By Cottage Life

The next time your family gets together—whether it’s for a reunion, a family event or just because you want to spend time together—why not skip the impersonal hotels or the inconvenience of squashing everyone into a too-small space? CanadaStays has a great selection of cottages perfect for large numbers of guests in some truly gorgeous locations. Here are some of our favourites.

Contemporary comforts in Kelowna, B.C.

This stunning modern property at Big White Ski Resort features a whopping 5200 square feet and space for up to 22 people to sleep (although you might be more comfortable sticking to 15). The rooms can be configured to include up to six bedrooms, and overall features 14 separate beds. There are also cots and air beds available if things get cozy. Sleeping arrangements aside, it’s the glorious natural beauty that makes this rental a truly special place for quality family time. With views of the Monshee Mountains out of every window, including 30-foot floor-to-ceiling windows in the great room, kitchen and dining room. For skiing enthusiasts, the property is ski/snowboard in directly to a downhill run and out directly back to the property. It’s also steps to the ski village. If you can snag the master suite, do it—its ensuite, complete with two-person steam shower and jetted tub, has spectacular views of the mountain.

Rustic elegance in the foothills of the Alberta Rockies

Folk Tree Lodge offers two log cabins to big groups, complete with gorgeous wood detailing and traditional country touches. Whether you’re snoozing in a four-poster bed made of poplar logs, relaxing in front of a stone fireplace or gathered around a long trestle-style dining table for a family meal, there’s space for everyone in the 2,000 square-foot cabins. There’s plenty to do outside as well: explore the hiking trails, watch wildlife gather at the pond, play in the tree house—or simply relax on the tree swing built for two and gaze out at the peaceful pasture. Go a little further afield and you’ll find yourself in gorgeous Kananaskis country, with lots of opportunities to go biking, hiking or skiing.

Historic luxury in Bobcaygeon

There’s more to Bobcaygeon than the Tragically Hip song, and staying at the historic Dunsford House will let you explore it all. Dating back to 1837 and situated on the property of the Eganridge Resort, Country Club and Spa, Dunsford House offers all the comforts of staying in a home with the amenities associated with a fine hotel, including a gym and fitness centre, a pool and a spa. The house itself features six suites, each with its own ensuite, refrigerator and flat-screen TV. Common areas include a lounge with a fireplace, rooftop patio and a solarium. If you’d like to explore the area, rent a bike at the historic Lock 32—the first lock to be constructed on the Trent-Severn Waterway—and check out the town’s famous Kawartha Lakes Dairy for delectable ice cream cones.

Waterfront serenity in Parry Sound

Aisling Lakehouse is actually three connected cottage suites, each complete with its own kitchen, living and dining areas—but there’s lots of space to socialize as a group as well, including the living area in the Cottage Suite, perfect for curling up in front of the fire or a night playing board games. There are even secret passages between the suites to be discovered!  Sit out on the expansive back deck (complete with a hot tub in a screened-in gazebo), gather around the firepit or watch the sunset from the dock. There’s a sandy beach and a selection of canoes and kayaks for water enthusiasts. Once you’ve gotten your fill of lake life, venture into Parry Sound for one of the area’s best bookstores, or take a cruise on the Island Queen to explore the 30,000 islands.

Relaxation and fun in Mont Tremblant

Even if you never leave the cottage to explore the Mont Tremblant area (but you should), there’s plenty to keep you busy at this seven-bedroom chalet—and the trampoline, sand volleyball court and bocce pit are just the beginning. Rainy day? Watch movies on the large-screen TV cuddled up on squishy Restoration Hardware bean bags. Hot? Take a dip in the private lake. Foodies will appreciate the gas stove and large stainless griddle in the kitchen—perfect for pancake breakfasts. If you can tear yourself away from the billiard table or karaoke machine long enough, there are lots of fun year-round activities in Tremblant, including gondola rides to the top of the mountain in the summer, dune buggy tours, hiking and, of course, skiing.

Spectacular views in the Eastern Townships

Gorgeous mountain views await you from the back of this luxurious villa—which features not only a large gourmet kitchen and outdoor hot tub, but a full-size indoor pool. If you’re the equestrian sort (and even if you’re not) there’s also a horse farm on-site, with tours of the barns and riding lessons available. Take in the views from a wide upper deck, or on the patio below, or bask in the sunshine with your morning coffee in the solarium. If you feel like getting outside, there’s a lake for swimming or fishing close by, as well as plenty of hiking trails.If you’re feeling really virtuous, there’s even a workout area equipped with free weights. Or you could just spend a little more time in the hot tub.