Ontario’s famous cottage country stretches from the eastern shore of Lake Huron to the Ontario/Quebec border and has over 100,000 lakes and countless rivers and streams. It is no surprise that Ontario is a popular destination for boaters, swimmers, fishing enthusiasts and those simply looking for a cottage rental to get out of the city and enjoy some peace and relaxation. The area’s extensive areas of stunning natural beauty across coastal paths and National Parks makes cottage country a must for hikers too. Ontario’s Cottage Country is also well known for having some of the top coffee roasters!
Cottage country is a popular destination for both Canadian and international tourists who visit this area of Canada to get a real taste of the Canadian great outdoors. The area is also home to many picturesque towns and villages, each with its unique character and charm.
Cottage rentals in Ontario are a tradition for many groups and families and while it is most popular in the summer, with ski hills, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and many great indoor activities, shops and restaurants, it is also a very popular spot in the winter. Here at CottageLINK Rental Management we have been helping guests enjoy high-quality waterfront cottage rentals with many great amenities for over 15 years.
There are many perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee in the area and what better place to enjoy a freshly brewed cup in the morning than on a Muskoka chair along the waterfront in one of the many beautiful towns. There are many places to choose from which can make it difficult to choose where to go. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the top things to do across cottage country and the best coffee roasters in each area!
Things to do in Muskoka
This area is well known for its stunning natural beauty and beautiful lakes, including the famous Muskoka Lake, which is the largest in the region, and similarly well known Lake Joe and Lake Rosseau. Muskoka has several breath-taking provincial parks to explore. Within the various towns across Muskoka, there are also many great restaurants and the craft brewery scene is strong, with many local breweries.
Muskoka is also home to several great golf courses which you can enjoy on your vacation. Feeling a bit more adventurous? The area is also renowned for its snowmobiling and ice fishing in the winter.
Muskoka Roastery
Roasting coffee since the year 2000, Muskoka Roastery, creates many coffees from beans sourced 100% ethically from Rainforest Alliance Certified Farms and was one of the first coffee companies in Canada to have 100% compostable single serve pods. A must-try is their signature coffee, Muskoka Maple, or grab a mug of the bold and smokey-tasting Black Bear.
Inspire Coffee Roasting Co
Inspire Coffee Roasting Co. craft roasts every cup of coffee right in front of your eyes, so you will have the freshest taste possible. Fair traded and premium graded visitors should try the Inspire Signature Blend a unique three roast blend that is both smooth and rich in flavor.
Diesel House Coffee Roasters
Founded in 2009, Diesel House Coffee Roasters, is so popular that its coffee is sold throughout Ontario in grocery stores, cafes, and even health food shops. They offer a choice of seven different coffees but grab a bag of ‘3 in the Tree’ which is created using a fusion of coffee beans from South America, Central America, and Africa.
Oliver’s Coffee
This locally owned and operated coffee house (named after a chocolate Labrador) began its journey in 2003 and today offers its signature coffee to locals and tourists alike. Oliver’s Coffee offers a huge range of signature coffees to suit all tastes including flavored coffee such as French vanilla, butter pecan, Swiss chocolate, and more.
Things to do in Kawartha / Kawartha Lakes
This stunning region of cottage country is mainly rural with many small towns. Named after a chain of lakes discovered by explorer Samuel de Champlain, Kawartha has a varied landscape of lakes, wetlands, grasslands and forests. This area is home to a huge number of wildlife species including moose, bears, and beavers.
The Kawartha Lakes region has well over one hundred lakes with some of the more well-known being Sturgeon Lake, Pigeon Lake, Cameron Lake, Head Lake, Chandos Lake, Four Mile Lake, Chemong Lake, Stony Lake, Rice Lake, Buckhorn Lake, Catchacoma Lake, Belmont Lake and Balsam Lake.
With its rural setting, it is no surprise that this area is the perfect destination for lots of different outdoor activities including camping, fishing, hunting, kayaking, boating, canoeing, hiking, swimming and biking. Home to several provincial parks, in the winter months Kawartha is transformed into a winter wonderland with winter sports taking over, including cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and snowshoeing. Kawartha is the perfect destination for all-year-round activity and offers a wide range of vacation rentals with idyllic cottages next to the lakes.
Kawartha is the place to visit to escape the bustle of city life and enjoy a true Canadian getaway adventure.
Full Cup Coffee Co.
A more recent addition to the town, grab one of Full Cup Coffee’s cups of coffee, which will be freshly roasted when ordered. Their tasty Blonde Roast Blend Coffee is made from ethically sourced coffee beans from Rwanda, or choose from one of the other four specially roasted coffees.
Things to do in Parry Sound
Located on the south-eastern shore of Georgian Bay, Parry Sound is well known for its large number of parks and beaches. This area is a very popular tourist destination and has many lakeside resorts, hotels, and cottage rentals. Parry Sound is home to the famous Parry Sound Lighthouse, which was built in 1856. Other popular attractions include Killbear Provincial Park, the Parry Sound Lookout for sweeping views of the harbour and local restaurants in the town of Parry Sound. If you want to learn more about things to do in Parry Sound, check out our We’ve Stayed Here for Lakeside Cove, which details all the great activities we got up to during our weekend stay!
Twiggs
Coffee this fresh is hard to find! Twiggs roasts their coffee beans onsite taking them from green to freshly roasted coffee and serving some of the best coffee available. This Parry Sound coffee roaster opened in 2020, but Twiggs launched in 1995, so they know a thing or two about roasting coffee. Thirsty visitors will enjoy the taste of their coffee which is freshly brewed as you wait.
Things to do in Haliburton
Haliburton is a beautiful village that is in the heart of the Haliburton Highlands. The village offers many great shops and restaurants but is best known for the beautifully clean, clear lakes and abundant wildlife, hiking and biking trails in the summer, and its extensive winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, and even ice fishing. Haliburton also has some great art galleries and museums available for visitors.
Haliburton County Coffee Roasters
Based at the Food Hub this small but mighty coffee roaster serves freshly roasted, ethically traded single bean coffee. A visit is not complete without grabbing a cup of their Colombian Huila, a dark roast coffee with chocolate notes, or for the more adventurous an Ethiopian Sidamo, a light roast with cherry and chestnut notes.
Rebel Elexir
Visit here and you can grind your beans and then drink a much-needed caffeine boost. Choose from seven tasty coffees including ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Dark Sumatra, or their House Blend.
Castle Cafe & Roastery
Castle Cafe & Roastery is an independently owned cafe and roastery serve coffee that is organically grown in Nicaragua. Working with sustainable farming plantations the coffee is a balanced medium to dark roast that has a nutty aroma with a hint of citrus fruit.
Whether you’re looking for a dark roast or a lighter blend, there’s sure to be a coffee roaster in cottage country that has what you’re looking for. So next time you’re planning a trip, be sure to add one of these top coffee roasters to your list of must-visits!
Now You Found Coffee, Where Do You Find a Cottage Rental in Ontario?
CottageLINK Rental Management offers a wide variety of waterfront cottage rentals for when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. Located in the heart of Ontario’s wonderful cottage country, our cottage rentals provide our guests with comfort whilst they enjoy the activities that the area provides.
There is nothing better than relaxing along a beautiful waterfront or laughing around a campfire with s’mores to end the night. All of our rentals include fully equipped kitchens, comfortable bedrooms, and spacious living areas. We have a perfect cottage for everyone, from cottages on the lake to a cabin in the woods, cottages with a relaxing hot tub, or one with a cosy fireplace with a log fire at night.
Check out our full list of available cottage rentals in Ontario HERE. If you have any questions or would like help finding that perfect spot, our amazing team of cottage country experts would be happy to assist!
Looking for Cottage Rental Management Services?
If you are interested in cottage rental management services, we would love the opportunity to speak with you and hear more about your cottage! At CottageLINK Rental Management we are focused on tailoring our services to the needs of our individual homeowners. Our cottage rental management services help to maximize rental income, minimize time involvement and offer a seamless guest experience! Our team would be happy to chat and you can learn more by submitting your contact details HERE.
