Thinking of escaping to somewhere sunny? Fortunately, you don’t need to go far. There are countless sandy beaches and quaint cottage communities within a reasonable driving distance of Burlington. In fact, there are unique destinations in every direction. If you have been thinking about buying a cottage, be sure to explore these five beautiful communities:
Turkey Point – Driving distance: 80 minutes – Located on the beautiful north shore of Lake Erie, this up and coming cottage community is the perfect escape if you love a peaceful country drive and sprawling sandy beaches. Cottagers in Turkey Point also enjoy being close to the scenic town of Port Dover. Recently, builders have been capitalizing on the relatively inexpensive real estate by buying up the small modest cottages and transforming them into beautiful custom vacation homes. The average price for a cottage in Turkey Point is about $290,000.
Long Point – Driving distance: 2 hours – Long Point is home to one of Ontario’s most beautiful provincial parks. The year round population is only about 450 people, but this quaint beach community comes alive during the summer. Long Point is known for is beautiful sandy beach, sand dunes, and excellent boating. The cottage community utilizes the local amenities at the nearby village of Port Rowan. The average price for a cottage in Long Point is about $220,000.
Wasaga Beach – Driving distance: 2 hours – The shallow water on the south shore of Georgian Bay makes this 14km beach perfect for swimming with the family. In the past few years, Wasaga Beach has become a real estate hotspot for retirees looking to sell their homes in the city and settle into this thriving beach community. Currently, Wasaga Beach has over 17,000 year round residents. As the population has grown, so have the local amenities such as big box stores and restaurants. Because Wasaga Beach is only 30 minutes from Collingwood, this area is perfect for year-round recreation. Seasonal cottages are available starting in the $200,000 range.
Sauble Beach – Driving distance: 3 hours – Once you have visited the beautiful shores of Lake Erie, you know that it’s well worth the drive. Located on the southern end of the Bruce Peninsula, Sauble Beach is perfect for swimming, hiking, and getting away from the fast-paced city life. During the winter, the local trail system draws snowmobile enthusiasts from all over the province. About half of the cottages in Sauble Beach sit on leased land that is owned by the Saugeen Nation. You can find a cozy cottage in Sauble Beach starting just under $200,000.
Muskoka – Driving distance: 2 hours+ – Ontario’s cottage country has always been a major draw for people in the GTA looking for an escape out of the city. The area is made up of several townships including Halliburton and Peterborough County. There are approximately 1600 lakes within the Muskoka boundaries, making it ideal for cottagers who are craving a peaceful water view. Cottages in the Muskoka area range from rustic seasonal dwellings with water access only to sprawling executive estates. In fact, many celebrities and athletes own cottages in Muskoka. Waterfront properties are available starting in the mid $100,000 range, all the way up to resort-style estates for $5 million+.
Are you hoping to find the perfect place to unwind? A cottage gives you a great excuse to pack your bags, shut off your phone, and head out of town for the weekend.
