Must-See Places in Florida: The Winter Park Canals
Winter Park is a city near Orlando, famous for its beautiful outdoor spaces, including stately trees, abundant parks, and the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. Although the city is mainly known for its six vibrant lakes, including Lake Virginia, Lake Mizell, Lake Osceola, Lake Maitland, Lake Nina, and Lake Minnehaha, it’s the man made canals that connect them that make Winter Park and Maitland so special.
Whether you’re into watersports or just love traveling and exploring new places, the Winter Park canals are one of the absolute must-see places in Florida.
The Perfect Getaway for Watersports Enthusiasts
The City of Winter Park dates back to 1885 when it was built as a resort community around a chain of beautiful small lakes. Florida was becoming a winter getaway for the northern elite, and Winter Park developed accordingly. Many high-profile people, including past presidents, frequented the city and vacationed at its opulent lakefront resort hotels.
To facilitate drainage and enable boat traffic, canals were dug between several of the lakes. Although the waterways between the lakes are quite narrow, they offer some of the best kayaking in Florida.
Straight out of a storybook of fairy tales, these striking Venetian-style canals lead through lush greenery that creates an enchanting surrounding. Many visitors cross the city’s bridges without noticing the beautiful canals beneath which is unfortunate given that they are considered one of the must-see places in Florida.
When kayaking down the otherworldly scenic route of the Winter Park Canals, it’s not uncommon to spot otters, kingfishers, bald eagles, woodpeckers, ospreys, wading birds, and waterfowl. Birdwatchers particularly enjoy the 5.22-acre public Kraft Azalea Garden Park, located on the shore of Lake Maitland, as it is home to many nesting birds during hatchling season.
The Winter Park Chain of Lakes also draws fishing enthusiasts to its 2,781 acres of water. They can expect to catch sunshine bass, striped hybrid bass, bass breams, gar, or tilapia.
Since there is limited public access for fishing on the shoreline, many opt to use a kayak or canoe to reach the area’s best fishing holes. The deepest spot of the lakes can be found in the 29-foot hole on Lake Maitland. Anglers like to come here in the early morning to catch their fish before the watersports enthusiasts occupy the lake.
