Summer is nearly upon us and we’ve all been dreaming of heading to the cottage like Ilya and Shane. While these properties might not be on a private lake in Ontario, they’re still on or by the water. Last month, CTV News Edmonton explained real estate terms you might see in this article or future editions. This month, in anticipation of summer, we’re looking at vacation homes, cabins and summer cottages. But first, as is tradition, the data. Residential home sales were up in the greater Edmonton area in April compared to March with an increase of 16.4 per cent to total 2,482, according to the Realtors Association of Edmonton. There were 4,204 new listings, up 13.9 per cent, and the average price for a residential unit was $478,902, up 1.7 per cent. Inventory was also up at the end of the month, with 6,917 units still up for sale, though homes were averaging less time on the market at 35 days, down from 38. “The year’s highest levels of market activity will occur in the next two months, especially now that the Bank of Canada policy interest rate has been held at 2.25 until at least mid-June,” said association board chair Darlene Reid in the monthly statistics report. “Expect more listings to hit the market—giving buyers lots of choice—and though prices still have room to rise, we’re unlikely to see as many multiple-offer situations as last year.” As for recreational properties, prices are expected to increase across the country to an average of $604,552 in 2026, according to Royal LePage. “Concerns about the state of global affairs are certainly on the minds of many Canadians right now, including recreational property buyers, and are tempering demand in parts of the country,” said Phil Soper, Royal LePage president and CEO in the spring forecast. “At the same time, limited supply is supporting price gains in many markets. “New developments in these regions remain relatively rare, and many properties are tightly held by families for generations. This scarcity preserves the exclusivity of these markets and provides price stability, even when buyers are feeling cautious. Population growth in Edmonton is fueling demand for recreational properties on Wabamun Lake and Lac Ste. Anne, the report adds. Canmore is also seeing demand remain steady as properties spend less time on the market and prices increase. “Much of this demand is coming from three main buyer groups: future retirees who plan to eventually live in the area full time, buyers looking for a recreational property with part-time rental potential, and parents with teenagers who want to share their love of mountain recreation with their kids,” said associate broker Brad Hawker in the report. Keeping all that in mind, here are some of the most expensive vacation and lakeside homes for sale in the greater Edmonton area in May. 5 - $628,000 bungalow in rural Lac Ste. Anne County Starting off on the shores of Lac Ste. Anne is this 1,371-square-foot home in The Estates at Waters Edge. Located on the northeast side of the lake, the home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The waterfront house has air conditioning as well as a heated and air conditioned guest house with one bedroom and one bathroom. There is a covered lakefront deck with built-in heaters as well as a hot tub, a separately titled RV stall, heated garage and shed.. The home has no basement but does have a crawlspace for storage. Built in 2008, the home is located at 71 55101 Ste. Anne Tr. and has been on the market for 31 days. 4 - $695,000 home in rural Parkland County At a different lake to the southwest is this two-storey, 2,185-square-foot home in Ascot Beach on Wabamun Lake. This home has the look of a cottage castle, with a turret and wood panelling and brick inside. The kitchen has custom wood cabinetry, granite countertops and a grand piano-shaped island and the octagonal dining area has vaulted ceilings, copper detailing and wraparound windows. The upper turret area is plumbed for a wet bar and the home also has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. There are also two balconies accessible from the second level and outside there is a wraparound deck and a detached, heated garage. Built in 2006, the home is located at 25 53113 Rge. Rd. 44 and has been on the market for 67 days. 3 - $1.1M home in rural Lac Ste. Anne County Moving back to the eastern shore of Lac Ste. Anne we find this 1.5-storey, 3,082-square-foot home just outside Sunset Point. While not on the waterfront, this 27.67 acre property is just across the road from the lake. Inside, the home has a renovated chef-inspired kitchen, formal dining room, a sun room as well as seven bedrooms and six bathrooms. There is also a triple-car, heated garage with a den and two-piece bathroom as well as a loft space. Outside there is more than 1,000 square feet of decking and a shop. Built in 1996, the home is located at 54431 Ste. Anne Tr. and has been on the market for 32 days. 2 - $1.95M home in rural Lac Ste. Anne County Just north of the previous home is Castle Island, where we find this 2,377-square-foot bungalow. Connected to the shore by a private causeway, this three bedroom, three bathroom home is one of 19 on the gated private island. Inside, the home has a cabin, cottagecore aesthetic with log walls and wooden ceilings, but modern touches with in-floor heating, stone countertops, stamped concrete and tile flooring and a steam shower. Outside, there is a private boathouse and trolley system, a second garage for aquatic vehicles, a workshop and guest quarters, as well as 200 feet of beach with a rebuilt storm wall and an aluminum and cedar dock. There is also a 1,000-square-foot screened, heated patio with a fireplace and BBQ and a heater, oversized garage. Built in 1992, the home is located at 1 Martin Rd. and has been on the market for 21 days. 1 - $3.3M home in rural Parkland County Ending the lake tours, we head to the shores of Jackfish Lake to the southeast and this 2,357-square-foot bungalow. Sitting on 2.28 acres of lakefront land on the west part of the lake, the home has a full outdoor kitchen with a built-in BBQ, fridge and eating bar on the covered portion of the back deck. There is also an eight-person hot tub, beach area, dock and two garages with one set up as a workshop. Inside, there is a large kitchen with a commercial-grade fridge, wet bar, gym, rec room, mudroom and office. The house also has four bedrooms and four bathrooms as well as heated floors throughout the main floor, basement and garages. Built in 2010, the home is located at 1 2421 Twp. Rd. 522 and has been on the marker for 96 days.
