Huntsville and The Almaguin Highlands offer a compelling combination of accessibility, natural beauty, and value in Ontario’s cottage country.
As the gateway town to the Highlands, Huntsville provides urban convenience with small-town charm—while the surrounding Almaguin region delivers peaceful lakes, forested retreats, and some of the most affordable waterfront properties north of Muskoka.
Why Buyers Love Huntsville & Almaguin
- Diverse Real Estate Options: From luxury lakefront homes on Fairy Lake, Peninsula Lake, and Lake Vernon to rustic cabins on Doe Lake, Lake Bernard, and Horn Lake, this region offers something for every buyer.
- Easy Access: Located just off Highway 11, Huntsville is a central hub with grocery stores, restaurants, healthcare, and year-round amenities—making it ideal for both seasonal and permanent residents.
- Natural Beauty: The Almaguin Highlands are known for their rolling hills, quiet lakes, and untouched wilderness—perfect for paddling, hiking, snowmobiling, and stargazing.
- Exceptional Value: Compared to Muskoka’s Big Three Lakes, Almaguin offers more square footage, privacy, and waterfront access for your dollar.
Island & Waterfront Living in the Region
While island properties are less common here than in Muskoka or Georgian Bay, Huntsville and the Almaguin Highlands offer a quieter kind of magic. The Janssen Group has helped buyers uncover rare gems on Lake Bernard, Horn Lake, and Doe Lake—where glassy waters, forested shorelines, and wide-open skies create a sense of true escape.
These properties often feature private docks, sunset-facing decks, and multi-season cottages tucked into the trees. Whether it’s a tucked-away peninsula or a secluded island with boat-only access, the experience is defined by privacy, tranquility, and panoramic views—a dream for those seeking a slower pace and deeper connection to nature.
Real Estate Snapshot: Waterfront Trends in Huntsville & Almaguin Highlands
As of fall 2025, both Huntsville and the Almaguin Highlands are showing strong signs of being Ontario’s next sweet spot for waterfront investment.
In Huntsville, the average waterfront home is selling for around $837K, with mid-sized properties (especially 3-bed homes) seeing a notable 32% price increase year-over-year. Inventory is active, with over 120 new listings in the past month, and homes are selling at 95% of asking price—a clear sign of buyer confidence. Larger homes, however, have softened in price, offering value for families or investors seeking more space.
In Almaguin Highlands, the market is gaining momentum as buyers look beyond Muskoka’s core for privacy, space, and value. With its pristine lakes, forested lots, and growing short-term rental appeal, Almaguin is attracting Gen Xers and retirees who see cottages as lifestyle investments. Inventory is expected to rise as some pandemic-era buyers exit, creating opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
Is Now a Good Time to Buy or Sell?
Yes—on both fronts. Sellers with well-maintained, mid-sized waterfront properties can benefit from current demand, while buyers have negotiating power thanks to increased inventory and softening prices in select segments. Almaguin, in particular, offers under-the-radar value for those seeking tranquility and long-term growth.
Why Work with The Janssen Group
As one of Ontario’s leading cottage country real estate teams, The Janssen Group has deep ties in the region. Local agents Krystal Cosstick and Ashley Chaban are two of the best Realtors in Huntsville and the Almaguin Highlands. They live and work in the communities they serve making them an invaluable resource and have helped many buyers and sellers in this region transition with ease. Because they are local, they understand the nuances of seasonal access, zoning, waterfront regulations, local market trends and so much more.
From the vibrant town of Huntsville to the quiet lakes of the Almaguin Highlands, this region offers something for every buyer. Let The Janssen Group guide you through the possibilities—browse listings or reach out today to learn more.
Ready to explore Huntsville and the Almaguin Highlands? Contact The Janssen Group today to discover available listings, lakefront opportunities, and insider insights into this rising cottage country market.
