MacKensie Bay is one of the best-protected anchorages on Clear Lake, sitting in a well-defined indentation on the northwestern shore around mile marker 108.9. The bay offers all-around protection in 11 or more feet of water with good holding — a combination that is uncommon on this section of the Trent-Severn Waterway.
The bay is tucked behind a shoreline that wraps sufficiently to break wind and wave from most directions, making it one of the few Clear Lake anchorages where you can ride out a weather change without relocating. The water maintains the exceptional clarity that characterizes this lake, and the 11-plus feet of depth provides comfortable margin for most cruising boats on the TSW.
MacKensie Bay is located in the northern half of Clear Lake, roughly a mile from the waterway corridor that leads north to Lock 28 at Burleigh Falls. The position is close enough to the route to be convenient but far enough off the track to avoid through-traffic wake.
| GPS Coordinates | 44.5377°N, 78.1822°W ⚠ Unverified |
| Water Body | Clear Lake — MacKensie Bay |
| Region | Kawartha Lakes |
| Mile Marker | MM 108.9 (from Veterans Skyway Bridge) |
| Depth Range | 3.4+ m 11+ ft — Waterway Guide |
| Holding Quality | Good |
| Nearest Lock | Lock 28 — Burleigh Falls (~2 km west) |
| Overnight | ⚠ Conditional |
MacKensie Bay offers all-around protection — one of the few anchorages on Clear Lake that can claim genuine shelter from every direction. The bay geometry and surrounding shoreline combine to break wind and wave regardless of the weather pattern, making this the most weather-resilient anchorage option on the lake.
| Dinghy Access | ✗ No |
| Shore Access | No formal public shore access at the anchorage. The shoreline is predominantly private cottage properties. The Christie Bentham Wetland nature reserve, managed by Kawartha Land Trust, is located on Clear Lake and offers hiking trails along the waterfront, though access is via Juniper Point Road on land. |
| Pet Friendly | No votes yet |
Nearest provisioning: Burleigh Falls Inn is located near Lock 28, approximately 2 miles north by water. Young's Point General Store at Lock 27 is roughly 6 miles south and offers groceries, Kawartha Dairy products, bread, baked goods, beer, wine, liquor, tackle, and postal service.
Scenic notes: A well-sheltered bay with mature tree cover along the shoreline and the crystal-clear water that gives the lake its name. The enclosed setting feels more private than the open-water anchorages on Clear Lake, and the water clarity is excellent for swimming. The transition toward Canadian Shield geology begins to show in the rock formations along shore.
MacKensie Bay is positioned on the northwestern shore of Clear Lake, between Young's Point (Lock 27) and Burleigh Falls (Lock 28). Clear Lake is one of the deeper lakes in the Kawartha chain, with depths exceeding 100 feet in the central basin, and the water clarity is consistently among the best on the Trent-Severn Waterway.
Lock 28 at Burleigh Falls lies approximately 2 miles to the north and is one of the higher-lift locks on the system at 8.2 metres (27 feet). Originally configured as a flight lock with two chambers (Locks 28 and 29), it was rebuilt as a single hydraulic lock in 1967. The Burleigh Falls area marks the transition from the Kawartha lowlands into the granite Canadian Shield landscape of Stoney Lake.
| Lock | Name | Direction | Distance | Lift |
| #28 | Burleigh Falls | Upstream | ~7 km | 7.32 m24 ft |
| #27 | Young's Point | Downstream | ~7 km | 2.13 m7 ft |
If you are looking for a place to sit out weather on Clear Lake, MacKensie Bay is it. The all-around protection sets this anchorage apart from the other Clear Lake options, most of which leave you exposed on at least one side. With 11-plus feet of water and good holding, you can drop the hook here with confidence and focus on enjoying the stop rather than watching the barometer.
The bay is particularly valuable when the forecast calls for a wind shift. South Beach is fine in southerlies, Brysons Bay handles westerlies, and Cassidy Bay works except in easterlies — but MacKensie Bay handles all of them. For boats with draft, the 11-foot minimum is also reassuring; you are not picking your way through weed-choked shallows to find a spot.
This is the anchorage to choose if you have time for a proper layover day on Clear Lake. The setting is peaceful, the water is clean enough to swim in, and the protection means a restful night regardless of what the weather does. Worth the slight detour off the direct line between Young's Point and Burleigh Falls.
Sound your approach carefully as depths may vary near the bay margins. The shoreline is rock-lined in sections, so maintain adequate swinging room from shore. Cottage boat traffic may be present on summer weekends.
Have photos of MacKensie Bay — Clear Lake?
💌 Email captain@trentsevernguide.comMacKensie Bay — Clear Lake — Video Guide Coming Soon
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