For many Canadians, owning a cottage remains a defining lifestyle goal. It represents a dedicated space to unwind, reconnect, and enjoy time by the water, where weekends feel longer and daily routines fade into the background.

That aspiration is gaining renewed momentum. With cross-border travel becoming less appealing for some and interest rates holding steady, more buyers are shifting their attention toward domestic recreational properties.

According to the Royal LePage 2026 Spring Recreational Property Report,1 40% of recreational property experts reported that the ‘Buy Canadian’ movement has led to an increase in inquiries from domestic buyers of recreational real estate in their area. Similarly, 13% of experts reported an increase in inter-provincial buyers in their region compared to the same time last year; 54% reported approximately the same amount compared to a year ago. 

This sustained interest is supporting price growth across many markets. According to Royal LePage, the median price2 of a single-family home in Canada’s recreational regions is forecast to increase 4.0% in 2026 to $604,552, compared to 2025.

With demand holding firm and more Canadians exploring local options, the opportunity to enter the cottage market is worth a closer look.

Start with a clear purpose

Before beginning your search, it is important to define how the property will fit into your lifestyle. This decision will influence everything from location to budget and property type.

Some common use cases include:

• A seasonal family retreat for summer use

• A hybrid living arrangement that supports remote work

• A long-term investment with income potential

If you are already a homeowner, reviewing the equity in your primary residence can also help clarify what is financially achievable. In many cases, that equity can be leveraged to support a second property purchase.

Waterfront comes at a premium

Water access continues to be one of the most significant factors influencing price in recreational markets. True waterfront properties often command a substantial premium. However, properties located a short distance from the water can offer a similar lifestyle at a more accessible price point.

This distinction can create meaningful opportunities:

• Greater purchasing power within your budget

• Access to larger or more updated homes

• Potential for long-term appreciation in emerging areas

Ultimately, the decision comes down to how essential direct water access is to your overall vision.

Exploring ways to offset costs

Many buyers are taking a more strategic approach to ownership by incorporating income-generating options.

Flexible approaches include:

• Co-ownership with family members or trusted partners

• Seasonal rentals during high-demand periods

• A combination of personal use and short-term leasing

In high-demand recreational regions, rental activity can be particularly strong during peak seasons. That said, it is important to understand and comply with local short-term rental regulations before making a purchase decision.

Location flexibility can pay off

Location flexibility remains one of the most effective ways to improve affordability.

Highly sought-after cottage destinations often come with premium pricing. By extending your search to less established areas or properties slightly farther from major urban centres, buyers can often find comparable experiences at a lower cost.

Cottage ownership may seem ambitious at first, but current market conditions suggest it is still within reach for a wide range of buyers. Stable borrowing costs, sustained domestic demand, and creative approaches to ownership are all contributing to increased accessibility.

Want to know more about prices of recreational real estate near you? Check out the Royal LePage 2026 Spring Recreational Property Report for more information.

Written by Michelle McNally, Royal Lepage Senior Manager, Research and Communications

Vancouver, BC – April 15, 2026. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that 5,766 residential unit sales were recorded in Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) Systems in March 2026, down 3.6 per cent from March 2025. The average MLS®residential price in BC in March 2026 was down 2 per cent at $939,846 compared to $959,236 in March 2025.

Total MLS® residential sales dollar volume was $4.21 billion, down 5.6 per cent from the same time the previous year. BC MLS® unit sales were 34.53 per cent lower than the ten-year average for the month of March.

“Global conflict leading to rising mortgage rates paired with a sluggish economy are presenting a challenge for a housing market recovery,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “Improved affordability and pent-up demand should translate to an acceleration of activity, though the market will need a period of relative calm for households to build confidence.”

Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume is down 13 per cent to $12.7 billion, compared with the same period in 2025. Residential unit sales are down 11 per cent year-over-year at 13,595 units, while the average MLS® residential price is also down 2.2 per cent to $933,859.

Full report can be viewed here.

Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.

Please click here to read BCREA’s latest Mortgage Forecast.  

Highlights:

• Canadian fixed mortgage rates face upward pressure as geopolitical instability sends oil soaring.

• Tariffs and the Iran conflict are driving growth and inflation concerns.

• The Bank of Canada is walking a tight rope of double-sided risks.

Come take a look at 4999 Cedar Springs Drive!

3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom rancher at Tsawwassen Springs featuring a layout designed for comfort, functionality and modern living!  Come check it out today!

Welcome to resort-style living at its finest. This beautifully designed 1,500 sq. ft. home offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and lifestyle, featuring 3 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms in a highly sought-after community.

Step inside to an open-concept main floor filled with natural light, where the modern kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining and living areas—ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. Thoughtfully designed with quality finishes, ample storage, and a welcoming atmosphere, this home is move-in ready.

You’ll find three well-appointed bedrooms, including a generous primary suite complete with a private ensuite and plenty of closet space. Two additional bedrooms and a full bathroom provide flexibility for family, guests, or a home office.

Outside, enjoy your own private outdoor space—perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation—while being surrounded by the beauty and amenities of a vibrant resort community. Whether it’s golf, walking trails, recreation, or nearby dining, everything you need is just moments from your door.

This is an incredible opportunity to own a stylish, low-maintenance home in a lifestyle-driven community—perfect for families, downsizers, or anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed, resort-inspired way of living.

Bill C-4, the Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act, today received Royal Assent. This legislation brings key affordability measures into law, which will save Canadians hundreds of dollars each year. These measures include:

• A middle-class tax cut: By lowering the first marginal personal income tax rate from 15 per cent to 14 per cent since July 1, 2025, nearly 22 million Canadians will benefit from tax relief of up to $420 per person, saving two-income families up to $840 this year. The bulk of tax relief will go to those with incomes in the two lowest tax brackets (i.e., those with taxable income under $117,045 in 2026), including nearly half to those in the first bracket ($58,523 and below in 2026). Canadians whose 2025 income was not subject to payroll deductions will realize this tax relief this spring, when they file their 2025 income tax return.

• The first-time home buyers’ rebate: Canada’s new government is eliminating the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for first-time home buyers on new homes up to $1 million and reducing the GST for first-time home buyers on new homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. This tax cut will save Canadians up to $50,000—allowing more young people and families to enter the housing market and make the goal of home ownership a reality for more Canadians. The rebate will generally apply to agreements of purchase and sale entered into on or after March 20, 2025, and before 2031. With Royal Assent of the bill, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will now be able to start processing rebate claims.

• Permanently removing the federal consumer fuel charge from legislation: Canada’s new government cancelled the consumer fuel charge—directly allowing Canadians to save money from the price they pay at the pump. The government also removed the requirement for provinces and territories to have a consumer-facing carbon price as of April 1, 2025. These actions have reduced gasoline prices in most provinces and territories by up to 18¢/L in comparison to 2024-2025, lowering inflation. Bill C-4 will give Canadian consumers and businesses certainty that the consumer carbon price is being permanently removed by eliminating it from federal legislation.

Read more about the Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act here:  https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2026/03/legislation-to-make-life-more-affordable-receives-royal-assent.html

The Bank of Canada maintained its overnight policy rate at 2.25% this morning.  In the statement accompanying the decision, the Bank noted that the war in the Middle East has increased volatility and heightened risks in the global economy but the Bank still expects the Canadian economy to grow modestly in 2026 though the labour market remains soft and growth looks to be weaker than expected in Q1. On inflation, the Bank expects the sharp increase in energy prices to push CPI inflation higher in coming months.

Absent a U.S. war with Iran and its knock‑on effects on oil prices and other downstream costs, there is a strong case for the Bank of Canada to be lowering its policy rate. Core inflation continues to decelerate, with three‑month measures falling again in February and now averaging just over 1%. Economic growth is likely to come in below the Bank’s somewhat optimistic Q1 forecast, and Canada just recorded its weakest month for employment growth since 2022. Instead, the Bank will need to assess the inflationary impulse from a potential supply shock and the risk of pass‑through to inflation expectations, which argues for some degree of caution. Most estimates suggest that an extended period of high oil prices could add 1% to inflation, potentially pushing growth in consumer prices back to over 3%. While it is possible that the Bank would look through a temporary shock to prices and react instead to a weakening economy, the situation is currently too uncertain for there to be any strong conviction in a policy direction.

Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.