Ontario is renowned for its cottage culture and its over 250,000 lakes which contain about a fifth of the world’s fresh water. Countless Canadians escape here to enjoy lakeside retreats, with waterfront cottages providing the ultimate stay. While summer may be the most popular time to enjoy them, the fall is dazzling, with brilliant colors splashed across the landscapes, ideal for simply unwinding while enjoying an awe-inspiring view. No matter when you plan to go, these Airbnbs are some of the most highly rated, offering all you could ever want for an unforgettable weekend, week, or longer lake getaway.
Tamarack by the Bay - Waterfront Cottage
Tamarack by the Bay is a gem that includes one of the most hospitable hosts you’re likely to find at any vacation rental. A three-bedroom cottage for up to six, it sits on Lake Huron just 10 minutes from the pretty town of Tobermory. It comes with everything you need for a lakeside getaway, including complimentary kayaks, a paddleboard, and a large firepit along the waterfront for gathering around under the stars. You’ll be surrounded by gorgeous scenery and wildlife, with feeders that attract all sorts of birds and entertaining red squirrels. The inside is impressive too, with 9′ ceilings, a full kitchen, and lightning-fast Wi-Fi.
Stunning Waterfront Guest Cottage - Seguin
A waterfront cottage for two, this rental sits on Otter Lake providing a serene setting for romance-seeking couples, writers, artists, and nature lovers of all types. During the warmer months, you’ll have a complimentary canoe, two kayaks, life jackets, swim noodles, beach towels, a dock, a hammock, and an outdoor fire pit, and in the winter, snowshoes and poles are included. Inside, there’s a Smart TV with a DVD player and 50 DVD movies, along with a full kitchen with spices and herbs, salt and pepper, and coffee and tea.
Cape Cottage Tobermory - Waterfront on Lake Huron
Cape Cottage offers a tranquil oasis in the trees along Lake Huron near Tobermory in Fathom Five National Marine Park. It offers two bedrooms for up to four guests who can look forward to breathtaking views from the decks and the living room, including glorious sunsets. A BBQ grill, an alfresco dining area, outdoor games, and bicycles are all included. For indoor entertainment, there’s a TV with a DVD and Blu-ray player, an Xbox, and board games. The full kitchen includes condiments like salt and pepper, dried herbs and spices, and oil and vinegar. There’s also a year-round hot tub for relaxing soaks.
Relaxing Lakefront Cottage on Lake Superior - Rossport
A three-bedroom cottage for six, book this rental and you can enjoy being on the island lakefront in a private, quiet setting with gorgeous views and access to Lake Superior. Look forward to unwinding on the beautifully furnished desk that includes a small table with an umbrella for alfresco dining and a BBQ with propane supplied. You’ll also have a private pebble beach and a dock. Inside, there is an open-concept kitchen and dining area with everything you need for whipping up gourmet meals, a sunroom with an electric fireplace, a TV with Netflix, and a washer/dryer.
The Leonard Cottage, Muskoka - Bracebridge
One of the top spots for a getaway, just two hours north of Toronto, this picture-perfect cottage in Muskoka sits on Leonard Lake. It includes everything from a spectacular indoor/outdoor lakefront patio to a private wood-fired Finnish-inspired outdoor sauna. You’ll also have a dock, a beach, and water toys. It accommodates up to eight guests in three bedrooms plus a bunkhouse with four beds, perfect for a large family. Other highlights include a full kitchen, a 60″ HDTV with Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, Netflix, and laundry facilities.
Water's Edge 4 Season Cottage - Meaford
This magnificent three-bedroom cottage opens right up to the shores of picturesque Georgian Bay. Up to six guests can be accommodated comfortably in three bedrooms – all can look forward to unobstructed views and access to the water with 120 feet of private waterfront. The numerous amenities include a large deck with a hot tub to soak in and a fire pit for marshmallow roasting under the stars. Two kayaks with paddles and adult life jackets are included, and you’ll have all the necessities, including a full kitchen with complimentary tea & coffee and a propane BBQ with propane supplied.
Georgian Bay Waterfront Cottage on Dyers Bay - Miller Lake
Skipping Rock is a waterfront cottage along the shores of Georgian Bay in the hamlet of Dyers Bay. It’s a great place to enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, from swimming, paddling, and snorkeling to cycling and stargazing. It sleeps up to four in two bedrooms and offers picturesque views of Cape Chin and Cabot Head from both the lower and upper decks. A canoe, kayak, and hybrid kayak/SUP are all included along with several bicycles. The cottage has an open-concept living room/dining room/kitchen and a BBQ grill. Pillows, blankets, and comforters are included, but you’ll need to bring sheets, pillowcases, and towels.
Hot tub, Screen Room, Peaceful, Renovated - Commanda
You’ll have lots of fun at this one-bedroom cottage for three, which comes complete with kayaks, a canoe, a dock, a deck, a fire pit with free firewood included, and a huge screened porch with a hot tub that’s open to the stars. It sits on a peaceful lake with 125 feet of lake frontage, and it even has an outdoor shower for rinsing off. A gas BBQ grill is provided with complimentary propane too. Inside, enjoy Fire TV with Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and a DVD player with a DVD collection that includes over 100 movies.
Cosy and Modern Cottage on Beautiful Georgian Bay - Meaford
This three-bedroom cottage for six offers a wealth of high-end amenities and floor-to-ceiling views of Georgian Bay. Every bedroom comes with large windows for views of the water too. You can look forward to relaxing in lounge chairs along with access to a private stretch of waterfront, while the Hibou Conservative Area that lies adjacent offers sandy beaches, forest hikes, and outstanding birdwatching. There’s a fully stocked kitchen for preparing your meals, a TV with Chromecast, a Bose sound system, and laundry facilities too.
The Cove on Superior Beachfront All-Season Home - Shuniah
Nestled at the end of Mackenzie Beach on Lake Superior, this lakefront cottage offers beach access and spectacular panoramic views just 20 minutes from Thunder Bay. It includes two bedrooms, accommodating up to five guests, and comes with all you need for a fabulous lake retreat, from a full kitchen and BBQ to a washer/dryer, and a fireplace to cozy up to after a fun day of play.
Stella by Starlight - Tobermory
Located less than a 5-minute drive from the town of Tobermory, Stella by Starlight is a two-bedroom cottage for four that sits on a calm stretch of waterfront that opens to Lake Heron. You’ll have many ways to enjoy the outdoors here, with a kayak, sun loungers, BBQ grill, and outdoor dining area all included. Inside, there’s a TV with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, Fire TV, and Disney+, along with a DVD player. A fully equipped kitchen and BBQ grill are included, although you’ll need to bring your own towels, linens, and bedding.
Rancho Relaxo at Dog Lake - Fowler
A four-bedroom lakeside cottage that can accommodate as many as 13, this rental is ideal for large families and other big groups. You’ll have over 130 feet of shallow sandy beachfront that’s suitable for the little ones to splash around in as well as for swimming out to the floating swim platform. It comes with a private boat launch and dock that has a private slip if you want to bring your own vessel and perhaps head to test your luck at catching trophy-size pickerel, bass, and northern pike. A propane BBQ with propane supplied is included, and you’ll have a flat-screen TV with Netflix for movie nights as well as a washer/dryer.
The Beach House, Beach and Lake View Fire Pit - Manitouwadge
This two-bedroom beach cottage comes with an electric fireplace and a pellet stove for warming up after enjoying a day at the lake, including paddling around the water in the complimentary kayak. You’ll have a private, fully-fenced backyard, a fire pit, a BBQ grill, and outdoor furniture too. The sunroom bar is ideal for shaking up cocktails, and you’ll have all of the other essentials inside too, like a 48″ HDTV with Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix, and a washer/dryer.
