Ena Lake, Ontario

Ena Lake
Settlement
Country Canada
Province Ontario
Region Northwestern Ontario
District Kenora
Part Kenora, Unorganized
Elevation 335 m (1,099 ft)
Coordinates 49°58′17″N 94°31′29″W / 49.97139°N 94.52472°W / 49.97139; -94.52472Coordinates: 49°58′17″N 94°31′29″W / 49.97139°N 94.52472°W / 49.97139; -94.52472
Timezone Central Time Zone (UTC-6)
 - summer (DST) Central Time Zone (UTC-5)
Postal code FSA P0X
Area code 807
Location of Ena Lake in Ontario
Ena Lake
Location Kenora District, Ontario, Canada
Primary inflows Octopus Creek, MacFarlane River
Primary outflows MacFarlane River
Basin countries Canada
Average depth 10 ft (3.0 m)
Max. depth 75 ft (23 m)
Surface elevation 1,125 ft (343 m)

Ena Lake is the name of a lake[1] and an adjacent unincorporated area and railway point[2] in Unorganized Kenora District in northwestern Ontario, Canada,[3] about 23 kilometres (14 mi) north of the city of Kenora. Formerly a stop on the Canadian National Railway,[2] it is now a small cottage community of approximately 50 seasonal residents and 11 year round residents.

Geography

Ena Lake is a typical Canadian Shield lake: the shore is rocky with many high ridges and hills, and the water is clear and cool. The major inflows are Octopus Creek (locally called "Ena Brook") from Octopus Lake and the MacFarlane River (locally called "Corn Creek") from Corn Lake. The major outflow is the MacFarlane River, controlled by a small dam, below which one finds a rapids and falls. The MacFarlane River flows to the Winnipeg River. Thus, the lake is in the Nelson River and Hudson Bay drainage basins.

Transportation

Ena Lake can be accessed from Kenora via Ontario Highway 658, then Ena Lake road. It is on the Canadian National Railway transcontinental main line,[4] between Minaki to the west and Redditt to the east, has a passing track, and is passed but not served by Via Rail transcontinental Canadian trains. It may also be reached by boat via the Winnipeg River and MacFarlane River, from which a short portage leads to the lake. The historical and public portage route is tightly along the north side of the rapids/falls, starting right next to the dam at the out flow of Ena Lake, it crosses the road, where a sign marks the portage route. Boat trips to Redditt via the MacFarlane River and Corn Lake are also possible.

Natural history

In the spring great flocks of white pelicans fish for spawning fish in the rapids below the falls at the outflow from the lake. Flocks of up to 200 have been observed. The tributary Ena Brook (called Octopus Creek on topographical maps) and Corn Creek (called McFarlane River on topographical maps) have a boreal floating bog/wetland.

Fish species included smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike. Whitetail deer, moose, and black bear may be seen along the shore. Beaver and active lodges are present, especially along Ena Brook and Corn Creek.

Recreation

Ena Lake is a popular starting point for canoe trips to Vermillion Lake, Octopus Lake, and beyond.

View from inside CNR tunnel, looking east
Dam and landing at Ena Lake

References

  1. "Ena Lake". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada. Retrieved 2011-07-11. Reference for the lake.
  2. 1 2 "Ena Lake". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada. Retrieved 2011-07-11. Reference for the unincorporated area.
  3. The coordinates give in the main Infobox and the top right of the article are those for the unincorporated area, per the Geographical Names Board of Canada reference.
  4. Map 13 (PDF) (Map). 1 : 1,600,000. Official road map of Ontario. Ministry of Transportation of Ontario. 2010-01-01. Retrieved 2011-07-11.
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