2025 Muskoka Lakes Waterfront Market Report (Jan–Nov YTD)

Muskoka Lakes waterfront real estate has completed a major transition – so let’s zoom out and look at the 2025 Muskoka Lakes waterfront real estate market in the context of recent years. Over the last three years, we’ve moved away from the chaotic, high-speed frenzy of the pandemic era and into a much more selective, … Read more

Clevelands House Wetland: What OPA 64 Changes on Lake Rosseau

Clevelands House can’t sit derelict forever. Most people I talk to want the same thing: a revived resort village at Minett, with restaurants, services, and cleaned-up structures – as long as the rules we change to get there don’t come back to haunt Muskoka. If you need the big-picture background on the Clevelands House development … Read more

Clevelands House Planning Meeting OPA 64 Transcript

This transcript is provided by Catharine Inniss & the Cottage in Muskoka Editorial Team as an informal resource for cottagers, residents, and anyone following the Clevelands House / Minett redevelopment and OPA 64. It has been lightly edited for readability, speaker identification, and place names (for example: Minett, Lake Rosseau, Clevelands House). It is not … Read more

Clevelands House Development in Minett: Full Plan, Timeline & What’s Happening Now

Clevelands House Minett Development – TL;DR The Clevelands House Minett development is still waiting on site-specific approvals. Phase 1 includes 48 rental cabins, a wellness and sports village, and a rebuilt 215-slip marina. Before construction can begin, Township Council must consider OPA 64 and the zoning changes on November 25, 2025, followed by District approval … Read more

What’s in a Name? Renaming Crane Island to Stowe Island

The Ministry of Natural Resources is currently working on a decision regarding an application to rename Crane Island (Lake Joseph) to Stowe Island. But why Stowe? Let’s talk about the incredible history behind the name. The Story Behind Stowe Island: Honouring Dr. Emily Howard Jennings Stowe Dr. Emily Howard Jennings Stowe was a trailblazer, a … Read more

Muskoka Steamships: A Journey Through History and Maintenance at the Port Carling Lock

Muskoka, Ontario, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, pristine lakes, and a rich history of leisurely exploration. One iconic feature of Muskoka is the Muskoka Steamships, which include the Wenonah II and the RMS Segwun. These vintage vessels have been sailing the Muskoka Lakes for generations, offering a unique and timeless experience for both residents … Read more

Protect the Future of Your Investment – Naturalize Your Cottage Shoreline

The shoreline is an extremely valuable and important area – not only for personal enjoyment and property values, but for the health of our Muskoka Lakes, and the critters we share them with. Did you know a natural shoreline can: Protect against erosion? A natural shoreline is perfectly engineered to protect against erosion. Native vegetation … Read more

Lightning Leaps over Lake Muskoka

I’ve been loving hobby photography lately, but I’d never thought to capture a lightning storm before. As a child I remember being told that lightning came up through the ground (which is only partially true), so I was surprised to check my pics and see the horizontal lightning bolts. First: a short explanation of how … Read more

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry (at Home)

These days, it’s more important than ever to support local businesses – so we thought we would share one of our Muskoka favourites with you! Crossroads restaurant, located in Rosseau, has been serving up casual yet upscale meals for more than a decade now. Their dishes (and atmosphere) are sophisticated but still manage to maintain … Read more