Take a hike – Newfoundland’s mild weather takes the trails drier and easier to walk on. For the adventurous type, you may like the challenge of Terra Nova’s Outport Trail. The trails on the Grand Concourse in St. John’s are a perfect way for families to spend an afternoon.

Berry Delight – Berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, and partridgeberries, are a natural treat to Newfoundland, so grab find a berry patch, grab yourself a bucket, and start picking. You’ll have your own homemade jam and pastries in no time.

Art Appreciation – Newfoundland is a huge supporter the arts. From visual art to theatre to music to film, they’ve got you covered. Check out the St. John’s International Film Festival in October or the St. John’s Storytelling Circle in November. And of course there’s plenty of step dancing all year round.

Haunt Yourself – If you happen to be in St. John’s around Halloween, and you’re brave enough, you might want to go on the popular St. John’s Haunted Hike, which is led by the Reverend Thomas Wyckham, who’ll spook you with tales of headless captains and other ghosts.

Ice Berg, Straight Ahed – One of the most unique and breathtaking sights of Newfoundland are the icebergs. Head out on a boat tour from Petty Harbour or Witless Bay. You may even a sighting of a whale on the way.

Post by Brianne Hogan:

Brianne Hogan is an avid traveller and freelance writer. Her work’s been featured in numerous publications, including blogTO and Post City Magazine. Brianne is the blog and article writer for Online Cottage Rental.

Wilderness – Checking out beautiful Churchill, the polar bear capital of the world, is a definite must. There is no other place like it on Earth. Plunging your paddle into the beautiful water into one of Manitoba’s many thousands of lakes as you take in the serene scenery from your canoe or kayak is also a peaceful and popular activity to do. You may catch a glimpse of caribou or take in historical sites like the Bloodvein. If fishing is more your angle, then you’ll likely catch a Walleye or Northern Pike – just a couple of the most popular fish swimming in Manitoba’s waters. In Manitoba, there is always something fun and interesting to explore outside.

Arts & Culture – Manitoba has an extraordinary arts and culture scene for those who want a break from the great outdoors. From the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra to the National Ballet of Winnipeg to the many innovative and creative art showcases, there is a world class value of art waiting to be appreciated in Manitoba. French Canadian culture is also very integral to Manitoba’s way of life, so be sure to explore La Maison Riel and taste a tourtiere while you’re there.

Family Fun – Manitoba is one big playground for families with children. There are many activities that are fun for kids and even bigger kids (that means you, grown-ups). One of the main attractions, especially during the fall, is getting lost in one of Manitoba’s many corn mazes. Assiniboine Park is another must-see spot with its zoo, cycling trails, duck ponds, and of course the statute of Winnie-the-Pooh. 

Post by Brianne Hogan:

Brianne Hogan is an avid traveller and freelance writer. Her work’s been featured in numerous publications, including blogTO and Post City Magazine. Brianne is the blog and article writer for Online Cottage Rental.

 Mountain Biking – Delve into the heart of Ontario’s landscape mastery by biking on one of its many rugged trails. Long or short, smooth or rocky, there are terrains to fit everyone’s level and likeness.

Canoeing – The waters are still inviting at this time of year. Take in the cool and stillness of the beautiful scenery around you with a quick morning paddle. Or try one of the provincial parks, like Algonquin, for something more adventurous. There’s nothing like taking in the scenery around you from the middle of a sparkling lake.

Hiking – Of course there is no better way of getting up close and personal with fall’s natural beauty than a hike through Ontario’s many unspoiled nature trails, like the Bruce Trail, the longest trail in the world. When you hike in Ontario, you’re experiencing a beautiful symmetry of nature meeting history.

Bird Watching – If you’re getting out of the rat race of the city, there is no better way of reconnecting with nature than bird watching, an activity that is almost impossible to do in an urban setting. Grab a pair of binoculars and watch birds take flight as they prepare to migrate for the winter.

Art Festivals – With all that outdoor activity, you’ll need to slow it down, so why not take one of the many annual art-ful festivals that happen this time of year. Arts and crafts shows are a-plenty as we head into holiday season, and a unique, homemade gift is always a hit.

Post by Brianne Hogan:

Brianne Hogan is an avid traveller and freelance writer. Her work’s been featured in numerous publications, including blogTO and Post City Magazine. Brianne is the blog and article writer for Online Cottage Rental.

Fall Vacation Rentals

Fall is the perfect time to travel to cottage country.  As the summer winds down, fall’s multitude of beautiful colours and breathtaking scenery are key reasons why fall vacation rentals are the perfect way to enjoy the upcoming season.

Though most of us are sad to see summer end, we can’t forget that fall weather is the perfect temperature: not too cool, not too hot. It’s the ideal weather to enjoy an exhilarating bike ride or a leisurely hike as you immerse yourself with the spectacular fall foliage.

Drive through the amazing countryside, like Prince Edward County, and stop along the various seasonal fruit stands – better yet, now is the time to pick your own apples, so take the family and spend the day participating in this favourite seasonal activity. Or if your palette longs for something sweeter, fall is also the best time to tap a maple tree and take home some authentic maple syrup.

Paddling a canoe on a quaint, quiet lake, such as the many in Algonquin Park, is also a terrific way to take in the beauty of fall as well as the soothing sounds of nature.

Geocaching is also a fun and popular activity to partake in during the fall in country cottage. Described as a modern day treasure hunt, participant use a GPS to hide and seek containers with others. Haliburton in Ontario is quickly gaining popularity as the Geocaching capital in the province, so your best bet is to start there and learn from the pros.

With spectacular views and scenery, the Bruce Peninsula is the ideal spot for some scenic photography.

Fall is also a great time for arts and crafts show, like the one in Muskoka, so take a ride into town and pick up that unique piece of art that will have everyone in the city talking.

Post by Brianne Hogan:

Brianne Hogan is an avid traveller and freelance writer. Her work’s been featured in numerous publications, including blogTO and Post City Magazine. Brianne is the blog and article writer for Online Cottage Rental.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Vancouver – The city is home to some of Canada’s most beautiful mountain and marine life scenery, but it’s also known as a world-class golf destination.  There are over 30 unique golf courses in the area, so whether you desire to play a mountain layout, or an Oceanside links, the city of Vancouver and Vancouver Island has it all.

The Rockies – The stunning golf played here combines the ruggedness of the spectacular Canadian Rockies with challenging golf courses constructed by some of the most well-renowned golf minds in the sport. The Rockies features some of Canada’s best golf including spirited Silvertip, famous Banff Springs, and Greywolf (The #1 ranked course in BC). Wherever you play in the Rockies, you’re sure to have a memorable time.

ONTARIO

Collingwood – This area is fast becoming one of Ontario’s premier golf destinations. This stunning stretch of Lake Huron shoreline is home to more than twenty golf courses, including a number of public championship courses and upscale layouts.

Muskoka – Home to picturesque lakes and the rugged Canadian shield, this is an ideal location for for championship golf. Many of Canada’s great golf architects have designed their best work here and you can find many PGA tour players hitting links here as well.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Consistently ranked as one of the Top Islands in North America, PEI is also the top golf destination in Canada. Golfing in PEI is more than just unforgettable golf – it’s about connecting with the beautiful surrounding nature and charming small town-feel of this island that golfing here a truly unique experience. Prince Edward Island is home to the International Couples Golf Festival and 10 of the Top 100 courses in Canada, so there are certainly courses for everyone.

Go for a Wine Tour – The Muskoka Lakes Winery is the only winery in Muskoka and produces its vino from local fruits, like cranberries and blueberries. There is an onsite wine tasting bar—with free tastings daily—and a wine store so you can stock up your wine collection at the cottage.

Learn about Wildlife – Here at the Muskoka Wildlife Centre in Gravenhurst, animals that are not allowed to be released in nature anymore are cared for. The centre holds daily interactive “Meet the Creatures” sessions and is host to Canada’s largest Live-Animal Outreach program.

Go to the Spa – A rainy day is the perfect excuse for a day of total self-indulgence. The Spa at Deerhurst in Huntsville is uses proven international therapies as well as their own signature treatments like a yummy Muskoka Maple body scrub.

Read a Book – If you forgot to bring a trusty summer read on a vacation, don’t fret. The Lake of Bays Library will most likely have that perfect book you can enjoy reading from the dock. Located in Dwight, the library also holds writing circles for your inner-novelist as well as weekly book clubs.

Stay Inside – Of course the greatest thing about renting a cottage is the fact that you have a home away from home. A rainy day is a great excuse to take out a board game or a deck of cards, prepare a fancy feast, or snuggle on the couch, watching a movie.

Enjoy it—because you’ll be out in that sun in no time.

Prince Edward Island cottages are incredibly beautiful and there is a wide variety of cottage locations in the province.

Cottage rentals along the PEI coast are an experience unlike any other. Between warm beaches, rolling waves and picturesque scenery, you’ll be certain to have a memorable experience at a PEI cottage rental.

PEI cottage rentals are great of families with young children, couples, groups of friends and pretty much everyone! No matter what you’re interested in, you’ll be able to find it at a Prince Edward Island cottage. There are a number of historic sights to visit, including the Green Gables Heritage Centre. If you’re more interested in outdoor recreation, you’ll find that too!

If you enjoy biking, you’ll certainly enjoy Prince Edward Island. There are many excellent cycling trails in the province, including Confederation Trail which stretches the length of the Island. These trails are an excellent way to truly experience the beauty of Prince Edward Island.

Cottage rentals are also an excellent way to enjoy PEI’s wonderful beaches and miles of coastline. Cavendish Beach is one of the most popular and well known beaches in the province, but there are a number of other excellent PEI beaches as well. You’re never far from a relaxing trip to the beach.

You’ll find plenty of activities at your PEI cottage rental that will make this trip one you’ll never forget!

If you are thinking about renting a cottage online to spend time with your teenage children, here are a few tips for you. Hopefully these tips will help you have the best possible time at your cottage rental.

Allow them to invite a friend to the cottage rental

Most teenagers don’t want to spend all of their time with their families. Allowing your teenagers the choice to invite a friend will make their time at the cottage rental much more enjoyable.

Bring lots of food

Teenagers like to eat, so you’ll want to ensure that you bring enough food to your cottage rental. Remember to stock the foods that they like the most and a few treats to keep everyone happy.

Set some rules… but not too many

Make sure you outline the rules for the cottage rental. Depending on the ages of your teenagers, you may allow them to stay out late, but make sure they know what time they are expected back.

Tour the cottage rental with them and the surrounding region and make sure they understand that they’ll need to be safe, especially around water.

However, remember that a cottage rental is a vacation so you may want to have some leniency on some of the more simple rules such as chores and what they can and cannot eat.

Enjoy your stay at your cottage rental!

We’ve put together a list of ten tips that will help anyone who is staying in a cottage rental or planning on renting a cottage online.

Bring rain gear

It would be great if everyday at your cottage rental was filled with sunshine and amazing weather, but the reality is that it will likely rain at least once, depending on how long you are at the cottage. Packing rain gear is a great idea. You’ll also want to bring some warmer clothing, just in case it gets cold.

Prepare for a rainy day

In addition to bringing rain gear, make sure you bring some activities to do inside in case it rains for a long while. Board games are a great idea!

Remember the bug spray & sunscreen

You’ll want to avoid being eaten alive, so take some bug spray with you. You’ll also likely be outside a lot at your cottage rental, so you’ll need sunscreen as well. Sunburns can be very serious.

Stay safe

Remember that you’ll need to be safe when you’re at your cottage rental. Boat safety, swimming safety, barbecue safety and other safety tips are very important.

Have fun!

It can be tough to forget the world and just enjoy yourself, even if you’re at a cottage rental. This can be especially true if you have Internet access and a cell phone present. It can sometimes seem impossible to forget about work and “real life” but you’re at a cottage rental to have fun, so enjoy yourself! Disconnect from the world and have a great time!

First of all, you’ll need to make sure that you bring everything your baby needs to your cottage rental. Bring extra food, clothing, diapers and anything else just in case. You may not be able to find the products you’re used to at your cottage rental, so you’ll want to have plenty on hand. You may also want to bring a blender with you (if your cottage rental doesn’t have one) so that you can blend up some homemade baby food if you run out.

Be careful with babies and the sun that will hopefully shine down upon your cottage rental.

Try to keep your little one in the shade whenever possible and be sure to dress your baby in protective clothing, including a hat with a wide brim and neck protection. Head inside the cottage rental if it gets too hot.

Try to get your baby to wear sunglasses if possible and don’t forget the sunscreen. Reapply it frequently, especially if your baby has been in the water. Remember, very young babies (under six months old) should not wear sunscreen. Babies over six months should wear bug repellent as well, to protect them from insects at the cottage rental.

If your baby has had his or her first vaccination, it’s safe to take him or her swimming in safe water. Be sure to check that the water is safe to swim in and make sure your baby doesn’t swallow any water while splashing around the cottage rental. Be sure to watch your baby at all times around the cottage rental.