Oxtongue Lake: Lake, Trails and Culture

Oxtongue Lake is the last lake before the western entrance to Algonquin Park. Predominantly sandy shores and opportunities for swimming shape the area’s connection to the water. Ragged Falls is at the north end of Oxtongue Lake. Travelers who include nature and water in their plans will find two specific local highlights here: the lake itself and Ragged Falls at its northern end.

Beetle Lake Trail: Two Loops, Two Sides of the Lake

The Beetle Lake Trail currently consists of two 2.5 km loop trails, each with an out-and-back section; one is on each side of Oxtongue Lake. The municipality notes that the route has been temporarily changed because of a bridge. Check the current route before setting out. The trail parking lot is at 1035 Algonquin Outfitters Road; the western trailhead is a short distance past the Algonquin Outfitters store. This distinguishes the parking lot address from the location of the western trailhead.

Local History and Art

The Oxtongue Lake Schoolhouse was a one-room schoolhouse clad in stone. In the 1970s, the municipality took over the building for use as a community centre. The Oxtongue Lake Community Centre is home to the Oxtongue River community mural by Gerry Lantaigne and Janine Marson. Lantaigne’s “Northern River” mural, which references Tom Thomson, is also located at Algonquin Outfitters – Oxtongue Lake. The two works take different approaches: a community mural about the Oxtongue River and a mural with a connection to Thomson.

The A.J. Casson Plaque of Honour is at the west end of the Oxtongue Lake bridge near Algonquin Outfitters Road. It depicts the painting created there and includes quotations and factual information about the painting and A.J. Casson. Plaque 6 of the Oxtongue Lake for Arts and Culture Outdoor Exhibit is at Blue Spruce Resort near Oxtongue Lake and is dedicated to A.J. Casson and “The Bay, Oxtongue Lake.”

At the 2016 Canada Day celebrations, an Oxtongue Lake for Arts & Culture plaque honouring explorer and cartographer David Thompson was unveiled. Thompson travelled more than 90,000 kilometres across North America on foot, by canoe and on horseback, and also travelled along the Oxtongue River and on Oxtongue Lake. The “Tom Thomson and Northern River” plaque is also located near Oxtongue Lake, on the Oxtongue River.

Haliburton County as a Wider Context

In the wider destination of Haliburton County, the Haliburton County Rail Trail is a multi-use trail maintained by the County’s Public Works Department. From April 1 to May 1, it is open to non-motorized activities, provided trail conditions permit. From May 1 to November 30, this condition applies to non-motorized activities and permit-required ATVs. From December 1 to March 31, the trail is open exclusively to permit-required snowmobiles, provided trail conditions permit. Side-by-sides are not permitted on the Rail Trail. Check current trail conditions before using it.

Another seasonal destination in Haliburton County is the Haliburton Sculpture Forest in Glebe Park near the town of Haliburton. The outdoor collection features sculptures by Canadian and international artists. The trails are suitable for hiking and cycling in spring, summer and fall, and for hiking, snowshoeing and skiing in winter. Check winter trail operations before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Highland Grove, Minden, Haliburton, Tory Hill, Harcourt, Carnarvon, Cardiff

Back to the broader travel overview: Haliburton County.