With the treacherous winter days seeming to finally be behind us, it’s time to talk summer plans. With such harsh and long winters, it’s crucial to make the most of the nice weather we do get. Luckily, Ontario is a veritable smorgasbord when it comes to cottage country rentals. We’ve seen Scott McGillivray and Debra Salmoni transform countless vacation rentals—now it’s your turn to experience cottage life. Even if you don’t own your own cottage, or if you do and want a little variety, we’ve compiled a list of ten of the best areas in Ontario for summer cottage rentals.
Watch new episodes of Scott’s Vacation House Rules Mondays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Home Network, also available to stream on STACKTV. Try it free today!
Muskoka
Muskoka, one of the crown jewels of Ontario cottage country, being on our list should shock nobody. Only two hours North of Toronto, Muskoka is a popular getaway for many. Before you worry that means crowding, it actually leaves visitors spoiled for choice. Because of its popularity as a retreat from city life, there’s an abundance of rentals, giving renters what feels like endless choices. So, whether you want to hide away on a pristine lake or explore charming towns, such as Bracebridge, Granevhurst and Huntsville, the choice is yours in Muskoka.
Related: A Moody Muskoka Cottage Kicks Off a New Season of Scott’s Vacation House Rules
Kawartha Lakes
With pristine waterways and seemingly untouched wilderness, there are few places on Earth better to enjoy nature than the Kawartha Lakes. Lakes Sturgeon, Buckhorn and Balsam are just a few that offer visitors that chance to see Ontario truly pristine. Whether it’s the quick splash from a fish on the water or the early morning call of a loon, it’s hard not to feel at peace.
Haliburton Highlands
Bordering the famous Algonquin Park, it makes sense that Haliburton Highlands would be known for its scenery. With lush forests that erupt in vibrant colours every fall, this place has attracted artists, such as the Group of Seven, for decades. If inspiration is what you’re after, then just maybe Haliburton Highlands is the summer cottage rental for you.
Prince Edward County
Located on Lake Ontario’s Northeastern shore, Prince Edward County is known for its sense of community. That may seem strange when talking about a temporary rental location, but it shouldn’t be. Whether it be a tasting at a winery, an art tour, or a distillery tour, there’s so much to do and so many people to meet. Vacation doesn’t have to mean isolation, get out there and enjoy somewhere new, if only briefly.
Georgian Bay
The northeastern arm of Lake Huron, Georgian Bay, is a getaway for big fun on big water. We in Ontario are spoiled with all of our freshwater lakes. Nowhere is that more evident than Georgian Bay. Fishing, wakeboarding, ferries, scuba diving—if there is a fun water-based activity, you can bet it can be done in Georgian Bay.
Bruce Peninsula
The towering cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment do not get talked about as much as they deserve. Sheer cliff faces, perfect for hiking, cliff jumping, or watching a sunset on. They’re the kind of scenery you see in a social media clip and save for later, telling yourself that one day you’ll go there. That only makes it more incredible that the Bruce peninsula is in our own backyard.
Related: The Most Popular Cottage Destinations Across Canada
Thousand Islands
When you hear of a place called Thousands Islands, you probably think that it must be an exaggeration. Not only does Thousands Islands undersell itself (it’s actually over 1800 islands) it has plenty of affordable cottage rental options, both island and shore based. So, embrace your faux billionaire-on-a-private-island persona among the Thousand Islands.
Lake Simcoe
If you were to ask what Lake Simcoe has in one word, we’d have to say options. One moment you could be lounging at your beachfront rental and the next you could be walking the downtown core of a city. You could water ski during the day and have a date night in the downtown core, all in the same day. With two large cities along its shores, Lake Simcoe ensures that no amenity is out of reach for those that visit.
Temagami
Vacation rentals, especially ones in Ontario, tend to evoke images of being lakeside. Temagami certainly offers that, but its inland attractions are just as wondrous. Caribou Mountain, ATV tours, old growth forests, guided canoe rides, all along ever-changing topography. This is what makes Temagami a place that impacts people. It is a quiet place, rich in nature and history.
You can see many of these places and some of their summer cottage rentals by watching Scott’s Vacation House Rules Mondays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Home Network, also available to stream on STACKTV. Try it free today!
Related: What’s New With Scott McGillivray?
