In our Cottage Country Contest, we received plenty of heartwarming messages from hundreds of people, some of which have stayed with Great Blue before. In this blog, we have put together some memories people shared of the times they spent at our resorts.
Our question was; What does a Summer Cottage Getaway mean to you?
“A summer cottage getaway means a time to relax and spend quality time together. Pause from our busy lives and just be together. Swimming, kayaking, campfires and endless laughter” – Jodi Ware Simpson
“A Canadian cottage getaway means cherished family time, pure and simple. It’s about campfires, swimming, and laughing by the lake. It’s a break from busy life, a chance to really connect, and make sweet memories together in nature, dog included!” – Wanamai Charoensook
“Going to a cottage is an amazing time to unplug. Best time is first thing in the morning – sitting on a deck and having a peaceful coffee. Staring into water puts your mind at ease. While we all have lots going on in our lives, the beautiful distraction of loons on the lake makes it such a lovely feeling.” – Laura Pomfret

“When we first looked into Cherry Beach, we decided to rent for a week. We arrived with open arms to us. The cottage we rented was cozy and secluded. After our great week, we decided to buy. Our sales rep at the time was personable and knowledgeable. We bought at the end of the season, and had one weekend up there before close. Kids were ecstatic! Running and playing in the backyard. Pool, Splash pad, sports court, Beach etc etc. Besides many more activities. After 10 years of many memories with the resort, staff activities etc. We have met many residents at Cherry Beach and have enjoyed some great days and nights! We are starting to think of retiring there. I recommend this resort to anyone! My friends, family have been, and want to come back every year. To all the staff at Cherry Beach…Thank you” – Jason Bew
“A Canadian cottage getaway is where our family truly reconnects. It means early mornings on the dock, coffee in hand, wrapped in a blanket as the mist rises off the lake. It’s the sound of loons, the quiet rustle of trees, and the peacefulness that only nature can provide. For us, the cottage is where time slows down. The kids are free to explore, fish off the dock, and swim until their fingers wrinkle. Phones and screens get left behind, replaced by board games, storytelling, and belly laughs that echo through the woods. It’s not about luxury. It’s about togetherness. About creating traditions and memories that last far beyond the summer. Whether it’s learning to paddle a canoe, spotting a deer at the tree line, or simply watching the sunset in silence, the cottage gives us moments that stay with us.” – Grace Fagioli

“We started coming to Lantern Bay about 10 years ago. We have stayed at Shamrock Bay, Bellemere Winds Resort and Cherry Beach. Our favourite is Lantern Bay and we are scheduled to stay there again this year. It has been our family tradition for years and when the kids were younger they enjoyed catching frogs and roasting marshmallows in the camp fire. We love all the water activities and pool and Beach areas. This place holds a lot of memories for me and my family and we hope to continue going here for years to come. The staff is always friendly and welcoming. We love it here at Lantern Bay!” – Elaine Marquez
“Retirement living at Woodland Estate has given us so much joy and happiness. From our daily walks along the lake in the morning to our afternoon swimming in the heated pool, we get lots of daily exercise. The Woodland Community is like family to us as we enjoy visiting with our neighbours and friends at the weekly social events and activities. The friendly and hard working staff make our retirement life at Woodland worry free as they look after the grass cutting, trimming and daily garbage/recycling as well as plan and organize amazing programs and special events. Our week wouldn’t be complete without our fishing adventures out on the lake to catch “Walter the fish”. Life just doesn’t get any better, we’re living the dream at Woodlands. PS …. We put Walter the Fish back in the Lake with his little buddy, lol” – Bonnie & Brad Ward

Whether you come to the resorts planning to spend a weekend or years to come, there are unforgettable memories made in every moment. Time spent at your Resort Cottage is time spent relaxing in the most beautiful locations within cottage country.
Don’t forget to enter your best memories in our ‘My Canadian Cottage Story: A Summer to Remember Contest’ by August 31st for a chance to win a two night stay at a Great Blue Resorts location (up to $600 value).