What is a Cottage?

For many Canadians, spending time at the cottage is a summer tradition. However, not everyone has had the opportunity to experience a cottage, or may not even understand what they are and how they differ from other types of vacation properties.

If you’re thinking about renting or buying a cottage, or simply want to know more about them, this blog post is for you. We’ll touch on what makes cottages special, where you can find them, and the unique benefits they can offer you and your family.

What Makes a Cottage?

In our neck of the woods, a cottage is typically a dedicated secondary or vacation residence secluded away from major towns or cities. Most Ontario cottages are located in a densely forested area and close to a lake or river, providing an immersive and scenic ambience. While there’s no right or wrong way to spend time at the cottage, they’re most often used as a fun, relaxing retreat away from the stresses of everyday life.

Are All Cottages Waterfront?

In Ontario, lots of cottage properties are located right on the waterfront. However, they don’t have to be. In fact, most cottage owners are still able to access and enjoy nearby lakes and waterways even if they don’t live directly on them.

Looking to buy a cottage? You’ll find even more buying advice in these blog posts!

Cottage vs Cabin, What’s the Difference?

As leading real estate agents in Ontario’s Cottage Country (and experts in all things cottage-related), one question we occasionally hear is: What’s the difference between a cottage and a cabin? While this may seem like a straightforward question, the answer can differ depending on who you ask.

In some places, the terms ‘cabin’ and ‘cottage’ refer to two completely different types of properties. In other places, these terms are more or less interchangeable. For example, many Western Canadians refer to their vacation home as a cabin, even though the property itself is almost identical to what Ontarioans would call a cottage.

Whichever term you prefer, it’s important to have an expert by your side if you plan to buy a secondary home or vacation property.

Where to Find Cottages in Ontario

As one of Canada’s largest and most scenic provinces, it’s perhaps no surprise that cottages can be found all across Ontario. That being said, certain regions are particularly renowned for their cottage-oriented communities, lifestyle, and number of properties.

If you’re looking for a beautiful and easy to access cottage, there’s no better place to start your search than Ontario’s Cottage Country. Located north of Toronto in the central part of the province, this vast region is home to countless sought-after communities, from Muskoka and Lake of Bays to Parry Sound, Haliburton, Kawarthas, Tobermory and beyond.

Explore our Cottage Country Community Guides to find out more about each area.

Benefits of Owning a Cottage in Ontario

There’s a lot to love about owning a cottage, especially in Ontario’s scenic cottage country. Here you’ll find no shortage of incredible properties that make for a great second home in more ways than one. So, why should you consider buying a cottage?

The Unbeatable Lifestyle

Arguably, the best part about owning a cottage is the truly unbeatable lifestyle it can provide. During the warmer months, there’s nothing like relaxing by the dock, getting out on the water, or simply enjoying a break from the hustle and bustle. If you’ve got an all-season cottage, you’ll find lots of activities to enjoy in the wintertime too.

An Exceptional Investment

Beyond having a private, scenic retreat for your family, buying a cottage in Ontario also grants you the opportunity to make an intelligent investment. Like other types of real estate, cottages are more than just property; they’re also high value assets that can appreciate nicely over time. Before you know it, you’re fostering great equity growth just by owning a cottage.

Buying a cottage also makes for a great short-term investment as well. As a one-of-a-kind vacation destination, Cottage Country boasts a notably high demand for short stay vacation rentals. As a property owner, you can tap into this demand by renting out your place part-time, full-time, or simply on weekends when you’re not using it. This is an easy way to earn passive income that you put towards paying off your mortgage.

On the hunt for more insights on cottage ownership? Read these other blog posts next!

Interested in Buying a Cottage?

Whether you’re searching for the perfect backdrop to your summer holidays, a refined, stress-free investment venture, or opportunities to leverage your existing cottage as an income-generation tool, Cottage Vacations Real Estate is a dedicated partner in your success.

As leaders in Cottage Country’s dynamic real estate landscape, we can help you find the right property for your lifestyle and your portfolio.