Outdoor recreation at affordable prices in Canadian Lakes
Canadian Lakes, Michigan, is all about outdoor activity. With private lakes, swimming beaches, golf courses, tennis courts and more, people move here because they like to spend time outside. “If somebody’s looking for a complete package with woods, wildlife, golf courses, lakes, streams and rivers in a private setting, there’s nothing else like this in northern Michigan, even in the Midwest,” says resident and Realtor Chip Issette with Century 21 White House Realty. The community welcomes residents of all ages and has a mix of those living there seasonally and full time. Affordability is a major draw to Canadian Lakes, offering a lifestyle that comes with a much higher price tag in other parts of the country. “The tax base is a little lower than a lot of these types of areas in the U.S., and the amenity fees are relatively low,” said Realtor Kathleen Adams with Coldwell Banker Lakes Realty. “People come from other parts of the country and say, ‘Is that a month?’ and I say, ‘No, that’s a year.’”
New traditional homes and land for sale
To qualify to use the community’s amenities, residents must simply own property in Canadian Lakes—be it a house or land. “We have year-round families and lots of homes that are cabins, cottages and condos for second-home buyers, people that want to escape the city life and come north on the weekends,” Issette says. “We have a healthy number of retirees who choose this home for seasonality. They may go to Arizona or Florida for the winter months, but they are here in Canadian Lakes six to nine months out of the year.” Single-family homes range from small cabins to large New Traditional homes with waterfront access, and most prices are between $300,000 and $750,000. Land prices start as low as $1,000 and can reach $50,000 for a waterfront acre. “We also have a campground that’s to be used by property owners only,” Adams said. “Some people own a vacant lot and camp at the campground all summer. You can own a vacant lot here and use the golf and beaches and pool and all that.” Canadian Lakes has a 1 out of 10 CAP Index crime score, below the national average of 4.
Career prep in Chippewa Hills School District
Chippewa Hills School District gets an overall C-plus grade from Niche. Students can apply to attend any school in the district, but the closest schools to Canadian Lakes are the B-plus-rated Mecosta Elementary School, the B-minus-rated Chippewa Hills Middle School and the C-plus-rated Chippewa Hills High School. Chippewa Hills High School’s Mecosta-Osceola Career Center offers career-prep programs, such as allied health, automotive technology and automated manufacturing technology.
Golf, pickleball and private lakes
“All the amenities and facilities here are private to the owners and their guests,” Issette says. “There’s no public access. That’s pretty unique to find.” Canadian Lakes has three golf courses: The Royal, The Highlands and The Pines, each offering a different level of play. Tennis and pickleball are popular in Canadian Lakes, with several golf courses throughout the community. “Pickleball is huge here,” Adams said. “We have brand-new pickleball courts.” Private lakes throughout the community have swimming beaches and boat access, making boating and fishing popular activities. Canadian Lakes Association hosts more than 45 clubs, including special interest groups, sports leagues, study groups, craft groups, and card and game clubs. “Anything you’re interested in, you can find a club for it here,” Adams said.
Restaurant options and groceries
Canadian Lakes has a gas station, an Ace Hardware and Hixson’s Family Market for groceries. Antlers Fireside Grill is an American restaurant with a refined rustic interior and rooms for private parties. Lakeside Pizza & Grinders is a casual spot serving pizza and sub-style sandwiches for dine-in or carryout. The Royal Grille is located in the clubhouse of The Royal Golf Course at Canadian Lakes and serves American fare and cocktails.
Riding golf carts around the community and getting to nearby cities
Canadian Lakes is located in central Michigan, about 17 miles southeast of Big Rapids and 57 miles northeast of Grand Rapids. It’s easy to get around within the community. “Within 10 minutes, you can get anywhere in Canadian Lakes,” Adams said. “People use their golf carts to get around if they want.” Canadian Lakes has a primary care medical office, Corewell Health Big Rapids Hospital Family Medicine. To travel in and out of the region, residents can use Gerald R. Ford International Airport, about 66 miles south.
