Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Music Box • Geography

Bobcaygeon

Bobcaygeon is a community in the City of Kawartha Lakes in east-central Ontario, Canada, located on the Trent–Severn Waterway between Sturgeon Lake and Pigeon Lake.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Bobcaygeon is a community in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, located on the Trent–Severn Waterway. It is known as the “Hub of the Kawarthas” and a popular lakeside tourism destination.

What it is

Bobcaygeon sits on three islands between Sturgeon Lake and Pigeon Lake, at the junction of the Trent–Severn Waterway. Lock 32, the first lock built on that waterway, is located here. Its name reportedly comes from an Algonquin word meaning “shallow rapids.”

Why it matters

The community’s economy is driven by tourism, especially recreational fishing, boating, and visitor services. It is also culturally recognized through the Tragically Hip song “Bobcaygeon,” which has made the name familiar across Canada.

Key details

Bobcaygeon was incorporated as a village in 1876 and has a population of about 3,500–3,600. It is often described as a cottage-country destination, attractive to retirees and waterfront buyers.

In short

  • Bobcaygeon is in the Kawartha Lakes region of Ontario.
  • It sits on the Trent–Severn Waterway and is built on three islands.
  • Tourism, especially boating and fishing, is its main industry.
  • Its nickname is the “Hub of the Kawarthas.”
Canadian angle

Bobcaygeon is a well-known Ontario cottage-country community and a recognized place name for Canadian readers, especially because of its role on the Trent–Severn Waterway and its cultural association with the Tragically Hip song.

Quick questions

Where is Bobcaygeon?
Bobcaygeon is a community in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, on the Trent–Severn Waterway between Sturgeon Lake and Pigeon Lake.
What is Bobcaygeon known for?
It is known as the “Hub of the Kawarthas,” its waterfront setting, Lock 32, and tourism based on boating and fishing.
What is the population of Bobcaygeon?
Recent estimates place the population at about 3,500 to 3,600.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobcaygeon
    Supports: Community location, incorporation date, nickname, and tourism role.
  2. Wikivoyage — https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Bobcaygeon
    Supports: Population estimate, location, settlement history, name meaning, and visitor activities.
  3. Explore Kawartha Lakes — https://www.explorekawarthalakes.com/plan-your-trip/towns-and-villages/bobcaygeon/
    Supports: Tourism description, shopping/dining/culture, Lock 32, and lakeside setting.
  4. City of Kawartha Lakes — https://www.kawarthalakes.ca/business-development/business-and-economic-development/business-programs/doing-business-downtown/downtown-bobcaygeon/
    Supports: Downtown description, three-island setting, and Lock 32 information.
  5. Bobcaygeon Community Directory — https://www.bobcaygeon.org/Directory
    Supports: Three-island setting, activities, and local context.
  6. David Ahrens / RE/MAX All-Stars Realty Inc. — https://www.davidahrens.ca/communities/detail/Bobcaygeon/KawarthaLakes/Canada/537/
    Supports: Real-estate-oriented community description, population estimate, and tourism emphasis.