Latest News
HomeColumnsFeatured ArticlesThe eight best destinations for a cottage country getaway in Canada
Featured articles

The eight best destinations for a cottage country getaway in Canada

Discover some of the best cottage country from coast to coast!

In a land with such copious and diverse natural beauty, it stands to reason that urban dwellers in Canada have developed a fondness for holidays in the countryside. Quite a few lakeside and coastal areas near Canada’s largest cities have become popular vacation destinations for those looking to get away from the bustle of city life. Discover some of the best cottage country from coast to coast!

1. Sunshine Coast, BC
The Sunshine Coast is a popular cottage country destination just northwest of Vancouver. While it is technically part of the mainland, it is mostly inaccessible by road, so visitors arrive by ferry, boat or floatplane.

The region includes 3 main areas: the North Coast, the South Coast, and the Islands. The South Coast is the most popular vacation spot, partly because it is closest to Vancouver and Vancouver Island. The Islands are home to luxury estates, many of which can only be accessed by private boat just remember to have your BC Boating License onboard if you are planning on accessing the Sunshine Coats by boat. The North Coast consists of more mountainous, rugged terrain and boasts the longest hut-to-hut hiking trail in Canada—the Sunshine Coast Trail.

2. Gulf Islands, BC
Located between the mainland and Vancouver Island, BC’s Gulf Islands are the ultimate spot for city dwellers in search of relaxation. The islands are known for their beaches, spas and wellness retreats. Health-conscious visitors can also make the most of the area’s abundance of organic farming, with farmers’ markets, artisanal cheesemaking, and vineyards galore!

3. Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta
Banff is a resort town less than 2 hours away from Calgary. It sees over 4 million visitors a year due to the popular nearby attractions of Banff National Park and Lake Louise. Visitors can stay in rustic log cabins and enjoy the stunning turquoise lakes and the imposing mountains and glaciers of the Canadian Rockies.

Banff National Park and Lake Louise are veritable all-season playgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts. Downhill skiing dominates the area in winter, but summer activities include rock climbing in the mountains, canoeing on Lake Louise, white-water rafting, and much more!

4. Georgian Bay, Ontario
Georgian Bay, the northeastern arm of Lake Huron, has some of the best cottage country the Great Lakes have to offer. With its rugged rock formations, white pine forests and sandy beaches, it’s easy to see why the region is so popular with Torontonians looking for a cottage getaway.

At Fathom Five National Marine Park, visitors can go scuba diving and explore 22 shipwrecks preserved in cool, crystal clear water. Glass bottom boat tours are also available. And if you’re looking for a beach vacation, Georgian Bay has the longest freshwater beach in the world!

5. Muskoka, Ontario
When it comes to Canadian cottage country, nowhere is more well-known or more popular than Muskoka. Located just a few hours north of Toronto, the region attracts more than 2.1 million visitors every year. While the area boasts 1,600 lakes, the largest 3 (Muskoka, Rosseau and Joseph) are the most popular and the most expensive, with many luxurious homes away from home catering to the rich and famous.

Touring the lakes by boat is a great way to vicariously enjoy these extravagant estates—just don’t forget to obtain your Ontario boating license before heading out on the water! Muskoka also boasts 27 golf courses for those who prefer to remain on dry land.

6. The Laurentians, Quebec
The Laurentians are a picturesque, mountainous region just north of Montreal that forms part of the Canadian Shield. The landscape is dotted with plenty of quaint little towns and over 9,000 lakes, many of which are ringed with beautiful waterfront cottages.

The region is a very popular skiing destination in winter, with one of the highest concentrations of ski resorts in Eastern Canada. Other popular attractions in the area include the P’tit Train du Nord, a multi-use, all-season trail that spans 234 km. Originally a railway line operated by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the trail includes 13 historic train stations to discover, and can be explored by bike, on foot, by snowmobile, on snowshoes or cross-country skis.

If you opt for a Laurentian getaway, don’t forget to stop at a traditional Quebec casse-croûte (snack bar) for some of the best French fries and poutine in Canada!

7. Acadian Coast, New Brunswick
On the Acadian Coast, cottage country is centred around Shediac, a fishing town located 20 minutes from Moncton. This self-proclaimed lobster capital of the world has a giant lobster statue and hosts a festival dedicated to the crustaceans every July that visitors to the area won’t want to miss! Those in search of more secluded or less expensive waterfront property can try farther up the coast.

The Acadian Coast is the beating heart of New Brunswick’s francophone community. For those keen to learn more about the history and heritage of the Acadian settlers, there are attractions such as Pays de la Sagouine, a replica of a traditional Acadian fishing village featuring actors in period costume, guided tours, crafts and music.

8. Bay of fundy, New Brunswick/Nova Scotia
Nestled between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the Bay of Fundy is famous for having the highest tides in the world and has been named one of the 7 natural wonders of North America. Visitors to the area can go hunting for fossils on the ocean floor during low tide, take a whale watching tour or visit the Hopewell Rocks, a unique rock formation caused by tidal erosion.

If you decide on a cottage getaway in the Bay of Fundy, don’t forget to try out the region’s spectacular fresh seafood!

Canada’s cottage country: a great getaway is just around the corner
No matter your interests and preferences, Canada’s cottage country has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for incredible vistas, exciting activities, delicious treats or just some much needed peace and quiet, the perfect vacation spot is waiting for you!

Sales & Marketing - Travel Media Applications | Website | + Posts
29/03/2024
28/03/2024
27/03/2024
26/03/2024
25/03/2024
22/03/2024