A History of Larder Lake, Ontario
Almost 5000 years ago, natives settled on the shores of Larder Lake. It was a beautiful land, with pristine waters for fishing and vast lush forests for hunting. The natives found plentiful rock to quarry for their arrowheads, and the remnants of an old native campground can still be seen today. If you look closely at the flat, well trod rockbeds that lead into the waters in some areas, you will see the deeply etched lines, where for centuries, the canoes were dragged to the waters.
As the north began to develop, and Europeans discovered the huge availability of timber and furs, the native encampments dismantled, and modernization began to take hold. In the early 1900's the area was bustling with the activities of loggers and trappers, and then, there was the discovery of gold in the area.
By the early 1950's, Larder City, as it was known, was a bustle of activity. New families were helping the area to grow, and the men were working steady in the surrounding gold mines, and in logging.
By the early 80's, the town had started to shrink. With the expanding availability of education, people no longer had to rely on mining and the wilderness to support their familes. Young people started to make their homes in the cities, where work was readily available.
What was left of Larder Lake, Ontario? A beautiful little town with a heart of gold.
Larder Lake is still a thriving community, with a large number of the working population employed in the large local mines and forestry industry. Larder Lake is a small, close-knit community with all the comforts of home at your fingertips. With municipal services such as "the best drinking water in the north"(from our own spring), electricity, trash pickup weekly, sewage services, and snow plowing in winter, you are sure to be at ease no matter where or when you choose to stay in Larder Lake.
Whether you stay at our local campground, purchase a cottage, or stay at one of the inns, you are sure to have an unforgettable holiday.
The town also offers services such as a clinic, grocery store, gas station, lodge, restaurant, resort with restaurant, a tourist information center, a hotel for your adult evening entertainment, recreation center where activities are held throughout the year, library with a huge assortment of books and videos, Royal Canadian Legion and The Lion's Club. There are two churches available for Sunday worship, and students are bussed to Kirkland Lake, 20 minutes away.
Larder Lake has a lovely waterfront that has been developed into a clean and safe beach. There are washroom facilities, a drinking fountain, a large gazebo with barbeque facilities, and plenty of picnic tables, all only a five minute walk from the center of town. Next to the beach is the Marina, where you can safely dock your boat for a small fee.
In summer, the Lions Club Fish Derby is a great crowd gatherer. The derby lasts two days, starting with a parade through town, a Fisherman's Dance and Beer Tent on the Saturday night,(with great music to dance the night away)and a family day on the Sunday. There is something for all ages! And don't worry about a babysitter for those young ones when you want to go out to the dance, just ask at any business, and someone can recommend a good sitter!
In the winter, Larder Lake is great for sledding! Our trails are well groomed and ready for your ride! Stop in at one of our restaurants for a bowl of hot chili to take the cold edge off you, and sit a spell with the locals and hear tales of days gone by.
The Larder Lake Lake Trout Ice Derby is another event that attracts anglers from miles away. And there is plenty of hot food and coffee available to warm your insides after spending time out on the ice!
The residents of Larder Lake are warm and friendly, and think nothing of stopping to talk to people who are visiting. City folk are in for a pleasant surprise as they are greeted by "hello's" from people they don't even know, while walking up the streets. So, no matter what season you choose to visit, there is always a pleasant welcome waiting for you in Larder Lake, the little town with the heart of gold.
