10 Easy Cottage Meals to Make

Spending time at the cottage is all about relaxation and enjoying the great outdoors. If you want to avoid being stuck in the kitchen for hours, we can help. This guide provides ten easy and delicious cottage meals that are quick to prepare, allowing you more time to unwind and enjoy your surroundings.

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Snacks

Dessert

 

 

Breakfast

Breakfast is known to many as “the most important meal of the day,” essential for fueling up to provide energy for the day’s activities and adventures.

Pancake Breakfast

Pancakes are a classic and easy breakfast option, fun for kids and a treat for the grown-ups alike. There are many variations on the classic pancake, like blueberries, chocolate chips, and bananas. They go great topped with berries, syrup, whipped cream, butter, peanut butter and jam, and can be incorporated as a fun addition to a classic bacon and eggs breakfast. You can use a pancake mix for convenience, or make your own classic mix with flour, eggs, milk, and water. They’re even great for people with special diets, because the ingredients can be altered to suit those with allergies or preferences towards dairy free, gluten free, and even low carb diets. 

Ingredients:

  • Pancake mix
  • Water or milk
  • Toppings: fresh berries, maple syrup, butter

Instructions:

  1. 1. Combine the pancake mix with water or milk according to the package instructions.
  2. 2. Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease.
  3. 3. Pour batter onto the griddle and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
  4. 4. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Breakfast Burritos

For a savoury, filling, and customizable breakfast that can easily be taken to go, burritos are a classic choice. As an edible wrap, tortillas keep all your ingredients together, and make eating on the go simple. There are some classic ingredients, listed below, but make them according to your taste for a great start to the day. 

Ingredients:

  • Tortillas
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Cooked bacon or sausage, or other protein
  • Shredded cheese
  • Salsa
  • Veggies
  • Rice
  • Beans
  • Avocado
  • Sauces

Instructions:

  1. 1. Scramble the eggs and cook the bacon or sausage.
  2. 2. Warm the tortillas in a pan.
  3. 3. Fill the tortillas with eggs, meat, cheese, and salsa.
  4. 4. Roll up the burritos and serve.

Make-ahead Tips: Wrap burritos in foil and reheat them on the grill or in the oven.

Lunch

The midday meal, lunch options are numerous and varied. At the cottage, the ideal lunch is eaten outside on a patio or picnic table, maybe by the water, with a shade umbrella giving shade from the strong sun.

 

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

This classic is a comforting and quick meal that almost everyone loves. (It might not be the best choice for those that don’t like tomatoes.) It’s easy to make, and has that nostalgic element, as well as the fun part of dipping your sandwich in the soup. The recipe and ingredients we’ve provided are for the most convenient and simple way to make it, but you can spruce it up however you like, with artisanal bread and cheeses, adding toppings like bacon, and herbs like parsley and oregano. 

Ingredients:

  • Bread
  • Butter
  • Cheese slices
  • Canned tomato soup

Instructions:

  1. 1. Butter the bread and place cheese slices between two slices.
  2. 2. Grill the sandwich in a pan until golden brown on both sides.
  3. 3. Heat the tomato soup according to the can instructions.
  4. 4. Serve the grilled cheese with a bowl of tomato soup.

 

Summer Salad with Grilled Chicken

This light and refreshing option is great for those that want to stay active in the afternoon and not slip into a food coma, as it’s packed with protein and fibre, and light on the carbs. .

Ingredients:

  • Mixed greens
  • Grilled chicken breast
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Any other of your favourite vegetables 
  • Feta cheese
  • Balsamic vinaigrette or your dressing of choice
  • Toppings like nuts, seeds, berries, nutritional yeast

Instructions:

  1. 1. Grill the chicken breast and slice it thinly.
  2. 2. Toss the mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese.
  3. 3. Top with grilled chicken and drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.

Dinner

BBQ Burgers

Many cottage rentals include a barbeque for guests to use, and no better way to spend an evening at the cottage than a burger cookout on the porch. A vacation classic, easy to prepare and customize, and suitable for most types of diets with the availability of veggie burgers, vegan cheeses, and gluten free buns.

Ingredients:

  • Ground beef or turkey
  • Burger buns
  • Cheese slices
  • Lettuce, tomato, onion
  • Any other toppings, like pickles, grilled onions and mushrooms, avocado – whatever you want!
  • Condiments like ketchup, mustard, relish, mayonnaise

Instructions:

  1. 1. Form the ground meat into patties. 
  2. 2. Grill the patties over medium-high heat until cooked to your preference.
  3. 3. Toast the buns on the grill.
  4. 4. Assemble the burgers with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and condiments.

Variations and Toppings: Try adding bacon, avocado, or different cheeses.

One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp

This seafood dish is a simple and flavourful dinner option, and the general idea can be used for different types of protein. Pair with a side of vegetables and some rice for a healthy, balanced, and delicious meal. 

Ingredients:

  • Shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Lemon
  • Garlic, minced
  • Olive oil
  • Parsley

Instructions:

  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2. Toss the shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley.
  3. 3. Spread the shrimp on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
  4. 4. Serve with a side of rice or crusty bread.

Veggie Stir-Fry

This healthy dinner option can be easily customized by using any of your favourite vegetables, sauces, and condiments. 

Ingredients:

  • Mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
  • Soy sauce
  • Garlic, minced
  • Ginger, grated
  • Rice or noodles
  • Extras like baby corn, water chestnuts, heart of palm
  • Sauces like oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, teriyaki sauces
  • Protein like shrimp, chicken, beef, tofu

Instructions:

  1. 1. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. 2. Add garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for 1 minute.
  3. 3. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
  4. 4. Add soy sauce to taste and stir until evenly coated.
  5. 5. Serve over rice or noodles.

Snacks

For between meals, snacks are essential to keep energy levels high for all the activities and adventures a cottage stay includes.

Homemade Trail Mix

Trail mix is a great snack to have on hand, whether for active adventures like hikes, or just when lazing at the beach or by the pool. No matter the occasion, you can’t go wrong with a healthy handful of nuts and seeds with some chocolatey treats.

Ingredients:

  • Nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts)
  • Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
  • Chocolate chips or M&Ms
  • Pretzels or cereal

Instructions:

  1. 1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. 2. Store in airtight containers or portions into snack-sized bags in a cool, dry place.

Caprese Skewers

This tomato and cheese snack is a fresh and easy one that’s perfect for hot days. Leave it simple, or dress it up with some prosciutto or anything else you desire. 

Ingredients:

  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Fresh mozzarella balls
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Balsamic glaze
  • Sprinkle of sea salt

Instructions:

  1. 1. Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers.
  2. 2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Dessert

S’mores Dip

This is a fun take on the classic campfire snack. It’s an easy dessert to prepare that anyone with a sweet tooth will love.

Ingredients:

  • Chocolate chips
  • Marshmallows
  • Graham crackers for dipping

Instructions:

  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2. Spread chocolate chips in the bottom of a cast-iron skillet or baking dish.
  3. 3. Top with a layer of marshmallows.
  4. 4. Bake until the marshmallows are golden brown and the chocolate is melted, about 10-12 minutes.
  5. 5. Serve with graham crackers for dipping.

Tips for Serving: Use different types of chocolate or add a layer of peanut butter for a twist.

These easy cottage meals are designed to make your time at the cottage enjoyable and stress-free. With minimal prep and delicious results, you’ll have more time to relax and savor the beauty of your surroundings. Enjoy these simple, tasty dishes with family and friends, and make the most of your cottage getaway!

Having a cottage meal can only happen if you’re in a cottage! Browse a list of available cottages for rent in Ontario’s beautiful countryside, as well as our wealth of information that can help you plan your perfect cottage vacation. If we can help in any way, please send us an email or give us a call. Happy planning!

 

More Reading on Cottage Vacation Planning:

The Ultimate Cottage Packing List

What to Do When it’s Raining on Vacation at the Cottage

Dog Safety Tips for Cottage Country

Cottage vs Cabin: Differences Between Vacation Homes

 

Year-Round Fun: Cottages in Haliburton for Every Season

Haliburton is a county of Ontario, Canada, known as a tourist and cottage area in Central Ontario for its scenery and for its resident artists. It has three main regions: Algonquin Highlands, Highlands East, and Minden Hills. The county borders Algonquin Provincial Park on the north. With an abundance of beautiful lakes, dense forests, and charming small-town allure, it’s an idyllic destination for cottage getaway. There are many different activities to enjoy, such as fishing, water sports, hiking, and lounging on one of the many beautiful lakeside beaches. Check out one of our beautiful cottages to rent for your Haliburton vacation.

  1. 1.Princess Margaret Lottery Cottage
  2. 2.Sunny Pines Cottage on Beech Lake
  3. 3.Kawagama Lake
  4. 4.Glamor Lake
  5. 5.Colbourne Lake
  6.  6.Trapper’s Point Lodge
  7. 7.The Forset Castle
  8. 8.Grace Lake

1/8.

Princess Margaret Lottery Cottage

This 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom Princess Margaret Lottery cottage is on the shores of Horseshoe Lake near Minden and 20 minutes from the town of Haliburton, with walk out access to the water and a large yard. There’s a gas fireplace on the main level, an electric fireplace on the lower level, a 3 season Muskoka Room, a propane barbeque, outdoor fire pit, and a canoe and kayak. 

Rent from $650 / night

2/8.

Sunny Pines Cottage on Beech Lake

The Sunny Pines Cottage on Beech Lake, 5 minutes from Carnarvon, 15 minutes to Minden or Haliburton, and 30 minutes to Dorset, is a comfortable 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1500 square foot lakefront retreat with 100 feet of waterfront. Amenities include a gas fireplace, board games, croquet, a barbeque, an outdoor dining table and fire pit, and on the water there’s a dock, lily pad, canoe, two kayaks, and two paddle boards.

Rent from $540 / night

3/8.

Kawagama Lake

This 3 bedroom, 1 bath, 1350 square feet Viceroy on Kawagama Lake, 10 minutes from the Dorset and a half hour from Huntsville and Bracebridge, has an indoor fireplace, a wall of windows, Muskoka room, and two decks, an upper and lower, overlooking the lake. There’s a wood fireplace, a barbeque and dining table on the deck, outdoor fire pit, and, on the water, an L-shaped dock with a swim ladder, two kayaks and a stand up paddle board.

Rent from $357 / night

4/8.

Glamor Lake

This 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom house, is a 10 minute drive to the town of Gooderham and 20 minutes to Kinmount and Haliburton. It was completed in 2023, and, with a cozy atmosphere created from stone finishes, open concept gathering and outside spaces, overlooks Glamor Lake from its wall of windows. Some amenities include a gas fireplace, barbeque, patio dining table, outdoor fire pit, lawn games, a private dock, a canoe, and two kayaks. There’s a public boat launch on the north side of the lake. 

Rent from $600 / night

5/8.

Colbourne Lake

Built in 2005,  this gorgeous 4-season, 2,600 square foot, 4 bedroom “True North Log Homes” cottage overlooks Colbourne Lake in the Haliburton Highlands. Located about 15 minutes from the village of Cardiff and 30 minutes from the town of Haliburton, to get to the house, you take a long private driveway through the middle of the property’s 26 acres. It is centrally located for day trips to Muskoka, Algonquin Park, and Peterborough.The interior main level of the cottage is a spacious open concept kitchen/dining/living area finished with wood clad walls and wood clad ceilings with rustic wood beams, rich engineered hardwood floorings and comfortable furnishings throughout. Three walls of large picture windows and glass doors fill the entire space with soft natural lighting and the glass doors enable direct walk-out to the cottage’s large covered wrap-around deck and open side deck. There are four fireplaces: a wood fireplace in the main level living room, and 3 propane fireplaces in bedrooms. Outside, there’s a covered deck, patio dining table with 4 chairs and umbrella on deck, and a  fire bowl with four Muskoka chairs. By the water, there’s a private boat launch on property, two ramps to the dock with a swim ladder, two Muskoka chairs, a 16 ft. canoe, a 10 ft. kayak, a stand up paddle board and a 5 person pedal boat. The beach consists of shallow hard packed sand and gravel with 300 feet of natural shoreline. Fishing is excellent with bass and trout being your most likely catch. Nearby, there are private hiking trails and an original century old log cabin to check out not too far from the current cottage. In the winter, there is snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and an E-trail for ATV riding and snowmobiling at the end of the long private driveway.

Rent from $669 / night

6/8.

Trapper’s Point Lodge

This custom-built, 4 bedroom, 3,300 square foot log cottage, named “Trapper’s Point Lodge” is on 50 acres of land on the shores of Slipper Lake, 25 minutes from the village of Dorset on the shores of the Lake of Bays. This cottage is extremely private, with only two other cottages on the whole lake, working out to 2,500 feet of private water frontage. It is located on a point of land allowing for all day sun. The spacious interior has plenty of ambient light from the multitude of windows throughout, with pine floors, pine and log walls and comfy furnishings. There is a fireplace in the living room, and a screened-in Muskoka room. On the deck is a propane barbeque, and outside is a fire pit, a lakeside gazebo, a dock with a ramp, a swim ladder, swim raft, five wood chairs, and a rowboat, canoe, two kayaks, and two paddle boards to use.

Rent from $843 / night

7/8.

The Forest Castle

The Forest Castle is the name of this custom built, 5 bedroom, 3 storey lake house on 67+ acre property along Otter Lake, 20 minutes to the town of Minden, 25 minutes to Rosedale, and a half hour to Haliburton. Inside, the wall of windows stretching to the peak of the vaulted ceiling in the great room face south, allowing tons of natural light. There is a wood burning fireplace in the living room, and the kitchen even has a built-in espresso machine. The lower level has a pool table, electric fireplace, and walk out access to the hot tub overlooking the lake. The large wrap around deck overlooks the grounds, and has a barbeque and outdoor dining area. Outside, there’s an outdoor fire pit, lawn games, a long dock with four Muskoka chairs, a kayak and a paddle boat. Nearby, the Haliburton Highlands has much to offer nature lovers and adventurers, including the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve, Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre and Haliburton Skyline Park. For the avid paddlers, check out the Minden Whitewater Preserve with 100 acres of park to walk near some of Canada’s best rapids. There are also 3 km of biking trails available in summer. 

Rent from $500 / night

8/8.

Grace Lake

This wonderful 5 bedroom cottage is located near town at the end of a quiet lane on a large, flat 2 acre lot on Grace Lake, a 5 minute drive from the town of Wilberforce and 30 minutes from either Haliburton or Bancroft. It has 300 feet of sandy and shallow swimming, and is bordered on one side by a natural creek and wetlands where fish, frogs and other wildlife are often spotted, and tall trees tower overhead providing some shade.  Inside, the great room has a vaulted ceiling, tall windows overlooking the lake, large-screen TV, and a lovely stone fireplace. Downstairs, the family room offers its own lake views, with a spacious conversation area, a second TV, woodstove, and games area with a six-person card table, foosball, and shuffleboard table. The large wraparound deck has a barbeque, picnic tables, and Muskoka chairs for you to sit back, relax and enjoy the lake and creek views. Outside, there’s a fire pit, wooden Muskoka chairs, and three picnic tables. By the water there’s a dock and swim raft with ladder, a canoe, and an aluminum boat with oars.

Rent from $739 / night

Booking a cottage is the first step in planning your Haliburton vacation. Next is your itinerary and activities. With so much to do, see, and experience, Halibrton has something for everyone. Explore cottage country with ease, and we have lots of information that can help you plan your perfect cottage vacation. If we can help in any way, please send us an email or give us a call.

More Reading on Cottage Vacation Planning:

The Ultimate Cottage Packing List

What to Do When it’s Raining on Vacation at the Cottage

Dog Safety Tips for Cottage Country

Cottage vs Cabin: Differences Between Vacation Homes

Affordable Cabin Rentals Near Toronto: Budget-Friendly Getaways

The province of Ontario is renowned for having some of the most pristine and luscious countryside in the world. If you live in Toronto, you don’t have to drive far to experience it, as just outside of the city are an abundance of beautiful areas to explore. Here is a list of affordable places to rent close by for an excursion into Ontario’s beautiful countryside.

  1. 1.Muskoka River
  2. 2.Lake Simcoe
  3. 3.Friday Harbour Condo
  4. 4.Lake Couchiching
  5. 5.Walker Lake
  6. 6.Echo Lake
  7. 7.Kahshe Lake – Boat Access Only
  8.  8.Wildcat Lake
  9. 9.Bird Lake
  10. 10.Six Mile Smiles

1/10.

Muskoka River

This 2 bedroom, 4 bed cottage with 995 square feet of living space is on 1.4 acres with 110 feet of waterfront along the Muskoka River. It is just 10 minutes from Baysville, 25 minutes from Huntsville and Bracebridge, and 40 minutes from Algonquin Park and Santa’s Village. Amenities include indoor fireplace / woodstove, a barbeque, hammock, patio lounge set on deck, outdoor fire pit, boat launch dock with swim ladder, a kayak, and a canoe.

 

Rent from $351 / night

 

 

2/10.

Lake Simcoe

This waterfront 2 bedroom cottage located on the north end of Lake Simcoe, just east of Orillia, has an open kitchen/dining/living area with lovely views out to the lake through the floor to ceiling windows. The living room has a propane fireplace and plenty of seating for gathering or for watching a movie. Outside, the deck area provides a great view out over the lake, a barbeque, outdoor dining table and sitting chairs, and a fire pit. There’s a flat level lawn right to the water, a long dock, and a small sandy beach area. The water is quite shallow for a long way out with beautiful hard packed sand. There’s also a paddleboat, canoe, and two kayaks to enjoy. There’s a boat launch and boat rentals at 3 marinas close by. 

Rent from $264 / night

 

 

 

3/10.

Friday Harbour Condo

This “cottage” is a townhome 20 minutes from the City of Barrie . It has two levels, with unique unobstructed views of the harbour, open water and boardwalk from both. 

The primary bedroom features a queen bed, the second bedroom includes two single beds, and the third bedroom doubles as an entertainment room with a television and double bed pull out couch. It is located in Friday Harbour Resort in Innisfil. The resort is located on 600 acres, and blends natural landscapes with modern urban amenities. There is a 200-acre nature preserve, over 7 km of trails wind through forests and wetlands, vibrant festivals, exciting nightlife, and a variety of restaurants and cafes. 

 

Rent from $400 / night

 

Vacation Planning:

The Ultimate Cottage Packing List

What to Do When it’s Raining on Vacation at the Cottage

Dog Safety Tips for Cottage Country

Cottage vs Cabin: Differences Between Vacation Homes

 

4/10.

Lake Couchiching

This newly built, 1400 square foot 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage is located on the shores of Cumberland Beach on the north end of Lake Couchiching, 5 minutes from the small town of Washago, just north of Orillia. There are sunset lake views from the primary bedroom, open concept living areas, and patio. The gently sloping and well-manicured lawn is elevated from the water, leading to a gradual drop off into a shallow, sand-bottom lake that is part of the famous Trent-Severn waterway. Some other amenities include an indoor fireplace / woodstove, outdoor fire pit, partially covered deck with a propane barbeque and patio dining set and lounge set, lawn games like badminton, volleyball, and bocce ball, and a dock with a canoe, 

 

Rent from $500 / night

 

 

 

5/10.

Walker Lake

This four bedroom, two bathroom cottage on Walker Lake on the edge of Lake of Bays just ten minutes from Huntsville, has stunning lake views through the wall of windows, bathing the home in natural light. Some amenities include a foosball table, fireplace, a barbeque, patio dining table and picnic table, outdoor fire pit, volleyball and badminton, a dock on the lake,a canoe, kayak, and two stand up paddle boards.

 

Rent from $540 / night

 

 

6/10.

Echo Lake

This 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2200 square foot, single story cottage on Echo Lake in the town of Baysville, 10 minutes from Huntsville, has a warm, inviting space with charming character, picturesque lake views, and a gentle sloping entry to a shallow, sandy beach. There is a screened Muskoka Room, wood fireplace, propane barbeque, a patio dining set with 6 chairs, picnic table, a dock with a small boat launch, a canoe, inflatable kayak, and two stand up paddle boards.

 

Rent from $429 / night

 

 

7/10.

Kahshe Lake – Boat Access Only

This boat access only cottage is located on Kahshe Lake, 15 minutes from Gravenhurst and a 5 minute boat ride from Denne’s Marina. Located on a point surrounded by gorgeous pine trees, this two bedroom cottage also has a pull-out couch in the living room for extra sleeping, a washer & dryer and spare fridge, an indoor wood stove, and a barbeque and outdoor dining set. Outside is a hard ripple sand beach with a boat launch and views of Wolf Island.

 

Rent from $179 / night

 

 

8/10.

Wildcat Lake

This 6 bedroom, 3,500 plus square foot country chalet cabin, finished basement and bunkie sites on the shores of Wildcat Lake near the towns of Baysville and Dorset, and 30 minutes away from Huntsville and Bracebridge.  It features a full wood interior with exposed beams and vaulted ceiling that overlooks the lake. The living room has floor to ceiling apex windows facing the lake, and a stone wall fireplace. The lower level has a home theater style setup with deep leather reclining chairs, a retro arcade game, ping pong table and dart board. Outside there’s beach volleyball, a barbeque, outdoor fire pit, a dock with a swim ladder, and a canoe, kayak, and peddle boat. There is lots to do in the area, with local favourites like Humble Pie, the original Lake of Bays Brewery, or ice cream from Miss Nelles. There are also several golf courses nearby.

 

Rent from $786 / night

 

Explore Muskoka:

Why Muskoka Is Such A Popular Destination

Things to Do in Muskoka: A Year-Round Guide to Vacation Activities

Muskoka Golf Guide

Muskoka Boat Rentals: How to Rent a Boat in Muskoka

The Wildlife of Ontario’s Cottage Country

 

 

9/10.

Bird Lake

The layout of this 1,750 square foot, 3 bedroom bungalow cottage on 1.8 acres of well-treed land along 245 feet of water frontage on Bird Lake near Bracebridge is a long and wide single level, with most rooms facing out to the water with stunning views of the lake. Inside has tongue and groove pine cathedral ceilings, skylights and floor to ceiling windows in the great room, with a spacious open-concept kitchen/dining/living room bright yet warm and inviting. There’s an indoor fireplace / woodstove, large screened-in Muskoka room with patio furniture and a hammock, a deck, barbeque, outdoor fire pit, and a private dock with a canoe, and three kayaks. The lake is known for good fishing with bass and perch, and on the other side of the road there is Bigwind Lake where you can find more species of fish such as walleye and trout. 

 

Rent from $500 / night

 

 

10/10.

Six Mile Smiles

This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1300 square foot lakeside known as Six Mile Smiles is located on Six Mile Lake near the towns of Mactier, Bala, and Port Severn. Bala  is home to a collection of local artisans and the infamous Kee to Bala concert area is definitely worth the trip. Amenities include a Muskoka Room, indoor fireplace / woodstove, large wrap around deck, a barbeque and charcoal grill, a patio dining table, picnic table, outdoor fire pit large dock, two kayaks, two canoes, a stand up paddle board, and a aluminum rowboat.

 

Rent from $657 / night

 

 

Booking a cottage is the first step in planning your cottage vacation near Toronto. Next is your itinerary and activities. With so much to do, see, and experience, there is something for everyone. Explore cottage country with ease, and we have lots of information that can help you plan your perfect cottage vacation. If we can help in any way, please send us an email or give us a call.

7 Kawartha Lakes Cottage Rentals You Don’t Want to Miss

The stunning Kawartha Lakes are a chain of lakes in south-central Ontario, Canada. They form the upper watershed of the Trent River, and form the boundary between the limestone regions of the Golden Horseshoe, and the granite Canadian Shield of northern and central Ontario. Hiking in the picturesque trails and enjoying the sun at one of the many beaches are two popular activities in the Kawarthas. The region is also home to an eclectic group of towns rich with Canadian history like Kinmount, Bobcaygeon, and Minden. If you’re excited to explore this beautiful region, we have curated a list of 7 Kawartha Lakes cottages.

  1. 1.Oak Lake
  2. 2.Fenelon Falls Retreat
  3. 3.Trent River Shores
  4. 4.Crystal Lake Shoreline
  5. 5.Big Cedar Lake
  6. 6.Crego Lake
  7. 7.Balsam Lake

1/7.

Oak Lake

This 1200 square foot, single story cottage, nestled amongst the trees and rock on 1/3 acre of private property just outside of Peterborough, 20 minutes North of Havelock and less than 2 hours from Toronto, overlooks Oak Lake. Built in 2005 and completely renovated in 2022, it has 3 bedrooms, open concept dining-living-kitchen, and two full bathrooms, a fireplace, and high end kitchen appliances. With a north-west exposure, you’ll enjoy the sun all day long. Outside, the deck has glass railings and a barbeque, there’s a fire pit on the rock patio, and the shoreline is rocky and sandy, with access to the dock and 9 feet of deep, clear water off the end.

Rent from $464 / night

 

 

2/7.

Fenelon Falls Retreat

This immaculate, newly built, lakeside retreat at the Fenelon Lakes Club is the perfect place to call your next getaway. It is a 3 minute drive to downtown Fenelon Falls and 15 minutes to Bobcaygeon. As part of a luxury waterfront community, you’ll enjoy access to a unique experience on the shore of Cameron Lake. This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom unit is located just steps away from the lake and only a three minute drive to downtown Fenelon Falls. There’s a gas fireplace, and on the balcony outside, a propane barbecue and outdoor dining table. Walk 5 minutes from the condo to get to the public beach just down the road.

Rent from $300 / night

 

 

 

3/7.

Trent River Shores

This 1600 square foot 3 bedroom with 4 beds and 2 bathroom cottage is located on Crowe Bay, along the shores of the Trent River, just a short drive from Campbellford, and within an hour from Peterborough. Enjoy stunning western exposure and sunset views just 20 feet from the waters edge, gentle sloping lot, perennial gardens, all day sun on the dock and beautiful sunsets over the river. A gradual entry into Crowe Bay is an ideal spot for swimming, either off the end of the dock or from the shore, and an easy way to launch the paddle board, kayak, or paddle boat. It has a private drive, ample space with two living and dining areas, an indoor fireplace, outdoor fire pit, propane barbeque, and a hot tub. 

 

Rent from $393 / night

 

4/7.

Crystal Lake Shoreline

20 minutes from the village of Kinmount and a half hour from the town of Minden, this newly renovated cottage on the shores of Crystal Lake has an open layout in the fully equipped kitchen, living room or Muskoka room, decorated with coastal hues and a soothing ambience, all with water views of its 220 feet of shoreline. It has 5 bedrooms total: 3 bedrooms in the main cottage, and 2 more, along with a kitchenette and bathroom in the bunkie with its traditional wood cabin interior just across the way. You can jump off the dock and take the paddle board for a tour around the bay. Other amenities include a barbeque, fire pit, a canoe, kayak and three stand up paddleboards, a private dock, boat launch, and more. Also, just 15 minutes away is the town of Bushkong, and Furnace Falls is a 30 minute walk away.

 

Rent from $555 / night

 

 

 

5/7.

Big Cedar Lake

20 minutes south of the town of Aspey and a half hour north of Lakefield, on Big Cedar Lake, this retro-inspired cottage has three bedrooms, including two doubles and a bunk room with a single/double bunk bed and a single/single bunk bed to comfortably accommodate families or groups of friends. There are outdoor amenities like lawn games, sun loungers, a fire pit with wood provided, a patio dining set and propane barbeque , and a private dock with a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, paddleboat, and lily pad float. There’s also a public boat launch and marina nearby. 

 

Rent from $315 / night

 

 

6/7.

Crego Lake

10 minutes from Kinmount and 20 minutes from Minden on Crego Lake, this newly renovated (2022) space has a spacious interior spanning 1400 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and panoramic lake views through expansive windows in the great room. Outdoor amenities include a barbeque and patio dining set for enjoying meals under the open sky, loungers for soaking up the sun’s rays, 2 kayaks, 3 stand-up paddle boards, a canoe, a peddle boat and a floating Lily pad. This spot is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike, as the abundance of local wildlife includes daily visits from two resident loons and charming local beavers commuting to and from their daily activities. There are also many walking trails in the surrounding 500 acres that are only available to cottagers, so you’ll have some privacy while enjoying a long stroll. 

 

Rent from $500 / night

 

 

7/7.

Balsam Lake

This charming 1300 square foot, 4 bedroom cottage with a sunroom and a separate bunkine, just outside the towns of Coboconk and Kirkfield, near Bobcaygeon, has 80 feet of waterfront along Balsam Lake. Some amenities include an indoor fireplace / wood stove sauna, barbeque, outdoor fire pit, beach volleyball court, dock with a boat launch, two youth kayaks, two tandem kayaks, two 10 ft kayaks, and two standup paddle boards. In the bunkie is a futon couch, double bed, twin bed, TV, stereo system, and pool table.

 

Rent from $468 / night

 

 

Booking a cottage is the first step in planning your Kawartha Lakes vacation. Next is your itinerary and activities. With so much to do, see, and experience, the region has something for everyone. Explore cottage country with ease, and we have lots of information that can help you plan your perfect cottage vacation. If we can help in any way, please send us an email or give us a call.

Vacation Planning:

The Ultimate Cottage Packing List

What to Do When it’s Raining on Vacation at the Cottage

Dog Safety Tips for Cottage Country

Cottage vs Cabin: Differences Between Vacation Homes

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