While there are many advantages to living on the three big lakes—Joseph, Muskoka, and Rosseau—in Muskoka, there are plenty of reasons worth buying on one of the 1,597 smaller lakes. Fortunately, our realtors who regularly deal with lakefront properties on small lakes know the perks.

From more privacy to more of a community feel, we’ve rounded up the top benefits of owning a small lake cottage.

More privacy

“Generally speaking, smaller lakes do not have marinas, retail establishments, and regular boat traffic. So if this is important to you, then a small lake is something to think about.” —Susan Benson, broker at Royal LePage Lakes of Muskoka Realty in Bracebridge

Fewer boats

“Smaller lakes offer less boat traffic, allowing those that

Much like the rest of Ontario, the Muskoka region is sitting in a pronounced seller’s market. With a surge of buyers and historically low inventory, multiple offers and above-asking sale prices have become the norm.

The Muskoka residential real estate market saw a 21% increase in unit sales in the first quarter (Q1) of 2021 with 161 sales compared to 133 in 2020. However, sales would have been significantly higher if more homes were available for sale. The average residential sale price also rose 62% to $685,984 in 2021. (Keep in mind that the sample size is still relatively small, so we expect these price increases to moderate as the amount of unit sales increases.)

The number of units sold over list price spiked, too. By the end of Q1, 46% of

If you haven’t heard of Harp Lake before, let us introduce you to this gem in Muskoka. With a surface area of 0.72 km2 Harp Lake is small and scenic. Take in the sights and sounds of the lake while having a morning coffee. The lake is conveniently located 15 minutes from the town of Huntsville and will give you access to a variety of grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants and local festivals in the summer. 

 The local boat launch is located on the northwest corner of the lake on Harp Lake Road. Motorized boats are welcome! Some of the fish species that call this lake home include smallmouth bass, yellow perch, brook trout and lake trout.  

If you like being active there are many choices nearby. Whether its golf, hiking, downhill skiing

Located less than 10 minutes from the Town of Huntsville, Lake Vernon is a wonderful choice for a vacation home. Lake Vernon is the largest of four connected lakes. Easy access to Mary Lake, Fairy Lake and Peninsula Lake allows for endless boating and exploring possibilities. There is no shortage of activities in this four-season Muskoka destination.

During the summer Lake Vernon Association coordinates family-friendly events such as BBQs, golf tournaments, and family fun day at the beach. If you like waterfalls, head over to Hood Rapids. It is located between Lake Vernon and Fox Lake. In the fall, experience the magnificent fall foliage around the lake or on a trail. In the winter you can take advantage of 15 km of cross country ski trails right

Welcome to Kahshe Lake, a natural wonderland. It is located only 13 minutes south of Gravenhurst. Kahshe Lake is one of the biggest and most southern lakes in the Muskoka region which is great news if you are travelling from Southern Ontario. The lake drains into the Kahshe River and is considered a tea lake.

 The shape of Kahshe Lake is quite unique. There are multiple bays and inlets with a shoreline that is anything but ordinary. It also adds to the beauty of the area. Several islands are sprinkled throughout the water body, the largest by far being Boyd Island. If you would like to explore the lake by boat you can head to one of two different boat launches. Kluey Bay Landing on the north side and South Kahshe Lake Road launch on the South side.

Our featured lake for this week is Bird Lake. Located 35 minutes from Bracebridge, Bird Lake is off the beaten path and a fantastic choice if you are looking for a spot that has a little more wilderness to it. Access to the lake is a breeze just take the well-maintained highway 118 from Bracebridge to Bird Lake Road and you are there!

Enjoy the benefits of a smaller lake including more privacy and less boat traffic. Take in the peace and quiet from your dock and get rid of the stress that can come with life in the city.  Smaller lakes also tend to have calmer waters which makes Bird Lake ideal for watersports such as stand up paddleboarding (SUP), canoeing and kayaking. 

Break out the fishing rod and get ready to catch some fish. The most

 It’s time to have some fun at Doe Lake. Known for being one of the biggest lakes in Almaguin Highlands, this lake is a playground for all types of cottage goers. The locals have divided the lake with three names: Big Doe Lake, Middle Doe Lake and Little Doe Lake. This lake is only a twelve-minute drive to the town of Burk’s Falls where you can find amenities such as groceries, gas, restaurants, and more. 

Doe Lake has a fantastic park complete with picnic tables, washrooms and a public beach. It’s a great place to meet friends or have a day out with the family. The naturally sandy bottom makes swimming a pleasure. If fishing is your activity of choice, you can find several different species here. Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike and

 You just spent some time over the summer, renting a cottage and enjoyed all the benefits of cottage life. Now you have the bug and are thinking about purchasing a cottage for your family. Should you wait until spring to make the move or should you consider buying this fall?

Here are some reasons why you might want to consider purchasing in the fall:

• Owners of cottages that remain unsold from the spring/summer months may be more motivated to sell their properties now, rather than carry them over the winter.

• There are fewer buyers to compete with.

• You get to enjoy the cottage in the fall, spring and even in winter if it is four seasons.

• You will have a better idea of what the shoreline and lake

Nine Mile Lake is a beautiful Muskoka getaway. Located just outside of Torrance and fourteen minutes to Bala, it has a ton of great features for the whole family to enjoy. Spend your days swimming, fishing, and hanging out on the dock while taking in views of the long scenic shoreline. 

Nine Mile Lake is perfect for all types of boating. Enjoy portage routes to several different lakes with your kayak or canoe. With this much to explore you won’t have to worry about being bored. If you prefer motorized vehicles this lake is motorboat friendly. 9 Mile Lake Marina is conveniently located on Nine Mile Lake Road and offers services such as docking, fuel, sales and storage.

The historic town of Bala is a short drive away and will help you stock

Have you noticed the mornings a little cooler? Leaves falling from trees?  Yes, autumn is just around the corner and with autumn comes the fall colours. In Muskoka, we are lucky that there are so many places to experience this great phenomenon. If you aren’t sure where to start, take a look at these ideas.

Take a walk up to one of the Muskoka lookouts:

Huckleberry Rock in Muskoka Lakes

Dorset Fire Tower in Lake of Bays

Lion’s Lookout in Huntsville

Walker's Point Lookout Trail in Muskoka Lakes

Hiking is not the only way to see the changing of the seasons. Here are a few more trip ideas: 

Take a road trip throughout the region

Take a cruise on one Muskoka's inviting lakes

To get an up-close experience you can trek through the