Ontario’s Regional Cottage Country

I have travelled to many other countries in the world, but Ontario will always be home to me because of one reason: my cottage. It defines me in a way that no other home or residence ever has. This province, among many others, has so much to offer for “cottage country and lake country”. This article provides some regional options for cottage living and cottage rentals that residents and tourists will find very helpful in selecting a spot for their vacation, reunion or special event. And with almost 4 000 lakes in Ontario (at least 3 square km. in diameter or greater), you are destined to find one that will meet your expectations for a rewarding and relaxing cottage rental. The Muskokas The more popular location for cottage country, and home to some of the most luxurious and famous cottages in the province (“Millionaire’s Row”, boat cruise tour from Bracebridge, Ontario), the Muskokas are situated about 1.5 hours north of the GTA from the 400 highway. Towns in this area are: Bracebridge, Lake of Bays, Bala, Port Carling, Dorset, Huntsville and the Georgian Bay Township. Parry Sound is on its borders and is often included in regional consideration. This area boasts over 1600 lakes/bodies of water, huge granite cliffs, gorgeous waterfalls, and clean pristine waters that in some areas are over 1300 feet above sea level. Lake Muskoka is probably the most famous and has named the region. There is also Lake Simcoe, Georgian Bay, Lake Vernon, Bell Lake, Harris Lake, Lake Manitouwabing, Lake Rosseau, to name a few other very popular lakes for fishing, boating, and tubing and cottage rental options. The further north you travel the higher in altitude you go. (psst…it might be the reason why napping in the afternoon is so much easier up north: clean air.) Algonquin Park is situated on the west part of the region, untouched wilderness, and one of the most popular forests in the world with pines and maple trees galore. Beachfront is possible to find, but rare, and extremely expensive for cottage rentals. Real estate in general in this area comes with a very high price tag. It’s all about location. However, you are guaranteed a very event filled lifestyle with your cottage rental in Muskoka, where every town in this region and every lake will have its own unique story to tell. The Kawarthas Named after the aboriginal words “bright waters and happy lands”, the Kawarthas were originally labelled by the “Curve Lake” of the First Nations to inspire more interest to artists and locals as a “land of reflections” for inspiration and to increase its popularity. Located about 90 minutes north east of the GTA, and situated amongst many rivers and lakes connected to the Trent-Severn Waterways which are connected to Georgian Bay and Lake Ontario, the Kawarthas offer family oriented cottage rental appeal. Their fish rich waters are a special favourite to anglers. And you can often see yachts and boats galore through these waters, lapping up the sun. These waterways have inspired many local artists. The closest town, Peterborough is home to many cultural events and venues, such as Lang Pioneer Village and Petroglyphs Provincial Park. Breathe deeply and you will smell the fresh pines that populate the region. Great family camping and cottage rentals for all can be had in this quaint and historical area. Ontario’s Cottage Country and Popular Lakes, there is so much to see and do in Ontario. We touch upon the tip of the iceberg for cottage rental options, with some of the more popular spots, and their offerings for lakes. With so many in the province, I am positive we will be back with more spots next month!