When people think of cottage country, they usually think of Muskoka or the Kawarthas. But did you know that some of the best beaches in the province can be found in the Niagara region? And some of the best cottages, too. The area is a hotspot for leisure and outdoor recreation in Ontario, and it’s a real-estate gem that deserves your attention.
Beautiful, white-sand beaches. Local boating and fishing opportunities. Great wineries and golf courses. And some of the best sunsets in Ontario. The Niagara region—encompassing a dozen Southern Ontario municipalities including Crystal Beach, West Lincoln, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Port Colborne—offers these attractions and much more, all 90 minutes or less from downtown Toronto.
Below, you’ll find seven reasons to “think south” when you’re on the hunt for your next cottage. And to learn more about Ontario’s next cottage country, visit niagararealty.com.
Amazing sand beaches
In the Niagara area, waterfront cottage properties are available along scenic rivers and the shores of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Even with an inland cottage, you’ll still be able to access a number of beautiful white sand beaches along the region’s South Coast. Some of the most popular for tourists and residents alike include Long Beach in Wainfleet, Bay Beach in Crystal Beach, and Port Colborne’s Nickel Beach.
Family-friendly attractions
Keeping your family entertained beyond the cottage can be an issue in some more isolated regions. That won’t be a problem in the Niagara area, which offers a wide range of exciting attractions for all ages. In Niagara Falls and beyond, there are indoor waterparks, live music venues, shopping destinations, mini-golf courses, wildlife parks, and specialty museums. Nature lovers have access to the Bruce Trail, along with a number of conservation areas and hiking trails.
Bountiful boating and fishing opportunities
Love the water? There are a number of boat, yacht, and sailing clubs in the region, as well as a number of public docks.
Fishing from shore or boat is possible in conservation areas, on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, and along Niagara and other rivers. You can expect to find chinook salmon, coho salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and more.
World-class golfing
From picturesque, local courses to challenging championship courses, the region boasts great golfing for beginners and skilled golfers alike. There are many membership-based golf and country clubs, and a number of public courses.
Niagara’s top-rated courses include Cherry Hill Golf Club in Ridgeway, Bridgewater Country Club in Fort Erie, Peninsula Lakes Golf Club in Fenwick, Grand Niagara Golf Club in Niagara Falls, and Legends on the Niagara Golf Course in Chippawa (Niagara Falls).
Top wineries
Niagara’s wine region is known around the world, and it boasts over 100 wineries producing everything from chardonnay and pinot noir to icewines. In addition to award-winning wineries like Inniskillin and Jackson-Triggs, there are smaller, innovative wineries in the area offering organic and biodynamic wines. Many of the wineries in the region also offer excellent fine-dining options onsite, including Restaurant at Pearl Morissette, Winery Restaurant at Peller Estates, and Trius Winery Restaurant.
An easier commute
Summer weekend traffic on the 400 and slow drives on small country roads can make typical cottage commutes a real slog, depending on where you’re headed. They can also be, considering the climbing price of gas these days.
In comparison, it can take less than 90 minutes to drive from downtown Toronto to Crystal Beach. Getting to areas like Niagara-on-the-Lake or Wainfleet can be even faster than that, especially if you’re reasonably close to the Gardiner, or if you live in the west end of the GTA.
The affordability factor
Rising prices and low inventory are a reality in the province’s traditional cottage country. The Niagara region, while still buzzy, offers more affordable alternatives for those looking to buy a recreational property—especially if you’re looking for something outside of popular Niagara-on-the-Lake. Whether you’re keen on a waterfront cottage or a rural property with ample acreage, there are well-priced options in the region to fill the bill.
Considering a cottage on Niagara’s South Coast? Take the road less travelled and “think south” with the help of Niagara Realty.