Summer is in full swing, and there’s no denying that Toronto is a great place to enjoy it all. We’ve got sandy beaches, stunning hiking trails, and gardens right here in the city.
It’s enough to keep anyone busy and engaged, without ever having to venture too far. However, sometimes, it’s nice to get away from it all. If you need a sweet escape where you can enjoy some tranquility and relaxation, you’ll find plenty of opportunities just a short drive away. In today’s post, we’ll take a look at some of the best cottage getaways near the GTA.
Muskoka
Approximately two hours north of Toronto, Muskoka is perhaps the most famous cottage destination in Ontario. Shimmering lakes, sandy beaches, and serene hiking trails await. When you need to pop into town for supplies or a meal out, head on over to Bracebridge and Huntsville.
Accommodations range from rustic cottages and cabins to spacious, luxurious mansions right by the water. Since this is one of the hottest tourist destinations in Ontario, it goes without saying to make your reservations early whenever possible.
Looking for a change in scenery? It might be as simple as switching up your home decor. The posts below can help:
- Beautiful Home Landscaping for the Win
- A Simple Guide to Decluttering Your Home
- Fabulous Lighting – Illuminate Your Home on Any Budget
Kawartha Lakes
Are you looking for a truly peaceful escape? Kawartha Lakes is even closer than Muskoka. With more than 250 lakes and rivers, this sprawling area offers the utmost in privacy and relaxation.
Peterborough is approximately 90 minutes northeast of Toronto. Once you get here, you’ve reached the “Gateway to the Kawarthas.” The Town of Bobcaygeon lies on an island between Sturgeon Lake and Pigeon Lake, making it ideal for anyone who loves water activities. Plus, the town itself is full of charm and character – and ice cream! Its famous Kawartha Dairy will quickly become a family favourite.
Balsam Lake is a haven for swimming and other water sports, while Pigeon Lake is fantastic for fishing enthusiasts. You’ve come to the right place if you’re hoping to hook a walleye, bass, or muskie.
Prince Edward County
If you’ve never experienced the iconic Prince Edward County region, now is the time. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, this beautiful cottage town is also home to Sandbanks Provincial Park, where you’ll find some of the best beaches in the province.
Towering sand dunes are truly a sight to behold, and the adjacent beach is much warmer than the main body of Lake Ontario. It’s the perfect spot to cool off on a hot summer day. You can also engage in other water sports, like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Prince Edward County is as well known for its incredible dining as for its stunning beaches. There are over 40 wineries, making it easy to spend a day touring vineyards and sampling the local offerings. With its reputation for farm-to-table dining, the region is also the destination of choice for foodies from all over.
The Bruce Peninsula
The gorgeous Town of Tobermory lies at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. Clear, sparkling blue waters make it a popular destination in the summer. Do you love scuba diving? There are more than 20 historical shipwrecks to explore.
If you prefer to keep dry, you can always ride the Chi-Cheemaun all the way to Manitoulin Island while taking in the spectacular scenery. Alternatively, you can view the underwater wonders (including the shipwrecks) from the comfort and safety of a glass-bottom boat.
Sauble Beach is also part of the Bruce Peninsula. Sandy shores and a thriving food scene make it a bustling spot in the summertime. With more than 11 km of freshwater beach (the second longest in Canada), there is plenty of room for everyone to enjoy.
This region is a little further than some of the other cottage destinations. Tobermory is approximately a 4-hour drive from Toronto, and you can reach Sauble in about 3 hours. The good news is this route often has far less traffic – and tons of scenery along the way.
Cottages aren’t the only way to invest in real estate. You’ll get even more ideas in the posts below:
- Your Guide to Secondary Suites in Toronto
- How to Determine A Good Investment Property
- Should You Invest In An Income Property Now?
Booking a Cottage to Rent
All of this talk of summertime might have you ready to pack your bags for the weekend, or maybe a whole week or more. Online booking sites make finding your perfect getaway easier than ever. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before hitting “confirm” on your reservation.
- Is the cottage fully stocked? You don’t want to assume anything is included. First, find out what appliances and equipment will be available. Should you bring your own bedding? Above all, make sure there’s a coffee maker if you can’t live without your caffeine in the morning.
- Consider any accessibility issues. The scenery might be out of this world. However, remember that some areas will be less accessible than others. There may be stairs to climb to get to the water or within the cottage itself.
- Is there WiFi? Some people want to get off the grid completely, while others can’t do without their daily news updates. Also, you may want to find out if there is a generator for backup power in case of an outage.
- Confirm your final costs. The price might seem right at first glance, until you account for cleaning fees, damage deposits, or other miscellaneous costs you weren’t counting on. Be sure you know the total upfront before you book.
Considering a new cottage? Check out our post Summer’s Winding Down. Should You Buy A Cottage For Next Year?
Is It Time to Buy a Cottage?
Packing up to go home after a fun-filled getaway can feel bittersweet. Knowing you can go back as often as you want can make leaving more bearable. If you and your family enjoy heading up to a cottage on a regular basis, it might be time to consider buying a vacation paradise of your own.
Homeowners with equity in their existing property might be able to get a Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit. Alternatively, your cottage could offer income potential that helps it pay for itself over time.
Before placing offers, however, it’s a good idea to think of all of the work and risks involved. For example, keep in mind that some areas have introduced restrictions on short-term rentals that could impact your ability to generate income.
Be sure to check zoning regulations if you plan on hosting on sites like Airbnb or VRBO. With a solid financial plan and a lot of passion, your cottage dreams could become your everyday reality.
Do you want to explore the idea of owning your dream vacation property? Our cottage experts are happy to guide you and answer any questions you have. Reach out to us at erica@ericareddy.com or call 416.443.0300 to learn more.
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