Vacation rentals in Kawartha Lakes

Kawartha Lakes is at the heart of cottage country just outside of Toronto, Ontario. The county is home to the larger Sturgeon and Pidgeon Lakes, as well as much smaller shallow lakes that warm up nicely for swimming in the summer and freeze over for skating in the winter. There are also Provincial Parks for camping and a vibrant local food scene with small craft breweries scattered throughout the region.

The Kawartha and nearby neighbouring Muskoka region are renowned for their cottages and vast expanses of forest with the bare rock of the Canadian Shield jutting out between the trees. This is one of the oldest types of shields on earth and is what creates the picturesque backdrops of any cottage-going adventure. It's also the landscape that makes visiting a cottage in the Kawartha region so idyllic, attracting travelers who crave an escape into nature for its peaceful, rejuvenating atmosphere.

Ontario is known for hot and humid summers and its frigid winters. Don’t let that deter you from enjoying the outdoors, though. Summer is a great time to find Kawartha Lakes cottage rentals, and it is reliably sunny. It's also when the region’s lakes are warm enough for swimming. However, winter offers a different type of beauty. You can go ice fishing or snowshoeing before coming inside to a hot cup of cocoa. One of the best times to visit Kawartha Lakes is in the autumn, when the leaves change colour and the temperate days make for great hiking while cool nights make for a cozy campfire. Springtime is also a good season to explore the many trails and outdoor activities before the peak summer humidity — just remember to bring your bug spray.

Small Towns of Ontario

The county of Kawartha Lakes is home to the small towns of southern Ontario, each with its own unique charm. Some highlights include Bobcaygeon and Lindsay, which offer river and lakeside walks, fantastic dining, and quaint small shops. Venture farther afield and visit the lively town of Gravenhurst for its lakeside patios, or head the opposite direction to Minden for its famous ice cream.

Trent-Severn Waterway

Rent a boat or take a tour between some of the larger lakes to experience this extensive canal route, listed as a National Historic Site of Canada. The system stretches from Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay, and along the way there are a number of locks through small towns, where you will find beautiful vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Kettle lakes

The geographical landscape of southern Ontario is peppered with kettle lakes, which are smaller bodies of water formed by receding glaciers. These are where many Kawartha Lakes cottage rentals are located. No two are the same, so one of the best places to spend your time is on your own lake, or find a smaller accessible one nearby.