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The Township of Lake of Bays
is located in Muskoka, Ontario, Canada, east of Huntsville and
west of Algonquin Park. Lake of Bays is a favourite all season destination for the recreationist and sports enthusiasts, offering many kilometers of winding paths and long lake runs to go swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, sailing, hiking, cycling, mountain biking, golfing, alpine and nordic skiing, skating, snowmobiling, ice fishing, dog sledding, or just have a quiet relaxing getaway! The scenery is romantic, steep wooded hills falling to sandy shorelines. Lake of Bays takes its name from the curves in its shoreline, which, if straightened out, would stretch 563 kilometers (350 miles). The Township encompasses 66,267 hectares (165,667 acres), most of it water. Communities: The Lake has a romantic past highlighted by historical buildings such as Bigwin Inn which dates back to the 1920's. It was the largest tourist resort in Ontario from 1920 to 1969. The resort industry continues being home to numerous lodges, full service accommodation and cottage rentals in the many communities of Lake of Bays. Dwight is the closest village to the world famous Algonquin Park. It boasts a number of restaurants, accommodation, supply stores, as well as a beautiful public sand beach and docking facility. Baysville, the gateway to Lake of Bays from Hwy 11 is located at the junction of the South Muskoka River and the Lake. The village centre includes a scenic dam with parks and picnic areas, good for fishing and boat launching. Baysville, a centre of cottage activity, has a variety of stores, restaurants, artisan studios with a range of accommodation. Dorset is famous for its Lookout Tower offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area, a must for picture taking, especially the fall colours. Robinson's, voted as Canada's Best General Store, is in Dorset. Overflowing with goods and supplies, you can spend hours roaming this rambling building. Oxtongue Lake has many picturesque locations, accommodations, restaurants, camping and canoeing supplies, and connects Lake of Bays to Algonquin Park via the picturesque Oxtongue River. Population:The most notable characteristic of the demographic profile of the Township of Lake of Bays is the seasonal nature of the community. It is estimated that the seasonal component accounts for approximately 84% (15,205) of the Township's total population. Based on 1996 Census data, the permanent residential population is comprised of 2,850 residents throughout the communities of Baysville (249), Dorset (63), Dwight (85), Hillside (83) and Rural Waterfront (2370). Population projections are very favourable for the area with a forecasted population growth to 4452 permanent residents by the year 2016. Economic Profile: The local economy has its basis in the This influx of people has also
created a strong service sector in the Township of Lake of Bays.
This sector includes the construction, as well as the retail
trade industry divisions. Although employment in this sector
has traditionally been seasonal in nature, the growing retirement
population has provided for increased stability. |
It is accessed by Highways 117, 35 and
60. The Township consists of the hamlets of Baysville, Dorset,
Hillside and Dwight, all located on the shores of the Lake of
Bays.
community's natural beauty and amenities. The allure of the Township's
natural setting, small villages and relaxed lifestyle continues
to attract tourists, seasonal residents and many retirees to
the community. As a result, one important component of the local
economy is the hospitality (accommodation and food industry)
sector. This sector primarily serves the travelling public.