Bala

Bala is a small community in west-central Muskoka Lakes Township, located at the western shores of Bala Bay in Lake Muskoka. It is most known for its beautiful scenery and as the home of the annual Cranberry Festival. Bala is known as a great vacation destination, as many make their way up to their cottage during the summer for its excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. Boating, waterskiing, and swimming are all popular area pastimes. 


Picnic table at Bala waterfront in Muskoka Lakes

Bala Real Estate Statistics

Average Price $1.8M
Lowest Price $600K
Highest Price $3.4M
Total Bala Listings 10
Avg. Price/SQFT $1.1K

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Discover the Bala, ON Area

The downtown area of Bala is situated at the confluence of Bala Bay and the Moon River, which flows westward, and are joined by a series of controlled falls and water-control dams.

The Bala Falls are a local landmark and scenic attraction. Developed on a particularly rocky portion of the Canadian Shield, the area around Bala is nonetheless home to cranberry farms and one prominent winery. While lumber extraction in the area has declined, tourism has taken over as the dominant force for the local economy, aided in part by the local arts and culture scene.

Bala is approximately 2 hours from central Toronto, and only 30 minutes from Gravenhurst to the southeast. The main road through Bala is the Frank Miller Memorial Route, as well as the neighbouring waterways, which have been plied for centuries.

Love the Muskoka Lakes area? So do we! And there's so much to do and see. For the most picturesque spots in the region, check out our blog post on the most Instagrammable areas in Muskoka!

Discover Bala Real Estate

As a highly desirable market within Ontario's Cottage Country, Bala and the surrounding area has many homes, cabins, and cottages for sale - some of which are directly on the water. These lakeside homes have docks and boathouses, making this an excellent community for sailors, or water-skiers.

Many of the homes vary along some continuum of rural rustic charm, from traditional wood frame farmhouse-style construction to full log siding.

Keep a look out for empty lots and land as well, the perfect opportunity for building your own dream home or cabin. Enjoy everything that Bala has to offer year-round, or become a seasonal resident for both income, investment, or convenience.

Bala also has a number of suburban homes near its town center, spacious with finished basements and spacious decks for enjoying the light evening hours.

Don’t miss out on Bala homes for sale if you’re looking for Muskoka Lakes real estate.

Things to Do in Bala, ON

Bala is considered one of the central communities of Ontario's famed Cottage Country - and area known for its scenic lakes, year-round activities, and plethora of getaway homes for seasonal visitors and tourists.

Bala also hosts the annual Bala Cranberry Festival in the fall, consisting of live events, entertainment, and vendors from local artisans and farms. The festival is particularly appreciated for its musical live acts. Over the years, Bala has hosted some big musical acts on The KEE to Bala stage.

As the name suggests, Bala’s Cranberry Festival is partly intended to celebrate the famed local crop, earning Bala the title of “Cranberry Capital of Ontario”. Another notable product of Bala is wine, specifically from the nearby Muskoka Lakes Winery - the only one in the region.

Bala is also home to The New Actors Colony - a theatre company that puts on acts during the summer. Bala Museum is a privately run museum in the town.

Located within the Muskoka Lakes area, Bala is well suited to all the summer and winter activities that the lakes are known for, like fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and so on. However, perhaps the two most popular are water-skiing and sailing, as the town hosts regular events dedicated to them.

Explore Bala, ON History

Modern settlement of Bala goes back to 1868 when Thomas Burgess opened a mill and a store in the area. Rail and water routes were the primary mode of transport to and from Bala in those days. Control dams soon followed to regulate the waterways, keeping the logs and passengers flowing.

When it was incorporated in 1914, Bala was the smallest in Canada. Originally centred around logging, the town’s economy gradually shifted to tourism in the early 20th century, becoming a popular site for summer homes.

Eventually, Bala was incorporated into the Muskoka Lakes municipality, but it continues to be a favored destination for holiday makers and day trippers from the surrounding regions.

Interested in learning more about Bala real estate? Get in touch with Heather Scott online today!


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