Yellows, pinks, and oranges light up the sky around 8 p.m. in the month of August. The smell of lake water fills the air as you take a deep breath. The grass brushes against you as you sit on the edge of the hill with rocks and water below. Your skin is warm from a long day at the beach and you’re getting ready to have a bonfire after the sunset back at your cottage. This is everyday life in Point Clark, Ont.
Point Clark is located between Kincardine and Goderich, on Highway 86 from Waterloo Region.
It is one of the best-hidden cottage spots in all of Ontario in the spring and summer months. Compared to Muskoka, it is a much quieter and less busy area.
“Owning a cottage there helps me get away from the stress of life and downtown Hespeler,” said Joyce Gourlay, a cottage owner in Point Clark.
Point Clark has lots to offer for cottage buyers and renters. There are multiple beaches in the area, including one right in the heart of Point Clark. There are four parks throughout the residential areas, along with some tennis courts. In addition, there is a historic lighthouse that you can tour. The best part of these attractions is they are all within walking or biking distance, so there is minimal traffic.
“Everyone that goes up there goes to a different place,” said Gourlay.
Point Clark is home to some of the best sunsets in the world. Nothing can compare to the array of colours you witness; pictures can’t do justice so witnessing them after a long day at the beach is one of the best feelings in the world.
Almost every cottage in Point Clark comes with a fire pit or area. This gives owners and renters a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the peace and quiet of the outdoors at night. The stars are plentiful as they light up the sky; it’s a spectacle to see when visiting Point Clark.
As the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to alter plans, there were times when it was difficult to get up to the cottages in Point Clark.
“They put in laws in that county where if you could not prove you owned the cottage, you were not allowed to go up,” said Gourlay. “Even my own children would have to come to get my proof if they wanted to spend the weekend at the cottage.”
For people who were renting out their cottages, this became an issue. The area was empty during the hard pandemic months and if you were caught renting out your cottage, you were fined.
“I know of people who were fined $5,000 for renting their cottages out during lockdowns,” said Gourlay.
As COVID restrictions continue to lift, there is optimism Point Clark will get its buzz back. Perhaps this is the year more people discover this little-known cottage heaven.
