Cottage dreaming

Get wired up for cottage splendour with the comprehensive web guide we've pulled together. View the country's best cottages online, and begin the renting process with advice from sites offering tips about renting online and preparing for your outdoor adventure. And for more inspiration, check out the "Dreams for Rent" story in the March, 2004 issue of Canadian Living Magazine.

Seasoned cottagers and first-time 'naturalists' alike have to plan extensively for each retreat. Every cottage has different amenities and rules that must be considered. Cottages on the Web offers these tips and more on renting cottages:

• Unless specified, ask the owner if linens, blankets, and pillows are supplied.
  
• If a television is provided, ask the owner if a VCR is also available. If not, you may wish to bring your own with some videos.
  
• Prior to your stay, come to an agreement with the owner regarding liability of goods in the cottage or chalet that become damaged during your stay.
  
• Ensure the water in the cottage or chalet is drinkable. If not, bring your own bottled water.
  
• If you plan on bringing your pets, make sure they are welcome.
  
• Make sure you are aware of the condition the cottage or chalet must be in when your rental term is complete.
  
• If you plan on having visitors, make sure the owner is informed.

Canada's Cottage Havens:
CottageLink.com
Location, location, location. Find the perfect holiday dwelling with just a few clicks of your 'field' mouse. This self-started small business thrives on the first-hand accounts of cottage owners who write and post rental announcements themselves. Rentals are listed by region and each listing is expanded with an image and information that not only includes location and cost but also the occupant capacity. Each cottage is further divided into categories such as Hunting and Fishing and Year Round Rentals.

CandaRentals.com
So you know exactly where you want to go this summer. You remember a friend's rave about the vacation she spent on an ethereal lake in a cozy cottage somewhere in the vicinity of Whistler B.C. - but that's all you remember. This site let's you choose exact locations in each province and links to rental sites with comprehensive information. Find out everything from what waterfront facilities are available to whether there's a gas or charcoal barbecue on site.

At The Cottage
Exactly where you'd like to be right now isn't it? Find private and resort cottage rentals by province and be enticed by images of the wilderness wonder. But don't worry, the cottage photos are accompanied by additional information from location to local event listings. Check out the sites To-Do link at the top of the page and ensure that the kiddies will be kept occupied at your location of choice. (Tip: Don't miss the sidebar links on the left side of the page.)

CottagesInCanada.com
Don't play fetch with your summer vacation. Find a cottage that meets your criteria. The Cottage Retriever will assist you in customizing your search for a dream-dwelling. Pick a province and region and specify the search engines parameters such as availability and waterfront accessibility.

Tyler's Cottage Directory
Find accommodations that suit everyone's needs. From wheelchair accessibility to the closest body of water, you can search for the spot that will make the whole pack happy.

Cottages on the Web
Planning ahead may not be your forté. At this site you can find last minute cottage listings alongside advanced cottage searches.

Spirit of the North
Don't get spirited away when you finally pick your vacation destination. Your head must be grounded for the most important task - planning. Visit this site's planning section articles and links to help you in your difficult journey of just getting to the darned cottage!

CottageHaven.com
Click on the map of Ontario and find your happy niche in any area you believe your personal cottage haven may be. And if Ontario isn't your destination click the circle on the top right and find a cottage in an area more to your liking.

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