How did Lower Digby Lake become Red Boat Lake?

The official Canadian Geographical Names Database records Red Boat Lake under an earlier name: Lower Digby Lake. What it does not tell us is when—or why—the name changed.

Red Boat Lake lies within Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park, northeast of Head Lake and northwest of Norland, in the former Digby Township.

Was there once a particular red boat on the lake? Was Red Boat Lake already the name used by local families before it became official? Could the answer survive in an old map, a newspaper clipping, a letter or a story passed down by someone who knew the lake well?

If you remember an explanation for the name, know when people began using it or have photographs, maps or family records that might offer a clue, please help us find the answer.

Can you help us find the story?

If you have a photograph, document, memory or lead connected to this question, we would love to hear from you. Even a small detail may help us find the next piece of the story.

Want to learn more yourself? Check out these great resources:

Families can search the Home Children Canada Registry here:
https://www.homechildrencanada.com/registry

If you have new information, corrections, photographs, documents or family stories to contribute, you can submit information directly to the Registry team here:
https://www.homechildrencanada.com/registry-update

Home Children Canada would especially welcome information about British Home Children who lived or worked in communities within Kawartha Lakes. Locally discovered information can help us expand and improve the national record and preserve these children's stories for future generations.

Families and descendants are also very welcome to join the British Home Children in Canada Facebook group, where they offer FREE help with British Home Child family research:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Britishhomechildren

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Red Boat Lake and surrounding area. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.