Chris Smith Real Estate Blog

  Waterfront Spotlight: Golden Lake Golden Lake is one of the most popular recreational lakes in Renfrew County, known for its clear water, sandy shoreline in many areas, and strong cottage-country feel. Located in the Bonnechere Valley, the lake offers an active waterfront lifestyle while remaining within driving distance of Ottawa. For buyers looking for a balance between recreation, scenery, and established cottage communities, Golden Lake continues to be a highly sought-after destination. Size, Length, and Layout Golden Lake covers approximately 29 square kilometres and has an elongated shape with wide open sections, narrows, and sheltered bays. The shoreline is irregular, creating a mix of waterfront settings ranging from open, lake-facing properties to more protected inlets. Because of its size and shape, the lake offers both big-water views and quieter, calmer areas depending on location. Water Levels and Control Golden Lake is a natural lake with water levels influ...

  Waterfront Spotlight: Big Rideau Lake Big Rideau Lake is one of Eastern Ontario’s most established and desirable waterfront destinations. As the largest lake on the Rideau Canal system, it offers a rare combination of size, navigable water, strong communities, and long-term real estate appeal. Whether you’re considering a seasonal cottage or a full-time waterfront home, Big Rideau Lake continues to attract buyers looking for lifestyle, accessibility, and lasting value. Where Is Big Rideau Lake? Big Rideau Lake is located approximately 70–75 km southwest of Ottawa, making it an easy drive for commuters, weekenders, and families who want regular access to the city. Kingston is roughly 1.5 hours to the south, while towns like Perth, Smiths Falls, Merrickville, and Westport provide nearby shopping, dining, and services. Its central location is a major reason buyers choose Big Rideau over more remote cottage areas. Size, Depth, and Shoreline Big Rideau Lake stretches roughly 32 km i...

 Waterfront Spotlight: St. Lawrence River The St. Lawrence River is one of the most iconic and historically important waterways in Eastern Ontario. Known for its wide open water, international shipping routes, and the Thousand Islands region, it offers a waterfront lifestyle that feels very different from inland lakes or smaller rivers. For buyers within driving distance of Ottawa, the St. Lawrence River appeals to those looking for big water, established communities, and long-term waterfront value. Size, Length, and Layout The St. Lawrence River stretches approximately 1,197 kilometres from Lake Ontario to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In Eastern Ontario, the river widens dramatically and includes the Thousand Islands region, where hundreds of islands, channels, and bays break up the shoreline. This creates a wide range of waterfront settings, from open, exposed stretches to sheltered inlets and protected channels. Because of its scale, the river often feels more like an inland...

  Waterfront Spotlight: White Lake White Lake is a well-known waterfront destination in Eastern Ontario, valued for its size, recreational boating, and mix of seasonal cottages and year-round homes. Located west of Ottawa in Lanark County, the lake offers a classic cottage-country feel while remaining within a reasonable drive of city amenities. For buyers looking for an active lake with established waterfront communities, White Lake continues to be a popular choice. Size, Layout, and Setting White Lake covers a large surface area with an irregular shoreline that includes bays, narrows, and wider open sections. This creates a variety of waterfront settings, ranging from quieter, sheltered areas to more open stretches with longer views across the lake. Because of its size and layout, the experience of living on White Lake can vary significantly depending on where a property is located. Water Characteristics and Levels White Lake is a natural lake with seasonal water level ch...

  Waterfront Spotlight: Ottawa River The Ottawa River is one of the largest and most diverse waterways in Eastern Ontario. Unlike most lakes, it is a wide, flowing river system with long open stretches of water, varied shoreline conditions, and a strong connection to both natural landscapes and established communities. For buyers within driving distance of Ottawa, the Ottawa River offers a broad range of waterfront experiences, from quiet residential stretches to wide, lake-like sections with expansive views. Size, Length, and Layout The Ottawa River stretches approximately 1,271 kilometres from its source in Quebec to its confluence with the St. Lawrence River near Montreal. In Eastern Ontario, the river widens significantly and often behaves more like a series of broad open-water sections than a narrow river. These widened reaches create long sightlines, larger wave patterns, and a very different feel compared to inland lakes. Because of its size, the character of the Otta...

  Waterfront Spotlight: Rideau River The Rideau River is one of Eastern Ontario’s most distinctive waterfront options. Rather than functioning like a typical lake or fast-moving river, it forms part of the historic Rideau Canal system, creating a connected, navigable waterway with managed water levels and a strong relationship to nearby communities. For buyers considering waterfront property within driving distance of Ottawa, the Rideau River offers a lifestyle that blends boating access, history, and year-round livability. Size, Length, and Layout The Rideau River runs roughly 146 kilometres between Ottawa and Kingston. Along much of its length, the river is shaped by dams and lockstations, which create widened, slow-moving sections of water. In these areas, the river often feels more like a lake, with long sightlines and calmer conditions. Other stretches are narrower and show more noticeable water movement. Because of this, the experience of living on the Rideau River can...

  Lake Spotlight: Calabogie Lake Calabogie Lake is one of the most recognizable lakes in Eastern Ontario, known for its scenery, village setting, and strong year-round lifestyle appeal. Located in Renfrew County, it attracts a mix of seasonal cottagers and full-time residents, many of whom are drawn to the area for more than just the water. Size and Shoreline Calabogie Lake covers roughly 5.4 square kilometres and has an irregular shoreline that wraps around bays, points, and inlets. While smaller than some of the region’s large lakes, its layout creates a variety of waterfront settings, from open views to more protected shoreline areas. The lake’s size makes it easy to get around by boat while still feeling substantial enough to support a range of recreational uses. Depth and Water Characteristics Calabogie Lake is deeper than many nearby lakes . Maximum depth: approximately 34 metres Average depth: significantly deeper than most shallow, warm-water lakes in the re...

Lake Spotlight: Mississippi Lake Mississippi Lake is one of the most well-known lakes in Lanark County and one of the largest lakes in Eastern Ontario within easy driving distance of Ottawa. Its size, shallow depth, and connection to the Mississippi River give it a character that is quite different from many other lakes in the region. For buyers considering waterfront living, understanding how Mississippi Lake works helps set realistic expectations and highlights why it appeals to such a wide range of people.

Winter offers plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, and neighbourhood skating rinks remain one of the most popular ways to enjoy the season. For many families, these rinks also carry a sense of nostalgia. They bring back memories of learning to skate, playing shinny after school, and spending winter evenings outside, while at the same time creating new traditions and memories each year. For the 2026 season, there are over 35 outdoor skating rinks throughout our area, with a mix of rinks and puddles in almost every neighbourhood.   Sharing the Ice Outdoor rinks are shared spaces. Be aware of others on the ice, especially children and newer skaters, and follow posted schedules and rules. A little patience and courtesy help keep the rink safe and enjoyable for everyone. Helpful Resources City of Ottawa outdoor rink rules and guidelines: https://ottawa.ca/en/recreation-and-parks/outdoor-recreation/parks-and-green-space/outdoor-rinks Real-time outdoor rink condition updates: h...