Pigeon Lake is a large lake in Ontario's Kawartha Lakes region, measuring approximately 27 kilometers long and up to 3 kilometers wide. It is characterized as big water with powerboat traffic, though it also offers several sheltered bays that are ideal for paddling away from heavier boat traffic. The lake provides access to other connected waterways, including Chemong, Buckhorn, and Bald Lakes, without requiring passage through any locks. Notable paddling destinations on Pigeon Lake include two sandbars with shallow waters suitable for swimming, one near Long Point Bay and another north of Grenadier Island. The extensive shoreline of the 1,100-acre Boyd Island, also known as Big or Chiminis Island, is described as pristine and scenic, ideal for paddling along, fishing, and landing to explore a trail. Its Back Channel on the east side offers calmer water and protection from the wind. At the north end of the lake, Nogies Creek presents a pretty destination for paddling past several resorts and parks.

Access points for paddlers include a public boat launch in the Kawartha Lakes area, though its exact coordinates and current operational status are not definitively confirmed and should be verified locally. Another specific launch is located on Mallard Bay Road, with coordinates at 44.38116523204, -78.499023278812; listed amenities there include a launch point, boat ramp, and both paid and free parking. For those accessing the lake via the Pigeon River from Omemee, there is a boat launch on the northwest side of the Omemee dam, and an upstream access point off County Road 31 near the Windy Ridge Conservation Area. The river section leading into the lake is described as slow, swampy, and sluggish, teeming with wildlife. While there are no campsites directly en route on the lower Burnt River approach, the Trent-Severn Waterway's Lock 35 at Rosedale provides campsites for a fee and a rustic cabin for rent on Dewey’s Island Nature Reserve, which can serve as a base for paddling trips in the area. The town of Bobcaygeon, located on the lake, allows paddlers to dock and explore for shopping and dining.