Category Archives: cottage life

Boats, Buying a cottage, cottage for sale, cottage life, Gravenhurst, Sparrow Lake

Boater’s Paradise on Severn near Sparrow Lake

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Imagine This Severn River Lifestyle

You ease your boat into the dock as the sun sets, the golden light dancing on calm waters. Then, as you glide up to your own private cottage, everything is perfectly in place. The grass is lush, thanks to the underground sprinkler system. No stress. No work. Just you, the river, and endless adventures waiting for tomorrow.

Welcome to 3829 West Canal Road—a turn-key Severn River waterfront property for sale in Muskoka that delivers boating, adventure, and effortless ownership from day one.

Why This Severn River Cottage Stands Out

When you arrive, you won’t need to lift a finger. This property is fully furnished—and even includes an ATV. All you need to do is turn the key and start living the life you’ve imagined.

Main Level: Comfort Meets Convenience

The main level offers everything you need for stress-free living, including:

  • Primary bedroom with ensuite soaker bath and propane fireplace
  • Open-concept living with stunning water views

Wake up to peaceful Severn River mornings right outside your window.

Expansive Deck with Stunning Water Views

Step outside onto a spacious deck with high-end outdoor furniture included. Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an evening sunset, the views are unbeatable. Want a cozy fire without the effort? Your coffee table has a built-in fire feature.

Lower Level Walkout: A Second Living Space

The bright walkout lower level is designed for hosting family and friends. You’ll find:

  • Two full bedrooms with large windows
  • A recreation room with a built-in Murphy bed
  • A spa-inspired bathroom with oversized shower
  • A pristine laundry room

This isn’t a basement—it’s an extension of your living space.

Boater’s Dream on the Trent-Severn Waterway

Love boating? This property is your ultimate basecamp. The Severn River connects directly to the Trent-Severn Waterway, offering hundreds of kilometers of boating and exploring. Cruise to charming towns, find hidden fishing spots, or plan a full day of adventure—the choice is yours.

Turn-Key Cottage for Sale – Adventure Starts Now

Picture this:

  • The sound of water lapping as you sip your morning coffee
  • Freedom to explore new destinations without a plan
  • Evenings around the fire after a day on the water

This isn’t just a cottage—it’s a lifestyle. And because it comes fully furnished, you don’t have to wait. You can start today.

Don’t Miss This Severn River Waterfront Cottage

Turn-key waterfront properties in Muskoka—especially on the Severn River—are rare. If you’ve been searching for effortless ownership, this is your opportunity.

📞 Call 705-801-2304 to book your private viewing. Experience the difference and make this dream yours.

cottage life

Cocktails, Mocktails, Docktails – Free Download

Cottage in Muskoka ‘Cocktails, Mocktails, Docktails’ 2021Download

Congratulations to our winners Anna Bortolus (The Muskojito), Maria D. (Canoe Hoo), and Blooming Muskoka in Gravenhurst (Blooming in Muskoka).

Did you miss the cocktail judging? Fear not, you can check out some of our judging videos on our instagram highlights here.

A few of the cocktails our wonderful clients sent in. From front centre moving clockwise: Blooming in Muskoka, Muskoka Nectar, The Loon Call, Muskoka Maple Liqueur, The Muskojito, and Canoe Hoo (centre).
The ingredients for “The Cottage in Muskoka,” our Cottage in Muskoka custom cocktail. Not pictured: club soda.
cottage life

Cottage in Muskoka Custom Cocktail Contest

Calling all Muskoka lovers! Submit your best Muskoka-inspired cocktail recipe, and a short paragraph on your inspiration. Our favourite submission will win all of the ingredients of our own custom Cottage in Muskoka cocktail (Muskoka Spirits Co. Legendary Oddity Gin*, Sugarbush Hill Farm Dark Maple Syrup, and Fever-Tree Premium Club Soda), plus an engraved Cottage in Muskoka Yeti Rambler Lowball! You must be at least 19 to enter.

Please tell us:

The name of your cocktail

The ingredients and recipe

The inspiration behind it

How you would like your name to appear (first & last or first name only)

Our favourite entries, based on creativity and “Muskoka-ness,” will be judged for taste by our family over the Canada Day long weekend (woohoo!). Please submit entries to len@cottageinmuskoka.ca or cath@cottageinmuskoka.ca, or fill out our google form. Entries are due by Friday, June 25th 2021 and the winner will be announced in the first week of July. 

Subscribers to our brand new newsletter have been given a head start with their mixology, so if you’re not in on the fun yet make sure to go sign up here! We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

*potentially in the form of a gift card – legal investigation pending ?

cottage life, Muskoka cottage life, Muskoka Lakes, Muskoka News

Is Slow Cottage Internet About to Become a Thing of the Past?

We all know the frustration. You’re trying to open an email attachment with a photo of your grandkids, look at a real estate listing, get some work done, or even just check the weather… and you’d like to not spend all day doing it! While newer internet technologies like fibre are trying to make that a thing of the past, the coverage is majorly lacking. In many areas the fastest high speed internet is just across the street from near-dial-up speeds, and due to the cost and difficulty of rewiring it doesn’t look like that will be changing any time soon. 

Should we just give up and disconnect? No way! Enter SpaceX, with their new Starlink Satellite Internet service. This satellite service will operate via a satellite constellation of at least 12,000 satellites, with more pending approval. According to SpaceX, Starlink will offer speeds up to a gigabit per second – a far cry from rural cottages which often max out at a speed of up to 5Mpbs (a 995Mbps difference!). During the beta testing phase, customers are expected to experience speed variations from 50 – 150Mbps. Even places that currently have no internet availability at all will finally be brought into the 21st century. 

This is not traditional satellite service – Starlink’s satellites are in low earth orbit, which will not only make the service more reliable, but will also help keep down space debris. Each satellite is fitted with an onboard propulsion system to deorbit at the end of its life, and in the unlikely event that system becomes inoperable the satellite will burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere within 1-5 years. At the higher altitudes used by traditional satellite services, this could take hundreds or even thousands of years. Satellite service also means that unlike fibre, you won’t have to have anything wired to your home to receive the fastest speeds available.

Though it is not fully ready for consumers yet, it is operational! Check out this tweet from Elon Musk, sent in October 2019 via Starlink internet!

He followed up with a second Starlink tweet – “Whoa, it worked!!” According to SpaceX, “Starlink is now delivering initial beta service both domestically and internationally, and will continue expansion to near global coverage of the populated world in 2021.”

While we truly do look forward to being able to work online at less molasses-like speeds, I, for one, will be celebrating laser-fast internet with a good ol’ Netflix marathon in my PJs!

cottage life, Lake Rosseau, Muskoka Activities, Muskoka cottage life, winter at the cottage

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry (at Home)

These days, it’s more important than ever to support local businesses – so we thought we would share one of our Muskoka favourites with you! Crossroads restaurant, located in Rosseau, has been serving up casual yet upscale meals for more than a decade now. Their dishes (and atmosphere) are sophisticated but still manage to maintain a cottage vibe. We have been there a number of times, in fact it is our “special holidays” spot – birthdays, anniversaries, father’s day… they provide a cozy atmosphere with cheerful, friendly staff and incredible food.

While it may be impossible to experience the atmosphere right now with the pandemic, Crossroads has been a leader in Muskoka in terms of COVID-safe takeout. Not only do they offer online ordering (a rarity around here), they also have contactless pickup brought right out to your car!

They are open for takeout Wednesday – Saturday from 3:00pm – 8:30pm. They also currently offer a curated “chef’s box” for $100 per person that includes hors d’oeuvres, an appetizer, entree & dessert, fresh flowers, and a bottle of red or white wine. Sounds perfect for a date night or Valentine’s Day, doesn’t it? In fact I may just send Steve the link to this blog post…

Give them a chance – you won’t be disappointed. The passion that chefs Julie and Richard Lalonde have for the business is apparent from the very first bite. 

We hope to run into you there once it’s safe to gather again!

(705) 732-4833

https://www.crossroadsrosseau.com

cottage life

Cottage in Muskoka Blog, gallery of header images

For those who have more critical things to do than refresh our Blog Page just to see different header images, I have had a request to add a gallery page.  After all time is better spent looking at Muskoka cottages for sale.

Hey, thanks for the request, we like them too … and, here it is:

As we go about looking at Muskoka cottages for sale for our buyers, and listing cottages for sellers, we get some great comments about our images, design and videos. They are fun to share and with Muskoka as our backdrop, it’s pretty easy to look good.

Some are images taken throughout a lifetime of cottaging here in Muskoka. I am told I started at two weeks old, and at some point later the first sentence I put together was an excited and agitated “boy go boat!!!” when others were headed out while I was to be left in the care of my Grandmother.

Other pictures are taken of friends and clients’ cottage activities and, as mentioned above, as we go about searching for Muskoka cottages for sale (actually and potentially for sale), that fit both our ideals for value and the various specifics of our current group of buyers.

There are quite a few images, more or less suitable to headline the blog, and we have lots more in the archive. One that I had mostly forgotten was a photo of the ritual where I had convinced tried to convince our kids, that kissing fish you caught and were releasing was good luck. Somehow it would encourage the released fish to spread fairly positive communication about the entire event. I took the picture when I noticed with delight, that our daughter Lenore carried on the same tradition with her cousin Jordan. This turns out perhaps, to be something of an accepted practice of anglers around the globe. However, a Wikipedia search for kissing a fish, only brings up Kissing Gouramis .

Here’s a list of commercial fishing superstitions:

• Don’t leave a hatch cover upside down.
• Don’t whistle on board.
• Don’t bring a suitcase or a black bag on board.
• Don’t bring a banana on board.
• Don’t even wear yellow.
• Don’t allow women on board.
• Don’t leave port on a Friday.
• Don’t mention four-hooved animals (pigs, horses, etc.).
• Hang coffee mugs with the opening facing inboard.
• Don’t comment on good luck, or the possibility of bad luck.
• Dolphins are a good omen. Sharks are a bad omen.
• Don’t kill an albatross or a gull.
• Don’t change the name of a vessel.
• Leaving on Sunday is good luck.
• Don’t wear green. (It makes the boat seek land.)
• Don’t say “rabbit.” (No clue.)
• If you meet a minister before sailing, turn around and go home.
• Hang garlic over the galley port hole.
• Don’t use blue paint (particularly on a lobster boat).
• Don’t wear a hat in the galley.
• Don’t step onto a boat with your left foot.
• Don’t coil a rope or stir a pot counter-clockwise.
• Don’t bring an umbrella on board.
• Don’t make pea soup.
• Toss the first fish back. (Or kiss it.)
• Don’t use the number 13.
• Turn starboard first after backing away from the dock.
• Don’t bring honeybears on board.
• Having a virgin pee on a new net is good luck.

(Courtesy of Matthew Hutson,  article here.)

Boats, cottage life, Muskoka Lakes Association, Port Carling, steamships

The Age of Elegance. Muskoka Lakes Association Antique Boat Show – This Saturday

Not to be missed is this wonderful show at the Port Carling locks. From the MLA:

The Age of Elegance – Saturday August 9, 2014 from 10 am to 4 pm.

Old photographs of life in Muskoka are irresistible. Whether you see them at the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre in Gravenhurst or are lucky enough to have peaked into to a friend’s old family album, the images take you back to a dreamy time – graceful old cottages, beautiful mahogany launches, sporty little gentlemen’s racers, and men and women dressed in their finery. What was it like to live in the “Age of Elegance”?

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A few of the cottages in those photos have been maintained and can be seen today on parts of the Muskoka Lakes. Not so visible are many wooden boats, several approaching their centennial, hidden away in boathouses around the lakes. Mostly they were built right here in Muskoka for Muskoka cottagers. They may have been bought and sold, but they stayed in Muskoka accumulating history as integral parts of summer life for the generations that interacted with them.

The MLA Antique Boat Show is a bi-annual event held in Port Carling and sponsored by the Muskoka Lakes Association.  It was started in 1971 by the late Bob Purves to honour boats that have been built in Muskoka or have spent most of their life in Muskoka Waters.

Come out and enjoy a day with these fine craft and their owners along with displays including vintage outboard motors, seafleas and antique Buicks from the 1920’s. One of our presenting sponsors will also be bringing a brand new Bugatti Vitesse that will be on display for all to see.  It’s not very often a million dollar car comes to Muskoka!

The Show is on Saturday August 9 and runs from 10 AM until 4 PM at the Port Carling locks. Admission is free.

This event would not be possible without our presenting sponsors; Grand Touring Automobiles, Northfield Capital, Purves Redmond Insurance Brokers and Walker’s Point Marina.

 

cottage life, Muskoka cottage life, Muskoka Lakes, Muskoka Lakes Association, safety, water quality

Muskoka Lakes Association AGM

This Friday, the Muskoka Lakes Association will hold its AGM in Port Carling. Details below and here.

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The 121st Muskoka Lakes Association Annual General Meeting will be held on July 25th at the Port Carling Community Centre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Come and enjoy some refreshments and snacks and have to opportunity to meet other members.  You’ll hear about new MLA programs and updates on activities we’ve undertaken on your behalf.  You’ll also meet incoming President Michael Hart and hear about his ideas for the coming years.

We hope you’ll come out and enjoy an evening with your fellow MLA members.

Please reserve your space by emailing info@mla.on.ca or calling 705-765-5723.

cottage life, Lake Joseph, Lake Muskoka, Lake of Bays, Lake Rosseau, Muskoka Activities, Muskoka cottage life, Muskoka Lakes, owning a cottage, water

Muskoka Lakes Association – Ministry of Natural Resources – Muskoka Parry Sound Flood Warning update

The Muskoka Lakes Association just sent the following update which includes a detailed report from the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Specific current levels are indicated for the following lakes: Tea Lake, Kawagama Lake, Lake of Bays, Wood Lake, Fox Lake, Mary Lake, Lake Rosseau, Lake Joseph, Lake Muskoka, Go Home Lake, Perry Lake, Doe Lake, Bernard Lake, Cecebe Lake, Ahmic Lake, Forest Lake, Dollars Lake, Crane Lake, Otter Lake and Oastler Lake.
Plus the current status of the river flows for the Big East, North Muskoka, South Muskoka, Oxtongue, Black, North Magnetawan, South Magnetawan, Magnetawan, Moon River, Musquash River and the Shawanaga River.

Here’s the message from the MLA and the linked .pdf below it.

mloa

To: steve@cottageinmuskoka.ca:

As promised, the MLA continues to monitor water levels throughout our catchment area.
The attached freshet update, issued yesterday afternoon, details current watershed conditions throughout Muskoka/Parry Sound.
We encourage you to review the attached document, which provides significant detail, and to take action to protect property if your residence is located in one of the affected areas.

Muskoka Lakes Association

2546_MNR_Update_-_Parry_Sound_Muskoka_-_April_25_2014

cottage life, Lake Joseph, Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau, Muskoka Activities, Muskoka cottage life, Port Carling, property, Sparrow Lake, water

Muskoka, Parry Sound Flooding Update

The following was issued April 22, 2014 at 5:00 p.m.:

The Ministry of Natural Resources – Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning remains in effect.

Residents within the Parry Sound-Muskoka area are advised that some additional or prolonged flooding will occur within known flood-prone areas of many rivers and lakes. Recent warm air temperatures and rainfall has now accelerated the melting rate of the remaining snow pack with an increased runoff into local waterbodies. High water levels or flooding will occur over the next 24-48 hours within Lake Muskoka and the Moon River as part of the lower Muskoka River sub-watershed.

Residents are advised to keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check for updated messages and exercise caution around rivers and lakes as high water levels and flows continue. There is the potential for higher water levels and flows than what is currently being experienced.Residents may wish to take action to protect property in flood-prone or vulnerable areas. MNR is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates to this Flood Warning will be issued as appropriate.

Description of Weather System
The current weather forecast through to Saturday April 26th is for daytime temperatures in the range of 5-10 degrees Celsius with near freezing nighttime temperatures. Today’s forecast is calling for a range of 3-30mm of rainfall Friday through Saturday.

Description of Current Conditions
A significant amount of the remaining snowpack has melted in recent days due to warm air temperature and rainfall, increasing the runoff into local river systems. A significant amount of snow still remains within local watersheds at higher elevation areas including the western slopes of Algonquin Park; the headwaters of some local river systems. Forecasted temperatures and rainfall will continue to melt the remaining snow pack with continued runoff into local river systems and lakes.
Expiry Date: This message will expire Friday April 25, 2014; 5:00 pm

Terminology: Notification Levels

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.

FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities

** FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.
Contact Information
For more information please contact: Ministry of Natural Resources Parry Sound District: 705-646-5509 or 705-646-5531

A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended. Environment Canada bulletins can be found at http://weather.gc.ca/

The Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage can be found here: www.ontario.ca/flooding