Find the right one: A guide to Kawarthas cottage resorts

Enjoying a week or two at a cottage resort in the Kawarthas makes for a great summer escape. If you’ve never embarked on a vacation like this before, here are a few reasons why so many people do it year after year.

• Like a home away from home: Unlike hotels, cottage resorts offer private accommodations that often include full kitchens, living areas, and outdoor spaces, giving you a comfortable and relaxed home base.
• Direct access to outdoor activities: Most cottage resorts in the Kawarthas are situated on properties that give you direct access to lakes, trails, and things to do such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking.
• A community atmosphere: Cottage resorts often have a friendly, communal feel, offering amenities such as shared firepits, playgrounds, and planned activities that allow guests to connect.

Choosing the perfect cottage resort for you

The Kawartha Lakes offer a diverse selection of cottage resorts, making it possible to find one that aligns with your vacation preferences.

Whether you’re planning a family-friendly getaway, looking to hit the golf course, seeking relaxation at a spa, or searching for accommodations that feature a unique experience, there’s a perfect cottage resort for you. Some even welcome dogs. Here’s a breakdown to help you find the best match.

Kawarthas cottage resorts for young families

Choosing a Kawarthas cottage resort suited for young families ensures an enjoyable vacation for both kids and parents.

These family-friendly resorts offer amenities like sandy beaches with gradual entry, which are perfect for little swimmers. Many also have heated pools, providing a comfortable alternative when lake water is chilly. Of course there are lots of water-based activities the whole family can engage in such as canoeing, kayaking, pedal boating, water trampolines and dock fishing.

Kids’ playgrounds are a common feature too, offering a safe space for little ones to burn off energy. Some resorts even provide daily children’s programming, giving parents a well-deserved break while their kids engage in supervised activities. For rainy days, select resorts offer indoor entertainment like games halls or lending libraries filled with books and board games.

Three cottage resorts to consider for your family getaway

• Pine Vista Resort offers a supervised children’s recreation program, ensuring kids are entertained so parents can relax.
• Beachwood Resort has an awesome water playground with a slide and trampoline for endless fun in the lake.
• Viamede Resort adds a special thrill with daily water tubing, along with on-site naturalists to teach kids about the local wildlife and fauna.

Any one of these cottage resorts would make for a wonderful week in the Kawarthas for a young family.

Want more family-friendly suggestions? Read our article “8 Kawarthas cottage resorts ideal for young families.”

Cottage resorts in the Kawarthas for golf enthusiasts

If you regularly play golf during the summer, it’s hard to imagine going on vacation without including a round or two in your holiday. Fortunately, there are several Kawarthas cottage resorts that either have a golf course on-site or are located just minutes away from one.

Three cottage resorts for golfers to consider

• Bellmere Winds Golf Resort is a top choice for those who want the convenience of an on-site course. Their 18-hole golf course has a links-style front nine and a classic parkland back nine and boasts stunning views of Rice Lake.
• If you prefer to play a variety of courses over your week off, Highland View Resort is a smart place to book. It’s situated near three distinct 18-hole courses—Bellmere Winds, Pine Crest Golf Club, and Baxter Creek Golf Club.
• Golfers looking for a combination of luxurious accommodations and golf will appreciate Eganridge Resort, Golf Club & Spa. It has a scenic 9-hole executive course set among rolling hills and wetlands, perfect for couples or small groups.

Hang by the lake in the morning and then hit the links in the afternoon. What better way to combine relaxation and recreation.

Discover more accommodations that are ideal for golfers. Read our article “8 Kawarthas cottage resorts for golf enthusiasts.”

Cottage resorts with luxurious spa experiences

If you’re seeking a tranquil escape that nurtures the body, mind, and soul, a Kawarthas cottage resort with an on-site spa is the ultimate retreat.

Two cottage resorts with full-service spas on site

• Eganridge Resort, Golf Club & Spa offers a refined wellness experience with indulgent treatments like hot stone massages, body scrubs, and rejuvenating facials. You can enhance your visit with in-spa dining, featuring gourmet platters or a luxurious Signature Afternoon Tea. The resort also has saunas, steam rooms, a gym, and an outdoor pool for a fully immersive retreat.
• Elmhirst’s Resort provides a warm, inviting spa experience with aromatherapy, reflexology, and skin therapies tailored for deep relaxation. Their thoughtfully curated spa packages will ensure you can indulge in the perfect treatment to restore balance and vitality.

Beyond the spa, both cottage resorts offer beautiful lakeside accommodations, exceptional dining, and access to recreational activities. Both are the perfect blend of indulgence and tranquility.

Learn more about these two cottage resorts with on-site spas. Read “Serene stays: Kawarthas cottage resorts with luxurious spas.”

Cottage resorts that offer unique activities

For many people, summer vacations are the perfect opportunity to try something new and create unforgettable memories. In the Kawartha Lakes, several cottage resorts offer unique experiences that will make your stay extra special.

Three cottage resorts adventurer’s should check out

• If you’ve ever dreamed of soaring above the trees and lakes of the Kawarthas, Elmhirst’s Resort provides breathtaking sightseeing flights in a floatplane, offering a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscape.
• For nature lovers, Viamede Resort features guided hikes and foraging walks led by an on-site naturalist, giving you a deeper knowledge and understanding of the local wildlife and ecosystem.
• Meanwhile, if you’re an adventure seeker you can head underground when you stay at Birch Bend Cottage Resort, because nearby is the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area. Here you can explore ancient limestone caves.

In addition to their unique offerings, all three of these cottage resorts provide cozy accommodations, beautiful waterfront settings, and plenty of opportunities to relax.

There’s more where these came from. See what other adventures await you. Read “Kawartha Lakes cottage resorts with unique activities.”

Dog-friendly cottage resorts

For many dog owners, leaving their furry companion behind when going on vacation can be a difficult decision. Finding reliable pet care is often expensive. It can be stressful too, which can cause both dogs and their owners to experience separation anxiety. Luckily, the Kawarthas region has a variety of cottage resorts that welcome dogs so you can enjoy a getaway without the worry.

Three cottage resorts Fido will find fetching

• Viamede Resort stands out with its dog-friendly policies, including no extra fees, an off-leash dog park, and 9 km of walking trails.
• Lake Edge Cottages is another excellent choice, offering dog-gated decks, access to 450 feet of shoreline for swimming, and even an on-site dog-sitting service.
• Bailey’s Bay Cottage and RV Resort is also welcoming to dogs, with a dedicated dog park for off-leash play.

By choosing a dog-friendly cottage resort in the Kawarthas, you can alleviate the stress of leaving your pet at home and enjoy a fun, relaxing vacation with your pup.

Explore even more options. Read “Woof! 15 Kawarthas cottage resorts that allow dogs.”

A few questions to ask yourself before booking

To find the perfect Kawarthas cottage resort for your needs, consider these questions:

• What type of experience do I want (family-friendly, golf-focused, spa relaxation, unique activities, pet-friendly)?
• Will I be traveling with children, and if so, what child-friendly features are a priority?
• How close do I want to be to a town or local attractions?
• Do I prefer a full-service resort or a more rustic, self-sufficient cottage?
• What amenities are essential (full kitchen, how many bedrooms, beach access, boat rentals, restaurant, spa, etc.)?
• Am I looking for a quiet retreat or a social atmosphere?
• What is my budget?

Conclusion

A little research and planning can go a long way in ensuring your Kawarthas cottage resort vacation meets all your expectations. By considering what matters most to you beforehand, you’ll be able to zero in on the ideal spot to escape and create lasting holiday memories.

Feature Photo Credit: Amanda Sixsmith