There is a growing trend among Canadians to invest in vacation properties for relaxation, wealth-building, and family bonding opportunities. Accessible mortgages with low rates are available for vacation properties, including non-winterized or remote locations, catering to various purposes such as lake cottages or college housing options. Different lending criteria apply to secondary homes compared to primary residences, with some properties requiring minimum down payments of 5% or 10%, while others may need 20% or higher. Cottages are categorized based on accessibility and may have varying requirements for down payments and interest rates. Mortgage options depend on the property type, whether year-round accessible or seasonal, and can be incorporated via mortgage refinancing, HELOC, or reverse mortgage. Canadians can take advantage of innovative tools for a streamlined and accurate mortgage pre-approval process.