Top Summer Home Locations in Canada and the United States

Summer homes are popular places to maximize the warmer months, and millions of people across Canada and the United States enjoy seasonal retreats in scenic settings. From sandy shores to the serenity of the mountains, there are plenty of excellent summer destinations across the U.S. and Canada. Let’s look at some of the top locations in these two countries for a summer escape. 

The Hamptons, a set of communities on Long Island’s East End, hosts summer homes for many of the East Coast’s wealthiest residents. This gorgeous area offers beaches, quaint towns, and a high-end lifestyle with upscale restaurants and shops across the region. The tranquil coastal settings of the Hamptons feel worlds apart from Manhattan, which is only a two-hour drive away.

Muskoka is a region in Ontario with a scenic natural setting, featuring gorgeous forests and dozens of sparkling lakes with summer properties lining their shores. Jaw-dropping properties are found along Lake Muskoka’s coast in what’s known as “Millionaires Row,” and just a little further north, Lake Joseph’s north shore is lined with opulent homes in an area dubbed “Billionaires Row.”

Lake Tahoe, along the border between Northern California and Nevada, is one of the most scenic destinations in the U.S. This dazzling area is popular during both summer and winter, comprising an incredible mountainous backdrop and massive summer home properties. Its waters are often filled with boaters, anglers, and water sports enthusiasts, and the surrounding land is crowded with hikers and bikers exploring the area’s trails. 

Hilton Head Island is a stunning summer destination in South Carolina’s Lowcountry region. Known for its sunny beaches and quaint charm, this waterfront paradise is a picturesque place to relax and enjoy South Carolina’s sweltering summer temperatures. Hilton Head has world-famous golf courses that host PGA tournaments and impressive beachfront properties. With a pleasant vibe and delicious restaurants, it is a top-notch place to spend a summer.

The island/town of Dauphin Island is just off Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Although many of the Alabama Gulf Coast markets consist of extremely expensive summer homes, Dauphin Island’s excellent beachfront real estate provides a more affordable alternative. And with white sandy beaches, incredible fishing and boating opportunities in the Gulf of Mexico, and interesting historical attractions, it has everything one could want in a seasonal retreat. 

While Big Sky is most popular as a winter destination due to the world-famous skiing at Big Sky Resort, it is also an incredible and unique place to spend a summer. Steeped in Montana’s Rocky Mountains, this community offers an unmatched setting for hiking, biking, golfing, and ziplining, and attractions such as Yellowstone National Park are a short drive away.

Prince Edward County is a famous summer destination known for its sandy beaches along Lake Ontario, numerous outdoor recreation areas, and charming towns and cities. Similar to California’s Napa Valley, Prince Edward County is a large wine-producing region with a renowned food scene, and its vast stretches of vineyards are popular areas to bike through in the summer.