FAQ

What is CLABA?

The Canandohta Lake Area Business Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the experience of life at the lake, for visitors and residents alike. We bring business owners and community members together to host events such as fireworks, Cardboard Boat Regatta, Rubber Duckee Race, and many more. There are multiple membership types, so our group brings different perspectives and talents to the table. We are not a local government, but a group of volunteers looking to improve the community.

What is there to do?

Just about anything you want. From just short walk from your cottage or camp you can get into the Lake Life, We have great restaurants and inns, beautiful beaches, both paid and free admittance, even a water slide with inner tube rentals. We have a great little general store, 2 great miniature golf courses, food and ice cream stands, an roller rink and souvenir stands. You can a rent a boat for an hour or a day. When the weather gets colder we have great evening entertainment in our restaurants and taverns, where you can have a legal beverage, while putting on your dancing shoes if you wish. We are a friendly community, so be prepared to leave with happy memories and new friends.

We have an extensive lineup of events each year that keep all ages busy with fun activities that give you many memories to take home. you can find this years events, fundraisers and schedules at the EVENTS TAB.

Within a few miles you are deep in Amish country. We have many museums and other world class historical attractions, such as Drake Well in Titusville the birthplace of the oil industry and also a fabulous museum of treasures in downtown Union City. We have a 18 hole country club up the road. Train rides, music concerts, arts and culture are well within a less than 20 minute drive. Family reunions are always fun at Canadohta Lake. We have families of all sizes that stay here for weeks at a time.

Our local shopping scene is the bomb. Erie is less than a half hour away with an amazing array of national retail stores and the really great small local specialty shops are everywhere around us without a long trip. Foodies rejoice!! We have many farmers market and fresh produce stands around that you'll be in farm fresh heaven. Our best kept secret is we are in the company of some really great dining right around the lake area. Our Frog Pond Restaurant is on the lakefront and has you covered for all occasions from casual to formal. We love our Fishermen's Tavern and the Bear Inn for great lunches and dinners and all your legal beverages. Enjoy the Country Cafe, Gina's Restaurant and the JJ Retro Eatery all a quick hop and jump north and south on Rt. 8. Enjoy great snacks and ice cream at Happi Jax and of course, Super Scoops.

We are in the epicenter of fun and adventure in Northwest Pennsylvania. Many visitors and locals love that fact that we are a great launching pad for day adventures. We have it all from visiting many local attractions, to walking in the acres of state game lands that surround us. Fishing and hunting is really an adventure around here. We have great ice fishing too. So much historical sites and attractions that are too numerous to mention. We really are a four season destination.

We would be remiss if we did not mention that Relaxing and unplugging is probably the biggest reason, many folks and their families come to visit us. Who couldn't use a bonfire at the lake side, with some cold drinks, or an afternoon nap with a lake breeze blowing on your face. The sound of kids swimming and out on the lake on a hot summer day. These are the memories that call you back. We cant wait to see you, old friends and new friends, alike.

We have it all, Come find out .....

What is There to Do at Night?

You can go on a night boat ride or go fishing! We have two miniature golf courses, a 9-hole par 3 golf course with night golfing, a roller skating rink, a driving range, batter-up cages, an arcade, and game rooms. The local restaurants have bands and dancing on most Friday and Saturday nights.

Where Can I Stay?

We as an organization do not own property or rent any cabins to consumers. We can, however, help you find accommodations through our business directory. There you can find numerous options and styles to suite your needs. Contact information can be found on that page for individual vendors.

Where do I get Calendar Lottery Tickets? And how does it work?

Calendar Lottery Tickets are one of our biggest Fund Raisers. The money raised goes directly to support the Fireworks. They are based on the evening daily lottery number. We sell tickets 000 thru 999 for $10 each. These tickets are good for the months of September, October, November. If your number hits on a week-day you will win $40 and if your number hits on a Saturday or Sunday you will win $100. The CLABA board keeps track of your numbers and will mail a check directly to the address you write on the ticket stub. You don’t have to keep track of anything! It doesn’t get much easier than that!! See any of the local businesses for tickets or any of the CLABA board members

Canadohta Lake Facebook Groups and Organizations

I Have My Own Boat, Can I Bring it Here?

Yes, there is a 10 HP limit on Canadohta. There is also a public boat launch on the west side of the lake at the Fish Commission Access.

Can I Use My Personal Watercraft [Jet Skis] on the Lake?

Canadohta Lake has a 10 horse power limit for all boats or watercraft. If any watercraft is over ten horse power it can not be used on Canadohta lake. The "Personal Watercraft" as it has been called, basically jet skis, are generally over 10 hp. Therefore they are not legal on Canadohta.

Can I go Swimming at the Lake?

Yes, you can swim anywhere on the lake. There is a public beach at Elmwood Park and several private beaches including one with a huge waterslide at Canadohta Lake Park.

I hear the dam controls the water level of Canadohta. What are dates for Lowering the dam in the Fall and filling it back up in the spring?

The lake is lowered around end of October.The lake is filled in April of each year. Please call the Township office at 814-694-2611 for dates each year.

Snowmobiles and ATVs are permitted on the ice when conditions warrant.

The only restriction that applies is the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission access area. As with all Commission property, the use of snowmobiles or ATVs is prohibited. Access to the lake can not be taken over or through Commission lands.

Is there Hunting and Fishing?

Yes, our local merchants sell licenses and supplies readily available. If the weather & ice cooperate we have an ice fishing tournament every February. Our lake has Northern Pike, Muskie, blue gill, crappie, large & smallmouth bass, walleye, carp, and catfish.

How Big is the Lake?

The lake is a total of 168 acres. It is .5 mi. wide and 1.25 mi. long. The average depth is 26 ft. and the deepest point is 75+ ft.

I need to work on my dock. When is the best time? What must I do?

Before any work may be started on a new or existing dock, a permit for the dock must exist and be filed with the DCNR. (Department of Conservation & Natural Resources) If you are unsure about a permit, it would be wise to contact DCNR in Meadville prior to any work. Work on the docks can be done at any time. The Canadohta Lake Authority lowers the level of the lake each fall, generally, the first week in November. However, if you are planning to do work on your docks and want a definite time, you should contact the Canadohta Lake Authority. Lowering the lake level is done as protection for the docks. In general most of the docks are out of the water at this time allowing for inspection and/or repairs if required.

Is Canadohta Lake a Man-Made Lake?

No, Canadohta lake is a warm-water kettle-bottom glacier lake that is spring fed. Oil Creek originates here.

I'm interested in buying property or would like to see what is available to rent--could you send me a list?

All reservations must be made through the individual owners. Many have links to their webpages that go into more detail.
Local realtors can help with yearly rentals & purchasing properties. Realtors and lodging are on our Business Directory page.

I have a Canadohta Lake Breeze newspaper from a few years ago. Is it still in print?

Yes, The Breeze is still in print and you can get one from our local merchants or if you would like to have one sent to you just go to the contact page and email or write us. The Breeze is printed once a year usually around Memorial Day.
To see this years Breeze check out the Breeze tab on home page.

What do you do to control weeds?

CLABA does not control the weeds of the lake. The PA Fish and Boat Commision does. Our township has a citizen led, Lake Authority. The goal of the Lake Authority is to maintain the pristine condition of the second largest natural lake in Pennsylvania. They work very hard to try to protect everyone who uses the lake fisherman, swimmers, boaters and land owners. They do not kill all the weeds in the lake. They are controlled by permits applied for to treat the lake thru the Pa Fish and Boat Commission and the DEP who set the dosage rate and coverage area as well as the chemicals used. The application is done by certified professionals. We know the pitfalls of overuse of chemicals. There is an invasive non-native, exotic weed (Eurasian, Watermilfoil) that will kill the lake if not controlled and eliminated. This eradication can not be done mechanically. They do not kill the large-leaf pondweed that is good for fish and their habitat. The weed control project is totally funded by donations from the township residents. The stocking of the Lake is controlled by the Pa Fish and Boat Commission. A few years ago over 300 muskie were stocked and 6,800 walleye. The Lake Authority has a public meeting on the 2nd Monday of every month at 7pm at the Township building.

How do I get there?

From Pittsburgh
(in approx. 2 Hours):
North on I-79 to Meadville,
East on Route 77 to Rt. 8 North 3 miles.
Left onto Lake Road.

From Cleveland
(in approx. 2 Hours):
East on I-90 to Rt. 84 East
East on 84 East to 6N East
East on 6N East to Rt. 8 South for 8 miles.
Right onto Lake Road.

From Buffalo
(in approx. 2 Hours):
West on I-90 to Rt. 89 South
89 South to Rt. 8 South 20 miles.
Right onto Lake Road.