What $455,000—the same price as a big-city studio condo—buys you across Canada this week

The skyrocketing cost of real estate in Toronto and Vancouver has reached a new fever pitch: last month saw the average price for a studio apartment in both cities climb to almost $450,000. For that, you’ll get a pint-sized bathroom and a super-cozy all-in-one kitchen-living-sleeping space. Or, if you take a look outside the city, you could get one these seemingly mansions in comparison:

1. Upscale backcountry lodge in B.C.

Address: 4316 Horsefly-Quenell Lake Road Were: Horsefly, British Columbia Price: $455,000 Specs: 5 beds, 3 baths

Old backcountry hunting lodges and summer houses used to be the purview of families with names like Rockefeller and Vanderbilt, but this almost-35 acre slice of paradise is yours for the taking — oil tycoon or not. Perched on Horsefly River, the idyllic log home is ground zero for fishing, canoeing and birding come summer, skating and skidooing come winter. The five bedrooms and a wraparound deck are perfect for accommodating all the family who will want to come visit.

2. Forested cottage property with window walls

Address: 14 Alnwick Island Where: 1000 Islands, Ontario Price: $449,500 Specs: 3 bed, 1 bath

This 1000 Islands’ mid-century cottage is waiting for its coming-out party — just bring a coat of paint and your imagination. Floor to ceiling windows offer sweeping views of the International Bridge, while an outdoor deck serves up the perfect spot for morning contemplation of your almost one-acre treed lot replete with two deep-water docks.

3. Victorian home with newly renovated chef's kitchen

Address: 128 Alexandra Avenue Where: Bridgewater, Nova Scotia Price: $465,000 Specs: 6 beds, 4 baths

This circa-1916 Victorian home, built almost 100 years after the first European settlers came to Bridgewater, bears witness to the town’s former forestry and railway magnates. Its stately frame — heavy on panelled wood, hardwood floors and fireplaces (three of them!) — dovetails with modern conveniences like a chef’s kitchen, double-car garage and oversized backyard pool.

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