Gander Lake

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For other uses, see Gander.

Gander Lake is located in the central part of the Canadian island of Newfoundland.

Measuring 56 km (35 mi) in length and several kilometres in maximum width, the lake is oriented roughly northwest, southeast. The town of Gander is located on the eastern shore at roughly its mid-point. Gander Lake has been measured to 274 m (900 ft) in some areas, but has been estimated to much deeper depths, though not validated due to unclear openings in the "bottom" of the lake. It is the main source of water for the town of Gander.

Near the southeastern end of the lake, just over 12km outside of the town of Gander, there is a small, quarry-cut, artificial harbour, commonly known as "Little Harbour". This area is a common public boat launch for owners of pleasure craft. The area hosts 3 separate boat launch docks, the largest of which was rebuilt in the summer of 1997. The docks are commonly used by the local swimmers as diving platforms. The harbour also contains a concrete boat launch and a fire pit area for day trips. Camping is frowned upon, if not outright forbidden in the immediate area of the boat launch. However there are several pebble beaches which are used by tenters, accessible from a hiking trail over a rocky hill to the northwest. Boaters have much better access to both pebble and sand beaches. There are many long stretches of beaches, such as one commonly known as the "fifteen mile brook", which are excellent for camping (as long as you don't forget to bring bug spray). Other well known areas throughout the lake include "Hunt's Cove", "Southwest" and "Gander River".

Coordinates: 48°55′52″N, 54°44′03″W