Lake Actvities

Discover activities for a refreshing adventure, creating lasting memories in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Dive into a world of endless excitement, where a plethora of activities await to challenge your mind and body, all while championing the well-being of our stunning lakes and lively inhabitants. It's not just about the water; it's an exhilarating journey through Kahshe and Bass Lakes and the surrounding areas that have us hooked for life — creating unforgettable memories for generations.

Canoe / SUP / Kayak / Boating

Photo cred: Randy Craig

Non-motorized and motorized boating is one of the favorite ways members enjoy our lakes. In many cases, it is a necessity to reach our cottages for those that are water access only. Please keep in mind that all those who engage in boating activity should have the proper safety gear, navigation equipment, and some water safety skills to protect themselves from the dangers of boating while still enjoying all the pleasure

Required Equipment for Canoes, Kayaks & SUPs

Personal lifesaving appliances. One lifejacket or personal floatation device (PFD) for each person on board. One buoyant heaving line of at least 15 m (49'3") long.
Vessel Safety Equipment:

A bailer or a manual bilge pump; or bilge-pumping arrangements
Navigation Equipment
Sound signaling device (whistle)
Extra gas (if gas-powered)

Paddles
Motorized boats require a boating license
No alcohol consumption on the water
See boating etiquette for more information

Hiking

Photo cred: Unknown

Our community is lucky to have two trails adjacent to our lakes: the Kahshe Barrens Trail and the Cooper’s Falls section of the Trans Canada Trails.

Kahshe Barrens Trailhead is one of the most naturally preserved and rugged trails in Gravenhurst and consists of two loops – Casey and Kadz. (The trailhead is located at the Muskoka Tourism Travel Information Centre on Highway 11 North, in the Severn Bridge area of Gravenhurst.)
Cooper’s Falls section of the Trans Canada Trails is a challenging 8 km hike designed with nature lovers in mind. Please check here to confirm if the bridge is safe for crossing.

Required Equipement for Hiking

Beginner hikers, make sure you have the equipment you need to make your hiking adventure safe and enjoyable.

Ice Fishing

Photo cred: Unknown

Gear up for some prime ice fishing! Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, our lakes offer the perfect spots for a laid-back ice fishing experience right in our own backyard.

Ice Fishing Guidelines

Ice needs to be greater than 4” to safely walk on and fish from.
Make sure you have the proper license with you.
Make sure you have all the right gear. This includes the ability to dig the hole, something to sit on, the proper angler fishing gear, food and drinks, and the gear to stay warm while doing it.
Here are some tips for beginners.

Quilt Trail

Photo cred: Lauren A. Koenig

The Ryde Barn Quilt Trail is a community-based initiative that involves the installation of large, painted quilt patterns on the sides of barns or other buildings in Gravenhurst, Ontario (located in the former Ryde Township). The quilts were erected in 2014 to commemorate 135 years of settlement in Ryde. Some buildings are historic, some are new; all have a story to share.

(Some sites have been added that will not show on the map or guide.)

Three of the 24 quilts are located around Housey’s Rapids.

#19 Heavenly Stars

1667 Housey’s Rapids Road

This church was built in 1977. In 1979 the name was changed to Ryde Centennial Free Methodist Church.

#20 Crossed Canoes

1670 Housey’s Rapids Road

Sunny Brae schoolhouse was framed and built in 1904 by Marshall Davy.
It was one of the few rural schools in Muskoka that had separate entrances for boys and girls.

#22 Twisting Star (pictured above)

1624 Housey’s Rapids Road

Commemorating the former Housey’s Rapids Store and WI Group.

Snowmobiling

Photo cred: Unknown

Snowmobiling enthusiasts can indulge in the excitement of exploring extensive, well-maintained trails set against the stunning backdrop of Muskoka's picturesque landscapes. Embracing the winter wonderland, riders can revel in the thrill of speeding through pristine snowy terrains, immersing themselves in the beauty of the Canadian outdoors. The region's snowmobiling trails offer an exhilarating adventure, inviting visitors to experience the joy of winter sports amid the breathtaking scenery.

Three of the 24 quilts are located around Housey’s Rapids.

Snowmobiling requires that the ice thickness is over 7.5” to safely ride.

Useful Resources

Snowshoeing & Cross Country Skiing

Photo cred: Unknown

Whether you're seeking solitude in the wilderness or a social outing with friends and family, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in Ontario offer a fantastic way to embrace the beauty of winter and stay active during the snowy months.

Guidelines

Ice needs to be greater than 4” to safely walk, snowshoe or ski.
Make sure you have all the right gear to keep you warm and safe.

Useful Resources

Stargazing

Photo cred: Chris Miller

The Torrance Barrens Conservation Area (and Dark Sky Reserve) is renowned for its astronomical value, offering a remarkable opportunity to view the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy. In 1999, it became the world's inaugural permanent Dark Sky Park, making it easily accessible for us to experience the wonders of the cosmos right in our backyard.

Useful Resources

Swimming

Photo cred: Unknown

Swimming in Kahshe or Bass Lakes can be a refreshing and enjoyable experience, offering the chance to connect with nature and a serene environment. However, swimming in a lake differs from swimming in a pool and requires understanding the unique challenges and safety measures to enjoy the experience fully.

To help keep track of everyone and stay prepared for any unexpected situations, you can use various safety equipment including:

A bright-colored swim cap and swimsuit for visibility.
Life jackets for kids and weak swimmers.
A small safety whistle attached to a tow float.
Waterproof bags for valuables and electronics.

Swimming Guidelines

Always swim sober.
Swim in designated areas and follow all posted signs and warnings.
Avoid swimming alone – always have a buddy.
Check the water temperature and weather before entering the water.
Wear water shoes to protect your feet from rocks and other hazards.
Avoid swimming in murky water or near algae blooms.
Keep a close eye on children in the water.
Don’t dive or jump into unknown waters.
Familiarize yourself with any underwater hazards in the area.

Wakeboarding

Photo cred: Unknown

Wakeboarding has become a popular sport on Kahshe and Bass Lakes in the past few decades. Is a fun sport where the rider’s skills develop as they practice and try new maneuvers. However, the wakes from this sport take a toll on our shores and residents’ docks. Being highly aware of your wake, speed, and how often you are in a certain area of the lake is vital to the health of our community.

Maintaining basic wakeboarding safety rules will allow you to have a more rewarding experience without taking risks. Below are safety measures that will make you have fun safely on the wakes.

Wakeboarding Guidelines

Choose the widest area of the lake to wakeboard. There are only a few places in Kahshe that have enough space to give time for wakes to break.
Be aware of unnecessary wakes and length of time wakeboarding in a repeated area.
Only wakeboard during the daytime.
Always wear an approved life jacket.
Always wear an approved safety helmet when wakeboarding.
Always have a spotter sit at the back of the boat to watch the skier and communicate with the boat operator; review and follow these hand signals for communication.
Immediately let go of the tow rope when you fall.
Make sure the propeller of the boat has stopped before getting back into the boat.
Stop water skiing and wakeboarding as soon as you hear thunder, see lightning, or know a storm is coming.
Do not water ski or wakeboard in restricted areas.
Do not use drugs or alcohol while driving a boat, or wakeboarding.

Waterskiing

Photo cred: Steph Boyd

Whether you're gliding across the glassy surface or catching air behind a speedboat, water skiing on our lakes offers an exhilarating way to soak up the sunshine and create lasting memories during the summer months. Below are some guidelines for a safe waterskiing experience.

Waterskiing Guidelines

Only waterskii during the daytime.
Always wear an approved life jacket.
Always have a spotter sit at the back of the boat to watch the skier and communicate with the boat operator; review and follow these hand signals for communication.
Immediately let go of the tow rope when you fall.
Make sure the propeller of the boat has stopped before getting back into the boat.
Stop water skiing as soon as you hear thunder, see lightning, or know a storm is coming.
Do not water ski in restricted areas.
Do not use drugs or alcohol while driving a boat or water skiing.

Lake Actvities

Fire Safety

Dark Sky

Good Neighbour