Where is Lake of Bays, Ontario?

Lake of Bays is in the District of Muskoka, Ontario — roughly a 2-hour drive north of Toronto. Baysville sits at the south end of the lake, with Huntsville — the region's major town — just to the west.

What towns are on Lake of Bays?

The communities right on the lake are Dwight, Dorset and Baysville — each covers most day-to-day basics, and marinas are scattered around the lake. Huntsville — the region's major town, with near small-city services and amenities — sits just west of the lake.

Is Lake of Bays good for cottaging?

Yes — it's known for clear water, quieter bays and a classic Muskoka cottage feel, with both seasonal and year-round properties and marinas scattered around the lake.

What should I check before buying waterfront on Lake of Bays?

Confirm road vs. water access, shoreline road allowances, septic and water systems, and township zoning/setback rules for any building plans.

Can I live on Lake of Bays year-round?

Many properties — especially around Dwight, Dorset and Baysville — are set up for year-round living. Water-access-only properties are generally seasonal.

Who sells real estate on Lake of Bays?

Godard's of Lake of Bays (De Koning & Godard RE/MAX Team) specializes in buying and selling homes, cottages and land across Lake of Bays and Muskoka. Call 1-705-706-5008.

Lake of Bays Real Estate Guide

Considering buying or selling on Lake of Bays? Here's what makes this corner of Muskoka special — and what to know before you make a move.

Why we love Lake of Bays

We're not just selling Lake of Bays — we grew up on it.

Our family has lived all around this lake since we were kids: Walker Lake near Dwight, Port Sydney, South Portage Road. Our parents moved us around the area and we spent those years building, renovating, swimming, and falling in love with Muskoka. We went from Irwin Public School to Riverside Public School to Huntsville High — and we've since put down roots just outside Baysville.

Today we keep our sailboat at the Baysville marina and get out on the water every chance we get — and we took sailing lessons at Dwight Beach and at the Lake of Bays Sailing Club, where we spent just as much time on the tennis courts. We also own a little water-access-only property with a dock that's our family escape. From frolicking in the waters at Dwight Beach as toddlers before we could even swim — then taking swimming lessons at that same beach — to Langmaid's beaches, to Norway Point Park and beach now, this lake has been the backdrop of our whole lives.

We love boating down through the Dorset narrows — the views of the surrounding landscape are breathtaking — then grabbing food in Dorset, like wood-fired pizza from Pizza on Earth, or wandering through Robinson's General Store for the iconic local experience.

That's why we do what we do: renovations, snow removal, and now real estate — full service from a family that's been here all along. And with a Toronto Film School diploma behind the camera, our listings get photography and video we're genuinely proud of.

If you're buying or selling on Lake of Bays, you're working with locals who know it like home. Because it is.

About Lake of Bays

Lake of Bays is one of Muskoka's most loved lakes, known for clear water, quiet bays and a classic cottage-country feel without the bustle of the bigger lakes. It's a year-round community as much as a seasonal one. Just west of the lake sits Huntsville — the region's major town, with near small-city services and amenities, from the hospital to shopping and dining.

Communities on the lake

Dwight — on the lake's north shore, with a quieter pace and close to Algonquin Park access.
Dorset — on the east side of the lake, known for the Dorset Lookout Tower and a charming village core.
Baysville — a historic village at the south end of the lake.

Each of the three covers most day-to-day basics, and marinas scattered around the lake handle fuel, docking, storage and service — so you're never far from what you need on the water.

Huntsville isn't on Lake of Bays itself — it sits just west of the lake — but it's the region's major town, with near small-city services and amenities: hospital, shopping, dining and year-round living.

Buying waterfront on Lake of Bays — what to know

Road access vs. water access: Many properties are road-accessible year-round, but some are water-access only. Know which you're buying — it affects everything from insurance to winter use.
Shoreline road allowances: Common across Muskoka. We'll confirm exactly what you own right down to the water's edge.
Septic and wells: Most waterfront properties are on private septic and well or lake-drawn water. Inspections matter more here than in town.
Zoning and setbacks: Township rules govern how close to the water you can build or renovate. We check before you fall in love with a teardown.

Selling on Lake of Bays

Waterfront buyers shop with their eyes first. Our listings pair local market knowledge with professional photography and video, so your property shows the way it deserves — and reaches the buyers looking for exactly this lake.

Work with a local team

One call, full service: 1-705-706-5008. Whether you're buying your first cottage or selling a family legacy property, we know Lake of Bays because we live and work here.