Communities in and around Muskoka
The Baysville, Bracebridge, Dorset, Dwight, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Bala, Kearney, Katrine, Lake of Bays, Burks Falls, Muskoka, Muskoka Lakes, Port Carling, Port Sydney, Sprucedale, Utterson, Emsdale, and Novar real estate markets are made up of many smaller communities and neighborhoods. These present variety and each has its own unique characteristics. Whether it’s location and what’s in the neighborhood or nearby, or it’s simply the price ranges of the homes in the area, there will be differences and I want to help my site visitors to understand those differences and use the information here in making lifestyle decisions. Use my neighborhood profiles here and map resources to determine the best areas for you, or just to familiarize yourself with the Baysville, Bracebridge, Dorset, Dwight, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Bala, Kearney, Katrine, Lake of Bays, Burks Falls, Muskoka, Muskoka Lakes, Port Carling, Port Sydney, Sprucedale, Utterson, Emsdale, and Novar real estate markets from a “neighborhood–up” approach. Knowing the amenities and culture of these various neighborhoods will give you a better perspective on living in the Baysville, Bracebridge, Dorset, Dwight, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Bala, Kearney, Katrine, Lake of Bays, Burks Falls, Muskoka, Muskoka Lakes, Port Carling, Port Sydney, Sprucedale, Utterson, Emsdale, and Novar real estate markets, or in selling your home’s neighborhood to potential buyers.
About the District of Muskoka
Located just two hours north of Toronto, Muskoka has been a vacation area of choice in Ontario for well over 100 years. Vibrant natural beauty abounds, set within a mosaic of pristine lakes surrounded by rocky shorelines and majestic forests. Several thriving urban centres provide excellent shopping and entertainment services and a wide variety of employment possibilities. First class resorts, artisans shops and visitor attractions complement the heritage landscape and growing communities. With a significant seasonal population, Muskoka is able to offer many amenities normally associated with larger cities, while maintaining the attractive lifestyle of a small community. The District Municipality of Muskoka was established by Provincial legislation and commenced operations on January 1, 1971. In design and function, the District closely parallels other Regional Municipalities in Ontario with the District Corporation forming the upper tier of a two-tier system of local government. The following six Area Municipalities comprise the lower tier in Muskoka:
Town of Bracebridge
Bracebridge is a town and the seat of the Muskoka District Municipality in Ontario, Canada. The town was built around a waterfall on the Muskoka River in the centre of town, and is known for its other nearby waterfalls (Wilson’s Falls, High Falls, etc.). It was first incorporated in 1875. It was named after a book, Bracebridge Hall by Washington Irving, that the postmaster in charge of naming towns was reading at the time. The same novel also provided the name for nearby Gravenhurst.The town is the seat of the district government, a centre of tourism for the Muskoka area, and home to several historical sites, such as the Inn at the Falls, Woodchester Villa, and the Silver Bridge, which joins Manitoba Street with Ecclestone Drive. The Silver Bridge was repaired in 2002. Bracebridge is also the home of the Muskoka Cottage Brewery. Graydon Smith is the current mayor.
For more information visit: http://www.bracebridge.ca/en/live-here/About-Bracebridge.aspx
Town of Gravenhurst
Gravenhurst is a town in the Muskoka Region of Ontario, Canada. It is located approximately 15 kilometres (9.3mi) south of Bracebridge, Ontario. The mayor is Paisley Donaldson. The Town of Gravenhurst includes a large area of the District of Muskoka, known to Ontarians as “cottage country.” The town centre borders on two lakes: Lake Muskoka, which is the largest lake in the region, and Gull Lake, a smaller cottage-bordered lake. Another lake, Kahshe Lake, is situated 10 kilometres (6.2mi) south of the town. Gravenhurst was originally known as McCabes Landing and later as Sawdust City. Gravenhurst was named by a postal official who was reading the treatise GRAVENHURST OR THOUGHTS ON GOOD AND EVIL. ~from Wikipedia
Town of Huntsville
Huntsville (Canada 2011 Census population 19,056) is the largest town in the Muskoka Region of Ontario, Canada. It is located 215 kilometres (134mi) north of Toronto and 130 kilometres (81mi) south of North Bay. Huntsville is located in the hilly terrain of the Canadian Shield and is dotted with many lakes. Due to its natural beauty and abundant natural resources Huntsville is known as a major tourist destination drawing people from around the world. [3]The Toronto Star ranked the town the #1 place to take a summer trip in 2011.[3] Huntsville also acts as a western gateway to Algonquin Provincial Park and was host to the 36th G8 summit in June 2010.
Township of Muskoka Lakes
The Township of Muskoka Lakes is situated at the southern tip of the Canadian Shield. The craggy cliffs that rise above lakes and roadways date back to the days when life first began on this planet. About two million years ago, this section of the Shield was covered by a series of glaciers, which carved out the numerous lakes. The municipality encompasses a large geographic area. Within its 782 square kilometres lie 80 lakes, including the three large lakes that first defined the Muskoka experience: lakes Muskoka, Rosseau and Joseph. The resorts that evolved on their shores established Muskoka’s reputation as a destination that could heal the body and rejuvenate the spirit. That legacy continues to this day. In spite of the popularity of the locale for permanent and seasonal homes, over 80 per cent of the land mass retains its natural cover. The municipality also maintains over 85 per cent naturally vegetated shoreline. The Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve, the first such protected area in Canada, is found in the Township of Muskoka Lakes, along with Hardy Lake Provincial Park and the spectacular Huckleberry Rock Lookout. Whether you prefer small communities, rural areas, country settings or stunning waterfront properties, the Township of Muskoka Lakes has it all.
The municipality has encouraged positive growth, while at the same time has protected the character and natural beauty of the area. Several of the municipality’s buildings are historically significant, including the municipal office, which was originally the Port Carling Village school (1906). The White’s Road schoolhouse (1890), the original Windermere Village Hall (1953), and the Township of Muskoka Lakes Visitor Centre (1897) have also been restored for continued enjoyment and public use. You can visit an original settler’s log home at the Muskoka Lakes Museum and discover how the local craftsmen made the area famous as a centre of wooden boat building. Tours of artists’ studios, famous gardens and heritage cottages give visitors a glimpse of the lifestyle that attracts people to the municipality. Anchored by the larger communities of Bala, Port Carling and Windermere, the municipality offers the sophistication of a popular tourism destination, plus the wholesomeness of country living. The character of the township is reflected in its eclectic mix of festivals and carnivals including the renowned Bala Cranberry Festival, Port Carling Winterfest, Cavalcade of Colour Antique Show and Flavours of Muskoka. With miles of boating and superb quality of life, the Township of Muskoka Lakes hosts visitors from around the world. Many return year after year because no matter where they call home, the Township of Muskoka Lakes is the place they’d rather be. ~Source: http://www.muskokalakes.ca/siteengine/activepage.asp?PageID=109
