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 the

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

Located 10 minutes northeast of Baysville and 25 minutes to Bracebridge, Echo Lake is a great place to relax and rejuvenate. At Echo Lake canoes and kayaks are king. Push off from the portage launch on Hammond Road to enjoy the gorgeous scenery and go for a paddle. There are several different bays to explore. It is a perfect way to take in the peace and quiet of the cottage life.

If you feel like doing something a little different, why not take a short trip to Lake of Bays Boat Tours? It’s just one way to experience even more of what Muskoka has to offer. While you are in town, you can also swing by the Baysville section of the group of seven murals outdoor gallery. The magic of this region inspired the group of seven to paint some of the most

Welcome to Peninsula Lake, our newest lake of the week. Often called Pen Lake by the locals, Peninsula Lake has a split jurisdiction between the Town of Huntsville and the Township of Lake of Bays. It has become one of the most popular lakes in Muskoka and even hosted the G8 Summit. 

 Peninsula Lake was the last of four lakes to be connected by a canal. Mary, Fairy and Vernon Lakes were linked but there was a desire to see Peninsula Lake become part of the water navigation system. Once this desire became a reality it opened the area to all kinds of possibilities including tourism and other economic benefits. This is just a small part of Peninsula Lake’s rich history.

 One of the biggest attractions around the lake is the world-famous

It is hard to believe we are already into the second half of August, and before you know it summer will be history. Speaking of history, Muskoka has a rich history. With the extension of the Northern Railway of Canada to Gravenhurst in 1875, marked the beginning of rail service to Muskoka and a gateway to the region. Tourists came in by train and lumber could be shipped out. The sawmill industry thrived through the late 19th century and into the early 20th century. Early cottagers included American industrialists in areas including Beaumaris, on Lake Muskoka, dubbed "Millionaires Row”. If you enjoy history, try visiting one or more of the nine museums and historic sites in Muskoka. 

Muskoka Heritage Place

Bala’s Museum with Memories of Lucy Maud

It's time to go big or go home at Kawagama Lake. One of the largest lakes in the region, Kawagama has so much to offer no matter what you are looking for. The lake is only 10 minutes to the village of Dorset where you can pick up all the essentials for your cottage vacation. 

If you like taking your boat out on the lake, you will love the choice of two marinas on Kawagama. Mountain Trout Marina and Old Mill Marina are both located on the west side of the lake. Storage and repair services are available to keep your boat in its prime. Once you are all gassed up and ready to go feel free to explore over 31 km of lake water.

What could be more tempting than beautifully clear water on a hot summer day? Kawagama Lake has an excellent water clarity

 Are you looking for a lakeside getaway? Well, Loon Lake is calling! This lake is located northwest of the Town of Gravenhurst, which has all amenities including groceries, gas, and local markets. Loon Lake is a part of the local headwaters, meaning it provides the water that flows into Turtle Lake and drains into Morrison Creek.

Loon Lake is a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts. A few minutes down the road you will find the trailhead for Old Stone Road Trail. Along the 6 kilometre hike, you will be able to experience one of Muskoka’s original roads that used to connect Bala to Gravenhurst. It even joins up with Devil’s Gap trail if you want to extend your hike. The area has over three hundred plant species and is a part of the Loon Lake Wetland

Welcome to Bass Lake, a piece of paradise that will give you the true cottage experience. Located 7 minutes from the village of MacTier and 15 minutes from Port Carling, this lake has easy access to Highway 169 which makes travelling there a breeze. 

One of the best parts of taking a vacation in Muskoka is having access to local one of a kind shops and restaurants. Muskoka Station Store in MacTier has all kinds of great items and gifts for you to bring back to your friends and family. After some shopping, head over to Bass Lake Roadhouse to have a delicious meal and give yourself a night off from cooking. 

Bass Lake is a great location if you like to golf. Muskoka Woodlands Golf Course and Driving Range is open to the public and is only 5

I was looking at the cherry tomato plant I am attempting to grow, and unfortunately, it looks like I won't be getting many tomatoes from it. However, what is very plentiful in Muskoka, at this time of the year, is the number of Farmers' Markets, offering local foods, homemade goods, local art and other interesting items. Here's a list of 7 Farmers' Markets in the Muskoka area for you and the family to go check out!

Bracebridge Farmers' Market

Saturdays, May 18 – October 12, 20190 – Memorial Park

Gravenhurst Farmers' Market

Wednesdays, May 15 – October 30, 2019 – Muskoka Wharf

 Port Carling Farmers' Market

Thursdays June 27 – August 29, 2019 – Hannah Park

 Baysville Farmers' Market

Fridays, June 28 – August 30, 2019 – 2849