Length of stay: 1 day
Visited: April 2021
Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park is located in Prince Edward County along the shore of Lake Ontario. It is a relatively small park and there are limited facilities and activities. The park has a sign that explains how Lake on the Mountain was formed and provides sweeping views of Lake Ontario on one side and Lake on the Mountain on the other side.
We spent the day hiking at Sandbanks Provincial Park and decided to make a detour at Lake on the Mountain since it’s only a 25 minute drive out of the way. There are no hiking trails in the park, so we figured this would be a quick detour. Besides, we needed to make more progress on our Ontario Parks Challenge.
We pulled into the parking lot and checked out the sign that provides more information about how Lake on the Mountain came to be.
Beneath Prince Edward Country is hard limestone. Over 12,000 years ago this area was once covered by a huge glacial lake known as Lake Iroquois. Lake on the Mountain and the nearby Roblin Lake and Fish Lake are three deep gouges within the surface of that large limestone table. When the glaciers retreated, Lake Iroquois drained into the St. Lawrence River until only the much smaller Lake Ontario remained. High on the County’s tableland, deep holes retained to leave these three lakes, which are elevated remnants of former Lake Iroquois.
Lake on the Mountain is the largest and deepest of these ancient lakes and is believed to be 33m deep. Each lake was probably the site of small pockets of softer limestone that slowly dissolved into a sinkhole. The narrow ridge that separates the lake from the cliff overlooking Lake Ontario makes this the most scenic of the three lakes.
The park provides sweeping views overlooking Lake Ontario from on top of the cliff.
We then crossed the road to view Lake on the Mountain, which is situated 60m above Lake Ontario. There’s a wooden viewing platform here, but there was a sign and tape around it to indicate that it’s been closed off. That didn’t matter too much as we could clearly see the lake right from the shoreline.
Overall we spent around 10 to 15 minutes at Lake on the Mountain. By the time we wrapped up it was nearly 5p.m and we were getting hungry. From here it’s about an hour and a half drive to the cabin.
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My progress on the Ontario Parks Challenge can be found here
Lake on the Mountain looks to be an idyllic spot for a walk or a picnic. I love coming across mountain tarns. Lovely photos.
Thanks. It really does look like a perfect spot for a picnic with those lovely views of the lake in the background. We were actually pretty hungry when we visited, but didn’t want to stay for too long as we still had to drive to the cabin at this point.
I didn’t realize there are two sections of Lake Ontario. It is a fascinating place to hike.
It’s a neat spot to visit as you can really see the contrast in the height of Lake Ontario on one side of the road and Lake on the Mountain on the other side.
Would love to see this,
What a pretty park and lovely views! Prince Edward County is such a gorgeous part of the province. We do hope to make it up to Sandbanks again one day and will be sure to add this as a detour to our trip. Enjoy the rest of your week and the sun goddaughter!
My phone has the weirdest autocorrect. I’m not sure how goddaughter ended up in that sentence. 🤣 And I can’t edit it for some reason. Haha.
LOL, I can relate. I swear, autocorrect is always trying to make me sound stupid.
Agreed, Prince Edward County is beautiful. After visiting Lake on the Mountain we drove through Picton, which is probably one of the most charming towns in Ontario. I would love to retire in this area. I would highly recommend a detour to Lake on the Mountain for when you visit Sandbanks. It’s not too far out of the way, it’s a small park, and it’s neat to see the contrast in height between the two lakes. Enjoy the rest of the week too. It’s surprisingly chillier that what I would have expected.
Thank you! You enjoy your weekend as well.
More restrictions on their way today by the way. 🙃 Modelling is showing up to 18,000 daily cases by end of May. That is just insane. We’ve become worse than the US. I hope this doesn’t impact outdoor spaces like parks.
Oh goodie. I wonder what else they could possibly shutdown, lockdown, limit or restrict. Yikes. These case counts are getting out of control. Enjoy your weekend as well, stay safe.
ANother to add to our places to visit! Was there any information about the source of water? This lake seems to defy nature 🙂
For sure, it was pretty cool to see the stark difference in heights between the two lakes. According to wikipedia, apparently Lake on the Mountain is fed by at least two small streams from the surrounding higher land. There is also a swampy area nearby which acts as a reservoir for water that eventually flows into this lake. Lake on the Mountain is also worth visiting for the drive through Picton, which is a super charming town. It’s too bad everything was closed when we visited for Easter and COVID.
On our list 🙂
Of course it is! It’s such a beautiful area, best of luck finding something.
Always good to find and explore areas that are a bit different and have a story. Ontario is lucky to have such clean lakes with rock bottoms. Alberta tends to have shallow lakes with sandy or muddy bottoms, until you reach the mountains. Thanks for sharing. Allan
For sure. We’re lucky that Ontario borders four of the five Great Lakes. And they don’t call these lakes “great” for nothing. Our lakes and rivers are definitely very different compared to yours. I remember the first time I visited Banff and just being blown away by the colour of the lakes up in the mountains. I find being so close to the water so comforting and peaceful. Thanks for reading. Take care.
The shape and the colour of the lake is just wonderful. Some of the Worlds most beautiful lakes are certainly located in Canada! The tranquillity, harmony, and peace of nature are all you need as a break to the hectic life of cities. Thanks for sharing and have a good day! Aiva 🙂
It helps that we visited on such a beautiful day with blue skies and sun, which makes the water sparkle. We’re fortunate to have so many freshwater lakes, rivers and ponds here in Canada. There’s just something about being near the water that’s so comforting. It was definitely nice to escape from the city and spend time by the water.
This looks like a really pretty place to stop. The geology of its formation is really interesting!
We were pretty tired after spending the day hiking at another provincial park, but I’m glad we made a quick detour here. It was neat to see the contrast in height between Lake Ontario and Lake on the Mountain. I’ve come to enjoy learning more about how the landscape in my home province was shaped by the last ice age.
Geology is just so neat!
Geology rocks! Sometimes I wonder what my life would have been like if I studied geology or environmental science. Either way, I’ve enjoyed learning more about it through the parks we’ve visited.
One more park off the list. This little park has an interesting history and location. Thanks for sharing the story and photos.
It’s been such a great challenge to motivate us to explore more of what’s in our own backyard. This park is relatively small and there aren’t many activities or facilities, but it was a nice to make a quick detour and admire the lovely views of the lakes. It was also neat learning more about how the landscape here was shaped during the last ice age. Thanks for reading and commenting.
This may be a spectacularly dumb question but is there any wildlife in the lake?
Unless I misunderstood, fish no (?), birds yes?
It’s not a dumb question as it looks like Lake on the Mountain has no apparent source. It’s actually fed by at least two small streams from the surrounding higher land. Apparently there are fish in Lake on the Mountain.
Your park photos feel like a breath of fresh air. They’re a definite encouragement to get outside and view the nature around us. I’ve never had a favorite color because I love them all, but I’m starting to lean toward every shade of ‘sky or water blue’. Those blues are so prominent in your pictures.
Many thanks for the nice words. It helps to get outside when there’s nothing but blue skies and sun. Blue has always been my favourite colour. Small surprise as I love spending time by the water and out in nature.
What a beautiful little gem!
It really is. We had pretty low expectations about this park as we couldn’t find much information online except that there were limited activities and facilities. I’m glad we made a detour here anyway as the views alone were worth the drive. It also helped that we had lovely weather, which made the water sparkle and shine (like a gem).
That looks like a beautiful and peaceful lakeside walk. We may have to start shuffling Canada up higher on our wishlist..
There’s always something so peaceful and relaxing about being close to the water. I’m glad we made a detour here as the views were gorgeous. It was also neat to see the contrast in height between the two lakes. If you’re a fan of spending time in the wilderness and being close to nature, you’ll love Canada.
I love that name Lake on the Mountain. And the water looks so blue!
Ontario isn’t known for its mountains, so a name like Lake on the Mountain definitely sounds deceiving. But it was so neat to drive up this massive hill and see the difference in heights between Lake Ontario and Lake on the Mountain. It was worth the detour for the views alone.
That definitely sounds like an amazing drive! Btw, I am really sorry to hear about what’s happening there in Ontario. It sounds really scary
Strange times we’re in. Ford announced new restrictions on Friday, but then walked back on some of them the next day, like closing playgrounds or allowing police to stop anyone on the street to ask why they’re out and request their home address. It seems like there is no end in sight. How are things on your end of the country?
I heard about that. It scares me as an expat to hear things like that. Well, B117 is also exploding, but no lockdown. My Mum and I are doing our own personal lockdown. There is talk of the Calgary Stampede happening without COVID rules. If that happens, my Dad plans to visit and we plan to go on a road trip for at least a month
Oh gosh, it’s incredibly frustrating and mind boggling how some areas have limited or no restrictions, and then only react when things get out of control. By then it’s too late. I don’t blame you for getting out of Dodge during the Calgary Stampede, especially if there is no regard for COVID. It’s a great excuse to then take your road trip. Going away for at least a month sounds amaaaazing!!
You’re so right. This is why my Mum and I are being so proactive with our own personal lockdown. I actually just did a post asking for travel recommendations so already planning for the trip!
It’s good that you and your mom are being responsible and taking your health and safety into your own hands!! I’m a bit behind on reading through posts, but I’m looking forward to reading it and giving recommendations. I have no shortage of ideas, especially when it comes to Northern Ontario!!
Well, learned early on that we had to because of living in the US under Trump. We have never got COVID-19 at all. Looking forward to hearing your ideas! I don’t think we will be making it to Ontario though. And actually, because of the current situation there, my Mum and I don’t want to until we get permanent residence
I don’t blame you. It’s a disaster here in Ontario. Besides, there’s so many great options close to home in Alberta. We were contemplating about moving to Canmore for the summer, but we ended up buying a house here in Ontario. Plus, I’m not too sure us folks from Toronto would be welcome anywhere these days!
Well, I know from personal experience that when I am a guest in a country, the police are not my friends. I’m sorry people from Toronto are being looked down on like that. I hate stereotyping and assumptions too. Take care and keep staying safe!
Ontario! Why is that lakes in Canada are all stunningly perfect? I can’t wait to go visit my cousins once the borders are safely opened. Love the photos by the way!
Thanks for your kind words. We’re so fortunate to have such an abundance of pristine lakes and rivers here in Canada. There’s no shortage of activities to have in and by the water, something we’ve come to appreciate this past year during the pandemic. I was hoping the borders would open soon now that the vaccine rollout is underway, but looks like we’ll have to wait awhile longer.
Blissfully peaceful. Thanks
Thanks. There’s just something about being close to the water that I find so peaceful and relaxing. Today was such a beautiful day to be outside. I love how the sun makes the water sparkle and shine. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.
Great post! Thanks so much for the read!!
Thanks for your kind words. I find it’s always peaceful spending time near the water. It was neat to see the difference in height between the two lakes on either side of the road. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.