Everyone has heard of the American Dream. But what is the Canadian Dream? Canadians are a diverse and changing group of over 35 million people, and of course, everyone’s dream is a little different. But we’d like to think that, if given the time to consider, just about all of them would include a cottage on a lake.

From the popular shores of Ontario’s cottage country and the pristine wilderness of Québec to the forests and parkland of the B.C. interior, Canada is home to plenty of gorgeous lakefront lakefront cottages—perfect for fulfilling even the most Canadian of dreams.

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Modern Log Cabin, Westport, Ontario

Discover complete serenity at this Scandinavian-inspired log home in Westport, just an hour and 20 minutes southwest of Ottawa. Soaring 29-foot vaulted ceilings, an enormous stone hearth, and natural materials throughout are complemented by stylish modern appliances and fixtures. Take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool or Wolfe Lake, then enjoy a drink from the stone-front bar—or rescue a bottle from the wine cellar to sip by the outdoor fire pit. A neighbouring 3-bedroom guest cottage allows you to entertain friends in style while still maintaining your privacy.

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Contemporary Getaway, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Québec

Who says a cottage has to be rustic? Escape from the city in style at this gorgeous modern home on Greenshields Point, a private peninsula just 75 minutes northwest of Montréal. Attractive, modern finishings can be found throughout, with plenty of marble, hardwood, and soothing neutrals to suit any tastes. Spend a tranquil morning on the sunny deck adjacent to the Lac des Sables, or head to your private dock to appreciate the water close up. Even indoors, the lake is never far away—water views can be had from every room of this seven-bedroom home.

Dream Homes: Lakefront Cottages

By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 630 Rue Daviault, Entrelacs, QC

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 630 Rue Daviault, Entrelacs, QC

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 630 Rue Daviault, Entrelacs, QC

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 630 Rue Daviault, Entrelacs, QC

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

• 630 Rue Daviault, Entrelacs, QC

  By Andrea Gamboa-Araiza

Classic Lac des Îles Cottage, Entrelacs, Québec

Once you’ve spent one tranquil summer at this gorgeous waterfront cottage on Québec’s Lac des Îles, you’ll never want to leave. Set on nearly 6.5 acres of land, this stunning private home has all the features you could dream of. Spend sunny days exploring the lake by boat or splashing in the generous in-ground pool, play a match or two at the private tennis court, and cap off the evening with a movie in the home theatre. Rustic décor coupled with every modern convenience make for a reinvigorating getaway.

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Chalet-Inspired Home in the Kootenays, B.C.

Spend your summers—and beyond—on The Rock, a private vacation property built on a bluff on Kootenay Lake in Boswell, B.C. No matter what the weather, you’ll find everything you need at this waterfront home. The high ceilings, abundant windows, and over 15 acres of land provide a relaxed, spacious feel, and the sheer cliffs of the bluff provide complete privacy. On sunny days, swim in or sail out from your own protected bay, or explore the nooks and crannies of the nearby waterfall. Otherwise, stay snug by the generous fireplace, relax in the large soaker tub with a view, shoot some pool in the games room, or storm watch from the covered balcony.

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Recently Renovated Luxury Home in Haliburton, Ontario

With over $350,000 in recent upgrades, this detached lake house on the dreamy waters of South Lake offers a true luxury experience. Outside, a stone pathway meanders through the well-kept lawns, past the fire pit and down to the water, where you can relax in Adirondack chairs and listen to the the pristine spring-fed lake meet the shore—or venture in for a dip from the boat dock. The screened-in porch invites drawn-out dinners with friends, and entertaining is bosltered by the home’s fully modern kitchen and wine fridge. With a lakefront property located two and a half hours from Toronto, you’ll find yourself coming down for a moment of tranquility every weekend.

At a cottage on a lake, time goes a little slower. Whether you wake up to the quiet lapping of fresh water just outside your door or spend the morning watching the mists rise as you sip a hot cup of coffee, you’ll be filled with the sense that the day will only get better from here.

Dreaming of your own lakefront cottage? Sotheby’s International Realty Canada has one waiting for you.