Stories from the lake
The MoonLake Blog
Local guides, travel tips, and everything you need to know about Lake Erie cottage country.
Lake Erie Winter Cottage: Why Off-Season is Ontario's Most Underrated Getaway
Most people think cottage season ends in September. They're wrong. A Lake Erie cottage in winter offers frozen shoreline walks, lighthouse views, soaking tubs, and rates that are 40–60% lower than summer.
Grand River Fishing Guide: Complete Ontario Angler's Resource (2025)
The Grand River is one of Ontario's most diverse fisheries — 300 kilometres of water holding walleye, steelhead, smallmouth bass, pike, catfish, and brown trout. This complete guide covers every major section from Elora to Port Maitland, with seasonal tactics, access points, and the best base for your Grand River fishing trip.
Lake Erie Steelhead Fishing Guide: Ontario's Best-Kept Secret (2025)
Lake Erie steelhead are one of Ontario's great fishing secrets. The north shore tributaries — including the Grand River at Port Maitland — host wild, hard-fighting fish that rival anything in the Great Lakes system. This guide covers the full picture: timing, tributaries, techniques, gear, and where to base your trip.
Long Point Provincial Park: The Ultimate Day Trip Guide from Lake Erie Cottage
Long Point Provincial Park is one of Ontario's most ecologically significant destinations — a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve sitting on a 40-kilometre sand spit jutting into Lake Erie. From MoonLake Cottage in Port Maitland, it's just a 30-minute drive. Here's everything you need to know.
Romantic Weekend Getaway Ontario: Why Lake Erie Beats Niagara (2026 Guide)
Ontario has no shortage of romantic getaway destinations — but most of them are crowded, overpriced, and feel more like a tourist attraction than a real escape. Lake Erie's north shore is different. Here's why couples keep coming back.
Haldimand County Cottage Rental: The Complete 2026 Guide
Haldimand County sits on the northern shore of Lake Erie — and it might be Ontario's most underrated cottage destination. Here's everything you need to know about renting a cottage in Haldimand County.
Lake Erie Cottage for 7 Guests: The Ultimate Family Getaway Guide
Finding a Lake Erie cottage that comfortably sleeps 7 is harder than it sounds. Here's everything your family needs to know — from what to look for in a property to the best activities for kids on Lake Erie.
Things to Do in Dunnville Ontario: A Complete Visitor's Guide (2026)
Dunnville is a small city on the Grand River in Haldimand County, just 15 minutes from Lake Erie. It's a genuine southern Ontario gem — with world-class fishing, a beloved summer festival, and a relaxed pace that's hard to find this close to the GTA.
Lake Erie Cottage Rental: What to Expect (An Honest Guide for First-Time Visitors)
Most people who book a Lake Erie cottage have never stayed on Lake Erie before. They know Muskoka, they know the Kawarthas — but Lake Erie is different. Here's an honest, practical guide to what you can actually expect.
Walleye Fishing at the Grand River Mouth: The Complete Port Maitland Guide
Port Maitland sits at one of the most productive walleye fisheries in all of Ontario — the point where the Grand River empties into Lake Erie. This guide covers the best seasons, techniques, local charters, and where to stay.
Port Maitland vs Port Dover: Which Lake Erie Town Is Right for Your Ontario Getaway?
Both Port Maitland and Port Dover sit on Lake Erie within two hours of Toronto — but they offer completely different experiences. This guide breaks down the key differences so you can choose the right one for your trip.
Best Time to Visit Lake Erie Ontario: A Season-by-Season Guide
Lake Erie is a genuinely four-season destination. Summer brings warm swimming and sunsets. Fall brings world-class fishing and empty shorelines. Winter is quiet and surprisingly beautiful. Here's how to decide when to go.
Dunnville Mudcat Festival: Everything You Need to Know (2026 Guide)
The Dunnville Mudcat Festival is one of Haldimand County's biggest annual events — a multi-day celebration of community, fishing, music, and the Grand River. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of it.
Lake Erie Fishing Guide Ontario: Species, Seasons, Regulations & Best Spots (2026)
Lake Erie produces more fish per surface area than any other Great Lake. This complete guide covers every major species, the best seasons, Ontario regulations, gear recommendations, and why the Grand River mouth at Port Maitland is one of the most productive spots on the entire lake.
Lake Erie vs Muskoka: Which Is the Better Weekend Getaway from Toronto?
Muskoka gets all the marketing. Lake Erie gets all the sunsets. If you're a Torontonian looking for a cottage weekend, here's an honest comparison of both — and why Lake Erie might be the smarter choice.
Best Weekend Getaways from Toronto: Cottage Escapes Under 2 Hours (2026 Guide)
Toronto is a great city. But sometimes you need to leave it. Here are the best cottage and nature escapes within 2 hours of downtown — including one most Torontonians have never considered.
Walleye Fishing at the Grand River Mouth: The Port Maitland Guide
The mouth of the Grand River at Port Maitland is one of the most productive walleye fisheries in Ontario. Every spring, thousands of walleye run up from Lake Erie — and anglers come from across the province to meet them.
Port Maitland vs Port Dover: Which Lake Erie Destination Is Right for You?
Port Maitland and Port Dover are both Lake Erie destinations, but they offer very different experiences. One is quiet and authentic; the other is lively and well-known. Here's how to decide which is right for your trip.
Pet-Friendly Cottages on Lake Erie, Ontario: A Complete Guide
Finding a truly pet-friendly cottage on Lake Erie is harder than it sounds. Many properties say 'pets considered' but come with so many restrictions that travelling with your dog feels like an afterthought. Here's what to look for — and where to find the real thing.
Is Lake Erie Good for Swimming? Everything You Need to Know (2025)
Lake Erie is the warmest and shallowest of the five Great Lakes — and yes, it's excellent for swimming. Here's everything you need to know about swimming on Lake Erie in Ontario.
Best Lake Erie Cottages Near Toronto: A Complete 2025 Guide
Lake Erie's north shore is one of Ontario's most underrated cottage destinations — just 1.5 to 2 hours from Toronto. Here's everything you need to know about planning a Lake Erie cottage getaway from the city.
10 Best Things to Do Near Port Maitland, Lake Erie (2025 Guide)
Port Maitland sits at the mouth of the Grand River where it meets Lake Erie — and it's one of Ontario's best-kept secrets. Here are the 10 best things to do when you stay at a Lake Erie cottage.
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