The Canadian Version of Bungalow Colonies

  |  September 5, 2013
cottage-resort

While Jewish bungalow colonies are unique to upstate New York, it turns out the concept — humble, seasonal cottages in natural surroundings with a communal feel — has been realized elsewhere. A recent trip by Upstaters (cheating on upstate — we admit it) to the wilds of Ontario introduced us to the “Cottage Resort.” There are hundreds of them, so many and so far flung (those are some big ole provinces they got up there) that choosing one is a daunting task. We left it up to fate (less than two hours away and with a vacancy).

The review: heaven. Playground, beach, pool, companions for the kids, fire pits, giant rocks on which to scurry, boats, and more. Most of these places have “housekeeping cottages” in which you bring your own linens and food; everything else is supplied. There are a few options for such cottage escapes upstate, but not many. Why so few, people?

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