Go Home Lake

Nestled in the heart of Muskoka, Go Home Lake is a beautiful and serene body of water that has been a popular destination for cottagers for many years. With its crystal-clear water, rocky shorelines, and lush forests, Go Home Lake offers a breathtaking setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

In this article, we will explore the history of Go Home Lake, some interesting facts about the lake, and what makes it such a popular spot for cottagers.

History of Go Home Lake

Go Home Lake is located in the township of Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada. The lake was named after the Go Home Bay, which is located on the eastern side of the lake. The name Go Home Bay was given by the early fur traders who frequented the area. The traders would spend the summers in the area and would then return home in the fall, hence the name Go Home.

The history of the area dates back to the mid-1800s when the first settlers began to arrive. These settlers were mainly loggers and fishermen who were attracted to the area because of its abundant natural resources. The logging industry thrived in the area until the early 1900s when most of the trees had been cut down.

It is a natural lake which is part of the Musquash River system. In the early 1900s, the area began to attract cottagers who were looking for a place to escape the city and enjoy the great outdoors. The first cottages on Go Home Lake were simple structures made from logs or rough-hewn lumber. It was largely opened up as a cottaging lake in the late 1950s when government owned Crown Lands were surveyed and sold. These public bids took place from 1958 through 1962. Over time many of these early cottages have been replaced by more modern structures as the popularity of cottaging in the area grew.

• 2019 13 sold $195,000 - $800,000 Median sale price - $388,000
• 2020 12 sold $320,000 - $ 980,000 Median sale price - $535,000
• 2021  7 sold $400,000 - $700,000  Median sale price - $600,000
• 2022 7 sold $575,000 - $995,000  Median sale price - $805,000

*  Freehold properties The Lakelands Association of Realtors®

Lake Facts

Go Home Lake is a relatively small lake with a surface area of approximately 1645 acres with 105 kms. of shoreline. It's approximately 13 km long and 2 km wide at its widest point. The lake has a maximum depth of 32 meters and an mean depth of 8.6 meters. The lake is fed by several small streams and is drained by the Go Home River, which flows into Georgian Bay. 35% of the shore is crown land and is part of the Cognashene Lake Conservation Reserve.

One of the most striking features of Go Home Lake is its crystal-clear water. The water is so clear that it is possible to see the bottom of the lake in many areas, even at depths of several meters. The lake is also known for its rocky shorelines, which provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including beavers, otters, and muskrats.

The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including lake trout, bass, and pickerel. Fishing on Go Home Lake is a popular pastime for cottagers and visitors alike. The lake is also a popular spot for swimming, boating, and water sports.

Cottaging on Go Home Lake

Cottaging is a beloved tradition in Muskoka, and Go Home Lake is no exception. The area has been attracting cottagers for over a century, and the tradition continues to this day. Cottagers are drawn to the area because of its natural beauty, serene setting, and abundant recreational opportunities.

There are several cottages and homes available for sale in the summer months ranging from rustic cabins to newer, modern cottages. Most of them are water access and the prices of these properties vary depending on their location, size, and amenities.

One of the most unique features of cottaging on Go Home Lake is the sense of community that develops among cottagers. Many cottagers have been coming to the area for years, and a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual respect has developed among them. The area also features several community events and festivals throughout the year, providing opportunities for cottagers to come together and celebrate their shared love of the area.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in eco-friendly cottaging on Go Home Lake. Cottagers are increasingly focused on reducing their environmental footprint and preserving the natural beauty of the area. This has led to the adoption of practices such as solar power and composting toilets.

One of the most unique features of cottaging on Go Home Lake is the sense of community that develops among cottagers. Many cottagers have been coming to the area for years, and a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual respect has developed among them. The area also features several community events and festivals throughout the year, providing opportunities for cottagers to come together and celebrate their shared love of the area.

For further information you may want to check out these sites:

• The Go Home Lake Association: https://www.gohomebay.ca/
• The Township of Georgian Bay: https://www.gbtownship.ca/
• The Muskoka Tourism website: https://www.discovermuskoka.ca/
• The Muskoka Lakes Association: https://www.mla.on.ca/