Why Ontario Cottage Rentals are Better Than Hotels for Family Vacations
Looking for the best family vacation in Ontario? Start with the Right Place to Stay.
When you’re planning a family getaway, your accommodations can make or break the trip. Ontario offers some incredible options—from bustling resorts to peaceful lakeside retreats—but more families are realizing that renting a cottage beats staying at a hotel in almost every way.
If you’re deciding between a hotel and a cottage rental, here’s why a cottage wins—especially when you’re traveling with kids, pets, or extended family.
More Space, more Comfort
Hotels are designed for short stays and single-room living. Families often find themselves crammed into a double queen room—or spread across multiple rooms with no real shared space.
With a family cottage rental in Ontario, you’ll enjoy:
- Multiple bedrooms (goodbye, awkward bedtime schedules)
- A full kitchen and dining area for home-cooked meals
- Living spaces for movie nights, board games, or just relaxing
- Outdoor areas for kids to run around or build a campfire
Many CottageVacations.com properties also include bunkie cabins, large decks, and private docks—perfect for larger groups or multigenerational trips.
Save Money by Renting a Cottage
It might seem like a cottage rental costs more up front—but once you add up meals, parking, and activity fees, cottages often come out ahead.
Sample 4-Night Stay for a Family of 6:
| Option | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel Stay | 3 rooms x $175 = $2,100 + dining ( |
| Cottage Rental | 3-bedroom cottage = |
Savings: ~$900
Plus, you can eat when you want, nap when you want, and plan activities at your own pace.
Privacy and Flexibility
In a cottage, there’s no need to worry about noisy hallways or checking out by 11 a.m. You can:
- Stay up late around the fire without bothering neighbours
- Sleep in without housekeeping knocking
- Set your own pace (great for families with young kids)
- Spread out without feeling confined to a single room
Many Ontario cottage rentals also include private lake access, docks, canoes, kayaks, and firepits—offering experiences that no hotel could match.
Cottages are Built for Real Family Fun
You don’t have to leave the property to have a good time. Cottage rentals in Ontario are made for making memories:
- Waterfront fun: swimming, canoeing, paddleboarding, or fishing right off the dock
- On-site fun: outdoor games, nature walks, s’mores by the fire
- Rainy-day options: game rooms, movies, baking cookies in the full kitchen
- Pet-friendly options: no need to book a kennel or sitter—bring the family dog along
Looking for pet-friendly cottages in Ontario?
Nearby Attractions for Every Interest
Most family-friendly cottages are close to local attractions like:
- Arrowhead & Algonquin Provincial Parks (hiking, beaches, waterfalls)
- Santa’s Village in Bracebridge
- Tree-top trekking, mini-putt, or farmer’s markets in Muskoka, Haliburton, and the Kawarthas
- Bruce Peninsula boat tours, wildlife reserves, and hiking trails
You can enjoy the best of both worlds—peaceful relaxation at the cottage and action-packed outings nearby.
Real Families Say It Best
Our stay at this cottage was absolutely amazing! From the moment we booked, the customer service was outstanding. Sarah went above and beyond to make sure we had all the information we needed- she was quick to respond, incredibly helpful, and truly made us feel welcome.
The cottage itself was even more beautiful than the pictures. It was clean, and thoughtfully set up for a perfect getaway. The peaceful surroundings, views and all the little details made our stay unforgettable.
Hihgly recommend this place to anyone looking for a relaxing and well-cared for escape. Thank you again, for making our experience so special – we can’t wait to come back!
-Nuria
Final Thoughts: Cottages vs. Hotels? The Choice Is Clear.
Ontario cottage rentals offer unbeatable value, comfort, and the chance to truly unwind as a family. Whether you’re planning a summer trip, a long weekend, or a multi-family reunion, a cottage gives you the space to stretch out, connect, and make memories together.
Alex Laframboise
Alex is a champion of Ontario’s cottage lifestyle, leveraging her love for nature and years of management expertise to create unforgettable rental experiences. Cottaging near Lake Nipissing, Alex developed a deep connection to cottage country, which inspires her storytelling and marketing work at Cottage Vacations.
