favorite outdoor stores,The White Squall Paddling Centre is located about 30 kilometers north of Lake Manitouwabing. They have a great knowledgeable staff and the owners, Tim & Kathy, are wonderful community minded folks. Visitors can explore the nearby Georgian Bay and experience the natural beauty of the region from the water. https://www.whitesquall.com/
Killbear Provincial Park
Located about 50 kilometers north of Lake Manitouwabing, Killbear Provincial Park is a popular destination for camping, hiking, and swimming. The park features several sandy beaches and hiking trails that wind through the forest and along the shoreline. https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/killbear
The Museum on Tower Hill
Located in the nearby town of Parry Sound, The Museum on Tower Hill offers visitors a chance to explore the history and culture of the region. The museum features several exhibits that showcase the natural and cultural history of the area, including displays on the region's Indigenous peoples, early settlers, and local wildlife. https://museumontowerhill.com/
Seguin Valley Golf Club
Located about 25 kilometers southeast of Lake Manitouwabing, Seguin Valley Golf Club is a championship golf course that offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The course was designed by renowned golf course architect Doug Carrick and features a range of challenging holes and scenic views. https://www.seguinvalley.com/
Some of the popular communities around Lake Manitouwabing include McKellar, Dunchurch, and Parry Sound. McKellar is a small town on the northwestern shore of the lake that offers amenities such as a grocery store, a restaurant, and a marina. Dunchurch is a village located just a short drive north of the lake that offers additional services, including a gas station and a post office. Parry Sound is a larger city located about 30 kilometers east of the lake, which offers a range of services and amenities.
If you're considering purchasing a property on Lake Manitouwabing, it's important to work with a local real estate agent who has experience in the area. We can help you navigate the local real estate market and find a property that meets your needs and budget. Additionally, we can provide you with information about local zoning regulations and bylaws that may affect your property.
Overall, Lake Manitouwabing offers a unique combination of natural beauty and outdoor recreation, making it a highly desirable location for cottage buyers. Whether you're looking for a cozy cottage or a luxury waterfront home, there are many options available on this stunning lake.