Your First Great Blue Cottage Rental: Everything You Need to Know Before You Arrive
Planning your first Ontario cottage vacation is exciting, especially when you’re staying at a waterfront resort. But if you’ve never rented a resort cottage before, it’s completely normal to have questions.
What should you pack? What’s included? Can you bring your dog? How does check-in work?
At Great Blue Cottage Rentals, we’ve welcomed thousands of guests looking to enjoy Ontario cottage country. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, a family vacation, or a week by the lake, this guide will help you arrive prepared so you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time making memories.
What’s Included in Your Cottage Rental?
One of the biggest surprises for first-time guests is just how much is already waiting for them.
Great Blue’s fully furnished resort cottages include everything you need for a comfortable stay, including:
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Full-size refrigerator and stove
- Microwave
- Coffee maker
- Toaster
- Bathroom
- Heating and air conditioning
- Television with DVD player
- Outdoor deck
- BBQ with propane
- Patio furniture
- Fire pit
Most cottages sleep up to a family of six (up to four adults and two children), although accommodations vary by cottage model and resort.
Select cottages also offer Wi-Fi, which is identified during the online booking process.
Having your own kitchen and outdoor living space makes resort cottage rentals feel more like a home away from home than a traditional hotel stay.
What Should You Pack?
Although your cottage includes many everyday essentials, there are a few important items you’ll want to bring with you.
Don’t forget:
- Bed linens (sheets, pillowcases, blankets and comforters)*
- Bath towels
- Beach or pool towels
- Personal toiletries
- Food and beverages
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Comfortable clothing and footwear
- DVDs, board games or card games for relaxing evenings
Since cottage TVs include DVD players but not cable television, many guests enjoy bringing their favourite family movies or games for quieter nights after a day on the water.
*Golden Beach Resort has different bedding requirements. Guests should always review their booking confirmation or contact Reservations if unsure.
Enjoy Resort Amenities Throughout Your Stay
Your cottage is only part of the vacation experience.
Every stay also includes access to resort amenities through the nightly resort fee.
Depending on the resort you choose, amenities may include*:
- Swimming pools
- Private beaches
- Splash pads
- Playgrounds
- Canoes
- Kayaks
- Paddleboards
- Sports courts
- Family recreation programs
- Organized activities*
Since amenities vary by location, it’s worth exploring your specific resort before arrival to see everything available during your stay.
*Activities and amenities vary by resort.
How Does Check-In Work?
According to the Great Blue Cottage Rentals website:
- Check-in begins at 3:00 PM
- Guests pick up their keys from the Welcome Centre located at their resort, where they will also receive all necessary resort information, including a resort map, details about amenities and information about any activities or events taking place during their stay.
- If arriving after 6:00 PM, guests should contact the resort directly before arrival.
- Check-out is 11:00 AM, with keys returned to the Welcome Centre (or the after-hours key drop box if applicable).
- Early check-in and late check-out may be available upon request but are not guaranteed and may involve additional charges.
Bringing Your Dog? Here’s What You Need to Know
Many first-time guests are happy to learn that Great Blue offers pet-friendly accommodations at select cottages.
If you’re planning to travel with your furry family member:
- Book a designated pet-friendly cottage.
- Notify Reservations when booking.
- Maximum of two pets per accommodation.
- A pet fee applies.
- Dogs must remain on leash throughout the resort.
- Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
- Dogs may swim in designated off-shore areas but are not permitted on resort beaches.
Several resorts also feature on-site dog parks, making it even easier to enjoy your vacation together. These include McCreary’s Beach Resort in Perth, Cherry Beach Resort in Prince Edward County, and Golden Beach Resort in the Kawarthas.
How Long Can You Stay?
Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a longer vacation, there are flexible options available.
Guests can book:
- Weekend escapes
- Mid-week getaways
- Weekly vacations
- Extended stays
There is no maximum stay length, subject to availability. Seasonal minimum stays may apply during peak summer dates.
Helpful Tips for First-Time Cottage Renters
A little preparation goes a long way toward making your vacation stress-free.
Here are a few suggestions before you arrive:
Reserve early
Summer dates and long weekends book quickly, especially family-sized cottages and waterfront accommodations.
Plan a grocery stop
Having a stocked kitchen means you can enjoy breakfast on the deck, picnic lunches, and family dinners without needing to dine out for every meal.
Pack for the outdoors
Ontario cottage vacations are all about enjoying nature. Swimsuits, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hats, bug spray, and a sweater for cooler evenings are all good additions to your suitcase.
Check your resort amenities
Each Great Blue Resort offers its own unique mix of waterfront activities and recreational amenities, so take a few minutes to see what’s available before your trip.
Ready for Your First Great Blue Getaway?
Your first resort cottage vacation doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
With comfortable, fully furnished cottages, family-friendly resort amenities, beautiful waterfront locations, and helpful on-site teams, Great Blue Cottage Rentals makes it easy to experience Ontario cottage country—whether you’re visiting Muskoka, the Kawarthas, Prince Edward County, or Perth.
All that’s left to do is pack your bags, hit the road, and start making memories.
Browse our available Ontario cottage rentals today and discover why so many guests return year after year.