Cottage Vacations in Ontario
from WorldWeb.com Travel Guide

	Relaxing in a Hammock at a Cabin Retreat

For many decades now, people have sought out the scaled down lifestyle of the cottage. In Ontario, cottage vacations are monumental pastimes. The surrounding shore of the over 250,000 lakes, as well as the bewitching wilderness and rural areas have been utilized as sites for thousands of private and public cottages. People head in droves to the cottage in search of hammock-swaying snoozes, exceptional air quality and outdoor pursuits. Although cottage life is becoming a bit more crowded, it is still nowhere near the congestion of the city. Thus for many, the change of scenery will calm the urban beast within that has resulted from living in close proximity to millions of people.

Why do many people return to the cottage year after year? A cottage vacation meets many recreational budgets. Vacationers are not frazzled from organizing a frantic sightseeing schedule or fighting tour buses filled with over-zealous shutterbugs. Many appreciate the opportunity to say good-bye to high fashion and hello to comfort. One can push themselves to physical limits, or simply relax.

Cottage time is a time to reflect, focus and dream.

WHERE TO GO

With approximately 20% of the earth's fresh water, an extensive web of interconnecting canoe routes, over 270 provincial parks and six national parks, Ontario is considered a vacation paradise. Landscapes may contrast dramatically throughout the province, with different pursuits being available as a result. Certain areas proclaim themselves as 'cottage country', but it is worth exploring many of the more secluded, unsullied regions as well. The three locales mentioned do not even begin to exhaust the many choices for a cottage vacation, but it opens up some possibilities.

Muskoka and Haliburton Highlands

	Algonquin Park in the Muskoka Region

In the Lakelands region of Ontario are the famed cottage paradises of Muskoka and Haliburton Highlands. The Muskoka area extends from the east side of Georgian Bay right to Algonquin Park. Haliburton Highlands is directly south of Algonquin Park, approximately two hours drive from Toronto. The area includes such towns as Haliburton, Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst and Whitney.

Visitors to these districts can take soft eco-trips in relative comfort, or pursue more rigorous escapades that are more primitive in nature. Whiz down mountain biking paths, mush a team of frisky huskies, or glide on groomed Nordic ski runs in the extensive park and natural reserve lands. Whatever the choice, one must spend some time relaxing in a ' Muskoka chair'-a high back, fanned wood chair with the large armrest to support a drink-listening to the loons or howling wolves and sipping a beverage of choice.

Prince Edward County and Bay of Quinte County
Another tourist region of interest is some of the 'Getaway Country' regions, which includes the Bay of Quinte County and Prince Edward County encompassing such towns as Trenton, Belleville, Picton, Milford, Bloomfield and Wellington.

Initially populated by United Empire Loyalists in 1780's, the number of residents is steadily increasing, as many have identified it as an exceptional place to live. Agriculture is a primal force, and the sprawling farmland and fruit filled orchards add to the beauty of the area. The bounty of fresh produce, as well as locally produced wine, cheese and exotic meat such as ostrich, fulfill the culinary needs of many shoppers. Several of the towns and villages have an arts flare, as hundreds of antique and artisan shops are strewn about the locality.

Other points worth visiting are the many provincial parks and waterways. Of particular note is the Sandbanks Provincial Park, which is an extraordinary freshwater sand dune system. Dunes Beach, considered one of the largest and loveliest beaches in the province, is just one of the three sandy beaches in the park. The start of the Trent-Severn Waterway, a 386-km (240-mile) link between the Bay of Quinte in Central Ontario and the Georgian Bay on the west is also in the area. Of historical significance to the trade and agriculture development of Ontario, the Waterway has some world class lift locks and is a sought out cruise run.

Rainbow Country

A Budding Fishing Enthusiast in Rainbow Country

For fishing or boating enthusiasts, 'Rainbow Country' is synonymous with happiness. This area spreads along the Georgian Bay coastline from Parry Sound up to the Sudbury area. Within the boundaries lie such wilderness wonders as the Killarney Provincial Park, the French River and the Pickerel River. Pleasure boating is phenomenally popular. Cruises of the 30,000 Islands leave many astounded by the beauty of the area, as does hiking the mystic terrain.

It is no wonder that several giants in Canada's art community, the Group of Seven, have captured much of the area of Killarney Provincial Park on canvas. The Northern Lights Festival Boréal (NLFB) in Sudbury is also noteworthy, as it is an interesting mix of folk and roots music, with the addition of dance, arts and storytelling events. An excursion to Science North, the innovative science and technology centre, should also be on the agenda.

COTTAGE TYPES

For those who do not own a holiday abode, or not on good terms with someone who does, there are several options: private rentals, commercial properties, or resorts with cottages.

Private Rental
With the soaring costs of private ownership, many cottage owners rent their accommodations out several times a year. It is not uncommon for owners to market their cottages themselves. As well, agencies dealing in matching cottagers with private homes can assist in booking. Private cottages often have amenities found in a primary dwelling, including private laundry facilities, dishwasher, telephone, even satellite TV. The rental cottage is often extremely comfortable, which may rob the visitor of the more uncomplicated rustic experience.

Commercial Properties
Another cottage rage is commercial properties, often described as housekeeping cottages. The word 'housekeeping' in the term actually defines the lack of this service. Most require the visitor to bring linens and towels, and may even require a simple tidying up before leaving.

Often these dwellings are clustered together, but nevertheless offer easy access to the waterfront and scenic surroundings. Be aware that most do not have a phone or Internet access, thus the only access to life back at home is via public phone, usually a short amble away. Sizes vary, from two to eight person occupancy (in the later case, a sofa bed usually results in a living room-cum-bedroom). Furnishings and kitchen equipment may range from modern pieces to an assortment of items from various garage or jumble sales.

Common outdoor features of most housekeeping cottages include a fire pit, barbecue and simple activities such as horseshoes. If any of these would make or break a holiday, it is recommended that the proprietor be contacted for confirmation.

Resorts
If in need of some pampering, the refinement of a resort with cottage accommodations may be the answer. These cottages often come with handsome decorations, Jacuzzi tubs, and use of tennis courts and spas: thus, they are a more intimate yet equally lavish alternative to hotels or lodges. And those who don't wish to scorch their food over an open fire can often indulge in some tantalizing cuisine from the on-site dining room. However, the appreciation of rural life will be lost.

Accommodation Considerations
Special activities or requirements may narrow down the selection further.

	Roasting Hotdogs: A Favourite Cottage Holiday Pastime

Many cottages are within several metres (yards) of the shoreline, but some are situated further inland or even on a less populated area quite a distance from water. If this is a concern, it is worth getting an accurate measure of the distance to the shore before booking the cottage. This may be a particular consideration for families with children since lugging various toys could prove onerous. The same is true with regards to the stretch to play areas. And don't forget those furry family members. Several cottage properties encourage well-behaved pets, while others shun them.

The opposite may be true for adults who wish to have a quiet vacation and may prefer to stay further afield from busy, and potentially noisy, areas. If mobility is a consideration, inquire as to special facilities and proximity of important features (e.g. car parking).

For those planning on boating, consider the location of boat launches and docks for private crafts. Many cottages feature free use of such items as boats, canoes, paddleboats and kayaks. Otherwise, many local tuck shops offer rental of these, as well as motor vehicles. Fishers should also consider such features as fish cleaning stations, freezer services or bait and tackle shops. Note that close proximity to a tuck shop or a nearby town/village that offers shopping is a good thing, as inevitably something will be forgotten.

Many of these points are worth pondering and asking about, as they can increase the enjoyment factor of a vacation.

Ultimately the cost of a cottage vacation can range from a minimalist adventure to a dreamy self-indulgent experience. For those who wish to bring an entourage not enticed by cottage life, but who want to partake of the area's beauty and activities, or if all the cottages seem to be fully booked, there are often other types of accommodations such as bed and breakfasts, hotels or campgrounds.

WorldWeb Travel Guide has listings of specific cottages, which may be found in the Where To Stay category for the various locations, and then found under the sub-heading of Vacation Home Rentals, Resorts or Cabins, Cottages and Chalets.

WHEN TO COTTAGE

In Canada, the unofficial day marking the mass exodus of the metropolitan population for the cottage is the Victoria Long weekend in May. However, many of Ontario's cottages are situated in areas considered to be 'four season playgrounds'. Thus dependent on the activity the traveller wishes to indulge in, numerous options are often available. Winter offers the pleasures of cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Often proprietors will flood an area of land for ice-skating. Fall brings the polychromatic scenery and often is as suitable for fishing and cruises as the spring season is. Summer is the height of cottage season, as the warmth of the water and the air beckons even the most timid swimmers into the waters as well as golfers to the rolling greens.

In terms of temperatures, it can vary by as high as 20 °C (60 °F) across the province's great span of land. In the northern part of the province, winter typically begins and lasts longer (October to mid May) than in the southern destinations (November to mid April). Ontario is often caught in a struggle between the middle of cold Artic air from the north and the warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico. Winter can have its upsets, but blizzards in the true sense of the word are a rarity. The breezes from the Great Lakes often clash with other air masses and produce some dramatic thunderstorms in the more temperate months. Summer can be as sultry as 30 °C (86 °F), while in the winter it can drop to -25 °C (-13 °F). Spring is often short (end of March to end of May), and is often wet and muddy due to the general thaw. Fall is cool, sometimes rainy.

From the financial point of view, spring, fall and winter are predominately less expensive. But for some, the lessened activities may not equal to the amount of dollars saved.

WHAT TO BRING

Snowmobiling - A Popular Winter Cottage Activity

Personal items must be provided. Most properties require that visitors provide their own bed linens, towels and dishtowels. If this is inconvenient for the traveler, some cottage owners may be able to supply these at a nominal cost, but it is important to ensure the service is available prior to arriving. It is well worth the effort to inquire as to whether such items as life jackets, pillows, and lawn chairs are available. Also, it is strongly recommended that toilet paper and dish soap be brought, or confirm that it will be in the cottage.

The weather conditions often affect the drinking water, as some of the cottages run off well or lake water. Bottled water may be necessary.

Cottage utopia is not without its pestilence, so it is strongly advised that insect repellent is packed. Sunscreen is a necessity, regardless of the season.