Discover the Charm and Beauty of Muskoka’s Lake of Bays



August 11, 2021

Tucked away in the northeast corner of Muskoka is Lake of Bays Township, one of the region’s most popular cottage destinations. It’s known for its rugged landscape and luxurious cottages and is the perfect spot to spend your summers.
Are you interested in purchasing a new summer home? If so, you’re probably already familiar with Muskoka. People worldwide spend their summers here because of its stunning natural beauty and peaceful way of life. And Lake of Bays in Muskoka is one of the most popular townships to purchase a cottage in the area.
The township was officially established in 1971 and has had a vibrant history. During the early 20th century, several luxury resorts and hotels opened along the lake due to its sublime beauty and coveted privacy. Lake of Bays quickly became a hot summer vacation spot for the rich and famous, including writer Ernest Hemmingway and Hollywood legend Clark Gable. Today, the renowned area provides a summer escape with elegant cottages peppered along the lake for people from all over the globe.
We’re the Aben Team — Muskoka Real Estate agents. We have incredible Muskoka real estate listings on our site right now, including many in Lake of Bays Township. On our site, you’ll find granite shorelines and jaw-dropping waterfront Lake of Bays properties. We love this part of Muskoka because there’s always something exciting happening. Whether you want to take the family on a memorable outdoor adventure or enjoy an evening out with your partner, you’ll never get bored in Lake of Bays.
Here are just a few reasons why you should consider buying your Muskoka cottage in beautiful Lake of Bays.

You’re Always Close to Exciting Activities

Lake of Bays is a body of water that spans about 27 square miles, stretching to the Muskoka communities of Dwight to the north, Dorset to the east, and Baysville to the south. Furthermore, if you own a cottage in this neck of the woods, you’ll be a mere 40-minute drive to Algonquin Park, one of Canada’s most beloved national parks. It’s a place full of community charm and rustic beauty with something that everyone can enjoy.

For the Culture and History Buff

While soaking in nature and the outdoors at the cottage is always welcomed, there are also times when you want to take it easy and enjoy a change of scenery. Fortunately, with a cottage in Lake of Bays, you could easily spend the afternoon at local museums and galleries because you’ll be a short drive to Dorset and Baysville.

The Dorset Heritage Museum

This Muskoka region is rich with history, and there’s no better place to explore such an interesting past than at the Dorset Heritage Museum. Located right in the heart of Dorset, the museum features fascinating exhibits about early pioneer life, traditional logging practices, local settlers, and other information about the early pioneer days in Muskoka. Museum highlights include an exhibit celebrating the Indigenous communities in the area and a Local Family Tree & Heritage Map Project, where locals can search for their ancestors.
It’s the perfect place to take the kids on a rainy day for an educational day in town.

The John Murden Art Gallery & Studio and Yummies in a Jar

If you’d rather admire the work of local artisans than learning about history, then you’ll love The John Murden Art Gallery & Studio in Baysville. In the gallery, you’ll find John Murden’s paintings, prints, and photographs highlighting the picturesque landscapes and laidback lifestyles of the Muskoka region, and the works are for sale.
Also inside the space is Yummies in a Jar — a company selling homemade gourmet preserves owned and operated by Jon Murden’s wife, Lynn Murden. You’ll find everything from delicious jams to BBQ sauces to vinaigrettes, and all the products are perfect to take back to the cottage since they all have a long shelf life, and you can keep them in the kitchen all summer.

Take a Hike

You’re in one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth, so you want to get out there and explore! Lake of Bays township has so many breathtaking spots to check out and it’s loaded with wildlife of all sorts.

Oxtongue River-Ragged Falls Provincial Park

Is there anything more beautiful than a natural waterfall? If the rushing, soothing sound of a waterfall appeals to you, then you need to check out Oxtongue River-Ragged Falls Provincial Park. This is a beautiful place to hike during the upcoming fall season because the leaves will be changing colours, but it’s equally as stunning in the summer.

Located near Algonquin Park’s western gates, the falls and whitewater rapids are easily accessible through a short trail starting at the public parking area.

Algonquin National Park

There are more than 7650 square kilometres of parkland to enjoy at Algonquin National Park. It has at least 1000 glassy lakes perfect for canoeing and kayaking and gorgeous camping sites. The park is full of incredible wildlife, with over 50 animal species and 140 species of birds!
Check out a park map to see which lake suits your needs best to plan your upcoming canoe trip.

A Night Out

When you want to leave the kids at home for a night out, why not head to Lake of Bays Brewery? A leading Ontario craft brewing company, the brewery offers tasty treats and a place to unwind.
You could sample some of their award-winning beers and enjoy an evening on the patio. They also have behind-the-scenes guided tours. So, if you’d like to see how the magic happens, check out their website to know when to book a tour of the brewery.
With a cottage in Lake of Bays, you’ll have access to not only the adventures and wonders of the great outdoors but also a delightful community fueled by the beauty, culture, and rich history of Muskoka. Check out these Lake of Bays cottages for sale on our regularly updated site.
We sincerely love what we do here at Muskoka Real Estate. As Muskoka homeowners, we care about what matters to our clients, and we’re constantly on the lookout for things to do in the area. We want our clients to love their summer homes just as much as their surroundings. To learn how you can call Muskoka home, contact The Aben Team for more information.