When it comes to cottage season, Muskoka is the first place on everyone’s lips — well-known as one of the most popular go-tos for summer fun and relaxation. But there are other areas, oftentimes overshadowed, that have just as much to offer in terms of picturesque landscapes, white sandy beaches, historic charm and opportunities for heart-stopping adventure on the water. Here is a look at five cottage listings in Ontario, all around the same price range, that have got a great situation going on.
NORTH SHORE OF LAKE EERIE (pictured above)
ADDRESS: 192 Harrison Place LISTING PRICE: $747,000
This waterfront property boasts its own cove, private beach and creek on three-fourths of an acre (a 75-foot by 300-foot lot), with a large landscaped yard overlooking Lake Erie. With approx. 1,500 square feet of space and pine floors throughout, this year-round stunner has three bedrooms and a wraparound veranda on the lakeside.
South for the summer
Canada’s southernmost reach (along Lake Erie’s north shore) combines the best of beach-front beauty, meandering bike trails, farmland and wineries all in one. A four-hour drive from Toronto, it is one of the least populated sub-regions of southwest Ontario, so cottage-goers avoid the typical cottage country congestion.
Stunning property on Lake Muskoka
MUSKOKA
ADDRESS: 1024 Kitchener Street LISTING PRICE: $775,000
On a part of Lake Muskoka, called Bala Bay, away from some of the multimillion-dollar cottages on lakes Rosseau and Joseph, sits this stunning-yet-affordable property (1,740 square feet,100-foot by 130-foot lot). The cottage’s boathouse alone offers two bedrooms, an outdoor balcony and outstanding views of the lake.
Cottage elite
Located just two hours north of Toronto, the Muskoka landscape is well-known for its mosaic of beautiful blue lakes, majestic forests, historic lakeside communities with charming artisans’ shops and first-class resorts. Although it can be a bit on the pricey side, any Muskoka cottager will tell you it is well worth the cost.
Waterfront property on Georgian Bay
GEORGIAN BAY SOUTH
ADDRESS: 1913 Island Road LISTING PRICE: $749,000
Have a large extended family? This waterfront property features two winterized cottages (three bedrooms each), plus its own boathouse. The main cottage has a spacious sundeck surrounding it, as well as its own hot tub. The 311-foot by 95-foot lot is the perfect setting to enjoy a roaring fire with friends and family at sunset.
Friendly commute
Georgian Bay South is less than a two-hour drive from Toronto (the shortest by far) and just 15 minutes from two excellent golf courses and some great spots for fine dining in Port Severn. Although the water can get a little choppy and cold, kayaking is a popular choice amongst the cottage folk up there.
Over an acre in Land O' Lakes
LAND O' LAKES
ADDRESS: 1644 Shibley Road LISTING PRICE: $739,000
You get more bang for your buck with this property, with 2,526 square feet of living space, including a custom kitchen, sunken living room and bright sunroom, all with high-end finishes. It has a beautifully treed and extensively landscaped 1.1 acre lot with 250 feet of waterfront, numerous decks and flagstone paths.
Fishing paradise
As you might tell from its name, this region is a fishing playground. Four hours northeast of Toronto, this area has 5,000 different lakes to enjoy. Or if hiking, cycling or four-wheeling is your pleasure, there is a 700-kilometre network of trails built on a foundation of abandoned rail lines and forest access roads.
Beachfront gem on the west coast of Ontario
ONTARIO'S WEST COAST
ADDRESS: 213 Saugeen Beach Road LISTING PRICE: $799,900
This quaint little cottage is only 1,000 square feet of space (with two bedrooms) on a 100-foot by 100-foot lot. But what it lacks in space it makes up for in expansive beach access just outside its back door. No frills, just good ol’ fashioned getting back to nature time.
Beach culture
Three hours from Toronto, the southeastern shore of Lake Huron is beaches galore with not one, but 12 in-area white-sand beaches, plus two harbours. Beach culture is given a whole new meaning here, with boardwalks, sailing meccas and stunning sunsets to enjoy with family and friends.
