While a large portion of Ontario is considered Cottage Country for its plethora of summer cottage rentals, there are great cottage areas all around the country. Going to the cottage is a beloved Canadian summer tradition. If you have yet to experience it, here’s where you should start looking.
Muskoka, Ontario
While there are many places around Ontario you can find incredibly beautiful cottages (basically anywhere there is a lake), Muskoka is the most popular area. Celebrities from all over the world own cottages and spend summers here, where you can get the Hamptons experience without all the fanfare. Because it is so popular, it’s not always easy (or cheap) to find a cottage here, but it is worth it.
Lake Louise, Alberta
While many people think of the Banff area as a winter destination (and it surely is), it is also beloved by locals come summertime. The snow may have melted but it hasn’t lost even an inch of the beauty that makes people flock to it in the colder months. Instead of skiing or snowboarding, spend your time exploring the Rocky Mountains when you’re not enjoying the picturesque views from your cottage.
Sunshine Coast, B.C.
When Vancouverites want to escape the city for the cottage, they head to the Sunshine Coast. With 180 kilometers of waterside properties that feel more like small private islands, the Sunshine Coast provides ample opportunities for swimming, surfing, kayaking and mountain biking.
Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia
Set in northern Nova Scotia, the Bay of Fundy region is known for having the world’s highest recorded tides. Book some time at one of the cottages here and experience the tides alongside fossil hunting, whale watching and some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere in the world.
The Laurentians, Quebec
Just 20 kilometers north of Montreal, the Laurentians are famous for more than 9,000 lakes, forests and mountains that everyone loves to explore when the warm weather allows. You can find beautiful properties to rent for the summer here for much cheaper than you would in more famous spots like Muskoka, but without losing any of the natural beauty.
