Port Carling

Known as the “Hub of the Lakes”, Port Carling is located along the Indian River, and nestled between Lake Muskoka and Lake Rosseau. Located centrally in the Muskoka Lakes region, it is the quintessential Muskoka village- quaint, unique, and historical. Downtown Port Carling real estate is an eclectic mix of heritage buildings, unique shops and restaurants, and waterfront activities that attract and charm visitors and residents alike.


Autumn at lake in Port Carling, Muskoka Lakes

Port Carling Real Estate Statistics

Average Price $2.5M
Lowest Price $3.7K
Highest Price $30M
Total Port Carling Listings 23
Avg. Price/SQFT $691

Property Types (active listings)

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Port Carling, ON Community Information

Located just over 2.5 hours North of Toronto via Hwy 400-N & 118-W, Port Carling is located centrally within the Muskoka Lakes Region, and houses the area’s municipal offices. Situated along the Indian River, it not only touches the shores of Silver Lake and Mirror Lake, but it’s locks are the connection point between Lake Muskoka and Lake Rosseau.

Port Carling is located centrally along Hwy 118W between Bracebridge and Bala. The nearest regional airport- Muskoka Airport, is located just outside of Bracebridge.

Discover Port Carling Real Estate

With its central Muskoka Lakes location and close proximity to four major lakes, Port Carling homes for sale are the perfect option for those looking for a more laid-back rural getaway from urban life.

Port Carling offers a wide variety of exceptional waterfront properties in a beautiful setting. Enchanting old Muskoka cottages mix with spectacular luxury lake houses along the countless miles of shoreline.

When it comes to real estate in Port Carling, charming older properties feature rustic cottage decor, with modern updated kitchens and bathrooms. Expect to see well-maintained grounds, functional shops and boat houses, and beautiful docks and patios with the obligatory Muskoka lounge chairs.

Newer Port Carling homes feature stunning modern interiors balanced with rustic textures like wood and stone, and cottage touches like wood burning fireplaces. Large bay windows allow for stunning waterfront views. Large patios and docks are a necessity for luxury lakeside living.

Turn-key resort villa options provide all the luxuries of the cottage lifestyle, without the hassles of cottage ownership. Of course, your perfect home might not be on the market, and so Port Carling sometimes has vacant lots and land for sale. Building your dream home might just be the best choice for you!

If you are looking for a vacation destination that is both easily accessible, but miles away from the everyday grind, Port Carling is the perfect place to find your holiday home.

Port Carling, ON Highlights and Attractions

No matter the season, there is no reason to not discover the beauty of Port Carling! The downtown area is filled with charming heritage buildings, and unique shops and boutiques specializing in clothing art, and cottage décor. Cafes and restaurants offer residents and visitors to grab a bite to eat, or sip cocktails overlooking the Indian River.

Anyone who has visited Port Carling knows it's picture-perfect. Check out our blog post on some of the most Instagrammable spots around Muskoka, and get those breathtaking photos that'll make everyone envious!

Given it’s abundant river and lakefront access, boating is a common activity. Enjoy lake cruises, vintage wooden boat tours, or take a stroll and watch the boats crossing the Port Carling locks between Lake Muskoka and Lake Rosseau. Residents and visitors enjoy the laid-back “Cottage Country” lifestyle, with outdoor activities like waterskiing and wakeboarding, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing and hiking. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at the local Port Carling or Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Clubs.

Other local attractions include:

  • The Port Carling Wall- a two-storey Mosaic made up of over 9,000 individual photographs, depicting the RMS Sagamo passing through the Port Carling locks
  • Muskoka Lakes Museum
  • Twin Point Trails
  • Lighthouse Point Trail
  • Hanna Park Farmer’s Market (Tuesdays from July-September)

The Muskoka region is renowned for its beautiful fall colors, and Port Carling is no exception. Given its central location, it is a fantastic base for fall Muskoka driving tours. Sunset Cruises offers majestic water tours on vintage wooden vessels for a unique experience.

In the winter months, residents enjoy activities like hockey, curling, and snowmobiling. The annual Port Carling Winterfest in February is an old-fashioned family festival featuring activities like skating, horse carriage rides, sledding, pancake breakfasts, fireworks and more.

Education in Port Carling

Students in Port Carling attend the local Glen Orchard Public School, which services students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Secondary students can attend classes at the nearby Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School, approximately a 20 minute drive east. These schools are served by the trillium Lakelands District School Board.

Nearby Bracebridge also features Georgian College, specializing in local industries, services, and trades.

Port Carling History

While the earliest Ojibway settlers reached the Port Carling area in the 1850s, it was not until over a decade later that the region started to grow. In 1869, the Port Carling post office was established, named after the Ontario Minister of Public Works. John Carling had championed the construction of the first locks connecting Lake Muskoka and Lake Rosseau, completed in 1871.

Following completion of these locks, this led to an economic boom boosted by tourism and logging. Within ten years, the area was home to four resorts, and three sawmills. Port Carling was finally incorporated as a village in 1896. As it grew, the locks were widened in 1903 to permit steamship traffic, and in 1922 smaller pleasure boat locks were added.

In 1931, Port Carling suffered from a series of fires ravaged the boat works yards and much of the downtown area and businesses.

Port Carling remained an incorporated village until 1971, when it once again returned to a designation as a post office location within the new Township of Muskoka Lakes.

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


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