Cottages For Sale in Bruce Peninsula & Lake Huron North

Buying a cottage in Bruce Peninsula & Lake Huron North

Bruce County takes in the Lake Huron shore from Point Clark north to Southampton, then the whole Bruce Peninsula up to Tobermory. The peninsula separates Georgian Bay from the main body of Lake Huron. Wiarton, Lion's Head and Tobermory are its main villages, with Sauble Beach on the Huron side. Farther south, Port Elgin, Southampton and Kincardine are the larger lakeshore towns. Inland, Arran-Elderslie, Brockton and South Bruce are farm country along the Saugeen River and its branches.

The two shores are very different. The Georgian Bay side follows the Niagara Escarpment, with cliffs, cobble beaches and clear, cold water around Lion's Head, Dyers Bay and Tobermory. The Lake Huron side is low and sandy, with long beaches, shallow water and west-facing sunsets from Oliphant to Point Clark. Between them sit quiet inland lakes such as Berford, Sky, Isaac, Chesley, Miller and Cameron. Properties range from older beach cottages to year-round homes and wooded lots.

Distance is the main trade-off. Wiarton and Sauble Beach are about three hours from Toronto, and Tobermory is closer to four. Most cottages have road access, with a well or lake intake and a septic system. Some cottages near Sauble Beach sit on leased Saugeen First Nation land, which works differently from freehold ownership. Northern Bruce Peninsula and South Bruce Peninsula both regulate short-term rentals, so check the current bylaw. Winter brings heavy lake-effect snow.

Getting there: About 3 to 4 hours from Toronto.

• Tobermory
• Sauble Beach
• Lake Huron sunsets
• Niagara Escarpment
• Bruce Trail
• Clear water