Category Archives: Gravenhurst

What’s New in Washago for the Cottaging Set


The Call of the Severn — 3928 West Canal Road

There’s something quietly magical about 3928 West Canal Road. Perfectly positioned within Severn Township, it rests right at that natural entry point where the smooth landscape of Southern Ontario gives way to the ancient rock of the Canadian Shield — a visible shift you feel as soon as you cross into Sparrow Lake.

This gorgeous, expansive property sits lovingly on the banks of the Severn River, where time slows and water speaks. Easily accessible from Highway 11, you’ll find yourself moments from the city yet miles away from its pace – and from your dock, it’s only a short, scenic river ride into beautiful Sparrow Lake.

The home itself – almost 3,000 square feet – unfolds gracefully over two levels. Large windows invite the light and the view inside, while three fireplaces add that unmistakable Muskoka warmth. There’s space for everyone here: three bedrooms, two family rooms, an open-concept kitchen that gathers people together, and a walkout leading straight to the shore. The level yard invites laughter, play, and barefoot evenings by the fire pit under the stars.

Down by the water’s edge, a gentle shoreline opens to a private dock and deck – and beneath the trees, a shaded nook for quiet reflection or morning coffee.

From here, adventure radiates in every direction: hiking trails that wind through forest air, calm paddling routes, and winter paths perfect for snowshoeing or snowmobiling. And of course, there’s that irresistible truth – from the Trent–Severn Waterway, you can literally boat around the world. It always makes me smile (and maybe dream a little) to imagine setting out from your calm cottage dock and one day gliding into the St. Lawrence Seaway.

For full details, see MLS #S12330700 – and imagine yourself here, where the river begins to whisper “welcome home.”


Muskoka Lakes Membership Renewal

Subject: Keep Muskoka Sparkling – Renew Your MLA Membership

Open Letter to Our Clients

When you close your eyes, can you hear it? The gentle lap of water against sun-warmed rock, the call of a loon across the bay, the scent of pine carried on a soft breeze. Muskoka has a way of weaving itself into our hearts, becoming not just a place, but a part of who we are.

That is why your membership in the Muskoka Lakes Association matters so deeply. Since 1894, the MLA has been the voice and the guardian of this shimmering paradise, protecting our water quality, standing watch over our precious shorelines, and celebrating the timeless joy of cottage life.

Your 2025 membership was gifted to you, and I truly hope you’ve felt the connection it brings, because updates keep you informed, events gather us together, and our community cares as much about Muskoka as you do.

Now, as the season turns, I warmly invite you to renew your membership for $150 and continue standing with us in protecting all that makes Muskoka magical, the sparkling lakes, the whispering pines, the rugged granite, and the laughter of families at the water’s edge.

Renewing is more than a transaction, it’s a declaration: I belong here. I care about this place. I will help protect it for generations to come.

Your renewal keeps Muskoka’s waters clean, our traditions alive, and our voices strong.

Please take a moment today to renew your membership at www.mla.on.ca.

Thank you, from my heart, for being part of this story. Together, we keep Muskoka shining.

Catharine Inniss

Realtor, J&D Muskoka

Boater’s Paradise on Severn near Sparrow Lake


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.

Face to Face and Bumper to Bumper – The Gravenhurst Car Show 2022

The 29th annual Gravenhurst Car Show was held on June 18, 2022 at Gull Lake Rotary Park in Gravenhurst. It’s been a couple of years since the show could be held in person, and everyone seemed pretty excited to be back together in person again! Here are a few of my favourite pics from the show.

Catharine Inniss at the Gravenhurst Car Show, Gull Lake Rotary Park, Gravenhurst. June 18, 2022.
A Chrysler DeSoto at the Gravenhurst Car Show, Gull Lake Rotary Park, Gravenhurst. June 18, 2022.
A couple of friends really getting a good look at a Ferrari at the Gravenhurst Car Show, Gull Lake Rotary Park, Gravenhurst. June 18, 2022.
OYAABABY! The Gravenhurst Car Show, Gull Lake Rotary Park, Gravenhurst. June 18, 2022.

If you went to the show, did you vote for a favourite? Let us know which!

Wearied Buyers, Your Time Has Arrived – Muskoka Spring Real Estate Report

We are starting to see the Muskoka real estate market shift. From the frantic 2021 cottage market season right up until recently, holding offers until a specific date has been a popular strategy for sellers to drive up competition for listings. Listings were seeing a large number of offers and disappearing from the market quickly. Now we’re seeing more of a mix – some listings are seeing multiple offers, and some are quietly removing their request for offers when the day comes and passes with nothing.

One factor in the shifting market we’re experiencing is the Bank of Canada raising policy interest rates by 0.5% in April, one of the major goals of which was to bring inflation levels back to their target 2% (vs. the 6.7% reported in March). This is the first time it has raised rates by more than 25 basis points in more than two decades. Higher interest rates mean higher borrowing costs, which lowers demand. We expect interest rates will continue to be increased until borrowing costs are back to pre-pandemic levels of 3%. The next announcement is on June 1, 2022.

The 2022 Federal Budget also puts a few factors into play that could effect Muskoka’s real estate market moving forward. It focused heavily on housing initiatives, including (among others):

  • A foreign ban on buyers for two years
  • An anti-flipping tax that removes the principal residence exemption for properties that were purchased and sold within the same 12-month period (with some exceptions). The proposed anti-flipping measure would apply to residential properties sold on or after January 1, 2023.
  • Sales tax on all assignment sales. Starting May 7, 2022, anyone selling their agreement of purchase and sale to a new buyer will be subject to a tax of up to 26%

Does this mean the bottom will fall out and prices will go way down? Highly unlikely. Historically, we still have quite low inventory. It’s gone up from 2021, but properties are limited – especially waterfront. Plus, the already strong desirability of living in Muskoka has only increased after the pandemic. On top of that, there is still a large portion of the population approaching retirement age, who are looking to relocate to somewhere like Muskoka for their golden years.

If you’re a buyer, it’s time to shake off the fatigue of last season and get back to your cottage search – with less competition.

I have posted the relevant stats for overall waterfront market activity and waterfront market activity by location below, for our more analytically minded friends.

If you’re looking for non-waterfront stats or anything else that I haven’t included please email me at len@cottageinmuskoka.ca. I’d be happy to send it to you!

Overall MLS Waterfront Market Activity

Muskoka Real Estate Market information on waterfront properties for all of Lakelands North, which includes Muskoka and surrounding areas. Real estate sales activity, dollar volume, months of inventory both actual and year-to-date.
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors

Muskoka Waterfront Market Activity by Location

Muskoka Lakes

Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors

Huntsville

Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors

Bracebridge

Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors

Gravenhurst

Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors

**Now SOLD!** Muskoka Cottage for sale. Gull Lake in-town treat

Cottage for sale on Gull Lake, Gravenhurst.
Dreaming of escaping from the office to your Muskoka Retreat? Not interested in a long drive from the city or hiking through the bush, but do want an upscale Muskoka experience? This cottage is so perfectly positioned for fun and games.

Muskoka cottage for sale Gull Lake
Gull Lake Classic Muskoka Views

Gull Lake is beautiful, with rock outcroppings and classic Muskoka pine and style. It joins Silver Lake, so you have many miles of pristine boating to enjoy. See this link for more on Gull/Silver Lakes.

Muskoka cottage for sale. Gull Lake
Gull Lake heading for Silver Lake by boat

The view from the cottage is spectacular and the trip to the dock is a cinch. The cottage is in town. That means high speed internet (hard to get in remote areas), walking to dinner, enjoying Music on the Barge on Sunday nights, boating (or walking) for groceries and ice cream. This cottage is not for those seeking a wilderness experience. It is for upscale urban couples, with or without children who crave an easy breezy getaway.

Gravenhurst is Muskoka’s town closest to the GTA.

Muskoka cottage for sale on Gull Lake
Gull Lake is only 90 minutes from the GTA

Sold
Cottage499,000

**NOW SOLD** Muskoka Cottage for sale. Gull Lake in-town treat

560 Sixth St.
Gravenhurst, ST

  • 3Beds
  • 1Baths
  • 1180Square Feet

**Now SOLD!** Muskoka Golf Villa. Jewel of the Muskoka Bay Club

“Pristine lakes. Towering forests. Crystal clean air. And a vitality that sweeps through the trees and makes its way into your soul.

Welcome to Muskoka Bay Club, a four season community with an abundance of recreational and social activities just outside your door. The crowning glory is the incredible 17,000 square foot Clifftop Clubhouse. The definitive recreational and social centre – a place to play and relax.

Experience exquisite dining, full-service fitness, a stylish spa retreat, infinity pool, kid’s pool, tennis courts, pro shop and bistro. If you’d prefer more privacy, you can retreat to your beautifully-designed residence.

The Villas offer up to 2,200 square feet, nestled within the breathtaking terrain of the Doug Carrick designed 18-hole championship Muskoka golf course. Four season homes offer up to 3,300 square feet, set on deep wooded lots. The amenities you’ve imagined. The peace you’ve dreamed about, all just 90 minutes north of Toronto in Gravenhurst. Your life, at its best.”
(Courtesy Muskoka Bay Club)

Muskoka golf at its finest – and its most convenient; living right on the 12th fairway.
Listed for sale is the jewel of the Muskoka Bay Club Villas. Stunning villa and property; great entertaining, gorgeous views down and across the 12th fairway including a large pond and world-class Muskoka golf. Total privacy and those great views from the second floor balcony and hot tub. Beautifully appointed three bedroom, four bathroom villa,  with many inclusions. Gorgeous landscaping, quintessential Muskoka lifestyle in a clubhouse environment overlooking the award winning, Carrick designed Muskoka golf course. Fully finished lower level. Perfect for a couple or family.

For more information follow this link. For a private tour, please use the contact form to the left. We would be delighted to show you this gem.

 

Copyright © 2015 cottageinmuskoka.ca, All rights reserved.

** Now Sold!** Unique Muskoka Cottage for sale

IMG_3673
Circa 1934

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Double sized level lot steps from water

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Original Fir, Spacious Rooms

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Classic Muskoka Fireplace

 

Real Muskoka cottage for sale.

Every once in a while there is a very special place that speaks to that special cottager who loves Muskoka history. This place was built in the thirties, in Muskoka Beach Village and although it has been very well preserved, it still has all the original features that made cottaging so appealing in the past century.

The cottage is white clapboard, with an oversized Muskoka Room, for starters. You can see the water through the trees, while sitting on the porch. The walls are fir lined, and the rooms are spacious. The original stone fireplace is so appealing, and there are pristine oil lamps attached to the walls.

The bathroom is bright and gleaming and the kitchen is large. If you listen carefully, you can hear the rabble of meal making, and the laughter of a bygone era.

The carefree days of enjoying Olde Muskoka don’t have to be over. Purchase this property today. It stands steadfast on a double lot with municipal water and the potential for municipal sewage. It is currently three season, but would make a great place to live year ’round with some renovations.

The beach is a few steps away. This cottage is not directly on the waterfront (but not across a road) , and therefore the taxes are low.

The deeded access is fewer than a dozen steps to a wide sand beach, lovely swimming and some of the best views Lake Muskoka has to offer. And you thought that Lake Muskoka was just out of your reach. Asking a mere $360,500.00

Muskoka Lakes Association March NewsBites

We are almost there – part of the way through March. Lots of snow, ice and cold, but things will look very different in just a few weeks. Here from the Muskoka Lakes Association is the March NewsBites.

Courtesy of the Muskoka Lakes Association

Welcome to March 2015 NewsBites

The MLA is pleased to inform our members that we will be presenting the MLA’s 2014 Water Quality Initiative Report to Bracebridge, Sequin, Gravenhurst, and Township of Muskoka Lakes councillors over the next two months. Water Quality Director Andrew Watson presented our Continue reading Muskoka Lakes Association March NewsBites

Muskoka. Our environment is far more than our economy.

From the Muskoka Watershed Council Lecture Series I have just finished editing and have just posted this video on the Muskoka Watershed Council’s YouTube page.

All of us should be familiar with the fact that in Muskoka, our environment is our economy; over half our GDP comes from tourism and cottaging. In this lecture, Peter Sale attempts to convince us that our environment is far more than our economy.
sale

Every year some 5 billion cubic metres of water pass through Muskoka – that’s 3 1/2 times the entire volume of Lake Muskoka. Half is evaporated or transpired by Muskoka’s forests and plants, the other half – some 2.5 billion cubic metres flows into Georgian Bay. As climate change affects Muskoka – producing warmer and wetter winters, but dryer summers with more intense storms – we may be trying to find ways to hold on to that water, just a little longer; maybe the beaver has a solution for us.

wetlands 5

Peter, who describes himself as a strange, but harmless ecologist, talks about some of the many creatures in Muskoka including the beaver, the expected effects for Muskoka from climate change, an idea or two on solutions, and that there are other ways of valuing our environment other than simply to value it as a storehouse of resources to dig up and take away.