Welcome to Farlain Lake

Farlain Lake is a kettle lake that was formed during the last glacial period. It is unique in that it has no surface discharge, classifying it as a seepage kettle lake. The lake is mainly groundwater fed and is in a groundwater recharge zone, with a groundwater fed tributary that flows year round into the lake. Several other tributaries flow into the lake on an intermittent basis as a result of precipitation. It is suspected that Farlain Lake slowly discharges to Second Lake via groundwater flow. Not having an outlet can lead to high water levels in years with greater than average precipitation, while steady groundwater inputs prevent abnormally low water levels in years with less precipitation. Thus, Farlain Lake is a spring fed lake, approximately 2 1/2 miles long and 3/4 of a mile wide with a surface area of 109.6 hectares (270.8 acres).The lake’s average depth is 2.26 metres (7.5 feet) and the bottom substrate is predominantly sand and sandy/muck; with the exception of two mid-lake areas with depths of 5 metres (16.5 feet) the lake is predominantly a littoral zone highly suitable for the growth of invasive aquatic plants. Water clarity is very good and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP) Lake Partner Program assessed the lake’s total phosphorous (TP) level as good to very good. Farlain Lake has a healthy, abundant, and diverse aquatic plant community.  In 2022, the FLCA contracted with SOLitude, a lake management company based in New Jersey, to undertake a full lake aquatic plant study which was conducted in August of that year.  Although inclement weather impacted the surveying, a report was completed and can be downloaded here Farlain Lake Final Report March 2023.

The lake provides enjoyment to a community of over 300 properties made up of both seasonal and permanent residents.  Members of the community enjoy the scenery, wildlife, boating, swimming, water skiing, and a peaceful retreat from urban life. The majority of the land was originally part of three large farms. One was the Quesnelle farm, which fronted on the 16th concession and ran back to include the south end of Farlain Lake. The other 2 farms, which included the whole west side and the north end, were owned by the Cooks, which explains why many locals have called it Cook’s Lake. See the History of the Lake for more details.

Environmental stewardship is vitally important to our community as can be seen in the information in this section.  The Lake to Sky Management Plan provides the Association with a guide as we work with our members and community partners to protect our little gem for future generations.