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todays york region aug 1997 11 lake simcoe a valuable natural resource for centuries lake simcoe has served as a valuable natural and recreational resource located 50 km north of toronto lake simcoe is a little more than an hours drive from half of the population of ontario it is part of the trentsevern waterway connecting lake ontario to georgian bay the lake has a total surface area of 725 sq km and is southern ontarios largest body of water apart from the great lakes tourism tourism is the most important industry associated with the lake the waterrelat ed activities together bring approximately 160 million each year into the regional economy fishing at 1 1 2 million accounts for the largest portion of tourism revenue about 28 million is generated by ice fishing the size and location the size and location of lake simcoe and its link to the trentsevern waterway have made recreational boating activities very popular in the lake it is the most densely populated body of water for boaters in the whole of ontario several public boatlaunching and docking sites are available along the lake shore many cottages and homes along the shore also have docking facilities and inland residents use launch sites around the lake as well there are 29 marinas on lake simcoe providing a total of 4246 boat slips in 1990 the water of lake simcoe attracted approximately 1 1 500 transient boaters who passed through the trentsevern waterway 60 species of fish lake simcoe offers one of about 60 species of fish which makes it the greatest angling location of all lakes in ontario in 1990 an estimated 144000 anglers visited lake simcoe who spent approxi mately 746000 hours fishing ice fishing is an extremely valuable recreational opportunity unique to lake simcoe it is three times more popular than sum mer fishing there is an estimated 2000 to 4000 ice huts on the frozen surface of the lake each winter during the ice fishing season the two most soughtafter species are lake trout and lake whitefish annual ice fishing festival the town of georgina also hosts an annual ice fishing festival which attracts approximately 3000 participants seeking fun and sport in 1 993 lake simcoe was the venue for an international icefishing tournament attended by anglers and tourists from peninsula resort come and enjoy a weekend of waterfront dining and accommodation on the shores of lake simcoe fishing packages year round 202 holmes point rd pefferlaw 705 4371890 or 1800565lake5253 around the world other services and facilities in the lake simcoe region that are entirely or partially dependent on tourism include camp grounds public parks conservation areas provincial parks resorts cottages as well as bed and breakfasts the campgrounds public parks and- conservation areas are used by both local residents and visitors to the area while resorts cottages and bed and breakfasts are patronized predominantly by nonresi dents cottages can also be an accommodation choice for anglers there are approxi mately 12000 cottages around the lake sibbald point provincial park sibbald point provincial park in jacksons point is a favourite spot for both local and outoftown visitors attracting about 300000 visitors every year the park boasts 3000 feet of prime shoreline and offers 648 campsites for its visitors picnicking swimming boating fishing and hiking are among the most popular activities in the park recreation is a strong social factor around lake simcoe its 32 miles of scenic shoreline in york region remain a popular destination for tourists each weekend the beaches are filled to capacity with residents and visitors lakeside living sandy beaches water sports and a hive of recreational activities are what lake simcoe is all about ur community is a great place to live and work if you are looking for a business or residential property let us welcome you and introduce this fine community to you