Why More Canadians Are Choosing Cottage & Country Living in 2025

The Lifestyle Shift We Can’t Ignore

Imagine trading traffic jams for tranquil lake mornings. Imagine Zoom calls with a view of the forest, not a brick wall. More and more Canadians are making this dream a reality. In 2025, lifestyle-driven real estate decisions are taking the spotlight—and nowhere is this trend more alive than in Muskoka and Ontario’s rural escapes.

This isn’t just about escaping the city. It’s about embracing wellness, freedom, and wealth-building through real estate. Whether it’s a rustic cottage, a modern waterfront home, or a cozy rural escape, lifestyle living is changing what buyers want—and how sellers market.

1. What’s Driving the Shift to Lifestyle Living?

Here’s why buyers are swapping city condos for cottages:

Remote Work is Here to Stay: Many Canadians no longer need to live near the office. They’re choosing where they want to live, not where they have to.
Mental Health Matters: Nature, fresh air, and a slower pace? That’s therapy in itself.
Affordability: Even with rising interest rates, you may get more square footage and land for less outside urban centres.
Multi-Purpose Living: Cottages aren’t just for weekends anymore. Buyers want properties they can live in, rent out, and build equity with.

“I have clients who never dreamed they could own waterfront property. Now they work remotely from their dock!”

2. What Buyers Are Looking For

When it comes to lifestyle living, buyers want:

Waterfront Access: Lakes, rivers, or even deeded access boost both lifestyle and property value
All-Season Functionality: Insulated, winterized cottages with good internet are in high demand
Privacy: Acreage, trees, and peace & quiet go a long way
Income Potential: Secondary suites or short-term rental appeal is a big bonus
Modern Comforts: Think woodstoves and hot tubs plus smart tech and EV chargers

Bonus Trends:

Buyers from Toronto and the GTA are leading the charge
Families are considering multi-generational cottages
Younger investors are entering the market thanks to flexible financing and income potential

3. What It Means for Sellers & Investors

You might be sitting on a gold mine if you own a waterfront or rural property. Here’s how this trend benefits you:

Demand is Diversifying: It’s not just retirees anymore. Young professionals, remote workers, and families want in.
Higher Emotional Value = Stronger Offers: Lifestyle properties often connect with buyers emotionally, not just logically.
Rental Income Can Offset Ownership Costs: Investors are seeking Airbnb-friendly homes and secondary suites.

Pro Seller Tip:

Highlight lifestyle perks in your listing descriptions, such as “Wake up to loon calls,” “WIFI-ready lakeside office,” or “Evening wine by the fire pit.”
Consider staging for the dream lifestyle—not just square footage.

4. My Real-Life Perspective from Muskoka

Living and working in Muskoka for over two decades, I’ve seen the lifestyle trend evolve firsthand.

One client sold their Toronto condo, bought a year-round waterfront home in Bracebridge, and now runs their business from a sunroom overlooking the lake. Another family created a multi-generational compound with a main cottage and bunkie for visiting kids and grandkids.

These buyers didn’t just buy property—they bought freedom, connection, and a new way of life.

“People aren’t just asking ‘How many bedrooms?’ anymore. They’re asking, ‘Can I swim here before work?’”

5. Takeaways for Buyers, Sellers & Investors

For Buyers:

Act fast on desirable properties—especially waterfronts
Consider financing options like vendor take-backs or rent-to-own
Ask about zoning for short-term rentals or adding bunkies

For Sellers:

Now is a great time to list, especially if your property is move-in ready
Market not just the home—market the lifestyle
Professional photos and video walkthroughs matter more than ever

For Investors:

Lifestyle properties = dual purpose: personal use + Income
Look for underutilized rural land or dated cottages with reno potential
Don’t forget about off-season demand (think winter escapes!)

Be Where You Want to Be

The shift toward lifestyle living isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement. Canadians are rethinking what home really means and where it should be.

If you’re thinking of buying, selling, or investing in a cottage, waterfront, or rural property, I’d love to help you find the perfect fit. Let’s ensure you can be where you want to be—whether by a lake, in the woods, or soaking in the stars.