Rosedale
A Trail Town Along the Trent-Severn Waterway
Welcome to Rosedale
One-of-a-kind experiences
Rosedale is located between Cameron and Balsam Lakes, upriver from Lock 35, where the mouth of the Historic Trent Severn Waterway enters Balsam Lake on the east side. It sits on the highest lake on the Waterway system at 260 metres above sea level. Full service marinas, a mobile marine service, a boat launch with parking and nearby gas are ready to serve boaters. Rosedale offers many accommodation options and nearby camping to invite travellers to stop and enjoy its lakes, rivers, and trails.
An inviting parkette adjacent to the Boat Launch makes a great picnic area with a day dock, canoe and kayak rack, and nearby beach for those who wish to visit Rosedale. Lock 35 is located east of the village. It is known for its expansive lawns in a quiet and shady park setting. Recent enhancements include showers, accessible washrooms, campsites and O-Tentiks with fireplaces, BBQ’s and canoe/ kayak docks.
Discover Rosedale
Secluded Beauty Beside the Lock
Rosedale’s Lock 35 is surrounded by lush greenery, and even boasts a rustic cabin adjacent to Dewey’s Island Nature Reserve. Rent a boat or fuel up at one of two full-service marinas.
The Perfect Getaway
Rosedale’s relaxed pace and excellent fishing inspire many visitors to stay awhile. Fortunately cozy cottages overlooking the water aren’t hard to find. See Kawartha Lakes’ accommodations listings.
Paddle, Swim, Hike, Fish and More
With a sandy beach, a variety of campsites, and several relaxing hiking trails, Balsam Lake Provincial Park is one of the region’s major highlights. Strike out from Rosedale and enjoy.
oTENTik, anyone?
Camp beside Lock 35 in an oTENTik. These unique Parks Canada-run accommodations are part tent, part A-frame cabin, providing a little extra comfort in your camping experience.
Take in the View
Travelling south to north will take you from gentle agricultural landscapes to the rocky, secluded forests of the north, with Rosedale as the perfect stopping point. Get suggestions here.
Explore Further
Kawartha Lakes is a natural playground. Find more places and ways to explore at ExploreKawarthaLakes.com.
Rosedale Community History
A look back in time: located where the Historic Trent Severn Waterway enters Balsam Lake on its east shore, Rosedale has always been a popular summer place. It was first enjoyed by Indigenous peoples as summer encampments while they fished the clear waters of Balsam Lake and the forest offered a rich hunting ground. 1615 and 1616 saw the first European, Samuel de Champlain, travel through Rosedale. 1836 brought settlers to the area and in 1852 a town plan was laid out originally called Rosa Dale. Rosedale never became a bustling town — it remained an agricultural hamlet, eventually morphing into a mainly summer community. Today, visitors still flock to the area for recreation, boating, camping and cycling.