Lake on the Mountain

Lake on the Mountain is one of Prince Edward County's most unusual natural features. Sitting roughly 60 metres above the Bay of Quinte, this small spring-fed lake has no visible inlet and has puzzled geologists and visitors for centuries. Indigenous peoples considered it a sacred place long before European settlement, and the mystery of its water source has inspired stories and speculation for generations.

The Lake Itself

The lake is small, roughly 300 metres across, and surrounded by a narrow band of trees and grass. It sits directly above the Glenora Ferry landing, and the contrast between the calm, elevated lake and the busy waterway far below is striking. A lookout point on the edge provides panoramic views of the Bay of Quinte, the ferry crossing and the mainland hills beyond.

Scientists now believe the lake is fed by underground channels in the limestone bedrock that characterizes Prince Edward County. Water from the surrounding area filters through rock and emerges as springs on the lake bottom, maintaining a remarkably consistent water level year-round.

The lake was historically used to power a gristmill. A channel cut into the cliff directed water from the lake to the mill at the base of the escarpment. Remnants of this system are still visible in the landscape.

Visiting the Park

Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park is a small day-use park with picnic areas, walking paths and the main lookout. There is no swimming permitted in the lake, and the park is primarily a stop for viewing, photography and a picnic lunch.

The park is open year-round, though winter access may be limited by road conditions. Summer visits are the most popular, with the lookout attracting a steady stream of visitors throughout the day. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography and the smallest crowds.

There is no admission fee for the park, making it one of the few free attractions in the county's provincial park system. Parking is limited, and during busy summer weekends it can fill up. Coming early or visiting on a weekday helps avoid the squeeze.

The View

The view from the lookout is one of the best in Prince Edward County. Looking north across the Bay of Quinte, you can see the Glenora Ferry making its regular crossings, sailboats on the water, and the rolling farmland of the mainland stretching to the horizon. On clear days, the view extends for many kilometres.

Looking east, the escarpment drops sharply toward the ferry landing. The geology is visible in the exposed cliff face, showing the layers of limestone that define the county's bedrock. In fall, the surrounding trees turn vivid orange and red, framing the lake and the view below.

Nearby Dining

The Lake on the Mountain Resort sits adjacent to the park and operates a restaurant with a patio overlooking the bay. The food leans toward casual fine dining, and the patio is one of the most scenic places to eat in the entire county. Reservations are recommended during peak season.

For a simpler meal, the nearby village of Glenora has limited options, but Picton is only about 10 minutes west and has the county's largest selection of restaurants.

Combining with Other Stops

Lake on the Mountain works well as part of a larger day trip. The Glenora Ferry runs continuously during the day and is free for all vehicles. Crossing to the mainland and returning is a pleasant round trip that adds about 20 minutes to your visit.

North Beach is a short drive south and pairs well with a Lake on the Mountain visit. Heading west brings you through Picton and toward the wine trail. A full eastern-county day might include the lake, the ferry, North Beach and a drive through the farmland around Waupoos.

History and Significance

The Mohawk people knew this place as a site of spiritual importance long before European contact. The elevated lake with no visible source of water held deep meaning in their traditions. Early settlers were equally fascinated, and the lake became a popular destination for travellers in the 1800s.

The gristmill built at the base of the cliff in the early nineteenth century was one of the first industrial uses of the site. The mill operated for decades, using the natural head of water from the lake above. Today, the site is managed as a provincial park, preserving both the natural feature and the views that have drawn people here for centuries.

Lake on the Mountain is a place that rewards a slow visit. Bring a lunch, sit at the lookout, watch the ferry cross below, and take in one of the county's most remarkable landscapes.