(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 19, 2009 ) Haliburton, Ontario - The winter tourist season is in full swing in OntarioÂ’s Haliburton Highlands tourist region, two hours north-east of Toronto. Thanks to an abundance of snow, this winter has been a good one for area businesses that rely on winter tourism. Even though there is a deep blanket of snow on the ground and winter business is still going strong, many area resort operators are already beginning to make preparations for summer. The start of summer season begins in May with the Victoria Day weekend and experienced tourist operators know it takes time to get their businesses ready for the summer crowds. Most Haliburton resorts have been fielding calls and taking reservations for months. Many of the more popular tourist properties are already almost fully booked for the summer with loyal guests who return year after year. Buttermilk Falls Resort (http://www.buttermilkfallsresort.com), a popular four-season Haliburton cottage resort located close to the town of Minden, is typical. They have a high number of repeat guests every summer and bookings are strong. They are predicting that this summer there will be many people foregoing foreign travel and expensive vacations afar, in favour of a more economical cottage resort vacation. With a limited number of rental cottages available, those who fail to book early may be disappointed.
Although not as famous as Muskoka, The Haliburton Highlands area is becoming better known each year and finding summer time accommodations are not always easy. During the summer months, Haliburton businesses operate at full capacity. The regionÂ’s rugged scenery, clean lakes, charming villages and wealth of recreational activities attract visitors from all over Canada and the U.S. There is plenty to see and do in Haliburton, including five golf courses, great fishing, and extensive wilderness trails. Unlike Muskoka with its million dollar vacation homes and expensive, high-end resorts, Haliburton is less developed and more affordable. No wonder it is becoming such a popular destination for summer vacationers. With money tight this summer, many regular vacationers to Muskoka may decide to give a Haliburton vacation a try.
Haliburton has a number of lower cost accommodation options that are easy on the budget of any vacationer during these recessionary times. Smaller resort properties including cottage resorts, private cottage rentals, and tent and trailer parks appealed to couples and families looking for an inexpensive summer vacation. In many cases, they are family-run businesses that offer guests a most pleasant and comfortable place to stay.
“Since the beginning of the new year, we have been receiving calls inquiring about availability. Some of these calls are from people who don’t normally spend their summer holiday at a Haliburton cottage resort. People have been telling me that this year they want to try a Haliburton housekeeping cottage vacation because they want an enjoyable holiday by the water at a good price. Some of our inquiries are coming from people who normally vacation in Muskoka,” states Buttermilk Falls Resort owner Dale Rider. “Of course our bookings are always very strong from our repeat clientele - many of our guests that have been coming to the resort for years. At the resort we have seven fully-equipped housekeeping cottages for rent. To keep up with the demand for rental cottages, we have also made available two off-site private rental cottages,” adds Rider.
With many of the areaÂ’s cottage resorts holding reservations for their loyal return guests and an increase in the number of vacationers looking for more value for their vacation dollar, there may be limited space available at Haliburton resorts. In short, those looking for an Ontario summer vacation experience neednÂ’t spend a fortune on accommodations; however, if they want a reasonable place in the sun for this summer, they should move fast. The snow may still be on the ground in Haliburton, but nowÂ’s the time to start thinking about booking a Haliburton cottage summer holiday.
About Buttermilk Falls Resort: Located in the beautiful Haliburton Highlands, Buttermilk Falls Resort offers charming rental housekeeping cottages in a pristine wilderness setting on crystal clear Boshkong Lake. Reasonably priced, Buttermilk Falls Resort is open year round and is the perfect destination for family vacations, couples getaways and family reunions. Guests can enjoy the resortÂ’s many onsite amenities including a large sand beach, nature trails, ice-fishing huts, complimentary non-motorized boats, hot tub and childrenÂ’s playground. As well, Buttermilk Falls Resort is conveniently situated close to many exciting Haliburton and Algonquin Park attractions and events. For more information, call 1-888-368-3147 or visit the web site: (http://www.buttermilkfallsresort.com).
