If you look at a map of Ontario, it’s a lacework of small fresh water lakes. Most families escape the city, three seasons out of four, to their cottages on the lake. Most cottages are easily reached by car if you don’t mind spending hours bumper to bumper on the highway, while some are on their own private islands, spitting distance perhaps from the next ‘private’ island but reachable only by boat or on wing. Some lakes are noisier than the city, jet skis and speedboats terrorising those looking for some peace and quiet while the smaller lakes host only canoes, kayaks and paddleboards leaving the birds and bears and coyotes to roam undisturbed.