The May long weekend in Canada signals the start of summer — or at least the start of weekend trips to the cottage. Not a cottage owner? Not to despair, we’re showcasing some of the best accommodation deals in the best destinations from coast to coast for the upcoming weekend.
Whether you live, there’s a perfect spot waiting for your long weekend getaway. The options at these prices may mean booking an extra day to decompress, recharge and relax. VRBO — one of the popular vacation rental organizations — typically offers entire houses, cabins or cottages. Yes, you can have a little family reunion or bring a few friends. VRBO has also just announced that its Trip Boards feature is available in Canada, whereby travellers can save favourite vacation rental properties in one place and share their picks with those in their travel groups. Start now, and you and your friends and family can agree on a place by the time you’re set to head out for the long weekend.
Muskoka, Ontario
A three-bedroom cottage is on High Lake in Muskoka — the sought after place to be from the May long weekend right through until fall. With 1,000 square feet, this cottage sleeps eight — perfect for you, the kids, the inlaws, or perhaps just a few close friends. The minimum stay is three nights at about $245 a night.
Picton, Ontario
Family reunion! This house with 1,600 sq. ft. sleeps 11 people in five bedrooms, with two-and-a-half bathrooms is located in Sheba’s Island and close to Sandbank beaches, plus several other beaches nearby. Bucolic never looked so good as a creek meanders past this picturesque home. A minimum stay of two nights is required at about $265 a night.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Perfect for two couples, this sweet cottage is superbly located on Niagara-on-the-Lake. You can tour numerous vineyards, sample the local culinary fare and enjoy the view of sunsets on the lake. And those famous falls, too. This home sleeps four in two bedrooms and has two bathrooms. At 1,000 sq. ft., this will be a cozy weekend with your best friends. A booking requires a three-night stay, priced at about $251 per night.
Ottawa, Ontario
Right in Lowertown in Ottawa, this 1,600-sq.-ft. home is perfect as base camp for exploration to the Byward Market and over to New Edinburgh, then a nice walk to the Canadian Museum of History. This area is packed with unique restaurants and shops, and at about $180 per night, you can treat yourselves.
Collingwood, Ontario
Go Canadiana in this lovely log home that sits on the shore of a spring-fed pond with a view of the nearby mountains. This is for the romantics — for leisurely meals, glasses of wine on the dock and all the relaxation you can handle. There are several beaches nearby in Collingwood, but only off you tire of this exquisite views. The home sleeps two, with a booking for two nights minimum at about $266 per night.
Montreal, Quebec
Located in the amazing Plateau neighbourhood, this apartment is a few blocks from the famous St. Laurent Boulevard, walking distance to Crescent Street and the Old Port area. You can also walk to downtown, or check out that beautiful Bota Bota spa on the river in the Old Port area. Be sure to head to Schwartz’s Deli, too. This apartment sleeps four and rents for about $176 per night.
Whistler, B.C.
Right in time for Whistler’s Go Fest on the long weekend, you can walk the Valley Trail, tour the village — to which this condo is close to — and choose from any of the amazing places to dine, such as Araxi, Stonesedge and the hugely popular El Furniture Warehouse. Be sure to hit Purebread for some carbs. This condo sleeps four, but you likely won’t spend much time indoors. At $20 per night with a minimum two-night stay, this place is close to everything and rents for about $205 per night.
Banff, Alberta
Right in the Valleyview neighbourhood of this gorgeous town nestled within the Rockies, this studio sleeps two and is walking distance to the Bow River and the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. You can walk to the Banff Park Museum National Historic Site and to the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. The studio requires a two-night stay and rents for about $215 per night.
