Navigating the Waters: What to Consider When Buying a Boat for Your Cottage

Owning a cottage is not just about having a cozy retreat; it's about embracing a lifestyle centered around leisure and adventure. And what better way to fully immerse yourself in the cottage experience than by adding a boat to your waterfront property? Whether you're dreaming of lazy days fishing in a quiet bay on Lake Muskoka, or thrilling water sports with family and friends, purchasing the right boat can elevate your cottage living to new heights. Here's a guide on what to consider when buying a boat for your cottage:

Purpose and Activities:

Begin by identifying how you intend to use the boat. Are you looking for a vessel…

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WHAT IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE LAKE IN MUSKOKA?

I am often asked what is the most luxurious area to buy in Muskoka? While specific real estate prices can vary greatly depending on factors such as property size, location, and amenities, here are the average prices for lakeside properties in Muskoka's most exclusive lakes:

Lake Joseph:

  • Average Price: $3.5 million to $5 million (for a luxury waterfront estate)
  • Percentage Increase in Prices Over the Last 5 Years: Approximately 30% to 40%

Lake Rosseau:

  • Average Price: $3 million to $4.5 million (for a luxury waterfront estate)
  • Percentage Increase in Prices Over the Last 5 Years: Approximately 25% to 35%

Lake Muskoka:

  • Average Price:…

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Welcome to Muskoka, where every moment is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Ontario's cottage country. There are plenty of areas to explore beyond the "Big 3" Lakes. As we step into 2024, let's uncover the top activities that make Muskoka a haven for both locals and visitors alike.

Embrace Nature's Splendour:

Muskoka's landscapes are like no other. Dive into the vibrant trails of Algonquin Provincial Park, where you might catch a glimpse of elusive wildlife amidst the lush forests. Or simply unwind in the tranquility of Arrowhead Provincial Park, where the beauty of the seasons unfolds before your eyes. Wander among the beautiful trees in Hardy Lake Provincial Park or Limberlost Forest. Whichever park you choose to explore,…

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Hardy Lake Provincial Park: Hiking In Muskoka, Ontario | Ontario Away

Owning a property in Ontario's pristine cottage country is a dream for many, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life to embrace the tranquility of waterfront living. However, for those venturing into the realm of cottage ownership, understanding the intricacies of shore road allowances is essential. 


Due Diligence

The journey to owning a cottage often begins with the search for the perfect waterfront property. When considering a potential purchase, it's crucial to inquire about any shore road allowances adjacent to the property. These allowances are typically 66 feet (the length of a chain) from the high water mark, following the natural contour of the land. These shore road allowances (SRAs) were established to create…

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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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Navigating the Waves in 2024

The enchanting landscapes of Muskoka have long been a magnet for those seeking an escape into nature's embrace. As the real estate market experiences shifts and ripples, the demand for Muskoka cottages in 2023-2024 becomes a captivating tale of challenges and opportunities.

A Rollercoaster of Prices

In the initial months of 2023, Muskoka witnessed a dip in cottage prices, reflective of broader trends across Ontario. Regions such as Peterborough and the Kawarthas experienced a notable 31% year-over-year drop, while Muskoka itself saw a decline of 14%. However, the third quarter of 2023 brought a sigh of relief, with Muskoka rebounding by an average of 10%.

Experts' Perspectives

Real estate experts, much like…

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Variety of designer stores on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, California

 Well, here we are in the final quarter of 2022, a year that is shaping up to be much different than the past two years in Muskoka real estate. 2021 was a banner year for the waterfront market due to low inventory and a flurry of buyers, thereby driving up prices to levels never seen before in our market. Many buyers focused solely on their cottage search as Covid restrictions limited travel and other recreational activities. The low inventory was a result of many cottage owners using their cottages like never before – grateful to be able to work from home while enjoying waterfront cottage living. Many potential sellers decided to hold onto their cottages for one more season. Prices climbed as multiple offers were submitted on each property – many…

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