Unpacking the Mystery of Water Access Property on Georgian Bay

When you venture off of the beaten track and literally off of cottage country roads and head out across the waters of Georgian Bay, it is amazing what you will find -  incredible, exclusive and unique water access properties!  However, this type of cottage lifestyle is not always well understood so, we thought that it would be a neat idea to unpack some of the mystery around water access properties.

There is a long history of cottagers travelling from the GTA and beyond to enjoy the shores of Georgian Bay. Seeking to find a contrast from city life, early cottagers would brave the rustic roads up to cottage country, travel along rough, sandy, narrow tracks to a boat landing, load their wooden boats with supplies, and travel across the water to their property out in the islands. They dreamed of a peaceful retreat, a timeless get-away where they could enjoy the sheer beauty of nature and the vast body of the waters of Georgian Bay.

Through a spirit of cooperation, early cottagers created communities out in the islands and began a legacythat continues on in the hearts and spirit of cottagers who still enjoy this wonderful cottage lifestyle.  Many of these families forged lifelong friendships that have been shared for generations as they worked together to build and maintenance their cottages, install docks, build bunnies and sheds, and open their cottages in the spring and close them down in the fall.

There are many nuances to owning a water access property and understanding this is key to making an informed decision about ownership. Water access properties can be located on large islands in which one buys a piece of property, on mainland that does not have road access, or can be a private island.  Where the property is located on the Bay, its proximity to local amenities and marinas, the length of time it takes to get there by boat, the type of waterfront, the frontage exposure (if not a private island), and the proximity to neighbours are all key factors influencing the value of a property.  Properties can vary in price significantly and in most cases, water access properties are less expensive than their drive-to counter parts.  Having said this, private islands are an anomaly! The islands that are located the furthest out in the Bay, closest to the open water are extremely exclusive and can be worth millions. They are the gems of Georgian Bay!

Owning a private island on Georgian Bay is a dream for many and can be a reality for those who have some affluence and an adventurous spirit. Each private island is truly unique and offers the promise of peace and serenity in ways which are exclusive to owning your own piece of paradise on Georgian Bay. Private island properties provide a setting where ultimate privacy can be achieved, and the perfect get-away can be enjoyed.  The tranquility of owning your own private island sanctuary is the ultimate experience for those who want to connect with nature, and cherish the adventure, privacy and privileges of island living.

Outer Islands:

The outer islands of Georgian Bay offer ultimate privacy, complete tranquility, gorgeous vistas of the “big water,” and the spectacular experience of the Georgian Bay weather cycles.  These island properties typically require a longer boat ride from local marinas and are sometimes accessed by private float planes.  These picturesque properties are exclusive and prestigious and are often a place of great joy and adventure for families for generations.

Inner Islands:

Owning a private island in the inner islands of Georgian Bay is the perfect combination for many buyers.  Private island ownership is very appealing for many individuals who cherish their privacy and are seeking a retreat that is tranquil and serene.  However, for many individuals, they have other desires for cottage ownership which include protection from the intense Georgian Bay weather patterns, calmer waters, shorter boat rides from local marinas, and in some cases warmer water.   Buying an island in the inner islands can be the right choice for some buyers.

Boat Access Mainland  & Shared Islands:

Purchasing a water access cottage can be an affordable option that is unique, novel and adventurous. A number of cottages are located on mainland and islands on Georgian Bay and are accessible only by water.  These wonderful properties possess different qualities and cottage lifestyle experiences and are accessed by boat from local marinas.  Boat rides can be as little as a few minutes and as much as 45 minutes (approximately) from the marina to the cottage.  Many people find this portion of the travel time to the cottage the most enjoyable.  Although there is definitely more work required to transport people, items and supplies to and from water access cottages, the beautiful boat ride and the perception of freedom that you feel when you reach the dock is incredible! Generations of people have enjoyed water access cottage properties and continue to do so as they offer a cottage lifestyle that is truly unique.

Generally speaking, people typically think of private islands when they think about water access properties, and yet there are many types of water access properties on Georgian Bay. There is a sense of adventure in owning property within an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the largest freshwater archipelago in the world, where the beauty and mystery of this body of water can only be truly understood by living this cottage lifestyle experience.

Water Access/Island real estate is a specialized area of real estate practice in which the Realtor requires knowledge and expertise. If you are curious or interested in buying or selling water access/island real estate, be sure to work with a Realtor who has developed skills and experience in this segment of the market. Ensure that your Realtor is able to speak very knowledgeably about value in terms of the subjective vs objective value of the property, value in use vs value in exchange, demographics, economic factors, market price vs market value, and value principles that will directly impact on buying and selling water access/island real estate.  Working with a business minded entrepreneurial Realtor who understands the highly specialized nature of this market and possesses business and negotiation skills is key!