If you are thinking about buying a cottage in Ontario, there’s one area that sits in a class of its own. The District Municipality of Muskoka or just Muskoka is the crown jewel of cottage real estate in Canada. It was the #1 most searched vacation rental destination in Canada, in 2017 according to Daily Hive, and was ranked #1 for the best trips of 2011 by National Geographic.
Located just two hours north of Toronto, Muskoka spans 6,475 km2 and sees more than 2.1 million visitors annually. The region is bordered on the west by Georgian Bay, runs east to the westernmost edge of Algonquin Park. Lake Couchiching marks the southern border, and you’ll find the aptly named Border Road is commonly noted to be the Northern edge.
A playground for the whos-who, here you’ll find a section of Lake St. Joseph called Billionaires row. You’ll also find heads of industry, Hollywood celebs, sports stars, tech millionaires and others from around the GTA, across Canada and the US who sing Muskoka’s praises. That being said, there are still some areas that are within reach for those who live a more modest* life. All told, if you can afford the real estate, the Muskoka region is worth the price of admission.
Muskoka is made up of many communities including Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Penetang, Midland, Port Severn, Honey Harbor, Lake of Bays, Huntsville, Port Sydney, Hidden Valley, Bala, Port Carling, MacTier and so many more – each one offering something slightly different for those looking to purchase real estate in the area.
Water lovers will find that there is much more to the region than the lakes most often name-dropped – in fact, there are 1600 lakes in the Muskoka region. From swimming to canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, powerboating, sailing, fishing, waterskiing and more, you can do it all here. Newbies will find all the training and instruction needed close at hand. And, old pros will find endless bodies of water to explore as they hone their craft.
Of course, there’s so much more than what lies at the end of the dock. This region also offers exceptional dining, music, theatre, craft beer, and an emerging distillery trend. There are 27 golf courses in the Muskoka region. Whether you’re looking to join an elite members-only club or a public course to play a quick nine on a Saturday morning, you won’t have to go far.
Lakeside vacation hotels and resorts, country clubs, marinas, outfitters and quaint shops line main streets in towns and villages from one end of the region to the other. These, along with coffee shops, bakeries, speciality stores, and larger chain retailers, making it easy to find what you need without having to travel back to the big city.
The trip north is prone to legendary traffic woes, but there have been road improvements over the years to lessen the strain. And it’s tough to lament the drive once you see the familiar Webers sign on Highway 11. This fan favourite burger joint has been the signal that you’ve arrived in Muskoka since 1963.