2 Amazing Lakes You Must Ride With Your PWC

"Often referred to as Billionaire’s Row, you will see impressive vacation homes and boathouses along the shoreline."

Lake Joseph and Lake Rosseau in the Muskoka region are picturesque lakes to spend the day riding your PWC. They boast beautiful and varied landscape from gently sloping shorelines to dramatic cliffs. 

Exploring numerous small bays in each lake on your PWC make for a great day on the water. Whether sunny or overcast, the scenery is stunning. Work your way in and around the coves and loop past the many islands. Stop at the cliffs near Burnegie Bay and take some pictures. You can ease in close to the vertical rock face as the water is quite deep. 


Photo credit: Marion Knaus

Lake Joseph is the smallest of the three big lakes in Muskoka. Often referred to as Billionaire’s Row, you will see impressive vacation homes and boathouses along the shoreline. While touring on your PWC take your time as you cruise by and admire them, many of which are owned by entertainers, professional athletes, and corporate leaders. 

Riding your PWC off-season on Lakes Joseph and Rosseau you may find yourself being one of a few vessels out there. The waters are quieter and you can take in more of the natural beauty of the region undisturbed. When you shut your engine off, take time to listen to the solitude of nature. If the wind is blowing in the right direction you can smell the scent of the pine and cedar trees that grow along the shoreline.

The marina we chose to launch from on this particular day is The Cove Marina at Footes Bay. This is a full-service marina that includes fuel docks, washrooms, ice cream shop, and a general store along with a few other services. 

Photo credit: Marion Knaus

Riding your PWC from Lake Joseph to Lake Rosseau, you can go two different ways. One of the places you can transit from one lake to the other is Port Sandfield. There is a marina at the junction where you can refuel and do a little shopping. Note that the area, known as The Narrows, is a slow-speed zone as you travel through. Maintain steerage and moderate speed if you encounter oncoming traffic. There are often people fishing along the edges so watch out for lines in the water.

The other route to take to Lake Rosseau is the Joseph River. The Joseph River is narrow in places with speed-restricted zones. This river has more protection from the wind if you find yourself out on a windy day. There is a story that Lady Eaton had this river blasted out of the rock to accommodate their steamship, however after searching for more information it’s been noted by many that this has not been fully documented so the real story may be lost to history.

Coming out of Joseph River make a left and head north towards the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa for a lunch at the Deck Restaurant. It’s open only in the summer. 


Photo credit: Marion Knaus

Enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Rosseau while dining there. Transient dockage is available and you never know who else will be docked alongside you. On the day we were there, we shared the space with a small float plane. 


Photo credit: Marion Knaus

After lunch, head northeast towards Skeleton Bay. Continue north to see more of Lake Rosseau, ride around Tobin Island or loop to the south and work your way back to the launch as it’s been a full day on the water. Of course you won’t see everything on your first time out. This area begs to be explored time and time again. 



Photo credit: Marion Knaus
About Marion Knaus

Marion Knaus is a Certified Fitness and Nutrition Coach and the owner of Granolala.ca who spends as much of her free time on the water as she can. Riding her Waverunner on any water body is her happy place. She is an admin with the Ontario PWC Riders Facebook group and gladly shares her PWC knowledge with anyone willing to lend an ear. 

Recommended Articles

The Jewel of Ontario

A beginner's guide to Georgian Bay's North Channel

Boating Events in Ontario: A Complete Guide to Summer 2024

From poker runs to free concerts, Ontario boating events are your go-to source of fun this summer! Here's everything to add to your calendar.

Renting a Boat in Ontario: What You Need to Know

9 places to rent a boat this summer for the perfect Ontario getaway.

The Top 5 Water Sport Schools in Ontario

Get serious about summer fun.

Ever been to a concert *in* a lake?

This free summer concert north of Sudbury is boat access only.

I Sailed the New Viking Octantis and Here's What It Was Like

Discover the Great Lakes aboard this brand new Northern Ontario cruise.

Montreal to Ottawa by PWC

Cruising the Lower Ottawa River

A full day PWC adventure

Tips for a fun and problem-free ride

Boating is a Way of Life in Canada

Getting out on the water is part of an age old tradition–and it's good for your health!

The Boatless Boater

6 Ways to Be a Boater Without Being A Boat Owner

An epic trip by motorcycle boat?!

You have to see this vehicle to believe it.

Best Boat Launches

Where to start your PWC day trips

The Best Things In Life Are On The Water

Sea-Dooing on Georgian Bay

Uncovering the Gem of the Bruce Peninsula

Why Tobermory is so adored by boaters

Boaters' Heaven at Wiley Point Lodge

Lake of the Woods' best-kept secret

Beauty off the beaten track

A sailing adventure in Georgian Bay

Cruising Lake Ontario

A boater's complete guide.

Island Treasures

Exploring Ontario's Archipelagos

Cruising Lake Nipissing, part 2

Your Go-To Guide

The BOATsmart! Must-Do List for Summer

And these folks know their boating.