Simply put, Muskoka is Magical. Anyone who has ever experienced a cottage rental in Muskoka has experienced the wonderment of hearing the loons in summer or the crispy crunch of snow in winter. It has a rich history beginning with the fur traders and eventually progressed to be one of Ontario's premier tourist destinations. Who then would know that Ontario cottage rentals would enable so many couples and families to experience a break from hectic city life!
The name 'Muskoka' can be translated (from the Algonquin native language) to "land of the red earth". Today you can still experience the red in Muskoka - the sunrises and sunsets can be dramatic and the richness of the autumn colours throughout the vast forests will leave you breathless.
Free land grants of 100 and 200 acre parcels were given to Europeans in exchange for their coming here and working/developing the land. For them to maintain 'ownership' of the land, they had to clear a specific number of acres and have a structure suitable for living in, during the first year. Life was tough with few building tools, little food, brutal winters and disease.
Many families persevered and offered accommodation to the increasing number of fur traders, hunters and sports-fishermen starting to arrive. Soon grand hotels and lodges were being built, and the elite from Toronto and the US were not only visiting, but many were establishing summer residents - and why not? Over 1600 pristine lakes, fresh air, breathtaking rock cuts, magnificent forests and pure relaxation!
Most of these old lodges eventually succumbed to fire but some are still standing today and a few, like Windermere House, have been rebuilt. One cannot enter one of these historical edifices without feeling some of the grace, or hearing the laughter and sounds of the bands playing for the charming ladies and gents that danced the night away.
As society changed there was less leisure time to enjoy the 'old family cottage' and many families loaned their beloved summer home to other family members and friends. If you weren't lucky enough to be in that small group, you could always rent a cottage.
So that's how tourism started in Muskoka. It soon spread to the beautiful neighboring areas such as Parry Sound and Haliburton, as they are known today. Parry Sound cottage rentals and Haliburton cottage rentals now provide that same sort of experience, ambiance and the creation of memories to last a lifetime. Family bonding time at the lake is cherished!
Cottage rentals in Ontario have come a long way! We can now show a potential renter a variety of cottages to suit their needs, dozens of pictures, detailed descriptions, and process their payment and no one has to venture from home.
Private rentals are now the norm, and with the ease of booking an online vacation, it's an excellent way to ensure you enjoy the family vacation you and your family so deserve.
With just a few clicks, you can make all the arrangements for a memorable vacation!
Bring your loved ones and your camera!
You can also Enjoy a cottage rental in Muskoka this winter – crisp clear nights, skiing, snow boarding. Or a cottage rental in Haliburton in the spring with wonderful spring fishing. Or a cottage rental in Parry Sound this summer with the sounds of the loons and waves to fall asleep by. There's no shortage of things to do in any of these cottage country destinations!
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