Candlewood Lake is the largest lake in Connecticut, stretching about 11 miles along the western edge of Danbury. Created in 1928 as part of a hydroelectric scheme, it now serves entirely as a recreational lake. Swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing are all popular in summer, and the shoreline has numerous boat launches and access points.
The lake is particularly attractive in autumn when the surrounding forested hills turn red and gold. Several state and town parks provide public access to the shoreline — Danbury's stretch of the lakeshore has the best facilities, including a boat launch at Squantz Pond State Park just north of town. The lake is also good for bass fishing, and boat rentals are available from marinas on the western shore.