Home to Canada’s Great Lakes and over 340 provincial and national parks, Ontario is a haven for outdoor getaways and cozy lakeside cabins. And whether planning a family vacation or a couples getaway to the countryside, the province has plenty of vacation rentals for your next weekend getaway.
From the untouched forests of the Muskoka region to the nearby lakeside communities along the Georgian Bay, these are the 13 best areas for a cottage getaway in Ontario for your next vacation, along with some of the best rentals available in each destination.
A Quick Look At The 13 Cottage Getaways In Ontario
The 13 Best Cottage Getaways Ontario
1. Kawartha Lakes
Set within the beautiful natural landscapes of south-central Ontario, Kawartha Lakes (also called the Kawarthas) is an idyllic grouping of various lakes that form a part of the Trent River.
Boasting plenty of natural beauty, the Kawarthas has become a premier destination within Ontario’s cottage country, with plenty of rental cottages throughout its dense forested areas and along its various lakeshores.
While the area’s cottages offer a welcome escape from city life, Kawartha Lakes is also full of outdoor adventures for those seeking a more active getaway. Hiking and biking trails are abundant in the region, while the nearby lakes make for fantastic watersports or a relaxing fishing trip.
Best Cottage Rentals In Kawartha Lakes
Cottage: Dream Lakehouse Getaway In the Kawarthas
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 5 Bedrooms | 18 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | 3 Bathrooms | Lake View | Living Area | Outdoor BBQ | Billiards
Cottage: Thunderbird Farm
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 6 Bedrooms | 14 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | 5 Bathrooms | Hot Tub | Outdoor Pool | Games Room | Outdoor BBQ
Cottage: Luxury Private Lakehouse
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 3 Bedrooms | 8 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | 3 Bathrooms | Private Beach Area | Balcony
2. Georgian Bay
If you are looking for a surreal lakeside location for your Ontario cottage rental, it doesn’t get much better than the eastern shores of the Georgian Bay. Comprising the northeastern arm of Lake Huron, Georgian Bay promises awe-inspiring lakeside landscapes, promising plenty of outdoor adventures along its forested shores and within its mesmerizing waters.
Home to over 30,000 islands and 2,000 km of shoreline, the Georgian Bay is huge. And while cottage rentals can be found throughout its various regions, the following are just some of the most relaxing and luxurious lakeside getaways in the area.
Best Cottage Rentals In Georgian Bay
Cottage: Georgian Bay Cottage
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 4 Bedrooms | 9 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | 2 Bathrooms | Washing Machine | Balcony
Cottage: Cottages at Katawoda
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 1 Bedroom | 4 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | 1 Bathroom | Lake View | BBQ | Beach Access
Cottage: Luxury Villa Overlooking Georgian Bay
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 7 Bedrooms | 16 Guests
Top Amenities: Large Kitchen | 4 Bathrooms | Stone Fireplace | Spacious Balcony | Lake View
3. Parry Sound
Nestled between the Georgian Bay and the Muskoka area, Parry Sound promises a quieter retreat while boasting the breathtaking wonders of these more popular Ontario cottage destinations.
Visitors looking to spend the day admiring the water’s edge need only head to the nearby lake, where they can escape the summer heat with a soothing dip, take to the waters along a fishing trip or partake in various water sports.
Meanwhile, those looking to explore the great outdoors of the surrounding environment will not be disappointed, as the region promises many hiking and biking trails that weave their way through the region’s most pristine landscapes.
Best Cottage Rentals In Parry Sound
Cottage: Luxury Waterfront Cottage
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 3 Bedrooms | 7 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | 2 Bathrooms | Private Beach Area | BBQ | Water Sports
Cottage: Lake Sound Cottage
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 3 Bedrooms | 7 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | 2 Bathrooms | Private Beach Area | Log Cabin Design | Lake Views
4. Bruce Peninsula
A breathtaking peninsula of untouched beauty reaching up from southern Ontario, the Bruce Peninsula separates the Georgian Bay on its eastern shores from Lake Huron to its west, promising double the surreal settings of two lakeside havens.
Home to several parks and the famous Tobermory camping hot spot at its northern peak, the Bruce Peninsula is the perfect region for outdoor lovers. And while the selection of rentals isn’t as abundant as in other cottage regions in Ontario, it does offer a selection of some of the province’s best.
Whether coming for the hikes or looking to unwind in your own corner of paradise, the following are just some of the Cottage getaways in Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula.
Best Cottage Rentals In Bruce Peninsula
Cottage: Stone Cove Waterfront Adults Only B&B
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: King Room | 2 Guests
Top Amenities: Private Bathroom | Outdoor Fire Pit | Kitchenette | Fireplace
Cottage: Spry Church Cozy Cottage
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 2 Bedrooms | 4 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | 1 Bathroom | Outdoor Fireplace | BBQ | Private Patio
Cottage: Lake Huron Cottage
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 2 Bedrooms | 4 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | 1 Bathroom | Fireplace | Outdoor BBQ
5. Prince Edward County
Located two hours east of Toronto, Prince Edward County is one of the best cottage getaways Ontario offers, and is the perfect destination for family gatherings or even a romantic getaway.
Set along the shores of Lake Ontario, Prince Edward County is a heavenly retreat full of sandy beaches, sweeping vineyards and wineries, and small towns full of boutique shops and quaint local restaurants.
The following are some of the best cottage rentals in Prince Edward County for escaping to the region’s slower pace of living and laid-back lifestyles.
Best Cottage Rentals In Prince Edward County
Cottage: Entire Waterfront Cottage in Carrying Place
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 3 Bedrooms | 6 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | 2 Bathrooms | Hot Tub | Private Beach Area | BBQ | Canoes
Cottage: Loyalist Lake House With Private Beach
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 4 Bedrooms | 8 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | Indoor Fireplace | BBQ
Cottage: Urban Cabin in Downtown Picton
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 2 Bedrooms | 4 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | 1 Bathroom | Flat-Screen TV with Streaming Services
6. Lake Simcoe
Located just west of Kawartha Lakes, Lake Simcoe is one of the premier cottage getaways Ontario offers and promises a soothing year-round retreat full of outdoor activities and laid-back merriment.
Throughout the summer months, Lake Simcoe is all about its water sports, which include boating, fishing, jet skiing, and water skiing. However, the winters in the area are equally as beautiful, with the frozen lake serving as a winter wonderland and becoming the ice-fishing capital of North America.
Whether visiting for the summer thrills or the winter escapes, the following are some of the best cottage getaways in Ontario’s Lake Simcoe.
Best Cottage Rentals In Lake Simcoe
Cottage: Cozy Cottage With Lake View
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 2 Bedrooms | 6 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | 1 Bathroom | Outdoor BBQ | Media Room with Xbox 360 and Streaming Services
Cottage: Heritage Style Cottage by the Lake
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 6 Bedrooms | 11 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | 3 Bathrooms | Indoor/Outdoor Fireplace | BBQ | Hot Tub | Water Activities
Cottage: Southlake Cottage On The Lake
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 3 Bedroom | 6 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | Water Sports | BBQ | Private Beach Area | Flat-Screen TV with Streaming Services
7. Muskoka Lakes
Officially known as Ontario’s cottage country, Muskoka Lakes is the go-to cottage area for booking a retreat to Canada’s wildernesses. The only drawback is that the region’s popularity has grown to the extent of attracting busier crowds and warranting higher nightly rates throughout the touristy summer months.
Still, with over 1,600 lakes and dense natural forests, Muskoka promises plenty of space for escaping the crowds for a soothing immersion into the untouched landscapes of northern Ontario.
The following are some of the best cottage rentals in Muskoka for exploring everything the region offers, from kayaking its beautiful waterways to hiking its intrepid trails.
Best Cottage Rentals In Muskoka Lakes
Cottage: Moon River Main 7
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 3 Bedrooms | 8 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | BBQ | Laundry Room
Cottage: Private 5-Bedroom Cottage
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 5 Bedrooms | 14 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | 2 Bathrooms | BBQ | Canoes | Spacious Patio
Cottage: Lake Muskoka Lakehouse
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 6 Bedrooms | 16 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | BBQ | Beachfront Access | Indoor Fireplace
8. Bon Echo Provincial Park
Located in eastern Ontario, Bon Echo Provincial Parks makes for a fantastic cottage getaway in Ontario, complete with breathtaking natural landscapes of protected forest-lined lakes.
Top attractions within the park include the 100-metre-high Mazinaw Rock, which boasts over 260 indigenous pictographs, as well as several hiking trails and water routes weaving their way through the park.
While camping and RVing are popular ways to stay onsite, the best way to explore the park while embracing modern comforts is by renting a cozy cabin available throughout the surrounding countryside.
Best Cottage Rentals In Bon Echo Provincial Park
Cottage: Trail End Cottage in 8 Acre Land
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 2 Bedrooms | 5 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | BBQ | Outdoor Patio
Cottage: Four Season Cottage
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 2 Bedroom | 6 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | 2 Bathrooms | Wood Burning Sauna | Outdoor Fireplace | BBQ | Beachfront Access
Cottage: Willow Cabin – North Frontenac Lodge
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 3 Bedrooms | 7 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | Hot Tub | Indoor Fireplace | BBQ
9. Haliburton County
Set to the northeast of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County is one of the most beautiful regions in central Ontario and promises a welcome escape for all nature lovers. Famous for its outdoor adventures, popular activities in this region include mountain biking, kayaking, and various winter sports.
From some of the province’s best hiking trails through the Haliburton Forest to secluded lakes perfect for a quiet day on the water, Haliburton County offers something for everybody, along with some of the best Ontario cottage rentals, which you will find below.
Best Cottage Rentals In Haliburton County
Cottage: Norman’s Landing Cottage
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 3 Bedrooms | 5 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | Indoor Fireplace | BBQ | Water Sports | Beach
Cottage: Spacious Place With Lakeside Fun
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 5 Bedrooms | 14 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | 2 Bathrooms | BBQ | Spacious Balcony
Cottage: Silver Springs Cottage Resort
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 4 Options. Up to 3 Bedrooms | 5 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | BBQ | Water Sports | Beach Access | Outdoor Fireplace
10. Almaguin Highlands
Set between Algonquin Provincial Park and Parry Sound, Almaguin Highlands promises a quiet setting for a soothing retreat to the Canadian wilderness free from the heavy tourism that can occur at some of the province’s more popular cottage destinations.
Still, despite not boasting the same tourist volume, the Almaguin Highlands are no less beautiful and promise breathtaking forest-covered landscapes and thousands of lakes for finding your own slice of paradise, be it hiking through its forested hills or taking to the water for a fishing trip or boating.
Best Cottage Rentals In Almaguin Highlands
Cottage: Everyday Bay
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 5 Bedrooms | 16 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | Outdoor Pool | Indoor Fireplace | BBQ | Hot Tub
Cottage: Ahmic Lake Resort Cottages
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 6 Options. Up To 5 Bedrooms | 14 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | Water Sports | Outdoor Fireplace | Hot Tub | Onsite Restaurant | BBQ
11. Thousand Islands
Comprising over 1,800 islands along the Canadian-US border in eastern Ontario, the Thousand Islands were once a luxurious retreat destination exclusively for the rich and famous during much of the 19th century.
Today, however, the islands are accessible to just about anybody and provide a wondrous escape to a breathtaking archipelago just a short drive from Toronto. Combining natural forested landscapes, pristine lakes, and a blend of history, this destination is a great spot for your cottage getaway in Ontario.
Best Cottage Rentals In Thousand Islands
Cottage: Headlands Airbnb
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 3 Bedrooms | 8 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | Outdoor Fireplace | BBQ | Media Room with Game Console and Streaming Services
Cottage: Angel Rock Waterfront Cottages
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: Several Cottage Options Up To 5 Bedrooms | 12 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | Outdoor Fireplace | Water Sports | Outdoor Pool | Kid’s Playground
12. Rideau Lakes
Located to the south of Ottawa, Rideau Lakes is another beautiful but lesser-known cottage destination in Ontario, promising a soothing retreat to the countryside surrounded by thousands of lakes and sweeping forests.
Water sports, hiking, and biking are all popular activities. Meanwhile, the area also boasts plenty of small towns full of boutique shops, art galleries, and local pubs for immersing in the quieter lifestyles of the countryside villages.
Below are some of the best rentals for Rideau Lakes cottage getaways in Ontario.
Best Cottage Rentals In Rideau Lakes
Cottage: Q Estate Pool Cottage
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 2 or 3 Bedrooms | 6 Guests (two different cottages)
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | Outdoor Pool | BBQ | Lake View
Cottage: Cobblestone Cottages
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 2 Bedrooms | 4 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | 1 bathroom | Outdoor Pool
Cottage: Waterfront Open Concept Dream Cottage
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: Family Room Unit | 8 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | Hot Tub | Patio | BBQ
13. Southwestern Ontario
While most people head to eastern or northern Ontario for their cottage getaway, several cottage destinations can be found in the province’s southwestern region for people looking for a quick escape or weekend holiday.
While small-town cottages can be found in several communities throughout the Ontario Peninsula, the best cottage towns in the region include Grand Bend, Port Stanley, and Blenheim.
So, if you are looking for a cozy cabin rental without having to make the extended drive, check out the Ontario cottage getaways listed below.
Best Cottage Rentals In Southwestern Ontario
Cottage: Cozy Cottage Retreat – Lambton Shores
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 1 Bedroom | 2 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | Outdoor Fireplace | BBQ | Hot Tub | Tennis Court
Cottage: Grey Cottage in Port – Port Stanley
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 3 Bedroom | 5 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | Indoor Fireplace | BBQ | Beach
Cottage: Cozy three-bedroom Lakefront Cottages
Bedrooms | Max Occupancy: 3 Bedrooms | 6 Guests
Top Amenities: Full Kitchen | BBQ | Lakefront
