Cottage Country Communities
Cottage Country in Ontario encompasses The Muskokas, Haliburton Highlands, and Kawartha Lakes. This picturesque and widely known landscape is the best place in North America to get away from it all with your friends and family.
The following tabs each detail the benefits, attractions, and local amenities available within each community. If you have any questions, we would be glad to help you narrow down your search. Our team is from the area and they know it well.
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The picturesque village of Haliburton is a bustling summer community. Highland street is filled with little shops and restaurants to enjoy, along with a large park for annual events or just to take a stroll along the shores of Head Lake. The town of Haliburton is situated along Highway 118 sitting about 2 ½ – 3 hours from the GTA and is the closest town to some of the county’s most prestigious lakes such as Kennisis, Redstone and Drag.
Part of the Canadian Shield, the Haliburton area is comprised of rugged wilderness with wide expanses of forests, woodlands, and many clean and clear lakes, rivers and streams. Properties come in all shapes and sizes with options for everyone. Whether looking for a seasonal retreat or year-round living Haliburton provides all the amenities and entertainment you could ask for mixed with the cozy, friendly, small-town feel.
Haliburton is home to many artists and craftspeople who showcase their work through annual markets and studio tours. You’ll also find several golf courses and Sir Sam’s Ski Hill in the area. Also becoming a popular vacation destination and home to more and more recreational real estate, the community continues to bloom.
The town of Minden is situated right off of Highway 35. About 2.5 hours from the GTA, Minden is closer than most areas in Haliburton County. This proximity makes Minden a booming summer town. The Gull River, which flows into Gull Lake, runs right through the heart of the town. Sit on the patio at Boshkung Social or take a stroll through the many shops along the main street, complete with several restaurants and a weekly farmers market. You will find lots of options in this quaint village.
Take a walk along the river, spend some time at Rotary Park or enjoy one of the many annual events such as the Haliburton Fair or the Canada Day celebrations. Being the new home of The Haliburton Huskies Junior A team and some of the best snowmobile trails in the area, the fun continues year-round.
Slightly quieter and less populated than Haliburton, Minden provides great options for all ages while keeping its small-town charm. Home to lakes such as Gull, Horseshoe, Minden and 12 Mile there are plenty of opportunities for permanent and seasonal residents alike.
Properties in Minden come in all shapes and sizes ranging from simple in-town lots to stunning shorelines or a natural forest settings.
Situated on the outskirts of Haliburton County, heading towards Muskoka, Algonquin Highlands is home to Boshkung, Kushog, Halls and Maple Lakes. Being right on the Highway 35 & 118 corridor in the town of Carnarvon, the area is easily accessed from the city as well as neighbouring areas such as Minden and Haliburton.
Complete with some of the area’s best restaurants such as The Rhubarb and The Peppermill Steak and Pasta House along with a Marina and Driving range there are plenty of amenities right in your back door.
The setting in Algonquin Highlands is truly one of a kind, exposed granite paired with sandy beaches makes for endless possibilities when finding your dream property.
Encompassing several small communities Highlands East provides lots of opportunities for property owners. The village of Wilberforce sits about 30 minutes outside of Haliburton along HWY 118 and is complete with a small grocery store, LCBO, community centre and arena. Harcourt and Gooderham sit on either side of Wilberforce each complete with the necessities.
All three of these quaint villages are situated in expansive forests with stunning landscapes and some beautiful small or medium-sized lakes such as Gooderham, Grace, Farquhar, Elephant and Esson. If you are looking for seclusion and privacy this is the area you’ve been searching for! Home to the Geocaching capital of the world along with all the outdoor activities you can think of such as ATV-ing, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding with Algonquin Park bordering the Harcourt area and easy access from the GTA off HWY 115 to Gooderham, this is the perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts.
Situated in the Northeast Corner of Muskoka abutting Haliburton County, Lake of Bays is a large lake that encompasses several small communities. Dwight, Dorset and Baysville are all quaint little towns with some restaurants and basic amenities that make it easy for residents of the area to get what they need without having to go all the way to Huntsville. Each community has its own special charm and unique attractions;
In Dorset you can find the Dorset Tower which offers a great viewpoint for those adventurous enough to climb it. Also, home to the Bigwin Steamship, a museum on water full of the lake of bays history. Some shops and basic amenities complete the little village. For more information on Dorset click here
In Dwight you will find most shops to be authentically local from handmade art to locally run pharmacy and grocery store this quaint town offers a lot of authentic cottage country charm. With a nice beach, a few hiking trails and Algonquin Park right next door there’s plenty of ways to lose a few hours here.
Baysville is probably the biggest of the three towns but is filled with some of the most unique shops and best restaurants in Muskoka! Get your hands on some Yummies in a Jar or grab a table at the Cast Iron restaurant for a delicious meal. Don’t miss the Lake of Bays Brewery or the Farmer’s Market complete with tons of local vendors!
Even if you don’t live or cottage near these towns, day trips are very common among locals and tourists alike!