Looking for your perfect getaway or your next investment? The Ontario cottage market may have hit pause, but the story isn’t over. In fact, it’s just getting interesting.

Despite economic uncertainty and recent trade tariffs causing a momentary slowdown, prices in Ontario’s recreational property market are still expected to rise. According to the latest 2025 Re/Max Cottage and Cabin Trends Report, a 1.8% increase in average price is forecasted nationwide even as some regions see a short-term dip.

What’s Really Happening in the Cottage Market?

While half of Ontario’s recreational markets saw prices decline over the past year, some by up to 20%, this shift isn’t a cause for concern. It’s a reflection of changing dynamics, not decreasing value.

Regions like Niagara-on-the-Lake, Orillia, and Grand Bend saw increased inventory, often due to generational shifts. Many families are selling their cottages due to estate planning or younger members choosing not to maintain them.

Still, demand is quietly building.

As Samantha Villiard of Re/Max Canada puts it, “We’re really at a pause until there’s some clarity—whether that be a tariff pullback or a trade deal.” Once that happens, momentum is expected to return swiftly.

Why Buyers Are Holding Back for Now

About 20% of Canadians surveyed say they’re waiting for more economic clarity before buying or selling. Yet, many of these same buyers still view recreational properties as a sound investment—especially as affordability remains top-of-mind.

Nearly 34% of potential buyers see cottages not just as seasonal escapes, but long-term assets. In fact, many Ontario cottage markets, like Prince Edward County and Niagara-on-the-Lake, are increasingly filled with year-round residents.

Where Opportunity Is Heating Up

Even in regions near the U.S. border like Niagara-on-the-Lake, where cross-border travel has slowed, the appeal of local amenities, such as Ontario’s world-renowned wine country, continues to attract buyers.

Some areas, especially in northwestern Ontario, are seeing renewed interest from former residents returning from out of province. While inventory remains tight, these markets are poised to bounce back once economic conditions improve.

At the same time, more buyers are looking for primary residences outside of city cores. With urban affordability still a challenge, the Ontario cottage market offers a peaceful, scenic and increasingly practical alternative.

What It Means for You

Whether you’re dreaming of a weekend retreat, downsizing to a lakeside haven, or scouting for your next investment, the Ontario cottage market is full of potential.

• Prices are stabilizing, offering a chance to buy before the rebound
• Demand is expected to return once economic clarity arrives
• More properties are available now due to generational transitions
• Some regions are seeing long-term growth from full-time residents

Don’t Wait for the Market to Tell You It’s Time

If you’ve been eyeing cottage life, now may be your moment. The pause in activity has opened a rare window, especially in high-demand regions that may soon see competition heat up again.

Stay informed and stay ahead.
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