For many Ontarians, it just doesn't feel like summer without time spent by the lake. Lakeside vacations are the perfect way to enjoy nature and create happy memories, and for a long time, when Torontonians have thought about summer holidays, Muskoka's been the first place that comes to mind.
Muskoka is famous for its beautiful lakes and forests, but, like most popular things, the area has become increasingly expensive over the years. Now, if you want to be lakefront in Muskoka hot spots like Bala, Port Carling or Rosseau, you'll be lucky to find a cottage rental for under $7,000 per week or a hotel room for under $500 per night, and that's if you're organized enough to book early. It's common to see Muskoka cottage rentals with price tags of $10,000 to $15,000 per week as the summer season gets closer.
And those sky-high price tags don't just apply to accommodations. Once you get to Muskoka, you'll be hit with astronomical prices at restaurants, local shops and even the grocery stores, where a bag of coffee grinds that sells for $8.99 in the city has a price tag of $12.99 or more.
Luckily, Muskoka isn't the only option for lakeside beauty in Ontario.
Here's a look at three other cottage-country locations that can have you lakeside this summer with enough cash left over to buy some beverages to enjoy on the dock.
Bayfield and the Bluewater Corridor
Drive From Toronto: 3 hours
Why You Need To Go: The village of Bayfield is located on the Bluewater Highway — a peaceful, two-lane road that stretches from Grand Bend to Southampton along Lake Huron's eastern shoreline.
Bayfield has a main street lined with shops selling everything from hoodies and kitchen goods to quirky, crafty gifts and handmade jewelry. Plus, the restaurants are just as good as those you'd find in a big city. Don't miss the Black Dog with its incredible whisky selection and the Bayfield Brewing Co., which serves the best Reuben sandwich you'll ever taste.
But what truly sets this area apart is the sunsets. Looking out at Lake Huron means looking straight west, and the size and scope of this great lake make for unbelievable sunsets night after night.
Bayfield offers accommodation options that range from luxury cottages and quaint little inns to saloon-style pubs offering basic rooms upstairs.
For upscale, historic rooms located right on the main street, check out the Little Inn of Bayfield. Originally built as a stagecoach shop, the Little Inn has operated as a hotel since the mid-1800s, now offering accommodations that range from a single bedroom to a cottage that sleeps six.
A less expensive option is the Albion Hotel, which has welcomed guests since 1856. Legend has it the hotel has been haunted since 1897, when an argument between two of the original owner’s sons ended in one son shooting the other, causing his death. Reservations are kept in a giant paper ledger, and antique-furnished rooms are accessed via skeleton key. Once inside, you could be the next guest to report taps turning on by themselves and glasses randomly falling to the floor. But hey — who doesn't love adding a ghost story to their roster of adventures?
Kawartha Lakes
Drive From Toronto: About 2 hours
Why You Need To Go: Once known as the poor person's Muskoka, Kawartha Lakes is one of the most unbelievable places in the province. The Kawartha Lakes are a chain of 14 lakes that form a major link in the Trent Canal, a waterway connecting Lake Ontario with Georgian Bay.
Kawartha is a Huron word meaning "bright waters and happy lands," and the area's towns and waterways are exactly that – beautiful, bright and happy.
Once a major lumberjacking hub, Kawartha Lakes is now a major vacation destination attracting tourists from all over the country and abroad looking to experience Ontario's amazing lakes without those hefty Muskoka price tags.
Kawartha Lakes is known as the houseboat capital of Ontario, and for good reason. With no boating license required, houseboating is an affordable way to explore these magnificent waters, allowing your group to tie off at a different island every night for some world-class stargazing.
R&R Houseboat Rentals offers a houseboat that sleeps 10 starting at $1,245 for three nights, giving you not only a place to sleep but a comfortable and adventurous way to explore the province by water.
Kearney and the Almaguin Highlands
Drive From Toronto: 3 hours
Why You Need To Go: The Almaguin Highlands are located north of Muskoka, covering a massive 8,000 square kilometres. The region includes 18 municipalities, including the wonderful town of Kearney.
Kearney sits on the majestic Canadian shield, making it a dream destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Best known for its February dog sled races, Kearney is often a convenient starting point for trips to Algonquin Park.
Kearney's main attraction is the beautiful, comfortable Scarlett Point Retreat, which promises privacy and luxury at a reasonable price. Visitors to Scarlett Point are treated to fully renovated villas with spectacular water views and a private patio, fire pit and dock.
The family-owned and -operated retreat provides convenient water access. Guests can enjoy fantastic swimming and complimentary use of rowboats, kayaks and canoes. Those with a boating license can even rent a motorized fishing boat.
If you don't feel like cooking, you can walk over to Kearney Trailside Cookhouse, a local fast food joint offering delicious, inexpensive food and ice cream from the famous Kawartha Dairy.
So there you have it — three Ontario cottage-country locations that can have you relaxing by the lake this summer, without paying Muskoka premiums. Easy!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
