How to Choose the Best Waterfront Cottage Rental

When you book a vacation, you are often investing a considerable amount of money in exchange for a new experience, relaxation, and the opportunity to build memories with friends & family. There is an abundance of vacation home rentals available in Ontario, which can create an exhausting search process. You know you want a waterfront escape, but how can you narrow down your search to find a rental that is best suited for your group? We put together some criteria we use when selecting our dream cottage rental.

Proximity to the Lake

A cottage located directly on a lake is typically a more expensive rental than one that is within walking distance. So ask yourself, "how important is it to be located right on the water?" Are you okay with a lake view or do you insist on a private dock or beach? Depending on your budget and personal preferences, a lakefront property may be make-it-or-break-it criteria. For others, you may opt for a cheaper alternative that is close to the beach or has a lake view.

Swimming Conditions: Weeds & Temperature

Have you ever rented a waterfront cottage to arrive and learn the swimming area is overgrown with weeds? We have! If swimming is an important part of your vacation, make sure to ask your host if the swimming area is cleared of weeds before booking. This will help avoid any disappointment. The temperature of the water may also be important. Larger lakes take much longer in the season to warm up and may never reach the warm temperatures that smaller lakes see. If comfortable swimming temperatures are a priority for you, you may want to explore some smaller lakes. Larger lakes often see more boating & water sports, which can generate powerful wakes and make swimming conditions tricky.

Water Sports

Are you the type of person who likes to get out on the lake for some adventure? If so, the size of the lake is important. For those looking for a boating adventure, a larger lake is your best bet. Larger lakes often have public boat launches for your motorboats and are great for tubing, water skiing, and other sports. If your exploring the lake by canoe, kayak, or a stand-up paddleboard, a smaller lake is a better choice. The wakes in larger lakes can be intimidating when you are on a smaller watercraft and the risk of tipping is much higher.

Sunsets

Extend your day on the dock by choosing a cottage that faces West. West-facing cottages offer stunning sunsets that are sure to boost the romance on your trip!   Booking the perfect vacation sounds daunting, but with a little bit of research, you are sure to find a cottage rental that checks all your boxes! Don't forget to check the reviews as this is often the best way to get honest feedback from previous guests. Check out the 5-star rated Waterfront Cottage Co. on Jeffrey Lake for your next Ontario cottage rental. Jeffrey Lake boasts 100 acres of weed-free paradise that is perfect for lounging, swimming, non-motorized watersports, and catching sunsets. Jeffrey Lake is the best lake in Ontario, in our humble opinion. Its water reflects on its limestone bottom, glowing a beautiful turquoise blue. We have seen it reach 78 degrees Fahrenheit calling even the pickiest swimmers to jump in!