finding a family friendly cottage

By Heather Bayer, CottageLINK Rental Management

All cottages are not created equal as can be seen by a quick look at some of the listing sites. From rustic cabins at bargain rates, to palatial log homes with prices soaring as high as the cathedral ceilings they feature, cottage vacation rentals come in all shapes and sizes.

Finding the right one for a family holiday can be a challenge, particularly if you've left it a little late to start looking. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect spot for a family friendly vacation.

where to look

The further you are willing to travel, the more choice you'll have. There are a good range of rental properties in the Rideau Lakes area and you may find you don't have to go much further than Smiths Falls or Perth to find your dream cottage.

However, as the booking season progresses, choice becomes more limited, and if you are able to extend your trip to a 3-hour drive or more the area around Bancroft and the eastern portion of the Haliburton Highlands and Kawarthas may be worth considering.

when to go

My favourite time is mid-August. The mosquitoes are not as bothersome, the water is still wonderfully warm and the weather never seems as volatile as it is in July.

Night time temperatures are often cooler too, which is a boon in cottages without air conditioning.

Most cottages rent by the week, so don't expect to be able to rent a cottage for a weekend in the summer.

Off-season, a long weekend or midweek break at a cottage can make for a great short getaway, and will be less costly.

how much?

$750 - $1,000 should give you a basic cottage with up to three bedrooms and a bathroom. This may be fairly small but can have wonderful waterfront. There will be indoor plumbing and hydro. This amount can also find you a good quality property if you are prepared to accept deeded access to a shared beach.

$1,000 - $1,500 is the bracket into which most cottages fall. You can expect at least three bedrooms with one to two bathrooms, and good quality private water frontage. Expect to get satellite TV, laundry facilities and a dishwasher at the higher end.

$1,500 - $2,000. Cottages in this range will be larger and may accommodate two families in three or more bedrooms, perhaps with a bunkie or guest house. The furniture and facilities should be comfortable and in excellent condition; there may be a family or games room with additional entertainment features such as a pool table or table tennis.

$2,000 plus. Once you get to this level you will find much larger properties; those in highly sought after locations; saunas and hot tubs; high end appliances, and other "luxury" features.

other things you should know

A few things to bear in mind when renting a cottage:

• If you have children with allergies and are looking for a pet free cottage, check that the owner has not had his own, or friend’s pets to stay.
• The maximum number accommodated in a cottage includes all children, day, and overnight guests. Overcrowding a cottage can result in damage to a septic system which can be very expensive to rectify, not to mention smelly on a hot July day!
• Most cottage owners and agencies will have a cancellation policy, so make sure you understand what it is before you book. It's a good idea to take out travel insurance too.
• Most cottages provide life jackets but it is the renter's responsibility to make sure they are the correct fit. A better idea is to buy them, at least for the children.
• Zebra mussels are all too common in Ontario lakes making the use of water shoes for all the family a sensible precaution.

Your cottage vacation should be memorable for all the right reasons, so book with a reputable agency, or from an owner who can provide valid testimonials from previous guests.

For more information on renting the right cottage, recommendations on activities and attractions in cottage country, and last minute listings, visit www.cottagenews.ca.

Heather Bayer writes articles and books on cottage ownership and cottage rental and is the CEO of CottageLINK Rental Management, an agency specializing in cottage rentals in Ontario and Southern Quebec.

other vacation resources

Remember to use the Kids Ottawa local directory for:

• cottage rental agencies and resources and;
• family friendly resorts
• family vacations in ottawa, canada