Muskoka town guide
Baysville
Historic South Shore Village Where Lake of Bays Locals Live Year-Round
- Nearby
- Huntsville (20 min west on Hwy 117), Bracebridge (20 min south), Dorset (25 min east), Dwight (30 min northeast)
- In a line
- Settled from 1871 when William H. Brown built the sawmill that became the village centre. Today it has the Lake of Bays Brewing Company, Cast Iron Restaurant, Miss Nelle's Antiques, Humble Pie Butter Tart Factory, and the Baysville Marina.
Overview
Baysville sits on the southern shore of Lake of Bays where the lake narrows before flowing south as the South Branch Muskoka River. The Baysville Dam at this outlet controls lake levels under the Muskoka River Water Management Plan, making the village the physical regulator of the entire 6,780-hectare lake. The village has a curling club, community centre with year-round programming, public library, and marina with launch facilities. The Township of Lake of Bays is completing a geothermal upgrade to the Baysville arena ice plant in 2026.
Good to know
- Exactly 20 minutes from both Huntsville and Bracebridge, with access to medical services and major grocery stores
- Active arts and culture scene year-round, including Lake of Bays Brewing live music and the annual Baysville Walkabout Festival (34 consecutive years as of 2024)
- Waterfront near Baysville gives access to the 6,780-hectare Lake of Bays
- Geothermal arena upgrade in 2026 for the year-round community
Worth checking
Before you buy on Baysville.
- 01
The Baysville Dam is the single point of control for the Lake of Bays water level. Properties immediately downstream sit in a regulated floodway, where flood-proofing is mandatory for new construction or substantial work under the Township's Official Plan.
- 02
Highway 117 runs directly through the village and along parts of the south Lake of Bays shoreline. Visit on a July weekend to hear the road noise before choosing a highway-adjacent lot.
- 03
Baysville's hamlet node designation allows more residential infill than rural lake-edge areas. Ask what could be built on neighbouring vacant lots.
- 04
Several older village lots came from Crown land grants under the 1868 Free Grants and Homesteads Act. Title searches occasionally turn up encumbrances or road allowance issues tied to the original 1873 to 1875 subdivision plans registered by founder William Brown.
General information. Your home inspector, your lawyer and the township confirm the details on any specific property.
Talk to Seth
Thinking about Baysville? Call Seth.
He'll tell you the long version: the bays, the roads, and what to look at on any cottage you're considering.