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Their Struggle, Our History

Hawk Lake Log Chute

Image shows the a wooden structure spouting water into a a river.

Used in logging operations in what is today the Township of Algonquin Highlands, there has been a log chute located the point where Big Hawk Lake meets the Kennisis River since 1861. 

The Hawk Lake Log Chute is located at 1584 Big Hawk Lake Road, where there is also a park, hiking trail and an information kiosk telling the story of this unique historical feature. 

About the Chute

A log chute is a man-made trough that was used to carry logs over rough river landscape to a sawmill. The log chute was developed in Canada in 1829 to circumnavigate the Chaudière Falls in Quebec.

In the late 1800s there were thousands of wooden chutes around the province and dozens in the county of Haliburton, but they’re all gone now.

There’s been a log chute on this site since 1861 and this chute is now the only one of its kind in Ontario.

This historic site is a testament to the tenacity and perseverance of the tens of thousands of men who made their living in the logging industry, and whose courage helped forged the communities of rural Ontario.

Our motto is: Their Struggle. Our History.
Come and see what we mean.

Hours and Admission:
The Hawk Lake Log Chute Historic Site is open Spring, Summer and Fall. The park is closed during the winter. There’s no gate, so there’s no admission.

The site is wonderful anytime, but is best for photos from midday to mid-afternoon, when the sun is on the chute and the rock face.

What can you do there?

  • Relax with a picnic lunch beside the roaring waters.,
  • Follow the loop trail through lovely, sun-dappled woods.
  • Find out how the chute, music, the alphabet, England, tools, glaciers and our soaring forests are all connected!
  • Enjoy the viewpoints, and stand face-to-face with 2 million-year-old rock!
  • Take some photos and be sure to enjoy the abundant plants that live in this rocky terrain – bluebells, Columbine, and endless ferns and wildflowers!
  • Throw your line into the water above the dam and keep your fingers crossed for a nice, fat bass!
  • Fido will enjoy the site, too, but please use a leash and be sure to clean up after your pet.

The site is located in the geographic Township of Stanhope in the Municipality of Algonquin Highlands, Haliburton County

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