​Nestled in the heart of Hastings County, Moira Lake is one of Eastern Ontario’s hidden gems. Located just south of Madoc along Highway 62, and close to the junction with Highway 7, Moira Lake is a popular recreational destination known for its tranquil waters, rich history, and welcoming cottage community.

​

Whether you're drawn by its peaceful shoreline, abundant fishing opportunities, or historical charm, Moira Lake offers something for everyone — from families and cottagers to adventurers and history buffs.

​

Moira Lake is on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabeg and Huron-Wendat peoples. It is governed by Treaty 57.

​

Discover the Lake

Moira Lake is fed by the Moira River, with a large portion of its shoreline dotted by seasonal cottages and year-round residences. The lake features:

• A public boat launch, perfect for a day out on the water

• Excellent fishing opportunities for species such as walleye, muskellunge, bass, and perch

• A scenic multi-use trail that runs alongside the lake, following the path of the abandoned Belleville and North Hastings Railway

 

The lake is also home to three charming islands:

• Papoose Island – named after an Indigenous word commonly meaning “baby” or “small child”

• Green Island

• Stony Island

 

This serene lake serves as both a recreational retreat and a place of community heritage, blending outdoor activity with a strong sense of place and tradition.

​

The Meaning Behind the Name

There are two competing stories behind the name 'Moira Lake'. The word Moira is of Greek origin, meaning “share” or “destiny.” It’s a fitting name for a place that has been at the center of both natural beauty and human endeavor for centuries. Alternatively, the lake could be named for a Welsh prince believed by many people to be one of the first Europeans to discover America in the 12th Century.

​

A Historic Neighbor: The Town of Madoc

Just minutes from the lake lies the historic town of Madoc, a vibrant community with deep roots in Ontario’s pioneer and mining history.

​

Early Beginnings

Madoc was founded in the early 1830s by Donald MacKenzie, who established both a sawmill and a grist mill. For years, the community was known as Mackenzies Mills, later renamed Hastings, and eventually took on the name Madoc, after the legendary Welsh prince Madoc ap Owain Gwynedd. ​

 

A post office was established in Madoc in 1836. and the Hastings Colonization Road, which ran north from Madoc Township, further stimulated the hamlet's growth. 

​

The Gold Rush of 1866

Madoc’s most famous historical moment came in 1866, when Marcus Powell and a seasoned miner named Snider discovered gold on John Richardson’s farm. What followed was a gold rush said to rival California’s in its intensity.

​

“With gold running at 22 carats pure, word spread quickly. Madoc was in newspapers and magazines across Europe. Hotels couldn’t be built fast enough, with 2,000 people expected from Prince Edward County alone. The village population exploded from 900 to 5,000 almost overnight.”
— Hidden Ontario by Terry Boyle (1999)

​​

Although most of the gold mines later closed due to the high cost of extraction, the rush transformed Madoc forever. It also led to the discovery of other mineral deposits, including copper, lead, marble, talc, and lithographic stone — shaping the region’s industrial identity for decades to come.

​

Mining History

• Gold was discovered at nearby Eldorado in 1866. 

• Fluorite was extracted from the area during the 1930s and 1940s. 

• The Canada Talc (Cantalc) Mine, operated for almost 114 years. It closed in 2010. 

​​

Incorporation & Amalgamation

• Madoc was incorporated as a village by a county bylaw in 1877. 

• On January 25, 1998, the Village of Madoc amalgamated with Huntingdon Township to form Centre Hastings. 

​​

Legacy & Attractions

• Madoc is now the largest community in the Municipality of Centre Hastings. 

• It retains a strong sense of history and natural beauty, with attractions like the O'Hara Mill Homestead & Conservation Area and the Heritage Trail. 

• The O'Hara sawmill is believed to be the only water-powered frame saw left in Ontario and the only working one in North America.  Go to O'Hara Mill Homestead.

​​​

Today’s Moira Lake & Madoc: A Destination Worth Exploring

Today, Moira Lake and the town of Madoc are beloved by residents, cottagers, and visitors alike. The area blends natural charm with historical significance, offering activities and experiences year-round:

• Fishing and Boating

• Swimming and Cottaging

• Hiking and Trail Exploration

• Local Markets, Shops, and Eateries in Madoc

• Seasonal Festivals and Community Events

​

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, seeking outdoor adventure, or looking to uncover a fascinating local history, Moira Lake is a destination where past and present meet — where every visit becomes part of the story.