Waterfront Spotlight: Devil Lake

 Waterfront Spotlight: Devil Lake

Devil Lake is one of the best-known lakes in Frontenac Provincial Park. Located just by South Frontenac, Ontario, it offers year-round activities for all ages, including fishing, paddling, and hiking. Campsites on this lake are accessible through canoe or hiking trails, offering an adventure for your whole stay.


If you are looking for a waterfront home perfect for families, Devil Lake has much to offer. 


Where Is Devil Lake?

Devil Lake, located by South Frontenac, Ontario, is part of the Cataraqui River Watershed, located about 56 kilometers north of Kingston. Much of the lakes shoreline is protected by the Frontenac Provincial Park. It is on the Canadian Shield and empties into Lake Ontario (Kingston). With Frontenac Provincial Park being a key part of Devil Lake, it gives people access to the park's public boat launches (including one on Devil Lake), hiking trails, and boating routes. 

Devil Lake has close access to the Kingsford Dam and popular scenic spots, including Hardwood Bay. Perth Road Village is a nearby village with close access to Devil Lake, also granting access to surrounding park lakes.

Size, Depth, and Shoreline

Devil Lake covers over 2,600 acres and consists of numerous bays and narrows. The shoreline perimeter is approximately 58 kilometers of granite ridges, rocky cliffs, and rock barrens. Devil Lake is divided into four main basins, the maximum depth being 44.5 metres, and the average depth being about 14 metres. Variations include deep pockets and shallow areas.

Paddling and Boating

Unlike many inner lakes in Frontenac Provincial Park, Devil Lake is a boundary lake, meaning gas-powered motors are permitted. A primary public boat launch is available nearby if needed. A maximum speed of 10 km/hr within 30 metres of the shoreline is put in place to minimize wake. In conditions where there is an east wind, Devil Lake is known to produce large, dangerous waves.

Main launch points for paddling and canoeing include the Perth Road Launch (a 1.5 to 2 hour paddle across the lake) and the Kingsford Dam. 

Common paddling routes include:
  • The Devil Lake Loop 
    •  A 4.7 kilometre recreational loop near the shoreline
    • Considered an easy trip for beginners. 
  • The Interior Loop
    • A challenging route
    • Connects Devil Lake to Big Clear Lake by a steep 898 metre portage
    • Eventually connects through Labelle Lake to Big Salmon Lake
Common portage routes include:
  • Devil Lake to Bear Lake
    • A short portage
    • Explores quieter and smaller waters
  • Devil Lake to Moulton Lake
    • A difficult portage
    • Through rocky and hilly terrain
    • Connects Devil Lake to the popular Moulton Lake
Frontenac Outfitters (located near the park) offers canoe and kayak rentals and can assist with vehicle loading if needed.

Fishing

Devil Lake is recognized for its deep, cold-water fishery. Target species include Lake Trout, Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Panfish.
  • Lake Trout
    • Found in the deep, cold-water basins of the lake
    • Often require specialized gear to get lures deep enough in cold basins
      • Often the "Johnny Greenspoon" lure is used
      • Was specifically invented for trout in this area
  • Largemouth Bass
    • Excellent populations throughout the lake
    • Frequent in the shallow-weedy bays on the western end
  • Smallmouth Bass
    • Excellent populations throughout the lake
    • Frequent the rocky shorelines, points, and shoals
  • Northern Pike
    • Common in the shallower bays and around weed beds
  • Panfish
    • Includes Yellow Perch, Sunfish, and Crappie
    • Abundant in Devil Lake
    • Can be caught year-round
Devil Lake falls under the FMZ 18. The fishing seasons and limits can be found easily online.

Hiking

Devil Lake is a primary gateway to the rugged and scenic hiking terrain in the Frontenac Provincial Park. This offers over 100km of trails. The following trails can be accessible from the lake's shoreline or the Perth Road trailhead:
  • Slide Lake Loop
    • Known as the most difficult and rewarding trail in the park
    • 21 kilometre loop (about 6-8 hours of walking)
    • Traverses barren rock ridges
    • Alongside the Slide and Buck Lakes
  • Small Slide Lake Loop
    • 13.2 kilometre version of the main loop
    • Perfect for day-hikers
    • Includes views of the "log slide" where loggers once pushed timber down into Buck Lake
  • Tetsmine Lake Loop
    • 10 kilometre trail
    • Shows the past abandoned 19th-century mica mines and old homesteads
  • Frontenac Perimeter Trail
    • 46.6 kilometre trail
    • Around the park, including the section boarding Devil Lake
    • Perfect than long-distance hikers
    • Part of the annual "Frontenac Challenge"
The trails are accessible from the water for paddlers and boaters (landing at Hardwood Bay) or from Perth Road. The trails are often filled with rugged terrain, limited cell coverage, and is a home to black bears and ticks.

Communities and Nearby Towns

Devil Lake is located in a rural, scenic region of South Frontenac Township. The village of Perth Road is the closest community to the lake and is about 5 kilometres south of the public boat launch. Father towns include Sydenham (about 15 minutes west), Westport (about 20-25 minutes north), Verona (about 20 minutes west), and Kingston (about 30-40 minutes south). 

Waterfront Home Values and Real Estate

Waterfront real estate on Devil Lake is highly wanted due to its proximity to Frontenac Provincial Park and its reputation as a deep, clean Canadian Shield lake. Current market values as of 2025-2026:
  • An average of $752,952
  • Entry/seasonal cottages on the smaller lots
    • Between $439,000 and $565,000
  • Mid-range waterfront homes with modern upgrades or larger lots
    • Between $600,000 and $950,000
  • Premium/luxury homes on large lots or extensive shoreline
    • Between $1,100,000 and $1,700,000

Interesting Facts About Devil Lake

  1. Devil Lake is one of the few lakes in Southern Ontario that has a rare, naturally reproducing strain of Lake Trout
  2. Devil Lake is home of the famous Johnny Greenspoon lure. Invented by Johnnie Green, a local guide who moved to devil lake in 1927, was so effective that it caught a 35-pound trout in 1934. This still stands as the lake record!

About the Agent

Chris Smith is an Ottawa Real Estate Agent with Chris Smith Real Estate.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Claridge Homes Proposes 2,300 New Homes West of Stittsville: What It Means for the Community

Image
Claridge Homes Proposal: Urban Boundary Expansion West of Stittsville The City has received a significant proposal from Claridge Homes to expand the urban boundary west of Stittsville by redesignating rural land for future residential development. This proposed change, referred to as the Stittsville West Urban Expansion Area, represents one of the more consequential planning files affecting the west end in recent years. What Is Being Proposed? Claridge Homes has submitted an application to the City of Ottawa to amend Ottawa’s Official Plan and expand the urban boundary to include lands at: • 6435 Fernbank Road • 6437 Flewellyn Road These parcels total approximately 112 hectares, or about 277 acres, immediately west of the current urban limit adjacent to Stittsville. If approved, the land would be redesignated from Rural Countryside to Neighbourhood to support residential development. The conceptual plan for the site includes a mix of housing types, potentially ranging from single f...
Read more

What is Going to Happen to The Canadian Tire Centre?

Image
 What's Happening to the Canadian Tire Centre? The future of the Canadian Tire Centre has been a major topic in Ottawa over the past few years. It has been the home of the Ottawa Senators and a hub for concerts, games, and events.  There has been a strong push to move the arena closer to downtown Ottawa from its home currently in Kanata. Why Is a Move Being Considered? The current arena is located in Kanata, about 30 minutes west from downtown Ottawa. While it works for residents nearby, it can be less convenient for fans coming from other parts of the city or tourists staying downtown. A new arena in a central location would: Be easier to access with public transit Create a more "city-focused" game experience Bring more foot traffic to local businesses The proposed new site is at LeBreton Flats, a large redevelopment area about 8 minutes west from downtown Ottawa. This location has been discussed for years and is seen as a more connected and vibrant option. What Happens ...
Read more

Outdoor Skating Rinks in Kanata, Stittsville, and West Carleton

Image
Winter offers plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, and neighbourhood skating rinks remain one of the most popular ways to enjoy the season. For many families, these rinks also carry a sense of nostalgia. They bring back memories of learning to skate, playing shinny after school, and spending winter evenings outside, while at the same time creating new traditions and memories each year. For the 2026 season, there are over 35 outdoor skating rinks throughout our area, with a mix of rinks and puddles in almost every neighbourhood.   Sharing the Ice Outdoor rinks are shared spaces. Be aware of others on the ice, especially children and newer skaters, and follow posted schedules and rules. A little patience and courtesy help keep the rink safe and enjoyable for everyone. Helpful Resources City of Ottawa outdoor rink rules and guidelines: https://ottawa.ca/en/recreation-and-parks/outdoor-recreation/parks-and-green-space/outdoor-rinks Real-time outdoor rink condition updates: h...
Read more