About Muskoka

A Short Drive to Lake Muskoka

Only an hour and a half from the GTA and easily accessible from every direction because of its size, Lake Muskoka is a well sought after summer destination. In fact, National Geographic rated the Muskoka area as the number 1 summer destination in 2011. Recently, Muskoka made the top 20 list of must travel destinations in the world.

Lake Muskoka - It's a Lifestyle

Lake Muskoka boasts public beaches, boat launches and sailing camp, hiking trails plus much more. Taboo Resort has many amenities including golf, spa, swimming pool, fitness, tennis, dining, a sandy beach and accommodations. The Wharf in Gravenhurst, accessible by auto or boat hosts restaurants and a public boat launch. From here you can catch a steam ship ride on the Wenonah or check out the antique boat show happening on July 7th this summer.

Famous Lake Rosseau

Former President of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, holidayed on Lake Rosseau and later purchased Formosa Island. There are many other famous people who vacation here including movie stars and sports figures. Lake Rosseau is where I live for about seven months of the year before heading to my next adventure.

Lake Rosseau is home to Windermere House and the J.W. Marriott Rosseau Resort otherwise known as Red Leaves which often hosts incredible fireworks shows. Both establishments offer accommodations and dining as well as water and land activities.

Lake Rosseau falls into two districts, Muskoka and Parry Sound. There are many community based groups who help ensure the integrity of the Lakes. The largest being the MLA or Muskoka Lakes Association. It represents the interests of lakeshore residents and promotes responsible use, enjoyment and conservation of the Muskoka area. Formed in 1894, the MLA is Canada's oldest cottage association. 

More Fun on Lake Rosseau

Family resort, Clevelands House, offers golf, tennis, ski school, water park, C.J. Minett's Kitchen and Tavern and Pie, a boat house rooftop restaurant. Muskoka Woods is a well respected residential camp for children ages 7 - 17.  Communities found on Lake Rosseau include Port Carling, Port Sandfield, Minett, Windermere and the Village of Rosseau home to the Rosseau Farmer's Market. Check out Summer Water Sports aka SWS for a schedule of shows and events or to learn various water sports.

Island Properties Have Many Benefits 

Benefits of owning an island property are plentiful. A prime piece of island property will cost less than a mainland property of the same stature. There are no roads therefore lower property taxes. Lower demand for islands than mainland means more bang for your buck. If you are planning on building or renovating on your island you may consider doing this during the winter. Most importantly if you are someone who values your privacy this is the option for you. Most island properties will have more frontage than what you could find on the mainland making your privacy all that more affordable. Still not convinced? Consider this, any visitor you may receive will have to plan ahead to be picked up at a specific access point and time, making unexpected guests almost unheard of.

My family has vacationed on islands my whole life. Growing up as a child I learned the value of preparedness. Organization is key. Making sure you have safety and first aid kits, flashlights, fresh batteries and enough food and supplies for your stay make island living not only enjoyable but gratifying. At the beginning of every cottage season, islanders will do a major haul bringing in the staples and essentials including favourite beverages, bottled water, condiments, freezer, dried and canned goods, matches, books and any new family games to be played on rainy days. You won't want to jump in the boat and head to the marina for that forgotten bag of marshmallows for making s'mores by the campfire once you have settled in, so a list is essential before leaving home.

Consider Your Muskoka Waterfront Property Carefully

Confidence in your day and night time boating abilities and knowledge of the lakes is another key factor. Islanders boat everywhere; visiting friends, coming back from a dinner party, trips to the marina for more gas because you were out wakeboarding, tubing and skiing all day or in case of an emergency, it is important to know what you are dealing with.
A side note on island living, as there is no waste management facility you will have to remember to take your garbage and recycling with you when you leave. Most marinas and access points have municipal refuse facilities.
Choosing your property and the lake is the most important factor, even more so than the structure.