Canada + USA · 56 places

Best places to live for lake life in Canada and the USA

Cottage country and lake towns for paddling, swimming and long summer evenings.

Order: Shortest drive to the water first. Figures are approximate and meant for comparing places, not official statistics.

Best for lake life in Canada

  1. #1 · British Columbia, Canada

    Nelson

    Artsy heritage town on Kootenay Lake near Whitewater.

    January / July
    -4°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    230
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    20 min / 2 min / 3h+
    Typical home price
    C$720,000
    Cost of living
    115 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingLake lifeSmall townFood scene
  2. #2 · British Columbia, Canada

    Penticton

    Sunny lake town between two beaches in wine country.

    January / July
    -1°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    270
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    35 min / 2 min / 1h
    Typical home price
    C$720,000
    Cost of living
    105 (100 = national average)
    Wine countryLake lifeBeachGolfSmall town
  3. #3 · Québec, Canada

    Magog

    Lakeside resort town below Mont Orford.

    January / July
    -11°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    260
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    15 min / 2 min / 1h 30m
    Typical home price
    C$450,000
    Cost of living
    85 (100 = national average)
    French-speakingSkiingLake lifeGolfSmall town
  4. #4 · British Columbia, Canada

    Kelowna

    Lake summers, wineries and ski hills close by.

    January / July
    -2°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    200
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    50 min / 5 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    C$850,000
    Cost of living
    105 (100 = national average)
    Lake lifeWine countryGolfSkiingHiking
  5. #5 · Ontario, Canada

    Muskoka

    Classic cottage country with hundreds of lakes.

    January / July
    -10°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    180
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h / 5 min / 2h 30m
    Typical home price
    C$750,000
    Cost of living
    100 (100 = national average)
    Lake lifeSmall townGolf
  6. #6 · Québec, Canada

    Mont-Tremblant

    A ski village in the Laurentians with lakes all around.

    January / July
    -12°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    180
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    5 min / 5 min / 1h 50m
    Typical home price
    C$700,000
    Cost of living
    105 (100 = national average)
    SkiingLake lifeFrench-speakingSmall townGolf
  7. #7 · Ontario, Canada

    Hamilton

    Waterfall city on the escarpment with a growing food scene.

    January / July
    -5°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    300
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    35 min / 5 min / 45 min
    Typical home price
    C$820,000
    Cost of living
    108 (100 = national average)
    Big cityHikingFood sceneLake life
  8. #8 · Ontario, Canada

    Niagara-on-the-Lake

    Pretty wine village with theatre and lakeside parks.

    January / July
    -4°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    300
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 25m / 5 min / 1h 15m
    Typical home price
    C$1,200,000
    Cost of living
    125 (100 = national average)
    Wine countryFood sceneGolfLake lifeSmall town
  9. #9 · Ontario, Canada

    Kingston

    Limestone university city at the Thousand Islands.

    January / July
    -8°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    290
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 10m / 5 min / 2h
    Typical home price
    C$600,000
    Cost of living
    95 (100 = national average)
    Lake lifeGolfFood sceneLive music
  10. #10 · Ontario, Canada

    Thunder Bay

    Lake Superior city facing the Sleeping Giant.

    January / July
    -14°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    290
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    20 min / 5 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    C$330,000
    Cost of living
    80 (100 = national average)
    Lake lifeHikingLower costSkiingRemote-work hub
  11. #11 · Ontario, Canada

    Sudbury

    Mining city of 300 lakes with affordable homes.

    January / July
    -13°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    15 min / 5 min / 3h+
    Typical home price
    C$420,000
    Cost of living
    85 (100 = national average)
    Lake lifeLower costHikingSkiing
  12. #12 · British Columbia, Canada

    Whistler

    World-class skiing in winter, bike park and lakes in summer.

    January / July
    -4°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    160
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    In town / 10 min / 2h
    Typical home price
    C$1,450,000
    Cost of living
    140 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingLake lifeSmall town
  13. #13 · Alberta, Canada

    Banff

    Mountain town inside a national park with three ski areas.

    January / July
    -9°C / 15°C
    Sunny days a year
    300
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    10 min / 10 min / 1h 30m
    Typical home price
    C$1,300,000
    Cost of living
    145 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingLake lifeSmall town
  14. #14 · British Columbia, Canada

    Squamish

    Climbing and biking town between Vancouver and Whistler.

    January / July
    1°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    220
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    45 min / 10 min / 1h 15m
    Typical home price
    C$1,150,000
    Cost of living
    140 (100 = national average)
    HikingSkiingLake lifeSmall town
  15. #15 · Alberta, Canada

    Jasper

    Quiet park town with dark skies, lakes and wildlife.

    January / July
    -10°C / 15°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    25 min / 10 min / 3h+
    Typical home price
    C$700,000
    Cost of living
    130 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingLake lifeRemote-work hubSmall town
  16. #16 · Ontario, Canada

    Ottawa

    Leafy capital with a skateable canal and Gatineau Park.

    January / July
    -10°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    305
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    25 min / 25 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    C$680,000
    Cost of living
    100 (100 = national average)
    Big citySkiingHikingLake life
  17. #17 · New Brunswick, Canada

    Fredericton

    Quiet riverside capital with low prices and trails.

    January / July
    -10°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    50 min / 25 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    C$330,000
    Cost of living
    82 (100 = national average)
    Lower costSmall townHikingLake life
  18. #18 · Québec, Canada

    Gatineau

    French side of the capital beside Gatineau Park.

    January / July
    -10°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    300
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    15 min / 25 min / 25 min
    Typical home price
    C$470,000
    Cost of living
    88 (100 = national average)
    French-speakingSkiingHikingLake life
  19. #19 · Saskatchewan, Canada

    Saskatoon

    Bridge city on the river with sunny skies and low costs.

    January / July
    -15°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    320
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 30 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    C$390,000
    Cost of living
    85 (100 = national average)
    Lower costGolfLake life
  20. #20 · Québec, Canada

    Sherbrooke

    Affordable university city in the Eastern Townships.

    January / July
    -11°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    260
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    30 min / 30 min / 1h 45m
    Typical home price
    C$380,000
    Cost of living
    78 (100 = national average)
    French-speakingLower costSkiingLake life
  21. #21 · British Columbia, Canada

    Kamloops

    Hot, dry river city with Sun Peaks up the road.

    January / July
    -3°C / 23°C
    Sunny days a year
    270
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    50 min / 30 min / 2h
    Typical home price
    C$680,000
    Cost of living
    100 (100 = national average)
    GolfSkiingHikingLake life
  22. #22 · Saskatchewan, Canada

    Regina

    Friendly prairie capital with some of Canada's cheapest homes.

    January / July
    -15°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    320
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 40 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    C$330,000
    Cost of living
    82 (100 = national average)
    Lower costGolfLake life
  23. #23 · Manitoba, Canada

    Winnipeg

    Affordable prairie city with arts, sun and cold winters.

    January / July
    -16°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    316
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 50m / 1h 5m / 15 min
    Typical home price
    C$380,000
    Cost of living
    85 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLower costLake lifeFood scene

Best for lake life in the USA

  1. #1 · Wisconsin, USA

    Madison

    Lake-ringed college capital with bike paths and farmers markets.

    January / July
    -7°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    190
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    30 min / In town / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$400,000
    Cost of living
    104 (100 = national average)
    Lake lifeFood sceneLive musicHiking
  2. #2 · Michigan, USA

    Traverse City

    Lake Michigan bay town with wineries, beaches and cherries.

    January / July
    -5°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    165
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    15 min / In town / 2h 30m
    Typical home price
    US$450,000
    Cost of living
    106 (100 = national average)
    Small townLake lifeBeachWine countrySkiing
  3. #3 · Minnesota, USA

    Duluth

    Rugged Lake Superior port with trails and cold winters.

    January / July
    -12°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    180
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    10 min / In town / 2h 30m
    Typical home price
    US$280,000
    Cost of living
    96 (100 = national average)
    Small townLake lifeHikingSkiing
  4. #4 · New York, USA

    Lake Placid

    Olympic Adirondack village with lakes, peaks and skiing.

    January / July
    -10°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    160
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    15 min / In town / 2h 15m
    Typical home price
    US$550,000
    Cost of living
    112 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingLake lifeRemote-work hub
  5. #5 · Vermont, USA

    Burlington

    A lake town near Vermont's ski resorts.

    January / July
    -8°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    160
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    45 min / 5 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$450,000
    Cost of living
    105 (100 = national average)
    SkiingLake lifeSmall townFood scene
  6. #6 · California, USA

    South Lake Tahoe

    Alpine lake beaches in summer, Heavenly in winter.

    January / July
    -1°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    260
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    In town / 5 min / 1h 15m
    Typical home price
    US$750,000
    Cost of living
    145 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingLake lifeBeachHiking
  7. #7 · Idaho, USA

    Coeur d'Alene

    Lakefront living with ski hills close by.

    January / July
    -2°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    170
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    45 min / 5 min / 45 min
    Typical home price
    US$580,000
    Cost of living
    110 (100 = national average)
    Small townLake lifeSkiingGolfHiking
  8. #8 · Oregon, USA

    Hood River

    Windsurf capital in the Columbia River Gorge.

    January / July
    2°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    180
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    45 min / 5 min / 1h 5m
    Typical home price
    US$750,000
    Cost of living
    140 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingWine countryLake life
  9. #9 · Minnesota, USA

    Minneapolis

    City of lakes and bike trails with long, snowy winters.

    January / July
    -9°C / 23°C
    Sunny days a year
    198
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    25 min / 5 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$330,000
    Cost of living
    104 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLake lifeLive musicFood scene
  10. #10 · Wisconsin, USA

    Milwaukee

    Lake Michigan city of festivals, beer and affordable homes.

    January / July
    -5°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    189
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    50 min / 5 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$220,000
    Cost of living
    93 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLake lifeLive musicLower cost
  11. #11 · Alaska, USA

    Anchorage

    Wilderness at the city edge and long summer days.

    January / July
    -8°C / 15°C
    Sunny days a year
    100
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    20 min / 10 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$400,000
    Cost of living
    118 (100 = national average)
    Big citySkiingHikingLake lifeRemote-work hub
  12. #12 · Florida, USA

    Orlando

    Theme parks, lakes everywhere and an hour to Atlantic beaches.

    January / July
    16°C / 28°C
    Sunny days a year
    233
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 10 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$400,000
    Cost of living
    101 (100 = national average)
    Warm wintersBig cityGolfLake lifeNightlife
  13. #13 · Tennessee, USA

    Chattanooga

    Outdoor town with climbing, river paddling and fast internet.

    January / July
    5°C / 27°C
    Sunny days a year
    205
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 10 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$320,000
    Cost of living
    92 (100 = national average)
    HikingLake lifeLower costFood scene
  14. #14 · Illinois, USA

    Chicago

    Lakefront city with world-class food and architecture.

    January / July
    -4°C / 24°C
    Sunny days a year
    189
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 30m / 10 min / 30 min
    Typical home price
    US$340,000
    Cost of living
    107 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLake lifeNightlifeLive musicFood scene
  15. #15 · Ohio, USA

    Cleveland

    Affordable Lake Erie city with great museums and orchestra.

    January / July
    -3°C / 23°C
    Sunny days a year
    166
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    40 min / 10 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$120,000
    Cost of living
    87 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLake lifeLive musicLower cost
  16. #16 · Colorado, USA

    Fort Collins

    Craft beer, bike paths and Horsetooth Reservoir.

    January / July
    -1°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    240
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h / 15 min / 1h
    Typical home price
    US$580,000
    Cost of living
    115 (100 = national average)
    Small townHikingLake lifeFood sceneRemote-work hub
  17. #17 · New York, USA

    Buffalo

    Snowy, affordable lake city near Niagara Falls.

    January / July
    -4°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    155
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    50 min / 15 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$260,000
    Cost of living
    92 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLake lifeFood sceneLower cost
  18. #18 · New York, USA

    Saratoga Springs

    Charming spa town with horse racing and summer concerts.

    January / July
    -7°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    175
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    20 min / 15 min / 30 min
    Typical home price
    US$500,000
    Cost of living
    112 (100 = national average)
    Small townFood sceneLive musicLake life
  19. #19 · Oregon, USA

    Bend

    Ski mornings and river afternoons in the high desert.

    January / July
    -1°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    260
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    30 min / 20 min / 25 min
    Typical home price
    US$750,000
    Cost of living
    110 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingLake lifeGolfSmall townRemote-work hub
  20. #20 · Idaho, USA

    Boise

    River greenbelt living with a ski hill above town.

    January / July
    0°C / 25°C
    Sunny days a year
    210
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    35 min / 20 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$520,000
    Cost of living
    108 (100 = national average)
    Big citySkiingHikingLake lifeRemote-work hub
  21. #21 · Oklahoma, USA

    Oklahoma City

    Low-cost living, revitalised districts and wide open skies.

    January / July
    3°C / 28°C
    Sunny days a year
    234
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 20 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$230,000
    Cost of living
    83 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLower costLake life
  22. #22 · Wyoming, USA

    Jackson

    Legendary skiing beneath the Grand Tetons.

    January / July
    -9°C / 16°C
    Sunny days a year
    190
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    In town / 25 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$2,800,000
    Cost of living
    220 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingLake life
  23. #23 · Texas, USA

    Dallas

    Big-city jobs, sports and steakhouses with no state income tax.

    January / July
    8°C / 30°C
    Sunny days a year
    232
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 25 min / 25 min
    Typical home price
    US$430,000
    Cost of living
    103 (100 = national average)
    Big cityFood sceneNightlifeGolfLake life
  24. #24 · Tennessee, USA

    Knoxville

    Gateway to the Smokies with lakes and an affordable vibe.

    January / July
    4°C / 26°C
    Sunny days a year
    205
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h / 25 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$340,000
    Cost of living
    90 (100 = national average)
    HikingLake lifeLower costFood scene
  25. #25 · Utah, USA

    Salt Lake City

    World class powder 35 minutes from downtown.

    January / July
    -1°C / 26°C
    Sunny days a year
    222
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    35 min / 30 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$560,000
    Cost of living
    110 (100 = national average)
    Big citySkiingHikingLake lifeRemote-work hub
  26. #26 · Montana, USA

    Bozeman

    Mountain town near Yellowstone with a tech scene.

    January / July
    -6°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    185
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    25 min / 30 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$750,000
    Cost of living
    125 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingLake lifeRemote-work hub
  27. #27 · North Carolina, USA

    Charlotte

    Banking hub with Lake Norman nearby and mountains in two hours.

    January / July
    5°C / 27°C
    Sunny days a year
    213
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h / 30 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$410,000
    Cost of living
    100 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLake lifeGolfFood scene
  28. #28 · North Carolina, USA

    Raleigh

    Research Triangle jobs, top universities and green suburbs.

    January / July
    5°C / 26°C
    Sunny days a year
    213
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 30 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$450,000
    Cost of living
    102 (100 = national average)
    Big cityFood sceneHikingLake life
  29. #29 · Arkansas, USA

    Little Rock

    Affordable capital with river trails and Ozark lakes nearby.

    January / July
    5°C / 28°C
    Sunny days a year
    215
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 30 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$230,000
    Cost of living
    86 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLower costHikingLake lifeGolf
  30. #30 · Michigan, USA

    Ann Arbor

    Leafy university town with top schools and a lively downtown.

    January / July
    -4°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    180
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    30 min / 30 min / 25 min
    Typical home price
    US$500,000
    Cost of living
    112 (100 = national average)
    Food sceneLive musicLake life
  31. #31 · Alabama, USA

    Birmingham

    Affordable Southern city with great restaurants and wooded hills.

    January / July
    7°C / 27°C
    Sunny days a year
    212
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 40 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$250,000
    Cost of living
    85 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLower costFood sceneGolfLake life
  32. #32 · South Carolina, USA

    Greenville

    Lively downtown with waterfalls, Blue Ridge trails and lakes.

    January / July
    5°C / 26°C
    Sunny days a year
    215
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 40m / 40 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$340,000
    Cost of living
    94 (100 = national average)
    HikingFood sceneLake lifeGolf
  33. #33 · Nevada, USA

    Reno

    Tahoe access and no income tax at a lower cost.

    January / July
    2°C / 24°C
    Sunny days a year
    250
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    35 min / 45 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$600,000
    Cost of living
    112 (100 = national average)
    Big citySkiingLake lifeNightlifeHiking
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Best places to live for lake life in Canada and the USA · Pinned