Plan a cottage getaway online
Search for the perfect vacation property to suit your needs
By Kama Lee Jackson
Over the years, Debbie and Raymond Pitch have rented many different properties in Ontario’s cottage country. Since her first summer, Pitch has learned quite a bit about finding the ideal getaway and about “weeding out the bad cottages.”
When she first began renting, Pitch used an agency that let her watch videos of various cottages. In recent years, she has taken her research to the Web.
“The Internet has been a huge benefit in renting cottages,” she says. “I can do 90 per cent of the research from my own home. I start [my search] with the lake I want, then the price, then the details of the cottage.”
Visit virtual cottage country
The Web is an invaluable tool for vacationers who are hunting for their perfect cottage or cabin. “The Internet allows for virtual visits and snapshots of what the cottage rental is all about,” says Zac Gribble, who created CottagesinCanada.com.
Here are some cottage rental sites to help you get started.
- Cottages in Canada: Check out cottages for sale or rent. The Cottage Retriever allows you to search for various criteria including region, cost, the number the cottage can sleep and whether smoking or pets are permitted.
- At the Cottage: Search privately listed cottages or link to cottage rental services in differents regions.
- Canada’s Cottage Guide: Conduct a quick search by region, or enter the criteria that matter to you to find cottages that meet your requirements.
- CyberRentals: Scan listings around the globe. A list of FAQs addresses dilemmas cottage renters might face such as how to contact cottage owners and leave deposits.
Step 1: Create your checklist and ask for photos
“Geographic location, budget and basic activities/amenities should be determined before researching,” says Sherwood Armbruster, who runs Canada’s Cottage Guide. Gribble suggests also deciding upon your desired number of beds, proximity to water and level of seclusion. “The narrower your search, the more enjoyable your online research will be.”
Pitch once spent months driving to various cottages to ensure that they were what she was looking for. “You should not rent a cottage without seeing it first,” she says. “If someone does not have pictures of the cottage to show you before you go look at [it], then that is a sure sign the cottage is not worth looking at.
“One man did show me pictures of his cottage and they were spectacular,” she says. “The price was great and it was still available.” After driving two hours to see it, Pitch discovered the cottage was still under construction. The photos she’d seen were of the only two finished rooms.
If visiting a cottage ahead of time is not possible, try booking through a registered agency, says Shawn Hisko, who operates AtTheCottage.com. But be sure to find out when the agency last visited the property.
Step 2: Ask important questions
If you have particular needs or wants for your cottage getaway, ask before booking. “Don’t be afraid to e-mail specific questions or to ask for clarification on any information that isn’t clear,” says Gribble.
“Ask for a rental contract and references,” advises Hisko. A list of items to inquire about (which appears on Hisko’s site) includes
- kitchen amenities
- linens
- drinking water
- swimming conditions
- tub or shower
- electronics
- telephone
- barbecue availability
It’s also a good idea to ask about privacy, smoking and pet policies. Ask if the property is child-friendly, too.
Step 3: Consider the cost and the timing
“Prices range anywhere from $300 for a small basic cabin up to $2,000+ per week for more luxurious places,” says Mark Schlotzhauer, co-owner of Cottage Rentals Online. Other cost-determining factors include proximity to urban centres, size, amenities and season.
Summer is the most popular season for cottage and cabin rentals, and properties book up early. Pitch begins her search in January, but there are last-minute options. “Check to see if there have been any cancellations,” suggests Gribble. “Also ask the owners if they are aware of any other similar cottages in the area.”
Consider renting in the off-season — from September to May — when cottages may offer reduced rates. “Fall is a great time for hiking,” says Hisko. “Less traffic, less bugs, beautiful colours and crisp days and evenings.”
In the winter, you can enjoy many sports such as skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. If you do rent in the off-season, confirm that the cottage is heated and has indoor plumbing.
Step 4: Booking the cottage
Once you’ve decided where to stay, you’ll likely need to make a deposit, not only to hold the cottage, but also as a security for the owner in case of cancellation or damage to the property.
Hisko says to be wary of high deposits. Ten to 20 per cent of the total cost is appropriate. Deposits are often made by cheque or credit card at the time of booking. If you’re uncomfortable using your credit card online, you’ll find that many owners or agencies are happy to take the information over the phone. Each cottage has its own payment and cancellation policy, so find out from the owner when the remainder is due.
Hisko’s final advice: “It’s your vacation. Taking the time to make sure it is right for you and your family can make all the difference.”
