Ontario’s famed cottage country is literally a breath of fresh air just a short drive from the big city. While summer favourites such as Muskoka or Georgian Bay typically get all the attention, the Kawarthas are just a two-hour drive northeast of Toronto and also well worth the trip for those seeking a relaxing getaway.
The chain of lakes near Peterborough is made up of 1,128 islands, which are home to everything from rustic cottages on their own islands, to magazine-ready multi-million dollar homes. Here are 15 photos that will make you want to go to the Kawarthas, whether it’s via speedboat, houseboat or on a day-cruise aboard the Kawartha Spirit.
The stretch of water near Peterborough is often referred to as the “Jewel of the Kawarthas.” While everyone agrees it’s beautiful, the one thing they can’t decide is how it should be spelled: Stony or Stoney!
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Stony or Stoney? Retired now, but spending over 20 years on Stony selling real estate….specializing on the Islands, the spelling was generally left up to the client’s choice. However, most lower stony residents drop the e, and upper Stoney residents (east of Boschink narrows) use the e. This is reflected in their separate cottagers’ associations names. A modern frustration is ‘spellcheck’ which corrects with the e. During my active years I often felt as you, frustrated by the constant exposures of Muskoka in the press, and coffee table books! Perhaps ‘the best kept secret’ has, over time, been to Stony’s benefit. It’s retained its character and many of the islands and views remain unchanged over the decades….even centuries.
This looks like such a peaceful, relaxing place! I’m hoping to get up to Toronto late September, so hopefully I can take a couple days for spending on the water :). Thanks for the inspiration!
Wonderful! There are so many great day trips from Toronto, and September is a great time of year to visit. Have a great time!