IMAGINE a place where the snow is deep and the atmosphere ranges from quaint village shops to ski hills to days spent on the snowmobile trails to quiet afternoons around the fire reading a book.
IMAGINE the white winter lake speckled with rocky islands and surrounded by beautiful hills covered with tall candle-shaped spruce trees.
IMAGINE a getaway so peaceful that you might not run into another person the whole weekend.
THEN IMAGINE that all of the above not only actually exists, but is affordable, accessible, uncrowded and only an hour and a half drive from Toronto.
Welcome to winter at the cottage!
Now that you understand just how spectacular renting a cottage in winter is, here are some tips to get the best vacation possible.
Make sure you ask:
What types of winter activities are there?
- Snowmobiling: If snowmobiling is your reason for getting away, how close are you to the snowmobile trails? Ask about the local snowmobiling club for additional information. Here’s a link to our local club: Smart Snowmobile Club and to the OFSC
- Ice Fishing: Will the ice be thick enough for ice fishing during your stay? Make sure you check what’s open for fishing? You can check out the MNR Fishing Regulations here
- Snowshoeing: Are snowshoes provided? Can they be rented? Is there enough snow to use them (Most likely, last winter we had 13 feet of snow out here!)
- Skiing: where are the closest ski hills? Here’s 2 that are half an hour and 45 minutes’ drive from the majority of our cottages: Horseshoe Valley Ski Resort and Mount St Louis Ski Resort
- Tubing and night skiing? Yes! Our local ski hills have them.
- Cross Country Skiing: are there trails? Are they accessible right from the cottage or will you need to drive to get to them? Click here or here to see a couple local .trails in our area
How is the cottage heated?
- Propane heater, electric heater, wood stove only? If so, is wood provided? Are there any surcharges for heating?
- If the cottage is only heated by electric heaters, keep in mind that if the hydro goes out – which does happen in storms, you will be without heat!
Are blankets provided and if so are there sufficient blankets for those cold winter nights?
What type of road leads up to the cottage and will you need four wheel drive or all-wheel drive to get in and out? Is the road regularly plowed privately or by the township?
- If you do get stuck, have your CAA information handy or know who the local tow truck company is!
- Is there sufficient parking? Is there a place to park your trailer if you are bringing your own snowmobile?
These are just a few of our winter tips; check out our earlier post for some more general tips on renting a cottage!