Maple Lake Natural Spring, Minden, Ontario, Canada

## Overview Maple Lake Natural Spring is a roadside public drinking spring located along Highway 118 East in the Haliburton Highlands of Ontario, Canada — between the communities of Carnarvon and West Guilford, near the village of Minden. This cold-water spring flows year-round from a small-diameter pipe (approximately 5 cm) that runs perpendicular to the road, offering a convenient stop for travelers exploring the scenic lake country of central Ontario. The spring sits within the Canadian Shield, a vast geological formation of ancient Precambrian rock that underlies much of this region. Springs emerging through the Shield's granite and gneiss bedrock are often prized by locals for their cold temperature and mineral clarity. Maple Lake Natural Spring has long been a popular stop for area residents and cottagers who have historically used it as a source of fresh drinking water. Visitors have reported that the water is cold, clean-tasting, and flows steadily throughout the year — though, as with any natural spring, water quality can vary and has not been independently verified. The spring is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, making it a reliable stop no matter the season. ## Directions 1. From **Minden** or **Carnarvon**, head east on **Highway 118 East** toward West Guilford. 2. Continue on Hwy 118 East through Carnarvon for approximately **5 minutes**. 3. Watch for **Fader Road** on your left — the spring is located **just past Fader Road on the right-hand side** of the highway. 4. Pull into the **paved pulloff area** on the right. The spring pipe is visible from the road. **Nearest address for navigation:** 10200–10900 Hwy 118 E, West Guilford, Haliburton Highlands, Ontario. **GPS coordinates:** 45.098488, -78.651207 ## What to Expect Maple Lake Natural Spring is a simple, no-frills roadside spring — perfect for a quick stop to fill up water containers while driving through the Haliburton Highlands. The water flows continuously from a small pipe into a natural drainage area beside the highway. There is a paved parking pulloff right next to the spring, so access is easy and no hiking is required. The water is notably cold, even during the summer months, which is characteristic of springs fed through deep bedrock in the Canadian Shield. Visitors typically bring jugs or bottles to fill. The flow rate is modest given the small pipe diameter, so filling large containers may take a few minutes. The surrounding area is classic Haliburton Highlands scenery — mixed forests of maple, birch, and pine, with numerous lakes and cottage communities nearby. Maple Lake itself, along with Oxtongue Lake and other waterways, makes this a popular region for camping, canoeing, and outdoor recreation. The spring is a well-known local landmark and sees regular use by cottagers and passersby alike. There are no facilities at the spring — no washrooms, signage, or seating — so plan accordingly. The paved pulloff provides safe parking off the highway. The spring is accessible year-round, though winter visitors should be prepared for icy conditions around the pipe area.