⚓ Lake Simcoe — Kempenfelt Bay & Cook’s Bay

📍 44.39°N, 79.61°W ⬇ Depth: 1.8+ m 6+ ft ◆ TREAT AS OPEN WATER. Sudden thunderstorms can be serious. Kempenfelt Bay (Barrie area), McPhee Bay, and Cook's Bay offer wind-dependent anchoring. Choose based on forecast. ⚠ Conditional
Depth 1.8+ m 6+ ft
Holding Good
Nearest Lock #41  Gamebridge
Scenic ★★★☆☆
Mile MM 182-198
⚓ Navigation Disclaimer: The pin shown on this page marks the general location of this anchorage for reference only. It does not indicate a recommended anchoring position or safe water. The skipper is solely responsible for selecting an appropriate spot to anchor based on current, accurate nautical charts and on-the-water conditions. Always consult up-to-date CHS charts and Notices to Mariners before making anchoring decisions.
§1

Overview — Lake Simcoe — Kempenfelt Bay & Cook’s Bay

Lake Simcoe is a large open lake requiring open-water seamanship. Kempenfelt Bay near Barrie, McPhee Bay, and Cook's Bay all offer wind-dependent anchoring options. Choose your anchorage based on the weather forecast — this lake demands respect.

GPS Coordinates44.39°N, 79.61°W ⚠ Unverified
Water BodyLake Simcoe
RegionSimcoe
Mile MarkerMM 182-198 (from Veterans Skyway Bridge)
Depth Range 1.8+ m 6+ ft — TSWIDB
Holding QualityGood
Nearest Lock Lock 41 — Gamebridge  (~37 km south)
Overnight⚠ Conditional
Overnight Notes: Weather-dependent. Plan crossing based on forecast. Do not underestimate this lake.
§2

Wind Protection Assessment

TREAT AS OPEN WATER. Sudden thunderstorms can be serious. Kempenfelt Bay (Barrie area), McPhee Bay, and Cook's Bay offer wind-dependent anchoring. Choose based on forecast.

Current: None
Wake exposure: Heavy — Large lake with significant recreational traffic
§3

Approach & Access

Dinghy Access✗ No
Pet Friendly No votes yet
§4

Practical Information

🔴 Mooring Balls: No ⛴ Free Dock: No
🐶 Is this anchorage pet friendly?
§5

Waterway Context & Nearby Locks

Lake Simcoe is the largest open-water crossing on the TSW.

LockNameDirectionDistanceLift
#41 GamebridgeSouth entrance~2 km 0.6 m2 ft
#42 CouchichingNorth (via The Narrows)~25 km 1.5 m5 ft
§6

Location Map

⚓ GPS: 44.39°N, 79.61°W  ⚠ Approximate  ·  Get Directions ↗  ·  Street View ↗  ·  For navigation use CHS Chart — this map is reference only.
§7

🧤 Captain’s Anchorage Notes

Don't be lulled by the fact that you're on a canal system — Simcoe is open water. Thunderstorms build fast and can be dangerous. Get your weather forecast before committing to the crossing. The route is well marked by lighted buoys. Follow the flashing red buoys to The Narrows at the north end.

§8

⚠️ Hazards & Warnings

TREAT AS OPEN WATER. Sudden thunderstorms serious. Follow the well-marked lighted buoy route to The Narrows. Maynard's, Whiskey and Trout shoals near the north end.

§9

📷 Photo Gallery

Have photos of Lake Simcoe — Kempenfelt Bay & Cook’s Bay?

💌 Email captain@trentsevernguide.com
§10

🌄 Live Weather

📍 Centered on: 44.39°N, 79.61°W  ·  🌎 Default layer: Wind (ECMWF)  ·  Toggle temperature & radar via layer selector  ·  Zoom level: 11
Weather data for planning purposes only. Always check Environment and Climate Change Canada ↗ for official marine forecasts.
§11

▶️ Video Guide

▶

Lake Simcoe — Kempenfelt Bay & Cook’s Bay — Video Guide Coming Soon

Subscribe to @trentsevernguide for anchorage walkthroughs.

📌 SEO Suggested Title: “Lake Simcoe — Kempenfelt Bay & Cook’s Bay | Trent-Severn Waterway Anchorage Guide — Great Loop Canada”
📌 Keywords: Lake Simcoe — Kempenfelt Bay & Cook’s Bay TSW, Trent-Severn anchorage, anchoring Lake Simcoe, Great Loop Canada anchorage, Captain Dustin TSW guide, AGLCA Trent Severn
§12

📝 Boater Reports

Anchored here recently? Help fellow cruisers with a quick report — depth readings, holding quality, wake conditions, and any hazards you noticed.

Boater reports are currently closed for this anchorage.

Continue Your Journey