Dinnertime Island sits in the scenic rocky passage between Lock 28 at Burleigh Falls and Lock 30 at Lovesick, where the waterway threads through a maze of granite islands and islets that define this stretch of the Kawartha Lakes. This is one of the most visually striking sections of the entire Trent-Severn Waterway, and the island offers a chance to tuck in behind its lee shore for a quiet overnight stop amid classic Canadian Shield scenery.
The anchorage works best as a wind-dependent choice. When northerlies or easterlies are blowing, the island provides solid shelter on its south and west sides. Boats drawing under 4 feet can find reasonable holding over the rock-and-sand bottom in approximately 6 to 14 feet of water, though you will want to check your set carefully — the Kawartha rock bottom can be patchy.
This is a popular area with paddlers, anglers, and houseboat traffic during peak season, so solitude is not guaranteed on summer weekends. That said, the island’s modest size and the navigational complexity of the surrounding channels tend to keep the crowds on the main route rather than tucked in behind the anchorage.
| GPS Coordinates | 44.5501°N, 78.2662°W ⚠ Unverified |
| Water Body | Lovesick Lake |
| Region | Kawartha Lakes |
| Mile Marker | MM 124 (from Veterans Skyway Bridge) |
| Depth Range | 1.8–4.3 m 6–14 ft — Estimated from CHS CEN309 regional data |
| Bottom Type | Rock and sand with scattered weed patches |
| Holding Quality | Fair |
| Nearest Lock | Lock 30 — Lovesick (~2 km) |
| Overnight | ⚠ Conditional |
| CHS Chart | Estimated from CHS CEN309 regional data ↗ CHS |
Dinnertime Island offers good protection from north, northeast, and northwest winds when anchored on the lee side. East winds are also well blocked by the island’s profile. Exposure increases from the south and west quadrants, where the open lake provides more fetch. In southwest winds, this anchorage becomes uncomfortable and an alternative should be sought. Best used when winds are from the north through east.
| Dinghy Access | ✗ No |
| Shore Access | Limited. Dinnertime Island is a small rocky island without developed shore facilities. Landing a dinghy is possible on the rock shelves. The nearest developed shore access is at Lovesick Lake Park to the east or Lock 30 to the west, both reachable by a short cruise. |
| Pet Friendly | No votes yet |
Nearest provisioning: Lovesick Lake Park (approximately 2 km east, above Lock 28) offers gasoline, groceries, bait, tackle, ice, and water. The Market at Burleigh Falls, near Lock 28, carries groceries, souvenirs, bait, ice, and has gasoline pumps. Full provisioning requires a trip to Buckhorn (~10 km west) or Lakefield (~20 km south).
Scenic notes: This is classic Canadian Shield Kawartha scenery at its finest — granite islands dotted with windswept pines, clear water, and the kind of rugged lakescape that defines the heart of the waterway. CHS and multiple cruising sources describe the Burleigh Falls to Buckhorn stretch as one of the most scenic areas in the entire Trent-Severn system. Sunsets behind the islands are exceptional.
Dinnertime Island lies on the waterway route between Burleigh Falls and Buckhorn, a stretch that CHS describes as one of the most scenic on the Trent-Severn. The channel passes through Lovesick Lake and Lower Buckhorn Lake — two Kawartha Lakes connected through a landscape of rocky islands, shoals, and narrow passages that demand careful navigation.
The nearest lock downstream is Lock 28 at Burleigh Falls, which lifts boats 7.3 metres (24 feet) from Stony Lake up to this level. Heading upstream, Lock 30 at Lovesick drops the waterway 1.2 metres (4 feet) into Lower Buckhorn Lake. Lock 30 is notable as one of only two locks on the TSW that cannot be reached by road — the lock station sits on its own island and is a deservedly popular overnight stop with firepits and tent camping.
| Lock | Name | Direction | Distance | Lift |
| #30 | Lovesick | Upstream | ~2 km | 1.2 m4 ft |
| #28 | Burleigh Falls | Downstream | ~3 km | 7.3 m24 ft |
Approach Dinnertime Island by following the marked channel westbound from Lock 28. The passage through this section is narrow and well-buoyed, but you will need to hold back periodically to allow downbound traffic to pass through tight spots. Keep a sharp lookout for shoals and submerged rock — CHS Chart 2023-2 is essential here, and you should not attempt to explore off-channel without it.
Anchor on the lee side of the island based on wind direction, favouring the south or southwest side in typical summer northerlies. Set your hook in 6 to 14 feet and confirm your anchor is holding well before shutting down — the rock-and-sand bottom with weed patches can be inconsistent. A plow or Danforth anchor tends to do better here than a mushroom. Give yourself adequate scope given the variable bottom, and keep a snubber on to absorb any wake from passing traffic.
Lock 30 at Lovesick is approximately 2 km west and is accessible only by boat — it is situated on an island, making it one of the most unique lock stations on the entire waterway. Parks Canada limits stays to one night and the station is popular, so arrive early in the day during peak season. Lovesick Lake Park, just above Lock 28, offers fuel, a boat ramp, and basic provisions.
Rocky shoals are prevalent throughout this section of the waterway — do not navigate off the marked channel without CHS Chart 2023-2. Submerged rocks lurk near many of the islands and islets in this area. The narrow passages between islands can produce confused water in strong winds. Weed growth in shallower areas can foul anchors. The bottom is uneven, with sudden depth changes common near island shorelines.
Have photos of Dinnertime Island — Lovesick Lake?
💌 Email captain@trentsevernguide.comDinnertime Island — Lovesick Lake — Video Guide Coming Soon
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