The Most Popular Cottage Destinations Across Canada

Summer is here, and cottage season is in full swing. From May to October in Canada, cottages, cabins and chalets across the country fill up as friends and families head to the water and forests to take advantage of the warm weather. With so many beautiful destinations to check out, why wouldn’t you hop in the car and join them?

Whether you’re planning a trip this summer or scouting out locations for a future vacation, here are some of Canada’s most popular cottage destinations.

Bruce Peninsula, Ont.

There’s tons of natural beauty to check out in the Bruce Peninsula, from Flowerpot Island and the Niagara Escarpment to the Bruce Trail and Manitoulin Island. There are also two national parks, eight Ontario Parks and Four Federation of Ontario Naturalist Parks to explore, making this destination an outdoor lover’s paradise. Take a dip in the Georgian Bay or Lake Huron, get a cottage a little south at Sauble Beach or check out the shipwrecks in Tobermory.

Prince Edward County, Ont.

Sure, Muskoka and the Kawarthas are always popular cottage locations, but Prince Edward County is an Ontario destination on the rise. The collection of hamlets and villages always makes for a charming visit, plus there are tons of waterways, shorelines and natural features to check out. If you’re looking for a curated experience, there are many local breweries, wineries, museums, markets, art galleries and shops to visit, too. Add in plenty of conservation areas and provincial parks, and Prince Edward County is an all-around cottage vacation win.

Sunshine Coast, BC

Sunshine is certainly in store when you head to this 180-km stretch off the mainland of British Columbia, but there are also shorelines, nature, communities and spas to check out. Head out on the Sunshine Coast Ale Trail, hit some beaches on the Coastal Circuit Route, visit one of two provincial parks or stroll under the rainforest canopy at Cliff Gilker Park. There are plenty of cottages and cabins for rent with easy access to it all, many of which are right on the water.

Okanagan Valley, BC

Okanagan Valley is Kelowna’s most famous region, and for good reason. The area is known for its amazing wineries and fruit orchards, but visitors also love swimming, fishing and boating in Lake Okanagan. Hike in the pine forests and provincial parks, go biking, golfing or shopping, or hit up the farmers’ markets and spas. This area is an ideal destination for everyone, no matter your interests.

Acadian Coast, NB

The Acadian Coast, located on the Northeastern coast of New Brunswick, stretches from the Baie de Chaleurs to Cambelton/Pointe-à-la Croix. There, you can experience a strong sense of Acadian history and community through an array of local experiences and festivals. But you can also enjoy the great outdoors with some stunning sights, like the Acadian islands or the provincial park beaches, fishing for lobster or mackerel or bird-watching at the Ecological Park of the Acadian Peninsula.

Bay of Fundy, NB/NS

Whether you’re heading cottaging in New Brunswick or Nova Scotia, the Bay of Fundy is always a popular spot with vacationers. Annapolis Valley on the Nova Scotia side is full of wineries, salt marshes and sandy beaches with renowned tides. Head across to the New Brunswick side and check out the Hopewell Rocks, do some Whale watching or dine on the freshest seafood imaginable.

Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

The sheer beauty of Cape Breton Island makes it worth checking out, but there are also so many coastal, cultural and artistic reasons to visit the area. Explore waterfalls, walk the beaches or learn more about the local Indigenous, Celtic and Acadian histories. Head to this popular cottage spot by car, air or ferry.

Eastern Townships, Que.

An hour away from Montreal, the Eastern Townships share a border with Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, which makes it easy to pack a little shopping or cross-border sightseeing into a cottage visit here. However, with four national parks, more than 365 km of cycling routes and more than 30 vineyards, why would you leave? The Townships have been a vacation hotspot for years, with tourism accounting for the fourth largest economic sector in the region.

Laurentians, Que.

If you’re looking for a picturesque vacation with mountains, beaches, nature wonders and delicious food, the Laurentians are where it’s at. The summertime features plenty of festivals and local wine, beer and food tours, plus there are many shops, spas and restaurants to check out. Head to the forested areas to discover local wildlife and reconnect with nature, or head to the water for some swimming, fishing and boating.

Cavendish, PEI

This resort area on the northern shore of Prince Edward Island is famous for its beaches and proximity to the national park. There, you can find plenty of Anne of Green Gables history, but you can also hang out at the beach, walk the Dunelands trail or shuck fresh oysters while taking in a gorgeous sunset.

Lake Louise, Alta.

This hamlet is located in Banff National Park and features gorgeous views of the Canadian Rockies, a pristine turquoise lake and gorgeous hiking trails. It’s a favourite place to cabin and cottage and offers that resort feeling without ever leaving the country. Canoe out on the lake, hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House for some spectacular views or kick off your shoes and take in all the beauty surrounding you.

Waskesiu Lake, Sas.

This small Saskatchewan hamlet opens up in the summer months with new dining and retail outlets for the tourists that flood in. Waskesiu Lake is the only community within Prince Albert National Park, and it’s a popular place for serene hikes, water sports, swimming and local festivals.

Whiteshell Provincial Park, Man.

This provincial park is another popular vacation spot thanks to its proximity to Winnipeg, surreal hiking opportunities and pretty lakes. You’ll get your fill of ancient rocks and boreal forest when you book a stay here, but there’s also plenty of services, shopping and restaurants for those who don’t want to completely rough it.