A Trail Town Along the Trent-Severn Waterway
National Historic Site of Canada
Rosedale
Welcome to Rosedale
One-of-a-kind experiences
Rosedale is located between Cameron and Balsam Lakes, up-river 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 our lakes, rivers, and trails.
An inviting parkette adjacent to the Boat Launch makes a great picnic area with a day dock, canoe & 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, Rosedale Marina and Pride of Balsam Lake Marina. Visit Parks Canada's site for more details.
The Perfect Getaway
Rosedale's relaxed pace and excellent fishing inspires many visitors to stay awhile. Fortunately cozy cottages overlooking the water aren't hard to find. See Kawartha Lakes' accommodations listings for more.
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
The Farm to Shield scenic driving route will take you from the gentle agricultural landscapes of the region's southern half to the rocky, secluded forests of the north, with Rosedale as the perfect stopping point. Get directions 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 offering 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.
Trail Town Friendly Business Directory
Explore What's Nearby...
Balsam Lake Provincial Park
Popular campground with trails, beach, boat docking, store and more.
Kirkfield Lift Lock
An engineering marvel at the summit of the Waterway-the second largest lift lock in the world (15m).
Deweys Island Nature Conservancy and Trails
3 km of walking trails through forest, see the remnants of the old dam and log chute.
Laidlaw Estate & Dry Stack Stone Wall on Balsam Lake Drive
Historical 1870’s Summer Home of George Laidlaw with excellent examples of the Scottish technique of stacking stones to create a fence. Believed to be the longest dry stack fence in Canada.
Victoria Rail Trail
Travel the old railbed 85 km from Lindsay to Haliburton, passing through pine forests and along lakes and rivers.
Indian Point Provincial Park
This is a natural area with trails only (No visitor facilities) .
Carden Alvar Nature Reserve
A Birder’s Paradise-a 17,230 Ha natural area, home to an abundance of species-birds, plants, and animals. One may be able to spot the endangered eastern loggerhead shrike, among many others.
Kawartha Lakes Intangible Culture Experience – Our Stories
Learn the stories of everyday Kawartha Lakes residents from decades past with this interactive online map.
Kawartha Lakes Arts & Culture Map
Explore the rich artistic and cultural heritage of the region with this unique online map filled with notable locations.
For more information visit
https://www.explorekawarthalakes.com/rosedale
