Last blog (check it out if you haven’t read it yet), I suggested some things to consider when purchasing a cottage property. All very valid points. Picking the right lake for you and your family is SO important that it deserves its own blog post!

Most people are familiar with the Big 3 Lakes in Muskoka, but the area is home to over 1600 other lakes! There are many factors to consider when deciding which one is best for you and your family:

FRONTAGE

How many feet of waterfront would you like? Does it give you the view you desire? Is the path to the lake level or steep? Are there a lot of steps down to the lake? Consider your family and future guest’s needs and whether or not they will be able to access the water. Are you prepared to walk up…

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The Ultimate Cottage Checklist 

So you’ve decided to start looking for a cottage property. Where does one begin? Whether you grew up cottaging or don’t know the first thing about the cottage lifestyle, here are a few things you should consider:

1. Access

Do you plan on using the property in the winter? If so, is the road-maintained year round? Will you need to invest in an ATV/4 wheeler to access the property? If you think you would like to use the property during the cooler months then your best bet is to narrow your search to cottages with road access. Island properties can be more affordable, but you should always consider year-round use and the cost of a boat (repairs, maintenance, gas, marina fees) as well as the travel time to access…

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Gravenhurst, Killworthy, Severn Bridge

Gravenhurst is known as the Gateway to Muskoka because of its proximity to the GTA. The lakes, forests and rocky shorelines have drawn people to cottage country for more than 150 years. Back in the day, those looking to get away from the city would take the train down to Muskoka Wharf (located on the southern tip of Lake Muskoka), then wait for the steamship to take them to their summer escapes. Quite the journey!

Today, cottage goers now jump onto the 400 heading North from the GTA, veering off at the highway 11 split. If you're lucky enough to not get caught in traffic, the drive from Toronto is a mere 90 minutes...fingers crossed! 

This year-round town, and surrounding communities Killworthy and Severn Bridge, offer tourists and permanent…

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I never truly understood the value of working with a local realtor until I moved to the Muskoka area. Many of us are tempted to work with an agent we know or have previously transacted with from our current town. However here a few, ok, more than a few reasons why its best to work with an agent from the area:

They Know the Community

Ontario’s cottage country is made up of various smaller communities, each with their own nuances. Yes, you can Google till the cows come home about what differentiates Lake of Bays from Milford Bay, but nothing is better than learning from a realtor who is part of the community, what’s it really like to live in Muskoka. If you are looking for a waterfront property, you should really work with an agent that lives on…

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