While you’re planning your summer holidays, it’s always good to think about the activities you want to do while you’re away.
Maybe you just want one or two dinners out? Or, maybe you’re hoping to play a few rounds of golf? Or, you’re celebrating a special anniversary and want to make lifelong memories?
Whether you’re planning to stay at the cottage the full week or are looking at different activities to keep you busy, planning ahead is always helpful — especially when outings need to be booked in advance!
Here are 10 Fun Activities to Plan Ahead while Visiting a Cottage this Summer:
1. Sunset Cruises – Muskoka
Take a cruise in Muskoka this summer and explore Lake Joseph, Lake Rosseau and Lake Muskoka! Join Captain Potts at Sunset Cruises and take in the views! Whether you’re looking to take a morning or afternoon cruise around the 3 big Muskoka lakes, this is a great excursion any day of the week, all summer long.
2. Walk in the Clouds – Haliburton
Spend a few hours walking in the trees at Haliburton Forest. Instead of spending your hike looking up to the treetops, walk in them! Joined by a guide for safety, this bucket-list activity is not to miss on your next trip to Haliburton. A member of the CLRM team, Cathy, went to Haliburton Forest to Walk in the Clouds in Fall 2020 and wrote all about her experience at the Canopy Tour.
3. Island Queen Cruise – Parry Sound
Visiting Parry Sound this summer? Check out Island Queen Cruises and explore the islands around Parry Sound. Whether you’re looking for a morning cruise or a 3-hour afternoon tour, this is a great week-day outing for only $40-50/adult!
If you want to add some more fun to your excursion, check out the Island Tours that offer unique attractions and things to do on each tour. One includes a stop at the world-famous, Henry’s Fish Restaurant, while another takes you to a private secluded beach and yet another takes you to historic Wreck Island.
4. Georgian Bay Airways – Parry Sound
Make some memories this summer and book a tour with Georgian Bay Airways. Take a private floatplane on the Parry Island Tour or the 30,000 Island Tour for 25-35 minutes of spectacular views! Or, if you’re looking for a meal to go along with your private flight, take the plane to Henry’s Fish Restaurant, only accessed by boat or floatplane, for some delicious Pickerel!
5. Wilderness Tours White Water Rafting – Eastern Ontario
Bring some excitement to your Eastern Ontario vacation this summer & book a tour with Wilderness Tours to try your hand at White Water Rafting! This exhilarating experience is open for everyone over the age of five. Explore the Ottawa River With tours for beginners and more experienced members, there’s something for everyone!
Gentle Trips are perfect for children over 50 lbs & over the age of 5, teenagers will love medium intensity trips and adults with at least one White Water Rafting Experience will enjoy the high intensity tour!
6. Spa Rosseau – Muskoka
If you’re visiting Muskoka this year and want to plan some time for relaxation, check out Spa Rosseau. Daily memberships are available for $100 which include robes, slippers, indoor & outdoor whirlpools, hot tubs, loungers, refreshing healthy beverages and more! Spend a day relaxing on your summer vacation this year!
7. Paddle Watercraft Rentals at Narrow’s Canoe & Kayak – Orilla
Does the cottage you’ve rented come with water toys? Or, is your favourite paddle-powered watercraft not included? For some, going out for that early morning kayak is the best part of their summer vacation. Narrow’s Canoe & Kayak Co in Orilla has canoes, kayaks, pedalboats & even stand-up paddleboards available for various lengths of rental, including hourly and weekly.
8. Boat Rentals at Buckeye Rentals – Kawartha Lakes
Whether you’re looking to rent a pontoon boat, fishing boat or jet ski for a couple of days or a full week, finding a boat rental company that can deliver is key. BuckEye Rentals in Bobcaygeon delivers across the Kawartha Lakes, up through to Haliburton and even over to Orilla! If you’re wanting to rent a boat, but no one in your family has their Boating License, don’t leave it til the last minute! Take the test to get your Boating License:
9. Nature Adventure’s Scenic Caves – The Blue Mountains
Nature Adventure’s Scenic Caves in The Blue Mountains offers a fun thrill for the whole family. Get your hiking boots (or a good pair of sneakers) on and hit the trails! Go spelunking, play a round of mini-golf, walk across the suspension bridge, take a zipline, and more! This day trip is sure to get the teens in your family to put their phones away (unless they’re snapping a photo of the beautiful scenery)!
10. Wakeboard & Water Ski Lessons at SWS Ski School – Muskoka
Last, but not least, learn how to wakeboard or water ski this summer at SWS Ski School. Located on Lake Rosseau & Lake Muskoka they guarantee you’ll get up during your lesson! So, even if this isn’t your thing (and you’ve signed the family up for something fun to do together) everyone in the group will be able to say they succeeded! There are also the options to take lessons for flyboarding & wakesurfing! They recommend pre-booking, so to book, just visit their website & book your lessons online.
As you can see, there’s plenty to do up in Cottage Country, if you’re looking for more than sitting on a dock, jumping in the lake, BBQing a delicious meal or casting a hook. But, those things are pretty great too!
