Whether you’re searching for a waterfront property to call home all year long or the perfect lakeside retreat for summer weekends, the Peterborough area is a great place to start your search.
Just a short distance from the Kawarthas, Trent-Severn Waterway, and countless kilometres of incredible scenery, Peterborough is surrounded by some of the top waterfront real estate in all of Canada.
Keep reading to discover where you can find waterfront homes around Peterborough and the Kawarthas. We’ll also touch on a few essential things to know before buying property on the water.
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Navigating a Standalone Market
Although searching for the perfect waterfront home can be exciting, it also comes with a few special considerations.
There are dozens of lakes around Peterborough, and each one is unique. Beyond just the lifestyle offerings, crucial details like accessibility, water levels, boat traffic, allowances for swimming or boating, easements, property types, price point, and rental regulations can all differ based on the municipality of the lake itself. And that’s just the beginning.
If you’re searching for a waterfront home around Peterborough or The Kawarthas, the best place to start is by partnering with a local real estate agent who specializes in these types of properties. A professional (like myself) can connect you to properties that suit your budget, while helping you make sense of the important details. More on this later.
Want to know more about the nuances of buying on the water?
Read my blog: The 6 Things to Know Before Buying a Waterfront Home
Popular Lakes Near Peterborough & The Kawarthas
Chemong Lake
Less than 10 kilometres away, Chemong Lake is one of the closest lakes to Peterborough. You’ll find great waterfront properties along its shoreline, as well as private cottages on the lake’s many small islands. Part of a tri-lake system, Chemong is connected to both Buckhorn Lake and Pigeon Lake, which also offer great options for buyers who are looking to be close to Peterborough.
Buckhorn Lake
North of Chemong, you’ll find Buckhorn Lake (which is split into Upper and Lower lakes). A bit further from Peterborough, it offers a greater sense of seclusion without being too far from the city. Real estate on Buckhorn Lake is fairly diverse. In addition to modern, multi-million dollar homes, there are older properties with a more traditional cottage feel.
Pigeon Lake
Pigeon Lake is one of the largest lakes in The Kawarthas, located just a short distance from Peterborough (anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes depending on where along the lake you’re travelling to). Most properties on Pigeon Lake have been built or upgraded with year-round living in mind.
Rice Lake
Located a short distance south of Peterborough, not far from the fringes of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Rice Lake is a popular destination for both buyers and tourists alike. Featuring many seasonal resorts and tourist attractions along the shore, it’s a good pick for buyers who favour convenience and amenities over solitude. Along with its natural scenery, Rice Lake is also known for its fantastic bass, muskie, and walleye fishing.
Katchewanooka Lake
Only a 25-minute drive north, Katchewanooka Lake is another great option for buyers who want to be close to Peterborough. While smaller in size, it lacks nothing in terms of scenery and lifestyle. Katchewanooka Lake also connects to the larger Clear Lake and Stoney Lake through the Otonabee River, granting boaters access to the Trent–Severn Waterway.
Mississauga Lake
Mississauga Lake features some of the most charming waterfront real estate in The Kawarthas. Roughly 50 kilometres north of Peterborough, the lake’s natural privacy is a large part of its appeal. Local residents (year-round and seasonal) along Mississauga Lake include several high-profile Canadians like NHL players, prominent businesspeople, entertainers, and more.
Lake Scugog
Only a short distance north of Oshawa, Ontario, Lake Scugog is another ideal destination for buyers who are looking to be close to the GTA. Although the lake itself is artificially flooded, it’s just as scenic and activity-rich as the other lakes on this list. In terms of real estate, most properties on or near Lake Scugog are equipped for full-time, all-season living.
Cameron Lake
Located approximately 1 hour north of Peterborough, Cameron Lake is home to some of the most in-demand waterfront real estate in Ontario. Although the area feels scenic and secluded, residents have essential amenities close by, as the community of Fenelon Falls, a charming village of about 2,000, is nestled in the southeast corner of the lake.
Clear Lake & Stoney Lake
Two of the closest lakes to Peterborough, Clear Lake & Stoney Lake both offer incredible waterfront homes. The southern tip of Clear Lake is only about a 20-minute drive from Peterborough, making it remarkably accessible. From there, Clear Lake expands into the significantly larger Stoney Lake (and Upper Stoney Lake).
Both lakes offer the traditional perks of living on the water, such as great boating and fishing. However, you get the added benefit of being incredibly close to Peterborough.
Four Mile Lake
Unlike many other lakes around Peterborough and The Kawarthas, Four Mile Lake is not part of the Trent-Severn Waterway. In fact, it’s not fed by any lakes or rivers at all. As a result, Four Mile Lake has some of the cleanest water in the area. It’s also on the quieter side in terms of boat traffic.
Gearing up to buy a house? Explore these related resources from our site.
- Download our Buyer’s Guide
- Buying a house in Peterborough & The Kawarthas
- Book a consultation with me
Balsam Lake
Home to some of the most sought-after (and highest cost) real estate in The Kawarthas, Balsam Lake is a strong choice for buyers with more refined tastes. Here you’ll generally find large, modern cottage properties, most of which are used for year-round living. Balsam Lake itself is known for being clean and maintaining a high water level, making it great for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Hidden Gems
Along with the more popular spots around Peterborough and The Kawarthas, there are also dozens of smaller, lesser-known lakes.
These hidden gems are typically quieter and more private; however, infrastructure and local services can be somewhat limited depending on where you are.
So, how can you find a waterfront home that’s off the beaten path? By working with a local real estate agent who knows exactly where to find them.
Find Your Perfect Home on the Waterfront
Dreaming of life on the water? Work with me, Roger Currier. With more than three decades of professional experience in Peterborough and The Kawarthas, I know the local housing stock inside and out. I also specialize in waterfront real estate and understand everything buyers should know before making a purchase.
On top of guiding you towards the right communities, lakes, and properties for you, I’ll go over important factors like shoreline ownership, road access, water quality, privacy, and resale value. You’ll also get an education on the unique infrastructure of waterfront homes, including your water source (e.g. lake water vs. well water), filtration systems, and septic.
Get in touch with me today to start your buying journey.
Ready to find the perfect waterfront home?
Reach me at 705-927-2774 or email roger@teamcurrierhomes.ca
One-on-One Professional Guidance
Discover the hands-on experience of working with a local expert to successfully navigate the Peterborough and Kawartha lakes markets.
