Eight Top Cottage Destinations in Ontario

There are many great locations to consider purchasing a waterfront cottage in Ontario for sale, many of which are located along the shores of the Great Lakes. Each region in Ontario Cottage Country has its own unique flair that makes it preferable to some cottagers and not to others. It simply depends on what you want out of your cottaging season. Here are some of the top cottage destinations in Ontario to consider.

8 Top Destinations in Ontario Cottage Country

Muskoka

Muskoka is one of Ontario’s most popular cottage spots, and with good reason! As the crown jewel of cottage country, Ontario, Muskoka continues to attract those looking to buy cottage Ontario properties throughout the year.

Muskoka and cottage country are easily accessible from Toronto or Ottawa, and cozily situated on the shores of the Georgian Bay area. The towns and villages here are chock-full of restaurants, shopping, and other tourist attractions, always with a sparkling lake just around the corner. Weekend cottage country traffic increases significantly during the summer months, as families flock to their waterfront cottages.

If you’re looking to get away from it all, Muskoka cottage country in Canada has charming cottages and iconic Muskoka chairs that will have you relaxing in no time. Cottage country news consistently highlights Muskoka as remaining a top destination for lakefront cottages in Ontario for sale.

Haliburton

Haliburton offers a getaway that caters to the active cottage-goer. This beautiful region of cottage country in Ontario provides numerous opportunities to find waterfront cottage Ontario options with exceptional value compared to more expensive areas. The area is known for its rugged forests and numerous hiking and biking trails, and boasts the best geocaching in Ontario. Summertime visitors can enjoy kayaking, swimming, and fishing, but don’t miss out on cross-country skiing in this winter wonderland. For those aiming to buy a cottage in Ontario, Haliburton offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and affordability in cottage country, Canada, Ontario.

Kawartha Lakes

Often referred to as “The Kawarthas,” this chain of lakes forms the upper part of the Trent River. As one of the most accessible regions in cottage country, The Kawarthas offer diverse opportunities for a waterfront cottage in Ontario for sale.

Kawartha Lakes is known for its carp fishing, Carden Plain, and other conservatories offer incredible birdwatching for nature lovers. Boats can be docked along the shores so that riders can enjoy shopping in any of the small towns that dot the river or go hiking or cycling. The Trent-Severn Waterway that runs through this region connects various lakes, making it ideal for boating enthusiasts searching for a lakefront cottage in Ontario for sale.

Rideau Lakes

The Rideau Lakes region offers a variety of activities for cottagers of all ages, but it is best known as a popular fishing spot. The lake has largemouth bass, trout, perch, and musky for enjoyable fishing. This historic waterway system in Ontario cottage country provides unique opportunities for those seeking a waterfront cottage in Ontario with excellent boating access.

The towns along the Rideau Canal, leading away from the lake, have plenty of attractions that are open year-round, making it ideal for those seeking a cottage in Ontario for sale. Cottage country news often highlights the Rideau Lakes region for its combination of natural beauty and rich Canadian heritage.

Thousand Islands

This popular area was once a retreat only the rich could afford, but now anyone can get away to the Thousand Islands along the Canadian-US border. This stretch along the St. Lawrence River boasts more than 1,800 islands housing cottages and even mansions such as Boldt Castle on Heart Island. Take the 1000 Islands Helicopter Tour for breathtaking views of the region from above. Waterfront cottage Ontario listings in this area feature everything from modest island retreats to grand estates, all within this unique archipelago of cottage country Ontario.

Parry Sound

Parry Sound is located close to Muskoka. Still, it is generally quieter than its neighbour, so it appeals to cottagers looking for a traditional cottage country that is quiet and peaceful. Many buyers looking to avoid heavy cottage country traffic choose Parry Sound as an alternative to busier regions.

The gorgeous waterfront cottages in Ontario are perfect for pulling up a chair and genuinely relaxing. But that doesn’t mean you have to – the town of Parry Sound is ripe with arts and culture. It’s also the hometown of hockey’s Bobby Orr. The area features numerous opportunities for lakefront cottages in Ontario for sale, often at more reasonable prices than in neighbouring Muskoka, while still providing stunning Georgian Bay vistas.

Georgian Bay

In the northeastern arm of Lake Huron, Georgian Bay is known for its clear waters and sandy beaches, perfect for hot summer days. The lakeside towns of Tobermory and Orillia are home to many tourist attractions, including Flowerpot Island and the Chi-Cheemaun ferry that takes you to Manitoulin Island. For a more active afternoon, take a walk along the Bruce Peninsula with its 500 miles of shoreline and the infamous Bruce Trail. This area offers many lakefront cottages in Ontario for sale. Cottage country in Ontario doesn’t get more beautiful than Georgian Bay’s rugged shores, where you can find everything from cozy cabins to luxury waterfront retreats.

Lake-of-the-Woods

While most of Ontario’s cottage destinations lie somewhere near the Great Lakes, Lake of the Woods in northwestern Ontario has its own lake system that reaches Manitoba and Minnesota, with more than 14,500 islands. This vast wonderland is an often-overlooked gem in Ontario cottage country, where you can still find relatively affordable waterfront cottages in Ontario.

Lake-of-the-Woods offers swimming and fishing in clear waters and plenty of hiking trails in the summer. Winter cottagers will enjoy ice fishing and hunting from their home base cottage in Ontario. Despite being farther from major urban centres, cottage country traffic to this region has been steadily increasing as buyers discover its pristine natural beauty and excellent fishing opportunities.

Whether you’re looking to fill your days with enjoyable activities in town, lounge on the beach, or go hiking or fishing in nature, one of Ontario’s many cottage regions will be the perfect fit. This summer, try out one near your home region and consider purchasing a cottage in Ontario to enjoy your future cottaging seasons in your favourite place on earth. Relax and refresh this summer in your Ontario cottage.