If the idea of sitting out on the dock with a glass of vino while watching the sunset is appealing to you; or if you love the idea of taking your kids to the lake every summer and teaching them to fish and waterski, then cottage ownership may be something that you want to consider. In Ontario, there is no shortage of amazing areas where you can build the perfect cottage that your family can enjoy for generations to come. If you are looking for your perfect spot, you may want to consider one of these areas from our top five list!
When it comes to choosing your summer weekend getaway, Muskoka is a popular choice for those from the GTA, across the province and even North America. From breathtaking forest backdrops to beautiful flowing rivers and clean lakes, living in Muskoka provides continuous access to gorgeous and inspiring scenic views and countless opportunities for nature lovers to immerse themselves in the great outdoors. One of the biggest perks of living in the Muskoka region is the opportunity to escape the daily grind. With endless recreation opportunities (think swimming, hiking, camping in the summer and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing in the winter), cottaging in Muskoka could make it easier to create a better balance between your work and the activities that you and your family enjoy. The shops, restaurants, sports, and local events in addition to the cozy, neighbourly feeling in every town make this region downright special.
Close to Blue Mountain and Wasaga Beach, the Collingwood Coast is a lively area with a rich history. This is a particularly good cottage area for those that like to take advantage of both summer activities like beach combing and summer music festivals as well as winter activities like skiing and snowboarding. The area offers an array of water activities, museums, nightlife, craft breweries and more.
Located on the beautiful Georgian Bay in Simcoe County, this is a great area for those pine forests, rugged bedrock and even some sandy beaches thrown in for good measure. Some of the local attractions include the Jesuit Mission, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. And if you have a sweet tooth, you won’t want to miss the annual Butter tart Festival which takes place in June!
Just outside of Peterborough lies the gorgeous unspoiled cottage country area that is known as the Kawarthas. Lovers of the great outdoors flock to this area for its lakes, waterways, and wilderness areas, while foodies enjoy the area’s many bistros, pubs, and craft breweries. The Kawarthas is also conveniently located a mere 90 minutes from Toronto, so whether you wish to go up to the cottage for a week, a weekend or even just a day it’s easy to leave the city behind for a more tranquil setting.
The shallowest of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie is a draw for beachgoers who love to bodysurf as well as fishermen who can’t get enough of the lake’s famous yellow perch. Haldimand and Norfolk County are popular cottage spots – particularly areas such as Turkey Point, Port Rowan and Dunnville. Cottagers can enjoy an array of outdoor activities including cycling the many bike paths in the area, birding, hiking and water activities.
If you would like more information on building your own custom cottage, contact Graff Design Build today. We’d be happy to answer your questions and provide you with a free quote.