The term cottage country is commonly used by Canadians to describe popular regions in a province where people rent or own summer homes and cottages. Popular visitors or guests to the cottage country are usually urban dwellers looking to escape from the crowded cities and the daily grind that comes along with leading an urban lifestyle. Cottage country is blessed with scenery(of nature). Depending on where one lives in the country, one will hear the terms Cottage, Cabin, or Chalets. The most common activities include hiking, trekking, mountain biking, water based activities, and camp fires in the evening. Below are the top 10 interesting places to buy a cottage in Canada.
- Sunshine Coast, British Columbia
The Sunshine Coast lies north of Vancouver, it is a stretch of breathtaking waterside communities, forests, and mountains. Although it is a geographical part of mainland British Columbia, it appears like a cluster of islands that are remote and can be accessed via a ferry ride that’s 40 minutes long in duration. Popular activities are kayaking, swimming, mountain biking, etc. The art studios, elegant shops, and famous scrumptious restaurants go on to add to the welcoming atmosphere of this majestic place.
- Bay of Fundy/Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia
This gem of nature is home to the highest tides(recorded) in the world. One can experience the incredible tides and take a boat excursion into the Bay to watch the whales. During the low tide in Blomidon Provincial Park, one can go fossil hunting on the ocean floor. The popular cuisine in the local restaurants are fresh lobsters, scallops and mussels. The award-winning wines of Annapolis Valley is also a real treat.
- Muskoka, Ontario
Muskoka lies in the heart of Ontario’s cottage country. It is a summer paradise which is home to 1600 lakes and over 30 beaches that are accessible to the public. Some of the popular spots with tourists are – Port Carling, Bracebridge, Huntsville, Gravenhurst, etc. The natural rugged landscape like the forests, pristine lakes and rocky landscapes make Muskoka an ideal place for sports enthusiasts. Athletes can enjoy swimming, waterskiing, wakeboarding, cycling, and tree-top zip lining. Other Muskoka pastimes are – cruising the lakes, relaxing by the dockside, going to the spa. The usual fishing, boating and golf are also a part of the local pastimes here.
- Banff – Lake Louise, Alberta
Banff National Park is equally famous for its summers as it is for its winters. Millions of visitors visit this place which is blessed with the towering Rocky Mountains, glacier filled lakes, and a nearby hamlet of Lake Louise. The area is populated with cottages, lodges, inns, chalets, and campgrounds. Canoeing is a popular pastime here along with rock climbing.
- Acadian Coast, New Brunswick
This location with its sandy saltwater beaches is a vacationers paradise. Beach lovers will love the sand and dunes while indulging in summer pursuits like kite surfing, beach volleyball, swimming, etc. One can unwind for the day by experiencing the spectacular sunsets while enjoying fresh seafood in one of the many restaurants.
- Prince Edward Island
This entire Island is pretty much made up of cottage country where warm and sandy beaches are within reach. Every corner of this place is unique in its own way. The Western side is known for the majestic white beaches and is rich in Acadian and Mi’Kang cultures. The Eastern side has sand dunes which are endless. It also contains six lighthouses which can be explored. The North has stunning white beaches with red-stone cliffs.
- Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan may be known as the land of the prairies with endless wheat fields and plains but it is also home to over 10,000 lakes and rivers. It is a prime cottage destination during the summer. Tourists can visit the beaches – Katepwa and Regina or head north to the National Park. The summer activities include kayaking, horseback riding, boating, and wildlife viewing. Those who want to pamper themselves can go to the sap or enjoy a meal at one of the fine dining restaurants.
- Whiteshell Provincial Park and Victoria Beach, Manitoba
This location is made up of 2800 square kilometers of protected parkland and it is the perfect summer escape location. It is filled with forests, lakes, rivers, cottages, hiking trails, etc. Tourists can enjoy nature to the fullest. The common activities are mountain biking, fishing, water skiing, swimming, and canoeing.
- Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
This location is a popular summer retreat on the west coast. It is located between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia. Salt Spring Island caters to different interests with its numerous recreational activities, enamouring seaside villages, and art studios. The shopping consists of jewellery and interesting but unique crafts. One can go deep sea diving and get up close to eels, octopus, and starfish. A seaplane sightseeing trip of adventure may just be the right thing to get away from the land. At night one can enjoy some elegant and soulful music at a rustic campground around the campfire.
- The Laurentians, Quebec
The famous region with majestic mountains, hectares of forests, and over 9000 lakes is known for its stunning beauty. The best part of this place is it is within 20 kilometres north of Montreal. It has visitors all year around. It has the largest number of resorts in Eastern Canada. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of a lake cruise, parachute jumping, aerial zip lines, rock climbing, rafting, and water skiing. There is also golf, mountain biking, helicopter excursions, and Dune Buggy tours as well.
