Buying a cottage near Ottawa
From the Rideau Lakes to Calabogie, there’s lake country within a short drive of the city. A cottage is a different purchase from a house in town, and we’ll help you get the details right.
Where people look
Each area has its own feel, from busy boating lakes to quiet bays. We’ll help you narrow it down by drive time, water and budget.
Rideau Lakes
Big Rideau Lake
A chain of lakes along the Rideau Canal system southwest of Ottawa, popular for boating and family cottages.
Lanark County
Mississippi Lake
Smaller lakes and rivers west of the city, with a mix of seasonal cottages and year-round homes.
Calabogie
Calabogie Lake
Calabogie Lake and the surrounding hills, with skiing and trails as well as the water.
Ottawa Valley
White Lake
Waterfront along the Ottawa and Madawaska Rivers and lakes like White Lake, from quiet retreats to larger properties.
Lake outlines © OpenStreetMap contributors.
What we check on a cottage
These are the things that catch city buyers off guard. We build them into your offer so you know what you’re buying before you firm up.
- Well water: flow and water quality testing
- Septic system: age, size and an inspection
- Road access: year-round municipal road, or a private or seasonal road with shared costs
- Shoreline: ownership of the shore road allowance, docks and frontage
- Insurance and financing, which can differ for seasonal properties
- Heating, winterizing and internet for year-round use
Common questions
Where can I buy a cottage near Ottawa?
Popular areas include the Rideau Lakes, Lanark County, Calabogie and the Ottawa Valley, all within a comfortable drive of the city.
Is buying a cottage different from buying a house?
Yes. Cottages often have a well, a septic system, a private or seasonal road, and shoreline rules, and financing and insurance can differ. We make sure each is checked before you firm up your offer.
Can I get a mortgage on a cottage?
Usually, yes. Year-round, easily accessible cottages are treated much like houses, while seasonal properties may need a larger down payment. We’ll connect you with lenders who finance recreational properties.
Do you help sell cottages too?
Yes. We price cottages using recent sales on the same lake or area and market them to Ottawa buyers looking for a getaway.
Start your cottage search
Tell us your budget, how far you’ll drive and the kind of water you want. We’ll build a custom search and send you cottages as they list.