Some places make it surprisingly easy to forget what day it is. At 985 North Bay Drive, it's coffee on the deck with the lake spread out in front of you, an afternoon swim that turns into a whole afternoon by the water, and the privacy to settle in without feeling like you're sharing your weekend with the neighbours. Set on a private, level lot, this year-round bungalow offers three bedrooms, one bathroom, and an open-concept kitchen, dining and living area with big views of Balsam Lake. The large deck off the living room gives everyone a place to gather for meals, catch up, or simply sit and watch the water.

Just across the road, 60 feet of shoreline offers shallow, clean water with a sandy, firm bottom for easy wading. The waterfront boathouse has hydro, a fridge, a table and chairs, and a Murphy bed-space for lake gear, a game of cards, and those conversations that carry on long after everyone's dried off. When it's time for a change of scenery, access to Balsam Lake Provincial Park is at the end of the road, with a beach, trails and a play area to explore. Spend the day out together, then come home to your own quiet spot by the lake.