The winter tourist season is in full swing in Ontario'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, and many of the more popular tourist properties are already almost fully booked for the summer with loyal guests who return year after year. Furthermore, resort owners 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 region'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.

Due to many people's tightened budgets and choosing to vacation closer to home, cottage resorts are receiving calls inquiring about availability, and some of these calls are from people who don't normally spend their summer holiday at a Haliburton cottage resort. Haliburton Ontario resorts are filling up quickly because people want an enjoyable holiday by the water at a good price.

With many of the area'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 needn'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 now's the time to start thinking about booking a Haliburton cottage summer holiday.