With the price of real estate in the city going through the roof, some families might find it harder to invest in a vacation property, especially one that comes with a Muskoka price tag. To that end, there are a myriad of ways to enjoy a cottage-like experience right in Toronto.

For example, making s’mores over an open fire might not work in the backyard, but take a trip to Glory Hole, at 1596 Queen St. W., and you can buy a batch that might be even more delicious.

Yes, cottaging does include beer, so why not spend an afternoon touring some of the city’s best new craft breweries? Left Field Brewery, at 36 Wagstaff Dr. in the east end, has a nice little lounge area to watch the game while enjoying some baseball-themed brews.

Ward’s Island is about as cottagey as one could imagine, just minutes from downtown. No trip to Ward’s is complete without a round of disc golf, a tour of the whimsical local cottages, an ice cream from the Island Cafe and a dip in the lake. Canoes and kayaks are also available for rent.

What about fishing? There are plenty of spots around town, including High Park’s Grenadier Pond and along the Humber River.

And on May 1, one could even embrace some old school Canadiana by taking part in Paddle the Don, a charity event which is the only time locals can paddle the Don River.

And there are no black flies!