The Most Beautiful Cottages For Rent In Ontario (PHOTOS)

It was a long winter. You've earned this.

With the sun back out, it's time for Ontarians to abandon the rat race and make haste for cottage country, where a full summer of open water and relaxation awaits you.

Lots of these places cost a pretty penny; but if you're willing to save, and you have enough people to help you split the cost, you can avail yourself of a rustic, luxurious property that's a welcome distraction from city life.

If you're a first-time renter, there are a few things you need to know.

First of all, don't let a sketchy listing fool you; choose one with lots of pictures so you have a strong idea of what you'll be staying in. Delve into the reviews to ensure that no one else complained about inconveniences such as bed bugs.

Be sure to know what kind of communications you'll be able to pull off at the cottage. Some of these places don't have very strong phone reception or Internet connections, which is sort of the point of going away. But if there's an emergency, you'll want to have a working line.

Septic tanks are also an important consideration. Be careful about what you put down the sink or the toilet, because they won't run through a municipal sewage system like they do at home.

Finally, apprise yourself of a cottage's cancellation policy. You don't want to be penalized if you have to duck out of a booking really close to the date of your stay.

Here are some of the most beautiful cottages you can rent in Ontario: