Whether you want to be on the water or in it, living near Lake Simcoe is a beautiful thing. Lush greenery of shoreline trees in the spring, sailboats on the horizon in the summer, vibrantly coloured leaves along the shore in the fall, and magnificent ice sculptures by Mother Nature in the winter provide an ever-changing natural panorama.

Southern Ontario’s largest body of water (excluding the Great Lakes), Lake Simcoe offers picturesque beaches and breathtaking views. Half the population of Ontario lives within about an hour’s drive from this popular attraction, which is part of the Trent-Severn Waterway that connects Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay. Known as the Ice Fishing Capital of Canada, the lake has one of the highest fish populations of any freshwater lake in North America. Each year, Lake Simcoe is home to the Canadian Ice Fishing Championship, which helps to raise funds in support of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Foundation. More than 4,500 fish were caught on the first day of the 2005 ice fishing tournament. The top prize paid $10,000, which is substantial bait for participants.

The area around the Jackson’s Landing community also includes boat slips, picnic and play areas, launch ramps and other services and facilities for water lovers. Jackson’s Point Harbour offers transient slips, shore power, private showers, picnic/playground areas and more. Bonnie Boats in Jackson’s Point is home to complete marine service, boating accessories, boat and outboard sales, a launch ramp, fuel, boat rentals, winter ice fishing, and bait and tackle. At Virginia Beach Marina & Restaurant in Sutton, discover boat slips, a launching ramp, pump-out, boat rentals, boat winterizing and ice fishing. Crate Marine Sales Ltd. in Keswick is another popular facility with boaters who appreciate its many slips, two in-ground pools, hot tub, yacht club, ships store, fuel, dock, snack bar, Laundromat, private washrooms and showers. This family-owned, 30-acre waterfront operation has been serving the public for 75 years.