The Most Popular Places to Buy a Cottage in Ontario



April 26, 2021

Do you hear that sound when you open the window? Those birds chirping, the lawnmowers in the distance grumbling away, and that soft, gentle sway of fresh blossoms in the breeze? At long last, spring is making its annual appearance. You can finally put the winter jackets and boots away for another year.

And while spring is a beautiful season welcomed with open arms after a long, dark winter, it’s more of an opening act. What people genuinely look forward to each year is the arrival of summer (no offense, spring). Summer is the one time of year in Ontario when it’s hot for weeks at a time. You can get a suntan just by reading a book outside for a couple of hours.

You look forward to eating ice cream in the park and cooling off in the shade once the evening hits. Everyone spends most of their free time outdoors — barbequing, swimming, and exploring the Ontario landscape.

Summer at The Cottage

It’s the ideal time of year to head up to the cottage. Ontario is home to some of the most luxurious cottage countries in North America, mainly the gorgeous region of Muskoka. Anyone from or living in Ontario knows that it’s the best place to have a cottage.

It spans 6,475 kilometres and includes towns such as Huntsville and Bracebridge, and is home to the Moose Deer Point and Wahta Mohawk First Nations. There are 1600 lakes, 250 species of birds, and a wide selection of animals and wildlife. It’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind during the summer months.

Have you been reviewing real estate in Muskoka listings because you’re interested in purchasing a new cottage? You’re making a wise decision. The market is hot and so is the weather (pun intended). We’re Muskoka Real Estate, and we specialize in top-of-the-line summer homes. Our mission is to offer honest and ethical services to our clients and provide the best information about cottages for sale in Muskoka regions.

As cottage owners and Muskoka dwellers ourselves, we genuinely believe that this is the optimal place to enjoy summer living — and any time of the year. It’s a short drive from Toronto and the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) and other large hubs such as Detroit, Michigan or New York. There are so many beautiful places to call home here. We’ve outlined some of the most popular sites to buy a cottage in this breath-taking neck of the woods.

Huntsville, Ontario

What’s not to love about Huntsville? It’s the largest town in the region and located right in the Canadian Shield. It’s a vibrant community rich with culture and history and attracts visitors from all over the globe no matter what time of year it is. It’s the perfect area to purchase a summer retreat. Check out the cottages for sale in Huntsville, Ontario on our site.

Are you an art enthusiast? With a cottage in the area, you could take a quick drive and spend an afternoon admiring the Group of Seven murals dotted throughout Huntsville’s downtown. There are also countless restaurants and bars, many with gorgeous lake view patios. You could shop for food and supplies from local retailers or Muskoka’s only indoor shopping centre.

muskoka real estate
Credit: Chris F via Pexels

Furthermore, it’s a short drive to beautiful Algonquin Park, which gives you the excuse to explore such sublime natural surroundings more often because of the easy accessibility. Just a quick car ride, and you could embrace the captivating sights and sounds of Ontario’s oldest provincial park —open since 1893.

There’s always something to do when you’re in and around Huntsville.

Gravenhurst, Ontario

Known as the gateway to Muskoka, Gravenhurst is a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. Another beautifully historic town, Gravenhurst, has been a popular cottage destination for over 150 years. It’s big on boating and is home to traditional wooden restorers and boat builders, yearly boat races, an annual rowing regatta, fishing tournaments, classic boats, and a weekly water ski event and show. It’s the ideal place to enjoy big lake boating or one of the numerous other smaller lakes.

If you’re more of a land enthusiast, there are also plenty of events on the ground. For example, each year around Father’s day, the town hosts The Gravenhurst Car Show — a 20-year old tradition. You could walk around and gawk at the vintage wheels while also supporting the local vendors selling delicious treats and memorabilia.

Gravenhurst provides residents exciting things to do year-round. Check it out if you’re looking for not just a quaint spot for a cottage but also a place offering a sense of small-town community.

Bracebridge, Ontario

Bracebridge is a scenic town in the heart of Muskoka.  It’s located on the beautiful Muskoka River and overlooks Bracebridge Falls, the most significant waterfall in the entire region. There are currently exquisite waterfront cottages for sale in Bracebridge that offer luxurious comfort and sophistication. You’ll want to explore Bracebridge’s options because it’s truly a one-of-a-kind Ontario town.

Bracebridge is known for its hospitality, for making people feel at home. The downtown area is packed with friendly local business owners and merchants and unique antique and gift shops where you’ll find interesting artisan goodies for the cottage.

There are also several family-owned restaurants anxiously waiting to delight your taste buds. From Irish to Thai, Japanese to Mexican, there’s something for everyone. Are you a craft beer lover? Well, lucky for you, Bracebridge is home to the famous Muskoka Brewery. You could arrange a tour of the place and revel in refreshing samples, and witness first-hand how the award-winning brews are produced.

There are several beaches, parks, and boat launches peppered throughout the area to explore at any time. Like most places in the region, it’s an easy drive from the GTA, so it won’t take you long to escape the city and settle into the quiet life.

Apart from this extraordinary part of the world, you can’t experience the rugged beauty of the Canadian wilderness combined with small-town charm and luxurious living. Muskoka is a genuine treasure that offers nothing but perks for cottage dwellers. If you’d like to elevate your summer living this year, check out our listings. Trust us, we promise you won’t regret it.