7 reasons to rent a cottage this summer

Sandals on a dock with a big planter of beautiful flowers by Muskoka lake.
Photo by Muskoka Stock Photos/Shutterstock

Now that spring is warming into summer, a whole slew of new weekend activities are yours to enjoy. Camping season is just around the corner, but while it still might be a little chilly for sleeping in a tent, you can still get out into the wilderness by renting a cottage. Cottaging is the best sort of outdoor getaway because you have a sturdy, warm shelter and kitchen and bathroom utilities that you’ll never find at a campground, but you still get to enjoy all that nature has to offer. Whether you want to stay in and read or get out and explore, a cottage has got you covered.

Here are some more reasons why renting a cottage should be at the top of your to-do list this summer:

You can bring the whole family

The cottage is a great place for every member of your family, no matter what they’re into. Sporty? Go hiking in the surrounding landscape, swim in the lake, or go mountain biking. Into relaxing? String up a hammock and veg out. Have culinary interests? The cottage is the perfect place to perfect the art of the potato salad. There’s something for everyone at the cottage.

The access to nature

Getting out into nature is what cottaging is all about. Renting a cottage lets you spend all day out in the great outdoors, popping back inside if you need a snack or a rest. Compare this to going on day-trips where you have to pre-make all your meals, pile into the car, and hit the highway to reach your destination. It’s clear why having a home base out in the country for a weekend has huge advantages.

The food

Staying at the cottage is a great excuse to eat all your favourite summer foods. You can fire up the barbecue and grill all your meals, then make a campfire and construct the perfect s’more. And in the morning, if you want to eat your favourite sugary breakfast cereal, go for it! Small indulgences are what cottage life is all about.

The stories

Something about the cottage just brings out the storyteller in people. Whether you’re around the campfire or sitting on the dock, you’ll likely find yourself opening up and spinning yarns. Being outdoors and having a lot of time to contemplate also tends to unlock old memories. Add a couple of brews as you barbecue, or a glass of lakeside wine, and the stories just flow.

The opportunity to de-stress and relax

Studies have shown that people are happier when they’re surrounded by nature, when they relax, and when they engage in physical activity. In other words, the cottage is basically a recipe for happiness. Getting away from your day-to-day life is a great opportunity to really relax and leave the pressures of work and city life behind. And after a weekend at the cottage, you can return to your regular life renewed and ready to tackle anything.

The nearby attractions

Many cottages are within a short drive of a lot of activities. Cottaging in wine country is a common activity, allowing cottagers to take a trip out to the vineyards and go on tasting tours. There are also often hot springs and spas in cottage country, as well as golf courses and cute restaurants. If you don’t feel like staying in all weekend, you can get out and explore.

The homey atmosphere

Big, whirlwind trips are exciting, but there’s something to be said for sleeping in the same bed every night, cooking your own meals, and not having to check out at 11:00 a.m. Staying in hotels can be disorienting, and it can be tough to ever feel settled. Rented cottages tend to have all the amenities you need, and many of them are decorated and made to feel completely comfortable, so you get to on vacation and still feel right at home.


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