Lake Simcoe

Lake Simcoe

Size

North of Toronto; borders Simcoe County, Durham Region & York Region

Lifestyle

Location

~722 km² (Ontario’s 4th largest lake)

Year-round homes, luxury waterfront estates, and family cottages

Vibe

Active, diverse, and accessible

Water Access

Hub of the Trent–Severn Waterway

About Lake Simcoe

Lake Simcoe is often referred to as “Toronto’s Cottage Country”, thanks to its accessibility and size. Only an hour’s drive from the GTA, it’s the largest lake entirely within Ontario (outside of the Great Lakes). With direct connections to the Trent–Severn Waterway, Lake Simcoe is a boater’s paradise, offering access to Lake Couchiching, Georgian Bay, and beyond.

Historically, it has been a hub for fishing, sailing, and recreation. Today, it blends that heritage with modern waterfront living - from historic cottages to luxury estates that rival Muskoka’s.

Lifestyle & Community

Lake Simcoe offers a wide range of lifestyles, depending on which shoreline you choose:

Keswick & Georgina (south shore): Fastest-growing, suburban feel with year-round residents commuting to the GTA.

Barrie & Innisfil (west shore): A mix of city conveniences with lakefront recreation; strong family and commuter presence.

Orillia & Ramara (north shore): More relaxed, with marinas and boating culture; popular for retirees and seasonal cottagers.

Beaverton & East Shore: Smaller towns, quieter communities, and rural-style waterfront living.

The lake is a hub for boating, sailing regattas, fishing tournaments, and ice fishing villages in winter. Simcoe’s size makes it feel like an inland sea, with wide horizons and strong winds - a favourite for sailors and kiteboarders.

Demographics: Who Lives Around Lake Simcoe

Year-Round Residents: Large and growing - particularly in Keswick, Barrie, and Innisfil, where many commute to Toronto.

Seasonal Owners: Still common, especially in quieter northern and eastern stretches.

Age Range: A mix of families, young professionals (in commuter zones), and retirees.

Community Vibe: More urbanized than Couchiching or Muskoka - parts feel suburban, while other stretches feel purely cottage country.

Investment Side: Strong market for short-term rentals due to proximity to the GTA and popularity of year-round activities.

Lake Stats

Average Depth

~722 km²

Shoreline Length

Surface Area

~15 m (50ft)

~240 km

Waterfront Lot Sizes

Range from 40–100 ft (larger rural stretches on east & north shores)

Population

Surrounding municipalities total well over 500,000 residents

Boat Access

Part of Trent–Severn Waterway; connects to Couchiching, Georgian Bay & beyond

Notable Feature

One of Ontario’s most popular ice fishing destinations, with hundreds of huts each winter

Max Depth

~42 m (138ft)

Real Estate Snapshot

Price Range

Property Types

Varies dramatically - suburban-style homes in Keswick may start in the low millions, while luxury estates on Big Bay Point or Oro-Medonte can reach several million.

Mix of older cottages, commuter-friendly family homes, luxury estates, and new-build developments.

Buyer Profile

Families wanting full-time living with GTA access, retirees seeking waterfront lifestyle, investors eyeing rental potential, and luxury buyers seeking exclusivity in premium areas.

Lake Simcoe offers a wide spectrum of waterfront real estate:

Is Simcoe Right for You?

Pros & Cons of Lake Simcoe

Pros

More affordable than Muskoka's lakes

Easy drive from the GTA (under 2 hours)

Year-round city conveniences in Orillia

Direct boating access to Lake Simcoe & Trent–Severn

Cons

Busy in peak summer; certain areas feel more suburban than cottage-like

Property prices climbing quickly, especially on the south/west shores

Some parts experience weed growth and fluctuating water levels

Winter winds can make sections feel exposed

Sailing & Regattas: Popular with yacht clubs and sailors

Fishing: Year-round angling, including world-class ice fishing

Water Sports: Sailing, wakeboarding, and kiteboarding thanks to open water and strong winds

Trails & Parks: Centennial Beach (Barrie), Sibbald Point Provincial Park, Lagoon City canals

Entertainment: Casino Rama (Orillia), Barrie waterfront events, Georgina’s beaches

Things to Do Around Lake Simcoe

Is Lake Simcoe Right for You?

Lake Simcoe is perfect if you want the best of both worlds - easy access to the GTA combined with a massive, activity-rich lake. It’s busier and more developed than smaller cottage-country lakes, but that’s what many buyers love: a place where you can live, work, and play year-round with all the modern conveniences close by.

Contact Us

Thinking about a home or cottage on Lake Simcoe?

Whether you’re looking for year-round living, a summer retreat, or an investment property, I can help you find the right fit.

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