Lake of Bays Cottages for Sale
The Lake of Bays Township is part of the Muskoka municipality of Ontario, and located 2 hours north of Toronto and 3.5 hours from Ottawa in the northeast corner of the Muskoka region. It is easily accessible from Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area via Highway 60 or Highway 35. Muskoka is legendary as a vacation hot spot in the province, and Lake of Bays cottages are very much in demand any time one is introduced to the real estate market.
Lake of Bays is just east of Huntsville, Ontario and adjacent to Algonquin Park. It is made up of 4 separate communities; Baysville, Dorset, Hillside, and Dwight. The unique natural landscape of forests, rocks, lakes and wetlands, plus miles on miles of lakeshore make it a popular destination for second homes or vacation properties for homeowners living in the Greater Toronto Area, furthering the popularity of Lake of Bays homes for sale.
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Lake of Bays Cottage and Home Information
There is usually a wide selection of quality vacation homes and Lake of Bays cottages for sale in the region, making it a very vibrant part of the Muskoka real estate market. The large variances in the values of homes here is noteworthy, with some properties listed for less than $100k to other ones listed for in excess of $1-4 million.
The luxury cottage market is always very strong in Lake of Bays, and investment buyers factor into it significantly. Many of those take an interest in Lake of Bays homes for sale as an investment, including buyers from throughout the province, the rest of Canada and the US as well..
Multiple offers on listed properties are a common occurrence in the real estate market here, which is again a testament to how these popular these homes are to buyers who want a piece of the Muskoka lifestyle for themselves. While most homes are on the lakeshore and along the many different different bays that give this community its name, some homes are also found on islands on the lake.
Many homes in Lakes of Bays will feature:
- Classic Muskoka / Algonquin vernacular architectural style
- Nice lakefront views
- Private boat and sitting dock
- Great room living areas
- Sun room dining areas
- Open concept entryways
- Spacious sundeck patios at ground level
- Woodstoves
- A/C for climate conditioning summer or winter
Many luxury homes will also have their own enclosed boathouses.
Living in Lake of Bays, Ontario
The permanent population of Lake of Bays Township is approximately 3,000, but can rise to 18,000 during summer months. The way the community transforms into a very happening town after the long, cold Ontario winter has been endured definitely adds to the appeal of Lake of Bays cottages for sale.
Lake of Bays is home to approximately 108 lakes of various sizes, and all of this natural wonderland is just a 10 to 30 minute drive to nearby communities of Bracebridge and Huntsville. Lake of Bays has 2 community centres with attached libraries, and a local arena like any region in Ontario would.
Residents are near to an advanced healthcare facility in Dorset, as well being a short distance to Huntsville Memorial Hospital and South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge. Muskoka Airport in Gravenhurst and Stanhope Airport in Haliburton are quite close too, and you’re only 200km from Pearson International Airport in Toronto.
There are numerous seniors’ centres in Lake of Bays, with extensive community programs for members. Given the stated popularity of the region for retirees who want a summer home, this also factors into consistent demand for Lake of Bays homes for sale. Visitors and residents of any age will enjoy the Lake of Bays scenic drive, an 80km loop around the lake, and golf enthusiasts will like that Bigwin Island Golf and Country Club is a short hop away.
As far as leisure and recreation are concerned, Lake of Bays is a gem in both summer and winter. You’re at the gateway to Algonquin Park for hiking, canoeing, camping, fishing and more, and there’s endless opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing in winter. Fishing for lake trout and walleye is excellent in spring, summer, and fall and residents have both the Pride of Lake of Bays Marina and Baysville marina right nearby.
Yearly events include:
- Weekly summer farmer’s markets in Dwight
- Dorset Snowball Festival in Winter
- Dwight Firefest in July
- Yearly Baysville Walkabout
There is a public school in Dwight, and Lake of Bays residents are close to three high schools in adjacent towns in the region.