A delightful weekend getaway accessible to nearly anyone and made special by an iconic paddle through a maze of tall reeds.
All paths contained herein are approximation and are meant for planning purpose only. Do not use them for navigation. Please carry an accurate topographic map for all route finding.
After putting your boat in the water at the Anstruther Lake, Access Point immediately paddle north across the lake. You will know you are on the right track if you pass a sizeable island just off the shore. As you glide across Anstruther, be prepared to encounter large motorized boats as this is the heart of Kawartha cottage country. Stick close to shore if you are worried about waves caused by wake.
Upon reaching the northern tip of Anstruther Lake, the portage is pretty clearly marked. It is nestled between two cottage properties and is a relatively short portage (162m) up a hill to a convenient dock. Right beside the pier is a rock face to cliff dive if you have extra time and fancy yourself a dip in the refreshing waters of Rathbun Lake.
The journey across Rathbun is relatively quick as you head into an inlet for your second portage. (180m) This portage passes Copper Lake Falls.
Once your portage is complete, the next paddling section takes you through the maze that is Anstruther Creek. The stream forms a winding path through thick swamp foliage that is exciting and daunting to navigate. Expect to spend a significant amount of time in this area. Depending on how the vegetation has grown during a given season, you may find that this portion of your path is longer than expected.
At the end of the maze, you reach your next portage (360m) towards Copper Lake. Be careful at this take-out as the ground is muddy and there are leeches in the water. This portage also involves a more rugged trail, nothing crazy, but I would recommend putting on proper footwear rather than just portaging in a pair of sandals or water shoes.
In Copper Lake, you can enjoy a calm paddle across the lake. As you approach the take-out location on the northern part of the map, you may think that you see a shortcut between an island and the shore containing one of the Copper Lake campsites. Ignore the temptation, the water becomes very shallow through that passage, and you will find yourself turning back after running aground.
At the Copper Lake take-out, you will get to do the world's shortest portage (~10m) to get around a small waterfall. Once in the creek, you will encounter more vegetation and likely have to deal with a few pull-overs caused by fallen trees.
Eventually, the creek narrows to the point of becoming unnavigable. When it does, you probably have reached your final portage (160m) for the day. This portage will lead you to beautiful Serpentine Lake and your destination. Consult your map to find the location of your specific campsite and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Note: If you would prefer not to retrace your path upon return, there is a portage at the far west of Serpentine Lake which takes you to North Rathbun making this trip into a large loop. This a much longer portage than any of the others at 1.6km. Please consult park maps if you would like to take this alternative route and be prepared for a long carry.