Lake of Bays is a stunning and sizable lake in the northeastern region of Ontario, Canada, lying within the District of Muskoka. Often referred to as “that other Muskoka”, Lake of Bays, also known as simply as LOB, provides a more relaxed and laid-back vibe than the Big Three Lakes of Muskoka. The District of Muskoka is highly regarded as Ontario’s most sought-after cottage country destination. This is in part due to its abundance of lakes and recreational properties. Waterfront cottage properties in Muskoka and Lake of Bays are popular luxury summer homes for celebrities, heads of corporations, top athletes, and other high-net-worth individuals from Canada, America, and, to a lesser degree, abroad.
Lake of Bays was originally utilized by the Ojibwe people for fishing and hunting. In the 1800’s European settlers arrived in the area and the lake eventually became a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. Today, Lake of Bays has an abundance of charm and character with many historical buildings including original churches and cottages.
There are several villages and small communities located around the lake, including Dwight, Baysville, and Dorset. These communities offer various amenities and services, including restaurants, shops, and short-term accommodations including Deerhurst Resort.
Lake of Bays enjoys a bounty of wildlife including loons, beavers, otters, and of course various species of fish. Being surrounded by forests Lake of Bays area is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, black bears, and the occasional moose.
Conservation is a way of life in Lake of Bays as it forms part of the Muskoka Watershed, which is designated as a Canadian Heritage River. The lake and surrounding area are also home to several conservation areas and parks, including both the Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve.
At Cast Iron Restaurant in Baysville you'll be treated like a local while enjoying down-to-earth good home cooking. Head on up to Dorset and grab breakfast at Webster's Beacon. You can also stock up on supplies and fuel at this one-stop shop.
Bigwin Island Golf Club is a private, 18-hole championship golf course exclusively reserved for its Members and Club Cabin Guests. It is located on Bigwin Island, Lake of Bays which is only accessible by boat. The course is well known for its stunning views of Lake of Bays and its challenging design, which was created by renowned golf course architect Doug Carrick.
Deerhurst Highlands Golf Course is a public, 18-hole championship golf course that has great reviews on TripAdvisor. It is located nearby at the Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville. The course was designed by Robert Cupp and features a scenic and challenging layout reveling among the natural terrain.
Another public course is North Granite Ridge Golf Club. An 18-hole golf course located in the Muskoka town of Port Sydney which is just north of Lake of Bays. North Granite Ridge was designed by Thomas McBroom and features a challenging and scenic layout that takes advantage of the natural topography.
Lake of Bays is one of Muskoka’s larger lakes with a surface area of approximately 67 square kilometers. Lake of Bays is approximately 25 kilometers long and 7 kilometers wide at its widest point providing ample opportunity for boating and watersports. The lake is deep and clear with a maximum secchi depth or clarity of 8 metres or 26 feet. In fact, this area is well-known for its incredible shoreline and is one of the cleanest lakes in Ontario cottage country.
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