Discover Where ‘Vacation House Rules’ Is Filmed: Best Time to Visit, Wildlife, and More!

Do you like watching Vacation House Rules? This fun reality TV series displays some of the most beautiful locations and homes. If you’re looking to visit and find out where Vacation House Rules is filmed, follow along!

What is ‘Vacation House Rules’ About?

Before we dive into all the filming locations, we should understand the premise of the TV series. The series, Vacation House Rules, airs on HGTV.

The host is Scott McGillivray, a real estate expert and contractor. Vacation House Rules first aired on July 11, 2020. In this show, Scott McGillivray helps homeowners increase profit and fix problems with their vacation rentals. Debra Salmoni also stars in this reality TV series.

Throughout the show, the cast gives vacation rental tips.

Discover Where ‘Vacation House Rules’ Is Filmed

Vacation House Rules is filmed in various locations in and near Ontario, Canada. The vacation homes seen in the TV series are in the following locations Haliburton Highlands, Muskoka, and Wasaga Beach. If you’re interested in being on this show, you must reside in Ontario and have at least 10 weeks of availability for the renovation. 

Where is Ontario, Canada Located on a Map?

Ontario is a beautiful province located in east-central Canada. It also shares borders with the United States and the Great Lakes of Michigan. It is also the proud host of Ottawa, the capital of Canada.

Here it is on a map:

Best Time to Visit Ontario, Canada

Ontario is the second-largest province in Canada. The province was founded on July 1, 1867. Ontario’s surface area is about 415,000 square miles. Currently, this large province is home to over 14 million residents. Ontario is one of the most-visited provinces in the country. They receive over 9 million visitors every year.

So, when is the best time to visit? It depends on your interests. However, generally, the best time to visit here is between May and September in the summer. Ontario winters are cold and many places close because of the weather. However, visitors still fly into Ontario in winter to enjoy winter sports.

Things to do In Ontario, Canada

You won’t get bored while visiting Ontario as there is something to do for everyone. One of the most popular things to do is experience Niagara Falls.

Ontario has some of the most beautiful parks and nature viewing spots. Apart from Niagara Falls, visitors can also go to Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park. This park features two lakes perfect for swimming and a small water play area. If you don’t want to spend your time outside, there are also plenty of museums in Ontario.

Some museums in Ontario include the Royal Ontario Museum, the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Canadian Museum of Nature, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Fort George National Historic Site. Casa Loma is another unique museum located in Toronto. It’s a Gothic Revival castle-style mansion and garden constructed in 1911.

Many people also visit Ontario for the lively festivals that take place. From Spring to Fall is the TD Niagara Jazz Festival at Niagara Falls. Afrofest runs in the summer, this year from July 7 to July 9, 2023. In September visitors from all over visit the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival.

Animals in Ontario

There are many animals in Ontario, Canada, both big and small. Here we have a few you may encounter on your next visit!

Polar Bears

Canada is home to about 17,000 polar bears. There are approximately 24,000 in the world. In Ontario, you can see polar bears on the sea ice of Hudson Bay and James Bay. More sightings are being reported on land as the ice is melting. In Ontario, these large bears are listed as threatened, meaning they are at risk of being endangered.

Polar bears are large white bears that can weigh up to 1,500 pounds. They are also about 7 feet and 10 inches long to 10 feet and 10 inches. While most polar bears only weigh up to 1,500 pounds, the largest recorded polar bear weighed an impressive 2,209 pounds. They are highly carnivorous and have 42 large and tough teeth.

Although they have thick white coats, the coats are yellow with age. Their coats are thick and warm, which helps them swim for long periods. Polar bears mainly hunt in the water and on ice for seals, but they also consume birds, reindeer, berries, and fish. The Ontario bear population can’t sustain themselves on seals alone because of the lack of ice, so they consume seaweed, sea ducks, moss, and the carcasses of beluga whales.

Moose

Although polar bears live in Ontario, you’re more likely to see a moose. In Canada, experts estimate there are 500,000 to over 1,000,000 moose. They live in every Canadian province. In Ontario, moose are frequent and hunting is a popular pass time.

Moose are large and heavy deer with massive antlers. Adult moose antlers are about 79 inches wide. However, the longest recorded antlers were 83 inches wide. Moose regrow their antlers after the mating season. It can take up to four months for their antlers to grow back.

These large mammals easily tower over humans and can measure as much as 6 feet and 11 inches. Female moose are generally smaller but can weigh over 1,000 pounds. The largest recorded moose weighed 1,808 pounds. While reports of larger moose have been made, they were never officially proven.

Red Fox

Another animal you can find where Vacation House Rules is filmed is the red fox. They are one of the most widespread mammals in the country, found in every province. Red foxes though aren’t just red. Some red foxes have brown, grey, and black fur.

Red foxes are timid and curious. They pose little to no risk to humans. Red foxes aren’t just found in North America, but throughout the entire Northern Hemisphere, including parts of North Africa. These foxes are an invasive species in Australia and were brought to the country in the 1830s.

They have long bodies and short limbs, which help them jump high and climb. Red foxes are about 18 to 35 inches long. They are similar in size to some dog breeds. Red foxes are fast, running up to 31 mph.

House Finch

The next animal on our list that you can find where Vacation House Rules is filmed is the house finch. These tiny birds are native to western North America, including a small part of Ontario, Canada. These small birds are about 5 to 6 inches long and weigh less than an ounce.

House finches have long, square-tipped brown tails and brown bodies with red coloration. Only male house finches have red coloration on their heads, necks, and shoulders. The color becomes more vibrant in different seasons.

House finches aren’t picky eaters. They eat seeds, berries, and grains found on the ground. House finches also frequently visit bird feeders and they eat aphids. These small birds build nests quickly in hanging plants, trees, and openings in buildings. They’ve also been recorded using abandoned nests.

Smooth Green Snake

The last animal on our list is the smooth green snake. This thin harmless snake is found throughout Ontario, Canada. As its name suggests, the snake is vibrant green and smooth. It can grow up to 26 inches long, but most only reach between 14 and 20 inches.

Smooth green snakes are only bright green after they shed for the first time. Juvenile smooth green snakes are olive or brown. Interestingly, the color of their scales depends on the location. They are more blueish in Kansas.

These small snakes have many predators including foxes, raccoons, and red-tailed hawks. To hide, they bob their head mimicking vegetation in the wind. They are often found in tall grasses.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/flyzone