What It’s Like Staying at a Pet-Friendly Cottage Resort in the Kawarthas
Lake Edge Cottages is a pet-friendly resort on Katchawanooka Lake in the Kawarthas. The resort has a long history of being pet-friendly, beginning well before our family took over in 2019. It was part of what made this place special, and the reason so many guests return year after year. We loved the concept and felt it aligned with our values.
If you have a furry friend yourself, you know that pets are a part of your family, and we want everyone in your family to enjoy your cottage getaway and feel included. It can be stressful trying to find a pet sitter or find accommodations that are actually pet friendly. Lake Edge Cottages is a relaxing and tranquil place for you to enjoy with your pet. There is no awkward moment of wondering if your pet is accepted; pets are a part of everyday life here.
For the dog parents, finding a place to walk your pup is no problem on our 12.5-acre property. Hiking trails wind through the forest and around a marshland area, giving your dog plenty of space for a good old-fashioned sniff safari. And when the sun is shining, many dogs can’t resist heading for the water. You and your pup are welcome to swim anywhere along our 450-foot shoreline—just be mindful of our two-legged swimmers, especially the smaller ones.
One thing our guests appreciate is that they don’t have to worry about poorly behaved dogs. We ask that you ensure all dogs staying with us are socialized and under control, whether on or off leash.
Each one of our cottages has a pet-themed name, such as Hush Puppy, Cat Tails, Dog Daze, and Puppy Love. While we love our four-legged friends, we do have a no paws on the beds and couch policy, so be sure to bring your pet’s bed from home. Your furry friend will thank you for this, as the familiar home scent will help them settle comfortably. If you are looking for other suggestions on what to pack for your pet, check out our other blog,
What to Pack for a Stay at a Pet-Friendly Cottage Resort, and don’t forget to download our customized pet packing lists,
The Pooch Packing List and
Meow Must Haves!
Lake Edge Cottages is a nice base to explore the Kawarthas, and there are plenty of pet-friendly places nearby. Here are a few areas within a close drive from Lake Edge:
Young’s Point is just around the corner from us and is a great place to go on a stroll with your puppers. The Young’s Point conservation area has a short scenic loop trail that gives you views of Lock 27. The lock is a great place to people-watch with an ice cream from Lockside Trading Company, a pet-friendly retail store geared towards the cottager. Just south of the Young’s Point Lock on Young’s Point Road is the Cheeky Duck Vineyard. This is a truly unique place to visit with elevated farm-to-table dining. They have a pet-friendly outdoor area, but be aware there’ll be farm friends roaming around, such as pigs and the cheeky ducks themselves.
Buckhorn is a lovely area to drive to. You can watch the boats go through the locks, grab a coffee and snack at the Boathouse Boutique, and enjoy their pet-friendly patio. Take a hike on the Mississauga River Loop trailin Kawartha Highlands, or taste some fruit wine with your pet at nearby Kawartha Country Wines. Next door, Belly’s Lakeside Bar and Restauranthas a pet-friendly patio with gorgeous lake views. We suggest giving their socials a follow as they love to post pics of their four-legged visitors with their pup of the week feature.
Hobart’s Lighthouseon Stoney Lake, just 15 minutes from us accommodate pets on their outdoor patio, as many diners will arrive by boat with their pets in tow. This restaurant offers stunning views of the lake that is known for its prestigious lakefront properties and private island cottages.
South of us, Lakefield is a charming town to explore. The only pet-friendly patio to note is the Canoe and Paddle, so take that into consideration. The town has some great shops to browse, and there is a walking trail that meanders along the Otonabee River.
Fresh air and lake views are just as good for our souls as they are for our pets, and staying somewhere that welcomes the whole family simply makes the experience more relaxed, more connected, and more memorable.
