Govan Lake -- a day trip from Almonte

For the last 15 years or so, North Frontenac's municipality has been managing wilderness camping in the Madawaska Highlands. All the lakes operated by North Frontenac are on crown-land, and there are various road access grades. 

Click here for - North Frontenac Park Lands

For an adventure, I decided to spend a day exploring the Govan Lake area. Govan is probably the most remote and most challenging lake to reach. From the main road (Hwy 509), it's 21.5 km to Govan Lake. The distance and time on the access road are as follows:

  Highway 509 to Redhorse = 12 km (approx. 20 min)

  Highway 509 to Mair = 17 km (approx. 30 min)

  Highway 509 to Govan = 22 km (approx. 50 min)

The road is rough and slow, especially between Redhorse and Govan. An AWD vehicle with high clearance is more suitable on these roads.

My first stop was at Redhorse Lake for a paddle and a bit of fishing. Redhorse is a beautiful lake but has a few cottages in the back bay. While trolling, I did get two large size pikes on my line. Most lakes in the area have pike, bass, and walleye.

Pike in Redhorse

Redhorse Lake, Madawaska Highlands

After a few hours at Redhorse, I loaded my canoe and started on the long/slow drive to Govan Lake. I checked out the access to Mair Lake on the way but did not have time to explore. Mair Lake is supposedly stocked with splake trout.

I did reach Govan Lake without any issues. After chatting with a North Frontenac ranger, I got the canoe in the water and headed across the lake to find a campsite (#4) for a quiet lunch. Govan is a lovely small lake with many islands and channels. The lake's central part is about 1.25 km by 2 km, but the islands and finger channels would provide lots of shoreline for fishing. Campsite #8 looks pretty good, but I did not explore too many sites on this trip. I did not have time to explore any of the finger channels. While paddling around, I trolled a spoon for pike but did not get any hits.

Around 3 pm, I started driving home from the Govan Lake access. I was in Almonte by 4:45 pm. It was a great day!  Redhorse Lake (and Granite L.) could be a day trip from Almonte,  but Govan Lake makes a long day – probably better for an overnight camping trip.