Turtle Lake (Saskatchewan)

Turtle Lake lies in Saskatchewan, Canada. The closest town is Livelong. The lake takes its name from a Cree legend about a giant denizen in the lake, and locals sometimes still tell stories of a monster of some sort in its waters (see Turtle Lake Monster). Turtle Lake is fairly long (about 21 km) while also narrow (about 5 km across). It has several species of fish, including Sturgeon Northern Pike (Jackfish), Walleye (Pickerel) and Whitefish. There are many species of land animals ranging from squirrels, rabbits, and skunks to deer, moose, and the occasional black bear. The lake is dotted with several lakeside communities of cabin owners, including Turtle Lake Lodge, Indian Point, Golden Sands, Sunset View, Evergreen Acres, South Bay, Kopps Cove, Aspen Cove, Parkland Beach, Pown Beach, All Seasons Resort, Kivimaa-Moonlight Bay, and Horseshoe Bay. Most beaches have several permanent residents. Few have cabins for rent. Prior to 2010 Turtle Lake Lodge had a store and rental cabins with some facilities; since the closure of those operations, South Bay is the only beach on the lake with store / gas / restaurant & lounge operations.