History and Lore of Kawarthas’ Old Limestone Quarry

What’s now a peaceful lake once buzzed with life and industry. From 1908 to 1961, this was the site of the Kirkfield Crushed Stone Quarry, operated by Kirkfield Crushed Stone Ltd. The quarry produced crushed stone for concrete and asphalt aggregate, agricultural lime, and road construction, and even supplied stone for the building of the Trent–Severn Waterway’s Kirkfield Lift Lock — one of Canada’s most iconic engineering feats. By the mid-20th century, the quarry had grown massive, 300 yards across and 40 feet deep, earning fame as Ontario’s last steam-powered industrial operation.

The limestone here tells a story far older than the quarry itself. Formed over 450 million years ago, these rocks once drew the attention of scientists who uncovered more than 140 fossil species, including brachiopods and crinoids. This fossil-rich formation became known as the Kirkfield echinoderm fauna, cementing the site’s place in geological history.

When the quarry closed in 1961, its massive pit filled with spring-fed groundwater, submerging tools, trees, and traces of its industrial past. Over time, nature reclaimed the site — wildflower meadows, marshland, and forest now surround the lake, providing important habitat for insects and wildlife. The water, sustained by three underground freshwater springs, remains remarkably clean and crystal clear, with a blueness seldom seen anywhere in Ontario.

After its closure, Kirkfield Lake became a popular spot for scuba divers and weekend adventurers. With depths reaching thirty feet, excellent visibility, and plenty of fish, divers flocked here to explore. A local scuba diving company that led diving retreats added to the site’s lore by sinking “Big Archie,” a six-foot-tall metal diver statue that still rests somewhere beneath the shimmering surface. Stories soon surfaced of sunken treasures, old cars, fiberglass boats, a small airplane, and even a submerged forest. While diving is no longer permitted, snorkelers can still glimpse fascinating geological formations, fossils, and aquatic life.

Today, Kirkfield Lake sits surrounded by forest and tranquility — a living monument to both human ingenuity and nature’s power to reclaim. It’s also said that local legends linger here: tales of ghostly echoes at night and whispers from the nearby Sir William Mackenzie Inn add an air of mystery to the lake’s quiet charm.

We’re thrilled to call Kirkfield Lake our home base in Kawartha Lakes. Nestled along its shores are our five cabins, each offering front-row access to this remarkable landscape. And just a little further back, off its shoreline sit our four tents tucked into the forest on their own private lots.

Spend your days exploring the lake’s crystal waters, wandering through the charming town of Kirkfield, or visiting the nearby Lift Lock — a marvel of Canadian engineering. As the sun sets, let the stillness of the lake surround you.

Photo credits
Header: Taylor Yhap
Footer: Kelsey Line (@thetravelsheets)