Dreaming about a place to escape to on weekends — or maybe something more permanent? You can find some of the best places for a second home here in Ontario!

Whether you picture early-morning paddles on Georgian Bay, evenings by a fireplace after skiing, or quiet summers in a small-town cottage, there’s a community that fits the bill.

Below, we’ll break down why Ontario is such a strong choice for a second property and give you five of the best locations worth considering.

Why Buy a Second Home in Ontario

Deciding to invest in another piece of real estate isn’t just about having another roof over your head. It’s often about lifestyle and freedom — maybe somewhere to go when the city noise gets too loud. 

Ontario offers a few unique advantages that make buying a second home especially appealing:

• Year-round appeal. Between skiing in The Blue Mountains, hiking in the summer, and waterfront relaxation, there’s never an off-season.
• Strong real estate market. Many areas around Georgian Bay and the Niagara Escarpment have shown steady value growth, with both lifestyle and investment benefits.
• Proximity to major cities. You can leave Toronto after lunch and be on a lakeside deck by dinner.
• Variety of options. From high-end Collingwood vacation homes to more affordable rural spots like Meaford, Ontario caters to every type of buyer.
  

You can find everything from cozy cottages to modern retreats, so it’s worth exploring second home locations in Ontario before the best ones are gone.

Where to Buy a Second Home in Ontario

Some Ontario towns and cities are perfect for active families, while others are better suited for quiet weekends away. Here are five communities we believe are the best places for a second home in Ontario, and why each one stands out.

Collingwood

People are always looking for Collingwood vacation homes or Collingwood cottages for sale, and for good reason. It’s a true four-season destination, where skiing, boating, and fine dining all share the same postal code.

Here’s what makes Collingwood a top choice for a second place:

• Lifestyle. Waterfront living meets modern amenities, with boutique shops, local breweries, and scenic trails at your doorstep.
• Investment. A strong year-round rental market and ongoing development make Collingwood a solid long-term play in Georgian Bay real estate.
• Access. Only about two hours from Toronto, so you can visit often.

All-in-all, if you want convenience without sacrificing that small-town vibe, Collingwood delivers.

Thornbury

Ten minutes west of Collingwood, Thornbury offers a slower pace and a smaller scale, making it perfect for anyone craving a little peace. The harbor, apple orchards, and friendly main street give it an old-Ontario charm that’s hard to fake.

Some may think of Thornbury as the ideal balance: close enough to Collingwood for dinner or a spa day, but quiet enough that your mornings are just birds and coffee by the water. For buyers figuring out where to buy a cottage in Ontario, Thornbury checks every box for this kind of understated comfort.

Meaford

A bit farther up Georgian Bay sits Meaford, known for its relaxed rural feel and lower price points. In many cases, you can still get lake views or countryside acreage here for less than you’d pay closer to The Blue Mountains, giving you space, nature, and water access without the premium. 

Its slower pace may not be for everyone, but Meaford is the kind of town where you’ll actually get to know your neighbors and still have enough room to breathe.

Wasaga Beach

Not everyone wants quiet weekends. Some buyers want fun, and that’s exactly what Wasaga Beach is built for. Home to the world’s longest freshwater beach, it’s ideal for families and anyone who equates summer with sand and barbecues.

Most properties here are geared toward warm-weather living and recreation, so if you plan to rent out your second home in the summer, Wasaga’s recognition and visitor traffic can make that easy. 

This is the Ontario version of a beach town — lively, social, and unapologetically seasonal.

The Blue Mountains

For those looking at the luxury end of second home locations in Ontario, The Blue Mountains practically set the standard. The area blends upscale chalets, ski-in/ski-out properties, and lakefront estates, and ties them all together with strong amenities and four-season recreation. Winter brings skiing and snowshoeing; summer brings golf, hiking, and boating. 

Plus, the mix of high demand, limited inventory, and stunning scenery keeps property values strong, making it perfect for buyers who want to use their second home as both a getaway and an investment.

Find Your Second Home with Hawkins Real Estate Group

Each of these destinations offers something different, from Collingwood’s vibrant waterfront scene to Meaford’s peaceful countryside. And choosing the right one depends on how you want to live, not just what you want to own.

At Hawkins Real Estate Group, we specialize in these communities and the broader Georgian Bay real estate market. We know the neighborhoods, the hidden gems, and the investment potential that makes one property stand out from the next.

So, if you’re ready to explore the best places for a second home in Ontario, contact us today, and we’ll help you find the one that fits your lifestyle — and help you enjoy the process from start to finish.