Algonquin

A three-and-a-half-hour commute along moose-infested roads, plus the protective status conferred by the park, means this is still the land of the silver birch and the home of the beaver. Many of the cottages (which rarely go on the market) are still on propane.

French River/Northern Georgian Bay

A four-hour drive from the city, plus (possibly) an additional 30-minute, pack-your-Gravol boat ride out to the actual cottage, where you can expect bugs, black bears and, in many cases, no electricity.

Parry Sound

With a combination of boat and road access, it’s close enough to civilization to feel safe in the event of medical, culinary or fashion emergency, but far enough away to feel like you’re roughing it.

Haliburton

A blend of tiny, rustic fishing cabins and new money McMansions, it’s heavily populated, but a good dose of, shall we say, “salt of the earth” locals keep it from feeling too Rosedale.

Lake Muskoka

Filled with spas, res­taurants, resorts and monster cottages, a decent latte is never more than 20 minutes away.

Lake Simcoe

Barrie, the Briars and Toronto are all within a reasonable drive, so if you’re sick, thirsty for a $12 glass of pinot grigio or hungry for home, it’s easy to get out.