Beautiful Boyd Island

By Sarah Frank

Nature and adventure seekers alike should add a trip to Boyd Island to their itineraries in the Kawarthas this season. This 1000-acre gem in the north end of Pigeon Lake is a combination of wetlands and forests and is a mecca of plant and animal life. With eight kilometres of marked trails and 10,000 feet of shoreline, the island is a great spot for swimming, fishing and hiking. 

A number of designated picnic areas make it easy to find the perfect place for a picnic lunch.

The island, also known as Big Island, or Chiminis Island, has a storied history, having once been used by First Nations for harvesting. It was later farmed by the Boyd Family – prominent early settlers in Bobcaygeon. Locals say the family extended invitations to some to explore and use the land but, as its popularity grew, it was hard to keep visitors away. The family sold the island in 1990 and it changed hands in the years to follow. Despite being privately owned, the local and cottager community continued to make the island a popular boating destination. The land is also still of cultural significance to Curve Lake First Nation.

Its most recent owners, Mike and Terry Wilson, initially purchased the land as an investment. The two came close to developing in 2015 after receiving approval to create 10 large residential lots.  After seeing the value in preserving the land, all but two small parcels were donated to the Kawartha Land Trust. With help from the community and large donors, a $1 million stewardship fund has been created to maintain the island and ensure the space can be safely and respectfully enjoyed. Much of the island remains in pristine condition.

Boyd Island is a 25-minute paddle by canoe and is a four-kilometre round trip from the boat launch at the end of Bear Creek Road in Buckhorn. 

The Kawartha Land Trust asks that visitors stick to the trails and follow some rules, including no overnight camping, fires or vehicle use.