If you come to our province in Canada and you want to enjoy the nature without travelling every day large distances, think about vacations in a nice cottage or a cottage resort.
You still can do little relaxing day trips and staying on one place will help you to learn much more about our country and its people.
In Ontario you will find a variety of choices, some of the cottage resorts are even open in winter.
Many Canadians own even their own cottage - many of them in the so called "Cottage Country".
Compared to a hotel, a motel or a B & B cottages offer advantages for a longer stay.
We know people who are comiing for years to the same place. We were one of those until we had other priorities.

If you have children with you it is much more relaxing and you should save money, because most cottages have several bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen as well as an outdoor barbecue.

Cottages are offered in different price classes and with different amenities. Some cottages are even equipped with a dish washer. It is up to you what you select!

Normally, cottages are always located in places which are surrounded by unspoiled nature with direct access to a lake, hiking trails or other natural attractions.

You can book cottages with several bedrooms. That allows you to bring your children to bed and do something without disturbing them.

If you want, you can find easily contact to your neighbors. It is always nice to talk to friendly people and share ideas and listen to the experience they made when travelling.

We always liked to stay longer on a place. Especially in a cottage which became soon a second home for us. We learned very much about the surrounding area during our trips and little events made this time always unforgettable. Listen to the advice from local people!

Please be aware that you cannot just come to Ontario, start travelling and expect to find a cottage.
Cottages are very much in demand in the high season and most of them will be booked out. Very often you must stay at least for one week and you have to say how many people will come. Normally, the amount of guests is restricted for each cottage.
Check the Internet or ask for written information if you see interesting ads.
Define what is important to you and compare carefully. Do you want to rent a boat? Wheel chair accessible? Do they have a restaurant? This helps to avoid disappointment.
When booking you must pay a certain reservation fee, similar to hotels and other accommodations. Find out what is refundable if you cannot come.
Check the rules which you have to follow, such as not pets, smoking restrictions etc.

Very important for visitors from overseas is what you have to bring with you.
Certainly a cottage resorts which asks that you bring your own pillows and bed sheets is of no interest to you.
To bring your own towels is almost always requested. Nothing is wrong to buy a few good cotton towels which you can take back. They will bring memories back! But pillows and bed sheets is too much when you come from far away.
Many camps will provide facilities with a washing machine. Otherwise ask for the nearest laundromat.
Just after I arrived in Canada from Germany this was my first meeting point with local people. They showed me how to use the machines.