Carthew Bay is located on the western shore of Lake Couchiching in the northern section of the lake, approximately 5 km south of Lock 42 (Couchiching). The bay offers good holding with access to shore at a public boat ramp — a useful combination for boats needing to stretch legs or resupply from land.
The bay's primary limitation is its southern exposure. Opening to the south, Carthew Bay receives the full effect of any wind blowing up the lake from that direction. In northerly or westerly conditions the shoreline provides a natural lee, but a sustained southerly will build fetch across open water directly into the anchorage.
The public ramp provides a practical advantage that many TSW anchorages lack — a legitimate place to bring the dinghy ashore without trespassing on cottage property. For boats that have been anchoring in coves with no shore access, this is a welcome change.
| GPS Coordinates | 44.5241°N, 79.4278°W ⚠ Unverified |
| Water Body | Severn River — Carthew Bay |
| Region | Severn River |
| Holding Quality | Good |
| Nearest Lock | Lock 42 — Couchiching (~5 km south) |
| Overnight | ⚠ Conditional |
Carthew Bay is exposed to the south, with the bay opening directly onto the lake in that direction. Northerly and westerly winds are blocked by the western shoreline and surrounding terrain. This is a fair-weather anchorage best used when southerly winds are not forecast. A sustained south wind will make the bay uncomfortable.
| Dinghy Access | ✗ No |
| Shore Access | Public boat ramp provides legitimate shore access — a notable advantage over most TSW anchorages where shoreline is entirely private. The ramp allows dinghy landing for walks, resupply trips, or simply getting off the boat. |
| Pet Friendly | No votes yet |
Nearest provisioning: Orillia (population approximately 30,000) is located to the south at The Narrows, roughly 12 km by water, with full grocery stores, marine supplies, fuel, hardware, and restaurants. Closer provisioning options may be available near Lock 42, approximately 5 km north.
Scenic notes: A typical western-shore Couchiching setting with moderate cottage development among mature trees. The bay is open to the south, providing views down the lake rather than the enclosed feeling of a cove anchorage. Pleasant and comfortable without being remarkable — functional cottage-country scenery that serves as a backdrop rather than a destination.
Carthew Bay is positioned on the western shore of Lake Couchiching, approximately 5 km south of Lock 42 (Couchiching). Lock 42 lifts boats 1.5 metres (5 feet) from the lake into the Severn River, which then descends through several locks toward Port Severn and Georgian Bay.
Lake Couchiching connects to Lake Simcoe through The Narrows at Orillia, approximately 12 km to the south. Orillia (population approximately 30,000) provides full services. The northern section of Couchiching where Carthew Bay is located has moderate cottage development along the western shore.
| Lock | Name | Direction | Distance | Lift |
| #41 | Gamebridge | Upstream | ~30 km | 3.35 m11 ft |
| #42 | Couchiching | Downstream | ~5 km | 6.4 m21 ft |
Carthew Bay is a fair-weather anchorage with one clear advantage: shore access via the public ramp. On the TSW, legitimate places to land a dinghy are not as common as you might expect, and having a public ramp changes the character of a stop entirely. You can walk, resupply, or simply get off the boat without feeling like you are trespassing.
The southern exposure is the factor that governs your decision to stay or move on. A south wind pushes straight into this bay with nothing to break it, and Lake Couchiching has enough fetch from the south to build an uncomfortable chop. Check your forecast. If southerlies are predicted, consider Portage cove approximately 3 km further north, which offers better shelter in its enclosed cove geometry.
In settled weather or with winds from the north or west, Carthew Bay is a comfortable overnight stop. The western shoreline of Couchiching in this area has moderate cottage development, and the bay is quiet by evening once the day-use boat traffic clears. Position yourself with adequate scope and room to swing — the good holding will keep you put as long as the weather cooperates.
Southern exposure is the primary hazard — monitor forecasts for southerly wind shifts. The bay can transition from calm to uncomfortable quickly if a south wind fills in across the lake. Depth is not specified in available data, so sound carefully on approach and throughout the anchoring area to confirm adequate water under the keel.
Have photos of Carthew Bay?
💌 Email captain@trentsevernguide.comAnchored here recently? Help fellow cruisers with a quick report — depth readings, holding quality, wake conditions, and any hazards you noticed.
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