AS far as Canadian lakes go, Lac Swansea is no big shakes. Measuring just a mile long and half a mile wide, it is a small drop in the proverbial ocean.
Situated in the Restigo controlled hunting and fishing zone, about 200 miles north of Toronto, the lake sits in splendid isolation from civilisation. The nearest town, Temiscaming, is 30 miles away.
Its shores are a natural habitat for wolves, bears, otters, beavers, mink and moose. Fishermen are attracted by its pike.
Lac Swansea was named after HMCS (Her Majesty's Canadian Ship) Swansea by Regent Bisson, who was manager of the controlled zone, and responsible for naming its many smaller lakes. Mr Bisson served as a petty officer on the frigate from 1954 to 1956.
HMCS Swansea was christened on December 19, 1942, at Yarrows shipyard in Victoria, British Columbia. The ship was named after the Swansea area of Toronto following an appeal from residents during the Second World War.
The 301ft frigate was commissioned into service on October 4, 1943. She had a successful war record, participating in the sinking of three U-boats, and was present at D-Day.
The 1,930-ton vessel was broken up in Savona, Italy, in 1967.
This article originally appeared in Planet Swansea which was published by the South Wales Evening Post.
Situated in the Restigo controlled hunting and fishing zone, about 200 miles north of Toronto, the lake sits in splendid isolation from civilisation. The nearest town, Temiscaming, is 30 miles away.
Its shores are a natural habitat for wolves, bears, otters, beavers, mink and moose. Fishermen are attracted by its pike.
Lac Swansea was named after HMCS (Her Majesty's Canadian Ship) Swansea by Regent Bisson, who was manager of the controlled zone, and responsible for naming its many smaller lakes. Mr Bisson served as a petty officer on the frigate from 1954 to 1956.
HMCS Swansea was christened on December 19, 1942, at Yarrows shipyard in Victoria, British Columbia. The ship was named after the Swansea area of Toronto following an appeal from residents during the Second World War.
The 301ft frigate was commissioned into service on October 4, 1943. She had a successful war record, participating in the sinking of three U-boats, and was present at D-Day.
The 1,930-ton vessel was broken up in Savona, Italy, in 1967.
This article originally appeared in Planet Swansea which was published by the South Wales Evening Post.
Bears live around Lac Swansea.
Otters are resident in Lac Swansea.
