Fall in Ontario is one of the most beautiful times of year, with forests transforming into a spectacular patchwork of red, orange, and golden-yellow foliage.
One particularly striking sight is Heart Lake near Ompah, located roughly four hours from Toronto and about 100 kilometres southwest of Ottawa. Appropriately named, the uniquely shaped lake has become a popular subject for photographers over the years, especially in autumn, when its deep blue waters are surrounded by brilliant fall colours.
However, while Heart Lake may look like the perfect spot for a fall road trip, the lake is not open to the public and should not be visited.
Heart Lake is located on Crown Land, but there is no public access to the water. In previous years, the lake has attracted crowds of photographers who have trespassed onto private property in an effort to capture the famous heart-shaped view. In 2019, the County of Frontenac issued a public statement discouraging people from visiting the lake, acknowledging its beauty while emphasizing that there is no public access.
“Recently, photographers have been flocking to Ompah to get their own shots of this uniquely shaped lake. And we get it, it IS beautiful. But there is no public access. You’re trespassing on private property, and that’s not right,” the statement read.
Drones have also caused issues in the area, with their noise disturbing nearby residents and affecting their privacy. There are also no established trails leading to the lake, creating additional safety concerns for anyone unfamiliar with the surrounding area who attempts to find it.
So, while Heart Lake might be an incredible sight to see, it’s best admired from afar. Fortunately, there are plenty of photos from previous years to enjoy, along with countless other places across Ontario where you can safely experience the province’s spectacular fall colours.
For a memorable autumn adventure, you could hop aboard an epic fall train ride through Northern Ontario or wade through a pool of floating cranberries in Muskoka.
