Cottages For Sale in Lanark Highlands & Perth

Buying a cottage in Lanark Highlands & Perth

Lanark County sits in eastern Ontario, between the west edge of Ottawa and the Frontenac lake country. The south and east are farmland on limestone and clay. The north and west rise into the Canadian Shield in Lanark Highlands. Two river systems shape the map. The Mississippi River runs through Dalhousie Lake, Mississippi Lake, Carleton Place and Almonte. The Tay River runs from Bobs Lake through Christie Lake to Perth, where a short canal links it to the Rideau.

Buyers find mid-sized lakes with a mix of older family cottages and newer year-round homes. Mississippi Lake is the largest and busiest, with more than 1,000 homes along its 16 km length. Tay Valley has rocky Shield lakes such as Christie, Otty, Pike and Black, all a short drive from Perth. Lanark Highlands is quieter, with smaller lakes, bigger wooded lots and long stretches of bush. Part of the north shore of Big Rideau Lake is also in the county.

Most cottages are reached by road, though many sit on private lanes that owners maintain and plow themselves. Ask who looks after the road and whether it is open in winter. Nearly all waterfront properties rely on a septic system and a drilled well or lake intake, so plan for inspections. Several Tay Valley lakes have no public boat launch. Short-term rental rules are set by each municipality, so check the current bylaw before you buy.

Getting there: About 3.5 to 4 hours from Toronto.

• Mississippi Lake
• Christie Lake
• Heritage Perth
• Almonte mills
• Tay Canal
• Lanark Highlands bush