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Ever since Ilya Rozanov and his smouldering Russian accent made “I’m coming to the cottage” the sexiest phrase on television, the internet has been a-buzz with Heated Rivalry shooting location chatter.
Top cottage country destinations in Ontario include iconic lakes, rugged, island-filled bays and bustling family-friendly shores.
From luxury getaways to dramatic, scenic landscapes, these regions offer year-round experiences — like boating in the summer and skiing in the winter.
We’ve rounded up our three favourite Ontario cottage country escapes where you can get your rural getaway fix.
1. Muskoka
While the backdrop for Shane Hollander's idyllic lake retreat poses as Quebec’s Lanaudière region on the show, episode 6 was actually shot at Barlochan Cottage in Central Ontario’s Muskoka. (Montrealers: test your Heated Rivalry trivia here.) Known as the Hamptons of the North, this iconic cottage country destination is famed for its countless pristine lakes (Muskoka, Rosseau, and Joseph being the most well known), swish waterfront properties, vast forests, rocky Canadian Shield shorelines, and quaint, small towns.
Read more: Best weekend getaways from Montreal
Do this: This is an all season destination for nature lovers. In warmer months, paddle the many lakes and rivers or hike and cycle in the provincial parks. In the winter, get into the hockey spirit and lace up to skate down Arrowhead Provincial Park's 1.3 km tree-lined skating path, best experienced at night when tiki torches light your way.
Stay here: Check into Windermere House, a historic Muskoka landmark on the shore of Lake Rosseau or if you’re feeling extra fancy (and in need of more privacy, wink wink), rent one of Jayne’s Cottages which offers luxury cottage rentals.
2. Prince Edward County
About 4 hours from Montreal and 2.5 hours from Toronto, Prince Edward County earns top marks as Ontario’s hippest country destination for its dynamic culinary and art scene, all set amidst bucolic farms, the stunning dunes of Sandbanks National Park, vast vineyards and postcard cute small towns like Picton, Bloomfield and Wellington.
Check out: I ate and drank my way through Prince Edward County
Do this: After sampling sips from the many local winemakers, book yourself a session at the Nordic Spa at Wander. Bonus: If you’re just too relaxed post soak, you can check into a luxury cabin onsite to sleep off your day of decadence.
Stay here: In addition to Wander, Wellington’s quirky cool Drake Devonshire or Picton’s elegantly revamped The Royal are all great spots to cozy up for the night.
3. Haliburton Highlands
At the Northern border of Algonquin Park between Toronto and Muskoka, you will find Halliburton Highlands, a perfect destination for those seeking something more remote and rugged. The landscape is dotted with dense forests, lakes and rivers perfect for paddling and many craggy mountain trails to hike or mountain bike.
Stay here: Get completely off the grid at the newly opened Hartwood, where the sleek private treehouses with panoramic views of the 15 acres of surrounding wilderness are guaranteed to make you feel at one with the trees.
Do this: Stroll high above Haliburton Forest along the world’s longest canopy boardwalk at Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve. While there, be sure to say hello to the park’s resident wolf pack from the safety of the Wolf Centre’s glass observatories.
Ontario cottage country honourable mentions
Kawarthas/Peterborough:
The Kawarthas, meaning "land of reflections" in the Anishinaabe language, is a region in South-Central Ontario (about 2-3 hours east of Toronto) comprising over 350 lakes and rivers. Well known towns in the area include Bobcaygeon (as made famous by the haunting Tragically Hip song), Fenelon Falls, Lakefield, and Buckhorn.
Killarney
Situated at the entrance of Georgian Bay’s North Channel, this destination popular with outdoor adventurers has many private cottages to rent as well as elegant lakeside resorts like Killarney Mountain Lodge.
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