Skip to content
647-931-3923 info@cottageconnect.com
Cottages & waterfront for sale across Ontario cottage country
SwipeNEW
Rental income

Airbnb Cottages For Sale in Ontario

Cottages with rental history or strong rental appeal, plus the short-term rental rules in 30 cottage country townships, so you know what you can rent before you buy.

MarketMedian $825K327 for sale+15 new this week~73 days on marketMarket stats
Tap a price to see the home
338 cottages with rental potential for sale in Ontario
372 Gunter Lake Road, Tudor and CashelNew46 photos$689,900Waterfront cottage5 bed · 2 bath · 1500-2000 sq ft372 Gunter Lake RoadCashel Ward, Tudor and Cashel3 parking · Lot 200 x 317 ftCourtesy of: Century 21 Granite Realty Group Inc.185 Fisher Lake Lane, KearneyNew45 photos$598,000Waterfront cottage3 bed · 1 bath · 700-1100 sq ft185 Fisher Lake LaneKearneyGarage · 7 parking · Lot 149.9 x 215.1 ftCourtesy of: Chestnut Park Real Estate7385 Bank Street, Greely - Metcalfe - Osgoode - Vernon and AreaNew50 photos$2,499,000Waterfront cottage4+2 bed · 4 bath · 5000 + sq ft7385 Bank Street1602 - Metcalfe, Greely - Metcalfe - Osgoode - Vernon and AreaGarage · 10 parking · Lot 650 x 1602 ftCourtesy of: ROYAL LEPAGE TEAM REALTY1400 Monaghan Road, Peterborough9 photos$1Land0 bath1400 Monaghan RoadTown Ward 3, PeterboroughLot 225.1 x 176.2 ftCourtesy of: REMAX YOUR COMMUNITY REALTY581 Limberlost Point Road, Parry Sound Remote Area38 photos$649,000Waterfront cottage3 bed · 1 bath · 1100-1500 sq ft581 Limberlost Point RoadRestoule, Parry Sound Remote Area8 parking · Lot 177.9 x 450 ftCourtesy of: Re/Max Crown Realty (1989) Inc.30 Turner Drive, Huntsville46 photos$599,000Chalet3 bed · 2 bath · 1400-1599 sq ft30 Turner DriveChaffey, HuntsvilleMaint. fee $882/mo · Garage · 1 parkingCourtesy of: Royal LePage Lakes Of Muskoka Realty704 County Rd 15, Stone Mills40 photos$679,999Waterfront cottage3 bed · 2 bath · 1100-1500 sq ft704 County Rd 1563 - Stone Mills, Stone MillsGarage · 8 parking · Lot 118 x 268 ftCourtesy of: SUTTON GROUP-ADMIRAL REALTY INC.1363 W Edward Street W, Out of Area17 photos$599,900Waterfront cottage2+1 bed · 3 bath · 1500-2000 sq ft1363 W Edward Street WOut of AreaGarage · 10 parking · Lot 121.2 x 256.4 ftCourtesy of: ACCSELL REALTY INC.36 Kerry Forest Drive, Front of Yonge35 photos$825,000Waterfront cottage3 bed · 2 bath · 700-1100 sq ft36 Kerry Forest Drive822 - Front of Yonge Twp, Front of Yonge4 parking · Lot 75 x 199.7 ftCourtesy of: ROYAL LEPAGE PERFORMANCE REALTY16 Kerry Forest Drive, Front of Yonge37 photos$825,000Waterfront cottage1+2 bed · 2 bath · 700-1100 sq ft16 Kerry Forest Drive822 - Front of Yonge Twp, Front of Yonge6 parking · Lot 73.4 x 178.7 ftCourtesy of: ROYAL LEPAGE PERFORMANCE REALTY102 Percy Crescent, Scugog50 photos$1,390,000Chalet5+1 bed · 4 bath · 2500-3000 sq ft102 Percy CrescentRural Scugog, Scugog9 parking · Lot 34.6 x 170 ftCourtesy of: RE/MAX IMPERIAL REALTY INC.841 Fifes Bay Marina Lane, Selwyn49 photos$872,000Log home3+2 bed · 2 bath · 1500-2000 sq ft841 Fifes Bay Marina LaneSelwynGarage · 5 parking · Lot 95 x 148.9 ftCourtesy of: RE/MAX Jazz INC.

Listing data © PropTx MLS®. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Market snapshot

Market snapshot

Based on 327 homes for sale right now (asking prices). Updated through the day.

Get recent sold prices
Median asking price$825KRange $100K – $5M
Homes for sale327+15 new this week
Typical days on market73Room to negotiate
Median price / sq ft$588From listed size ranges

Homes by price

Under $700K131
$700K–$1M85
$1M–$1.5M57
$1.5M–$2M24
$2M–$3M24
$3M+6

By style

StyleFor saleMedian price
Waterfront cottage297$838K
Cottage268$908K
Resort condo34$343K
Land25$347K
Chalet13$1.3M
Log home6$824K

Thinking of selling here?

See what your home could sell for against these 327 listings.

Get my instant estimate
Short-term rental rules

Can you Airbnb a cottage? Rules by township

Checked against each township's own bylaws and pages in October 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the township before you buy.

  • Licence required 11
  • Restricted/limited 6
  • Registration required 2
  • Under review 1
  • No STR licensing bylaw found 7
  • Check with municipality 2
  • Licence required from 2027 1

Muskoka

Township of Muskoka LakesLicence required

Any rental of 28 nights or less needs an annual licence under By-law 2025-049, which is now in force. The fee is $1,000 a year for waterfront and R4 lots and $500 for all other zones. Occupancy is capped at two people per bedroom unless the septic system is designed for more. From the Friday before Victoria Day to the Tuesday after Labour Day, waterfront and R4 properties may host only one group per six-night period, and they must be vacant for at least seven nights in a row in each of June, July and August. A licence is suspended at 15 demerit points within three years. Operating without a licence can cost $5,000 a day. The Township's pages do not mention a municipal accommodation tax.

Fee: $1,000/yr waterfront & R4; $500/yr other zonesResources for STRA Operators - Township of Muskoka Lakes

Town of HuntsvilleRestricted/limited

Rentals of 30 days or less need a licence that expires every December 31 and requires an on-site inspection. Licences are capped at 250 and issued first come, first served. Owners must have held the property for one full year before applying, and since September 2025 no new STRs are allowed in the Urban Low Density (UR1) precinct. Three valid complaints within two years lead to revocation. Licensed operators must collect the 4% accommodation tax.

Fee: 2026: $1,000 new / $750 renewal (secondary residence); $750 new / $375 renewal (principal residence)Accommodation tax: 4%Short-Term Rental Licensing - Town of Huntsville

Town of BracebridgeLicence required

Every operator has needed an annual licence since January 1, 2024, even for occasional rentals. Before a licence is issued, a building inspection and a fire inspection must be passed, each billed hourly. Wood stoves need a WETT report and septic systems need a pump-out record, each from the last five years. A demerit point system can lead to suspension. A responsible person must answer complaints within one hour. A 4% accommodation tax has applied since October 1, 2025.

Fee: $1,500/yrAccommodation tax: 4%Short Term Rental Accommodations (STRA) - Town of Bracebridge

Town of GravenhurstLicence required

All short-term rentals must hold a Town licence under By-law 2022-058, and the licence is valid for the calendar year. Penalties are set out in the AMPS By-law 2022-103. Licensed STRs collect a 4% accommodation tax on stays under 30 days and remit it quarterly.

Fee: $800 (2026 licence)Accommodation tax: 4%Short-Term Rental Accommodation Licences - Town of Gravenhurst

Township of Lake of BaysLicence required

Short-term rentals need a Township licence under By-law 2024-065. All renting and advertising must stop until a licence is granted. Applications go through Cloudpermit, and the process includes a premises inspection and a fire alarm test sheet. Three demerit points or confirmed violations within a year bring a suspension, and one more within a year after that brings revocation. A 4% accommodation tax applies to licensed STRs from January 1, 2026. The fee is set in the Township's Fees and Charges By-law and is not shown on the STR page.

Accommodation tax: 4%Short-term Rentals - Township of Lake of Bays

Township of Georgian BayRegistration required

Owners must register each STR under By-law 2023-116 and renew every year. The fee is $250 for light hosts (21 rental days or fewer a year) and $1,000 for regular hosts. A 10% discount applies with an approved sustainability plan, and an extra $100 building review fee may apply. Occupancy is limited to two people per guest room. Requirements include a septic inspection or a pump-out from the last three years, $2 million liability insurance, and a responsible person who can be on site within 60 minutes. The STR page does not state an accommodation tax rate.

Fee: $250/yr light host; $1,000/yr regular hostShort Term Rentals - Township of Georgian Bay

Haliburton

Municipality of Dysart et alLicence required

Rentals of less than 28 consecutive days need a one-year licence under By-law 2024-14, a program that launched in October 2024. Occupancy is tied to septic capacity, at two people per bedroom. Legal bunkies count as a bedroom but cannot be rented on their own. Operators collect a 2% accommodation tax and remit it quarterly.

Fee: $500/yrAccommodation tax: 2%Short-Term Rentals - Municipality of Dysart et al

Township of Minden HillsLicence required

Since October 1, 2024, rentals under 28 consecutive nights need a licence under By-law 24-31. Bylaw officers may inspect the property. Smoke and CO alarms, extinguishers and exits must be in place, and extinguishers must be checked monthly. Sleeping rooms are approved for two people each and are tied to septic approval. A responsible person must reply within 60 minutes. Operators collect a 4% accommodation tax.

Fee: $500 initial; $500 annual renewalAccommodation tax: 4%Short-Term Rental Accommodation - Township of Minden Hills

Township of Algonquin HighlandsLicence required

Since October 1, 2024, short-term rentals must be registered and licensed under By-law 2024-81. A licence lasts one year. Applicants must provide $2 million liability insurance, septic records and fire safety plans. Occupancy is capped at two people per bedroom. Three or more demerit points can lead to suspension or revocation. Haliburton County lists a 4% accommodation tax for the Township. The licence fee is set in the fees by-law and was not found on the STR pages.

Accommodation tax: 4%Short Term Rentals - Township of Algonquin Highlands

Municipality of Highlands EastLicence required

Since October 1, 2024, anyone renting all or part of a dwelling for less than 28 days needs a licence. Occupancy is two people per bedroom, subject to septic capacity, with one parking space per bedroom. Applicants must show septic maintenance records and a fire safety plan. Demerits and penalties are issued to the owner. Licensees must collect the accommodation tax, which Haliburton County lists at 4%.

Fee: $500/yr (inspection $150 per visit)Accommodation tax: 4%Short-Term Rentals - Municipality of Highlands East

Kawarthas

City of Kawartha LakesLicence required

Stays of less than 28 days need a Short-Term Rental Accommodation Business Licence under By-law 2023-111. Licences come in six-month or one-year terms, priced differently for hosted and un-hosted rentals. Occupancy is set by the Building and Fire Codes. Applicants need $2 million insurance, WETT, chimney and HVAC records, and a responsible person who can be on site within 60 minutes. A property with seven or more demerit points may be refused a licence. The City's pages do not mention an accommodation tax.

Fee: 2026: $400/yr hosted; $1,750/yr un-hosted (6-month terms $200 / $875)Owners and Operators - Short-Term Rentals, City of Kawartha Lakes

Municipality of Trent LakesRegistration required

Under By-law B2025-024, passed March 4, 2025, single detached homes rented for under 28 days must be registered through Cloudpermit. Registration runs for the calendar year. Occupancy is set by septic capacity at two people per bedroom, with children counted. Staff review septic records, and a new system may be required if records cannot be found. A responsible person must respond within 90 minutes. The registration number must appear in every ad. A property that reaches 4 demerit points can lose its registration.

Fee: $350 initial; $250 annual renewalShort-Term Rentals - Municipality of Trent Lakes

Township of North KawarthaUnder review

There is no STR licensing or registration by-law at present. A Short-Term Rental Advisory Committee issued final recommendations in February 2026. After public feedback in June 2026, Council told staff to keep monitoring and report back in the fall. A follow-up staff report is expected in Q4 2026. Standard by-laws such as noise and parking apply in the meantime.

Short-Term Rental Summary Report (Aug 19, 2026) - Township of North Kawartha

Township of SelwynNo STR licensing bylaw found

The Township says it does not license short-term rentals. Owners are responsible for their guests' conduct under general by-laws such as Property Standards, and the Township can charge inspection fees when enforcement staff have to attend.

Short-Term Rental Information - Selwyn Township

Township of Douro-DummerNo STR licensing bylaw found

The Township's business and licensing pages list no STR licence or registration. The only official STR item found was a 2022 call for members of an advisory committee to study possible regulation, and no resulting by-law was found. News searches could not be completed in this pass, so confirm with the Clerk before relying on this.

Business and Licensing - Township of Douro-Dummer

Prince Edward County

County of Prince EdwardRestricted/limited

Stays under 30 days need a County licence under amended By-law 108-2021, and licences must be renewed every year. Owners who rent at their primary residence can apply, either hosting on site or hosting off site for up to 45 days a year. Inspections are required every four years for on-site licences and every two years for off-site licences. The County stopped issuing new secondary-residence (non-owner-occupied) licences after September 20, 2022. Existing ones are grandfathered and can pass to a buyer if the use does not change. A 4% accommodation tax applies.

Accommodation tax: 4%Primary Residence Short-Term Accommodation - Prince Edward County

Grey & Blue Mountains

Town of The Blue MountainsRestricted/limited

Rentals under 30 days need a licence under By-law 2021-70, and STAs are allowed only on lands zoned for them. A moratorium blocks new Type B licences (outside the STA exception area), though existing ones can renew. Licences run two years and require fire inspections. Hot tubs and pools cannot be used from 11 pm to 7 am. Penalties include $2,500 for operating without a licence. A 4% accommodation tax has applied since January 6, 2025.

Fee: $2,500 per 2-year licence (Type A/B)Accommodation tax: 4%Short Term Accommodation Licensing - Town of The Blue Mountains

Municipality of Grey HighlandsLicence required

Rentals under 28 consecutive days need a licence under By-law 2019-122 (amended by 2019-137), which is issued for three years after a life safety inspection. The fee table lists $0 for hosted properties and $300 for unhosted properties, plus a $200 occupancy inspection fee. Some streets have reached their licence maximum and are not taking new applications. Operating without a licence carries a $1,000-per-week penalty.

Fee: $0 hosted / $300 unhosted; $200 inspectionShort-Term Accommodation Licencing Program - Municipality of Grey Highlands

Georgian Bay & Simcoe

Township of TinyRestricted/limited

Rentals of 28 days or less need a licence under By-law 22-017, and licences are capped at 300. New applicants join a waitlist. Only the whole dwelling may be rented, so room, bunkie and accessory building rentals are not allowed. Fire inspection, electrical and WETT reports are required, and on septic, occupancy is two people per bedroom. A licence can be suspended at 7 demerit points and revoked at 15. Courts upheld the by-law in 2025 and 2026.

Fee: $2,000 new (from Jan 1, 2026); $1,750 renewalShort-Term Rentals - Township of Tiny

Township of Oro-MedonteRestricted/limited

Licensing By-law 2026-078, adopted July 22, 2026, requires a licence for any advertised (commercial) short-term rental. Such rentals are allowed only in specific resort zones (V1 and R2-123, such as the Horseshoe and Highland Estates condos) and not in residential zones. Licence or rezoning applications were due September 30, 2026 (October 30 for some condo owners). Any rezoning must be done by January 30, 2027. Penalty notices began in October 2026. The STR page does not list fees.

Short Term Rental Accommodation and Bed & Breakfast Licensing - Township of Oro-Medonte

Town of InnisfilRestricted/limited

Innisfil has no licensing program. In June 2022, Council declined to pass an STA licensing by-law and changed its zoning instead (By-laws 046-22 and 047-22). Short-term rentals must follow bed-and-breakfast rules: the operator must live in the home, with no more than 3 guest rooms, and whole-home "ghost hotel" rentals are not permitted. 2022 news coverage said cottage rentals stayed allowed in the Our Shore waterfront planning area. Confirm the rules for a specific property with the Town.

Short-Term Accommodations - Get Involved Innisfil

Township of SevernLicence required from 2027

Severn does not license STRs yet. Council approved a Short-term Rental Licensing By-law on June 24, 2026, and the program launches January 1, 2027. Application forms and the program guide are expected in late fall 2026. Fees and other details have not been posted yet. Until then, general by-laws on noise, parking and zoning apply.

Short-term Rentals - Township of Severn

Township of RamaraLicence required

Rentals of 28 days or less need an annual licence under By-law 2020.11, as amended (most recently 2026.38). Properties face licensing, building, fire and septic inspections. Occupancy is two guests per bedroom, with a maximum of 8 overnight guests. A new licence cannot be issued within 300 metres of an existing licensed STRA, so those applicants join a waitlist. Penalties start at $1,000 for a first offence.

Fee: $3,000/yrShort-Term Rental Accommodations - Township of Ramara

Parry Sound

Township of SeguinCheck with municipality

In March 2023, Council rejected a proposed STR licensing program and strengthened its general by-laws on noise, waste and burning instead. The Township's website shows no STR licence. A 2020 news report said the zoning by-law did not permit commercial cottage rentals on residentially zoned waterfront lots and was enforced on complaint. Current zoning treatment could not be confirmed, so check with Seguin Planning.

Seguin Township rejects recommendation for STR licensing and bylaw program - Cottage Life

Township of The ArchipelagoCheck with municipality

No STR licensing by-law or STR page was found on the Township's website, and news searches could not be completed. A new comprehensive zoning amendment, A2224-26, passed May 22, 2026, and is under appeal at the Ontario Land Tribunal. Whether it affects rentals was not confirmed. Contact the Township's Planning Department.

Comprehensive Zoning By-law Review - Township of The Archipelago

Rideau & Frontenac

Township of Rideau LakesNo STR licensing bylaw found

The Township's business licence list (auctioneers, refreshment vehicles, festivals, kennels, second-hand dealers) has no STR licence, and its by-law index lists no STR by-law. Zoning, septic, noise and parking rules still apply. News searches could not be completed, so confirm with the Township before relying on this.

Business Licences - Township of Rideau Lakes

Township of North FrontenacNo STR licensing bylaw found

The Township says it does not require licensing specific to short-term accommodations. Operators still follow general by-laws on noise, burning, parking, waste and zoning, plus building and septic rules. The Township suggests contacting KFL&A Public Health before opening.

Short Term Accommodations - Township of North Frontenac

Township of South FrontenacNo STR licensing bylaw found

The Township's licences page lists only lottery, food truck and dog licences, and no STR page was found on its site. General by-laws and zoning still apply. News searches could not be completed, so confirm with the Township before relying on this.

Licences - Township of South Frontenac

Township of Central FrontenacNo STR licensing bylaw found

The Township's applications and licences page lists only lottery and marriage licences, and no STR page was found on its site. General by-laws and zoning still apply. News searches could not be completed, so confirm with the Clerk before relying on this.

Applications, Licenses and Permits - Township of Central Frontenac

Highlands

Municipality of Hastings HighlandsNo STR licensing bylaw found

The Business Licensing Policy (By-law 2024-005) licenses only vendors, mobile food vendors, public markets and door-to-door sales. No STR by-law appears in the Municipality's by-law list. General by-laws and zoning still apply. News searches could not be completed, so confirm with the Clerk before relying on this.

Business Licensing Policy, By-law 2024-005 - Municipality of Hastings Highlands

What makes a cottage rent well

Rental income starts with the address. A licence you can actually get matters more than any feature, so check the township first. After that, the cottages that book steadily tend to share a few things: a road that is plowed in winter, an easy walk to the water with a gentle swimming entry, enough beds for two families, and a drive from the city that people will make for a weekend.

Septic capacity is the quiet deal-breaker. Several townships cap guests by the septic design, often two people per bedroom, so a six-bedroom cottage on a three-bedroom system rents as a three-bedroom. Ask for the septic permit and design before you count beds.

Budget for the costs owners forget: commercial or rental insurance, the licence fee, cleaning and turnover, HST once you pass $30,000 a year, and any municipal accommodation tax. Our guide to renting your cottage walks through the numbers, and the short-term rental rules explainer covers how licensing works.

Common questions

Can I buy a cottage in Ontario and rent it on Airbnb?

Often, yes, but it depends on the township. Many cottage townships now require a short-term rental licence, and a few cap the number of licences or only allow them in certain zones. Check the table above for the township, then confirm with the township before you firm up an offer.

Does a short-term rental licence transfer when a cottage is sold?

Usually not automatically. Most township licences are issued to the owner, so a new owner applies in their own name, and in capped townships there may be a waitlist. Ask the township how a sale affects the licence, and make your offer conditional on it if rental income matters to you.

Do I need to charge HST on cottage rentals?

Short-term accommodation is taxable, and once your taxable revenue passes the $30,000 small supplier threshold you must register for and charge HST. Platforms may collect some of it for you. Speak to an accountant before you rely on rental income.

Can I deduct expenses if a township does not allow my rental?

Not since 2024. Federal rules deny income tax deductions for short-term rental expenses when the rental does not comply with provincial or municipal rules, including licensing. Another reason to confirm the licence before you buy.

What makes a cottage a good short-term rental?

Year-round road access, a septic system sized for the number of guests, an easy swimming entry, good sleeping space and a drive under three hours from Toronto are what renters look for. Location inside a township that still issues licences matters as much as the cottage itself.

Ready to find your cottage?

Talk to a cottage specialist today. Honest answers, no pressure.

© Cottage Connect · Will Balo, Sales Representative, RE/MAX Experts
Privacy Policy Terms of Use Photo Credits