Haliburton Cottage Rental FAQs – Everything You Need to Know

Cozy bonfire pit at twilight with overhead string lights, surrounded by Muskoka chairs – the perfect setting for an evening by the fire at a luxury Haliburton cottage

  • What are the best things to do in Haliburton in winter?

    Winter in Haliburton is a magical escape with:

    • Snowmobiling at Haliburton Forest (400+ km of trails)

    • Skiing & snowboarding at Sir Sam’s Ski Hill

    • Snowshoeing, ice fishing & dog sledding

    • Cozy nights by the fireplace with a glass of wine

    Find more winter ideas in our Winter Adventures in Haliburton Blog.

    When is the best time to visit for fall colors in Haliburton?

    Late September to mid-October is peak fall foliage season, offering:

    • Scenic hikes with vibrant maple forests

    • Canoeing & kayaking on calm, golden-hued lakes

    • Local harvest markets & fall festivals

    Haliburton Highlands is one of the best places in Ontario for a fall getaway!

    What summer activities are available near the cottages?

    Guests can enjoy:

    • Kayaking, paddleboarding & canoeing (included with your rental)

    • Boating & watersports at Kennisis Lake Marina

    • Hiking & wildlife viewing at Haliburton Forest

    • Farm-to-table dining & shopping at Abbey Gardens

    For a complete seasonal guide, visit our Local Experiences Page.

  • How far in advance should I book a Haliburton cottage rental?

    To secure your preferred dates—especially in peak summer, fall, and winter seasons—it’s recommended to book at least 3–6 months in advance. March Break, long weekends, and summer weeks fill up quickly. Check availability and request to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

    Do you offer short-term cottage rentals in Haliburton?

    Yes! H2H Cottage Co. offers flexible stays, including weekend getaways, midweek escapes, and full-week rentals. Minimum night stays may apply depending on the season.

    What makes your Haliburton cottage rentals different from other vacation rentals?

    H2H Cottage Co. offers a curated luxury experience, not just a rental. Unlike basic rentals, our fully equipped, high-end cottages provide:

    • Luxury linens & towels (no need to bring your own)

    • Firewood included for cozy bonfires

    • A curated spice drawer for elevated meal prep

    • Private lakefront settings with direct access to nature

    • Exclusive amenities like multiple fireplaces, deep soaker tubs, and premium outdoor spaces

    We focus on providing a seamless, relaxing retreat—just arrive, unpack, and enjoy.

  • Is this a good cottage rental for families with children?

    Yes! Our cottages are designed for families seeking a peaceful, nature-filled escape. Parents love:

    • Spacious living areas for relaxing together

    • Smart TV & board games for cozy family nights

    • Lake access for kayaking & paddleboarding

    • Large outdoor decks & firepits for roasting marshmallows

    Are these luxury cottages good for a romantic getaway?

    Absolutely! Both cottages offer secluded, nature-surrounded settings perfect for couples. Popular features for a romantic retreat include:

    • Kennisis Lake Cottage: Spa-like ensuite with a bubble jet soaker tub, cozy fireplaces, and stunning sunrise views.

    • Bitter Lake Cottage:Romantic bistro string lighting, a wood-burning fireplace, and a deep soaker tub beneath an antler chandelier.

    For the ultimate couples’ retreat, enjoy a glass of wine by the fire, stargaze from the dock, or take a sunset paddle on the lake.

    How comfortable are the cottages in the summer?

    Both cottages are designed to stay comfortable during warm summer days.

    • Kennisis Lake Cottage benefits from its elevated position and refreshing lake breezes, helping to naturally cool the space. Large windows and an open-concept layout allow for excellent airflow.

    • Bitter Lake Cottage is nestled among mature trees, providing natural shade and cooling while still offering plenty of sunshine on the dock, decks, and lawn for those who love to soak up the sun.

    Both cottages are equipped with ceiling fans and large screened windows to keep air circulating, ensuring a comfortable stay during the warmer months.

    Is WiFi available?

    Yes, both cottages have high-speed WiFi—perfect for remote work, streaming, or staying connected during your stay.

    What entertainment options are available?

    Both cottages have a Smart TV, board games, and multiple lounge areas for relaxing.

    • Kennisis Lake Cottage: Three separate living spaces, including a cathedral-ceiling lounge with a grand fireplace, a cozy lower-level space with a Smart TV, and a lakeview sunroom with panoramic views.

    • Bitter Lake Cottage: A wood-burning fireplace, Smart TV, and a deck with stunning lake views.

  • What’s Included with My Cottage Rental?

    Both cottages are fully equipped for a seamless, high-end retreat. We provide:

    • Luxury linens & plush bath towels (no need to bring your own)

    • Paper towels, toilet paper, dish soap, and cleaning supplies

    • A curated spice drawer stocked with essentials for home-cooked meals

    • Firewood included for cozy indoor (Bitter Lake) fireplace and outdoor bonfires (both cottages)

    • High-speed WiFi for streaming, work, or staying connected

    • Smart TV in both cottages for entertainment

    • Kitchen fully stocked with cookware, dinnerware, and small appliances (microwave, coffee maker, toaster, kettle)

    • 2 stand up paddleboards, 2 kayaks, and a canoe (Kennisis Lake)

    Simply bring your food and personal items, and you’re all set for a stress-free Ontario cottage holiday.

    How Do I Check Availability & Book?

    We ask guests to check availability first and then request to book via our website. Once your request is received, we will schedule a short call before confirming your stay.

    • See Availability & Request to Book → [Insert Booking Link]

    What Time is Check-In & Check-Out?

    • Check-in: 4:00 PM or later

    • Check-out: By 10:00 AM

    Early check-in or late check-out may be available depending on scheduling.

    What is the Drive Like? Do I Need a 4WD Vehicle?

    No, a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is not required to access either cottage. Both driveways are relatively flat and well-maintained year-round. However, if visiting during winter, we recommend:

    • Snow tires for safer driving on local roads

    • Carrying a small bag of salt or sand in case of icy conditions

    • Being aware that after heavy snowfalls, plowing may be delayed due to municipal road access in rural areas. We work hard to ensure driveways are cleared ASAP for your comfort.

    Is the Drinking Water Safe?

    Yes! Both cottages have drinkable well water:

    • Kennisis Lake Cottage: Deep-drilled artesian well providing fresh, mineral-rich water.

    • Bitter Lake Cottage:Drinkable well water that is regularly tested for safety.

    Feel free to bring bottled water if you prefer, but it’s not necessary.

  • Getting Here & Local Travel Tips

    How far are your Haliburton cottage rentals from Toronto?

    Both cottages are conveniently located just 2.5 hours from Toronto, making them perfect for weekend getaways or extended stays.

    Are your cottages near Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve?

    Yes! Both Kennisis Lake and Bitter Lake cottages are just minutes from Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve, home to:

    • The Wolf Centre

    • Snowmobiling, hiking, and canopy tours

    • Snow Shoeing, mountain biking trails and guided experiences

    This makes our cottages ideal for outdoor adventurers, wildlife lovers, and winter sports enthusiasts.

    Are there grocery stores and restaurants nearby?

    Yes! You’ll find:

    • West Guilford Store (20 mins away) – Convenience store + LCBO

    • Kennisis Lake Marina (5 mins away) – Coffee, ice cream, essentials, and local souvenirs

    • Haliburton Foodland & Independent Grocer (30 mins away) – Full grocery stores

    • Local restaurants & breweries – Explore top dining options on our Best Restaurants & Cafés in Haliburton Blog.

    Is there cell phone service at the cottages?

    Yes, cell service is available, but reception may vary slightly depending on your carrier.

    Are the roads maintained in the winter?

    Yes, all roads leading to the cottages are regularly plowed and well-maintained. However, after extreme snowfalls, plowing may be delayed as this is a rural area.

  • Are pets allowed at H2H Cottage Co.?

    Yes! We welcome pre-approved dogs at both cottages. Our properties provide a wonderful setting for pets to explore nature.

    • Kennisis Lake Cottage offers a fenced and gated property, ideal for added security and peace of mind.

    • We ask that guests keep pets off furniture and clean up after them to ensure a pristine experience for all guests.

    If you're bringing a pet, please reach out for approval before booking.

  • Is the kitchen fully stocked?

    Yes. Each cottage has everything you need to cook, except for food.

    • Full-sized fridge, stove/oven, microwave and dishwasher

    • Pots, pans, utensils, and dishware

    • Curated spice drawer

    • Coffee maker and kettle

    Where can I buy groceries and essentials nearby?

    • West Guilford Store (20 minutes) – Convenience store + LCBO

    • Kennisis Lake Marina (5 minutes) – Essentials, coffee, ice cream, and souvenirs

    • Haliburton Foodland & Independent Grocer (30 minutes) – Full grocery stores

  • Do I need a four-wheel drive (4WD) to access the cottages?

    No. Both cottage driveways are relatively flat and well maintained. However, during winter months, snow tires are highly recommended.

    While plowing is done regularly, this is a rural area, and after extreme snowfalls, there may be delays in clearing municipal roads and driveways. We recommend bringing a small bag of salt or sand for additional traction if needed for icy roads.