Lake Muskoka/Mortimer's Point Water Aerodrome is a public water aerodrome located on Lake Muskoka near the community of Port Carling, in the District Municipality of Muskoka, Ontario, Canada. The facility serves seaplanes and floatplanes that operate on the lake’s surface.
Key characteristics
- Location: Lake Muskoka, approximately 3 km north‑west of Port Carling, Ontario, Canada.
- Geographic coordinates: 45°06′30″N 79°21′45″W (approximate).
- Operator: The aerodrome is operated by the local community association responsible for Mortimer’s Point.
- Aerodrome code: The water aerodrome is identified by the Transport Canada location identifier CPA5 (formerly CPW8). It does not have an ICAO or IATA code.
- Type: Public water aerodrome.
- Elevation: 734 ft (223 m) above sea level (water surface level).
- Runway: The “runway” consists of the usable water surface of Lake Muskoka; there is no paved or gravel runway. Seasonal conditions such as ice may affect operations.
- Facilities: The aerodrome provides dockage and fuel services for float‑equipped aircraft. No permanent terminal building is present; pilots use a designated anchorage area.
- Regulatory status: Listed in the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS) as a registered water aerodrome, subject to the regulations governing Canadian water aerodromes and the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
Operational considerations
- The aerodrome operates year‑round for floatplane traffic, although winter operations are limited to aircraft equipped for ice or ski landing.
- Pilots must adhere to local traffic patterns and coordinate with the Canada Air Navigation Service (CANS) for flight plans and communications.
- The surrounding area includes residential and recreational properties, requiring adherence to noise abatement procedures.
Historical context
Lake Muskoka/Mortimer’s Point Water Aerodrome has been used historically to provide access to the Muskoka cottage country, supporting tourism, private aviation, and emergency services. Its development reflects the broader pattern of water aerodrome usage in the Canadian lake‑rich regions of Ontario.
References
- Transport Canada, Canada Flight Supplement (CFS) entry for CPA5.
- Muskoka District Municipalities, Aerodrome and Aviation Services documentation.
