Fall Market is Here! Call or text me at 705-879-8200 for your FREE, no-obligation opinion of value.
Fall Market is Here! Call or text me at 705-879-8200 for your FREE, no-obligation opinion of value.
Are you interested in buying or selling a home or cottage on Burnt River? Learn everything there is to know about the river and community to find out if this is the right waterfront for you.
Located between Fenelon Falls and Kinmount, Burnt River offers a peaceful escape surrounded by forests, trails, and scenic navigable waters, part of the Trent Severn Waterway. Whether you’re looking for a waterfront cottage, a year-round home, or a private acreage, this area captures the essence of Kawartha Lakes’ charm.
With its laid-back pace and natural beauty, Burnt River appeals to families, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts who want a quieter alternative to busier and more expensive lakes like Sturgeon or Cameron, but still within a short drive or boat ride to amenities.
Average Sale Price
$511,000
List-to-Sale Ratio
93%
Total Sales
12
Total Listings
26
Market Type
Buyer-leaning, price sensitive market
2025 was defined by higher inventory, selective buyers, and a clear divide between seasonal cottages and well-located year-round homes.
Nestled in the heart of Kawartha Lakes, the Burnt River flows from Miskwabi Lake in Haliburton down to Cameron Lake in Fenelon Falls. It’s part of the Trent-Severn Waterway, connecting many of the region’s largest and most scenic lakes.
The river winds through Gelert, Kinmount, and Burnt River, offering peaceful waterfront living surrounded by forests and natural beauty.
The Burnt River varies in width and depth, reaching up to 50 feet deep in some areas. Shorelines range from gentle sandy stretches to steeper, rocky banks where some properties require retaining walls or raised docks.
Water Levels are managed by Parks Canada, levels rise with the spring runoff (late March–April) but typically return to normal during summer, creating calm, swimmable conditions perfect for boating and relaxing by the dock. Some areas of the river will flood, so it is important to understand which areas are better than others.
There are roughly 500 cottages and homes along Burnt River’s east and west shores. While many properties started as seasonal cottages, more are being converted to year-round residences as waterfront living grows in demand.
Nearby amenities include:
The Burnt River is ideal for pontoon boats, kayaks, and fishing boats. A no-wake zone along the entire river keeps speeds under 10 km/h, ensuring a quiet, relaxing experience for residents and boaters alike.
Can You Swim in Burnt River? Absolutely, during the summer months, the water is deep, clean, and largely weed-free, perfect for jumping in off your dock. While it’s technically a river, the flow is very gentle, often feeling more like a lake. Just keep an eye on conditions after heavy rainfall.
Burnt River is a favourite among anglers thanks to its calm waters and hidden bends. Morning and evening are the best times to cast a line and enjoy the peace of the river. Popular fish species include:
The area around Burnt River is truly a four-season destination for those who love the outdoors. With direct access to the Victoria Rail Trail, residents enjoy:
Yes, Burnt River connects to Cameron Lake without having to travel through any locks, which is part of the Trent-Severn Waterway system. To get to Balsam Lake, you must go through Lock 35 in Rosedale. You can also connect to Sturgeon Lake by going through Lock 34 in Fenelon Falls.
Absolutely. During the summer, the current is very mild, and many areas are deep, clear, and weed-free, perfect for swimming off your dock. Water levels and current can sometimes fluctuate after heavy and intense waterfalls but this is not a normal occurence.
You’ll find a mix of seasonal cottages, year-round waterfront homes, and rural residential properties, many with direct water access or stunning river views. There are also larger farmland properties with extensive frontage on Burnt River.
Flooding can occur occasionally during spring thaw (late March–April). Parks Canada manages the water levels, and flood risk varies by elevation and shoreline location. Flooding risks vary by location, so it is very important to understand each properties unique terrain and location on the river. Make sure to work with a local agent who understands the river and it’s characteristics.
Yes. Most areas are accessible by maintained municipal roads or private year-round roads with hydro and emergency services available. It’s quite common to live here year-round. If you find a property on a gravel private road, you can expect to pay a $150-$500 per year fee to help pay for road maintenance, winter plowing and insurance.
Boating, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and snowmobiling in the winter via the Victoria Rail Trail are all local favourites.
Bass, pike, and muskie are the most common. The calm bends of the river make for great early-morning or evening fishing.
There are short term rentals on Burnt River. Some areas allow short-term rentals, but always check the latest Kawartha Lakes Short Term Rental bylaws before listing or buying with that intent.
You’re only a short drive to Fenelon Falls, Bobcaygeon, or Coboconk, all of which offer grocery stores, banks, and restaurants. Larger towns like Lindsay and Peterborough are also not too far away and offer even more options for all of your needs.
Check flood history, septic condition, shoreline type, and year-round access. Working with a local Realtor who knows the area’s nuances is key.
If you’re considering selling, understanding where your property fits within today’s Burnt River market is critical, especially when seasonal and year-round values are behaving very differently.
If you’re buying, having access to accurate pricing guidance and new listings as they come up can make a significant difference.
Call or Text: (705) 879-8200
Email: jasonrichard@royallepage.ca
