Cottages For Sale in Ottawa Valley & Madawaska

Buying a cottage in Ottawa Valley & Madawaska

Renfrew County is the largest county in Ontario by area. It follows the Ontario shore of the Ottawa River from Arnprior to Deux-Rivieres and reaches southwest into the Madawaska Highlands, with Algonquin Park along its western side. Three rivers organize the lake country. The Madawaska runs through Bark Lake, Kamaniskeg Lake and the Calabogie reservoirs. The Bonnechere links Round Lake and Golden Lake. The Ottawa itself widens into long, lake-like reaches behind its dams.

The county has more than 900 lakes, so choice is wide. Kamaniskeg Lake at Barry's Bay and Calabogie Lake are the best-known, with a mix of older cottages and year-round homes. Golden Lake, Round Lake and Lake Clear are family lakes with sand in places. Black Donald and Centennial lakes are large hydro reservoirs with a wilder feel. Along the Ottawa River, frontage tends to be year-round homes near Arnprior, Pembroke, Petawawa and Deep River. Calabogie has a ski hill, so it stays busy all winter.

Distances are long and towns are small, so check how far a property is from groceries, fuel and a hospital. Many cottage roads are private and not plowed. Septic systems and wells or lake intakes are standard. On the Madawaska reservoirs and the Ottawa River, water levels are controlled by hydro dams and can change through the season, which affects docks and shorelines. Cell and internet service is uneven in the highlands. Short-term rental rules differ by township.

Getting there: About 3.5 to 4.5 hours from Toronto.

• Kamaniskeg Lake
• Calabogie
• Golden Lake
• Ottawa River
• Madawaska River paddling
• Algonquin Park edge