The 2027 booking calendar is now open — and because so many of you have asked about dates before, you’re hearing first. Whether it’s your seventh summer here or your first, welcome.
Every spring, when the docks go in and the canoes come down, we get to watch this place do what it does best — gather the people you love for a week nobody wants to end. Coffee on the covered deck, kids who won’t leave the sand, loons calling across the water at dusk. A lakeside log cottage with its own beach, groomed and stocked down to the last detail, on a clear northern lake surrounded by nature — the quintessential Canadian vacation.
Many of you reading this have stayed with us before, or asked about a week that was already spoken for. This is us opening the 2027 book to you first — the full calendar, every rate, nothing held back. Dates go first come, first served, and the heart of summer has sold out every year we’ve been open.
We’d love to see you on the lake this year.
Packing for a cottage week usually lands on one person — and it’s a lot. Not here. Walk in, put the groceries in the fridge, and start your vacation.
Easy to get to, from anywhere: 1½ hours from Kingston · 2 from Ottawa · 3 from the GTA
Every room and every bed, exactly as it is — so you can plan who goes where before you even email. Every bedroom has a ceiling fan and its own portable A/C.
Plus a Pack ’n Play for the littlest — room for groups of 10–16 all told.
One of the only short-term rental cottages on Big Gull Lake that can host a group this size — these are hard to find. A true Canadian lake-lodge experience, with its own sandy beach, the boats and the firepit.
We’ve been lucky to host wonderful guests, and they’ve left us 34 reviews — every one five stars. Read them below. We pride ourselves on exceptional service, and their words say it better than we can.
Cleaning, landscaping, exterior staging, propane and firewood — all in the price. You arrive to a cottage that’s staged, spotless and ready to go. The one add-on is the linen service, and we highly recommend it — it makes the week first class.
A gentle sandy shallow, perch biting off the dock, a swim raft to conquer, s’mores at the firepit — and the parents and grandparents relax because the beach was designed so they can.
These are the groups who come back, year after year.
Four families sharing midsummer works out to about $195 per family per night — less than a roadside motel, for a private lakefront week together.
Main-floor comfort for the older crowd, bunk rooms for the kids, and a beach everyone can see from the deck.
Walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth in a spring-fed Shield lake — and bait, fuel and boat rentals a short walk away at the marina.
Thanksgiving with everyone at one table, a birthday on the deck, a quiet shoulder-season escape — new for 2027, the long weekends book as four-night stays.
“Island View Retreat is a gem. Eight children and eight adults for a week… one of the children caught nine fish in one day off the dock.”George · stayed June 2025
A twenty-kilometre spring-fed lake on the granite of the Canadian Shield, ringed by shoreline that is roughly 80% unspoiled Crown land — deep, clean and quiet, with most of its thirty-odd islands uninhabited and waiting for a canoe. Paddle out to Blueberry Island, pull in anywhere for a shore picnic, spend an afternoon water-skiing and tubing, or troll the drop-offs for walleye, pike, largemouth and smallmouth — with perch for the kids right off the dock. Seventy-five kilometres of shoreline and thirty-odd islands: you will not run out of places to explore. This is everything people drive to Muskoka for, without the boat traffic, the crowds, or the light pollution — North Frontenac is one of the darkest municipalities in Ontario, and on a clear night the Milky Way is simply there.
Boat rentals from pontoons to fishing boats, fuel, bait, a stocked store — and the ice-cream walk the kids will demand daily.
North Frontenac holds some of the darkest skies in Ontario (Bortle 2–3). Meteor showers from the dock, the Milky Way from a Muskoka chair.
Mazinaw Rock rises 100 metres from the water, painted with Indigenous pictographs — one of Ontario’s great day trips.
Crown-land shorelines and quiet bays in every direction. Pack a lunch, pick an island, claim it for the afternoon.
Groceries, LCBO, hardware, bakeries, the little Pioneer Museum in Cloyne — small-town Ontario at its best.
A proper dinner out — a couple of lovely restaurants by the water, worth the scenic drive.
Hiking and back-road cycling through Shield country — and late September turns the whole shoreline gold and crimson.
Tap a check-in day, then a check-out day. Every rate includes all four bedrooms, the bunkie, the beach and the boats — cleaning, propane and firewood always included. Day prices show the per-night rate at the three-night minimum; stay a full week and the nightly rate drops.
| Week of (Fri–Fri) | Period | Full week | Per night (min stay) | Short stay |
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Rates are in Canadian dollars, plus 13% HST. Linen & towel service $250 — highly recommended; beds made and towels ready when you walk in. A $1,500 fully refundable security deposit applies; 50% books your dates, the balance is due 30 days before arrival. Minimum stay is three nights — two-night stays are welcome, they simply book at the three-night rate, with the third night on us. From late June to Labour Day the cottage books by the full week, Friday to Friday; if a summer week is still open as the date nears, shorter stays open up — ask us.
Shared between four families, midsummer works out to about $195 per family, per night.
Some of the best memories here aren’t made in the middle of August — they’re made on the holiday weekends, when the whole family can actually get away at the same time. Each one runs Friday to Monday, and if you want a head start, take the Thursday before.
The first gathering of the year, as nature wakes up around the lake — spring hikes, quiet water, the fireplace warm and the firepit going. (The docks wait for May, but the trails don’t.)
The season opener. The docks are in, the lake is still quiet, and the first bonfire of the year always feels like the best one.
Flags on the boats, a bonfire on the beach, and the first long, warm evenings of the summer. Canada Day falls mid-week in 2027, so it books as a full week — and it’s a great one.
The warmest water of the entire year and one last golden weekend before school starts. Nobody ever wants to leave this one.
Full fall colour around the shoreline, turkey in the oven, sweaters on the dock. The cottage was made for this weekend.
Tap any photo to see it larger.
Unedited, from our CottagesInCanada listing — 2021 through today.
We had a wonderful time during our stay at this cottage! The experience was everything we hoped for and more. The view was absolutely stunning — the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway. The cottage itself was cozy, comfortable, and felt very homey. It had everything we needed, from the essentials to the little touches that made our stay extra enjoyable. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a peaceful and beautiful retreat!
Everything as expected! Lots of space for our three generations. The grandkids enjoyed the sandy beach, the water and activities. The adults enjoyed the canoes & kayaks. The cottage is comfortable for everyone with lots of spaces to enjoy meals, inside and out, along with spaces for indoor activities. This was our second summer to enjoy this little piece of paradise. Loved our time in 2025.
Our friends and family had a great week at Island view retreat. Everything was in impeccable condition when we arrived. Nice and clean. Kevin was great to work with throughout our booking and even after we arrived. Always available to answer our questions. Kids had a great time playing in the sand and water. Thank you Shelson family for a great week. Wouldn't hesitate to return again. the Hill family. Also the owners at Camp Bay. Marina were wonderful.
Island View Retreat is a gem!! 8 children and 8 adults for a week had a great time in a great place in a great location. Swimming - superb. So much fun especially on the floating raft. Fishing - big enjoyment. Many trips out in the big lake. One of the children caught 9 fish in one day off the dock. Kayaks and canoes - used again and again by young and old. Beach and sand - highlight for the young ones who played with joy in it all 7 days. Accommodation - 4 families with 16 people had great times indoors. Seclusion - close enough to the marina to get ice cream which all enjoyed and information that helped with the fishing yet felt private and on our own. Help - Kevin was great - personable, helpful, and working to make the week happen for our best experience. Again Island View Retreat is a gem!!!
Island view retreat was an excellent place for our group. The owners were great to deal with and the information provided was well organized. Our group loved the dock and view from the beautiful deck, we enjoyed all of the great amenities this beautiful cottage provided. The furniture, beds and linens provided were very comfortable. Everything was very clean and the kitchen was very well stocked. We would highly recommend for a large group of friends or a family with children. > **Owner response:** Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful review! We're thrilled to hear that Island View Retreat was an excellent fit for your group. It's wonderful to know that you enjoyed the dock, the view from the deck, and all the amenities the cottage has to offer. We take pride in ensuring our guests have a clean, comfortable, and well-stocked environment to relax and make memories in, so it means a lot to hear that the beds, linens, and kitchen setup met your expectations. We truly enjoyed hosting your group and would be delighted to welcome you back anytime. Thank you again for the recommendation!
The Island View Retreat is amazing. It is a beautifully appointed cottage. The owners are organized, accessible and kind and have considered everything you would need or want in a vacation property. It is a bit of a jaunt to grab groceries etc. so be mindful about the travel into town for things, but the cottage itself is perfect. With multiple bedrooms, a huge kitchen, great patio with stools overlooking the lake, dock fishing, water toys, fireplace, etc. it isn't missing a thing. A fun, beautiful and serene setting. > **Owner response:** Thank you for such a wonderful review! We're so glad to hear you enjoyed your stay at Island View Retreat and found it to be beautifully appointed and fully equipped for a relaxing getaway. We put a lot of care into making sure our guests have everything they need, and it's heartening to hear that those details made a difference. You're absolutely right about the drive into town—it's always a good idea to come prepared so you can spend more time enjoying the peaceful surroundings. It sounds like you made the most of the lake views, the kitchen, and all the amenities—we're so happy it all added to a memorable experience. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back again soon!
What a beautiful property for our multi-family weekend. With 8 children ranging from 10 years old to 6 months old (and all their parents), we had an absolutely lovely time here! The kids spent a ton of time on the fantastic sandy beach, and fishing off the dock. There was plenty of room for everyone to sit and relax and eat. The deck looking out over the lake was a beautiful place to enjoy a morning coffee. The kitchen and BBQ were great - enough of everything to get all 16 of us fed and watered. Bedrooms were roomy and comfortable. And a short walk for ice cream Huge win for the kiddos! Loved it here, highly recommend, thank you Kevin & family! Note: Would recommend bringing drinking water if you're not comfortable with well water. > **Owner response:** Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We're so glad Island View Retreat could be the backdrop for your multi-family weekend—it sounds like such a fun and memorable time! It's great to hear that the beach, dock, and deck were well-loved by both kids and adults, and that the space and amenities made it easy for everyone to relax, eat, and enjoy time together. We especially love that the morning coffee views and the nearby ice cream shop were highlights—those little moments really make a trip special! Thank you also for the helpful note about the drinking water; we always appreciate when guests share thoughtful tips for future visitors. It was a pleasure to host your group, and we'd love to welcome you back anytime!
My family and I had an amazing time at this charming cottage over the September long weekend. The place was cozy, well-maintained, and offered everything we needed for an enjoyable getaway. We enjoyed plenty of water activities, from kayaking to swimming, which kept everyone entertained throughout our stay. The kids enjoyed canoeing onto blueberry island for a nice little adventure. The spacious deck offered a stunning view of the lake, making it the perfect spot to relax with a morning coffee or enjoy our family meals all together. The cottage was a great balance of privacy and tranquility with some properties nearby although not too crowded or isolated. The host was exceptionally welcoming and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed for a comfortable experience. We are already looking forward to our next visit my family had an absolute blast! Highly recommended for anyone looking for a perfect getaway! > **Owner response:** Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We're thrilled to hear that your family had such a wonderful time at the cottage over the September long weekend. It sounds like you made the most of everything—from kayaking and swimming to the blueberry island adventure and relaxing on the deck with those incredible lake views. We're especially happy to know the space struck the right balance of comfort, privacy, and connection with nature—just what we hope every guest experiences. Your kind words about the hosting mean a lot to us, and we're so glad we could help make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. We'd be absolutely delighted to welcome you back again—your next getaway can't come soon enough!
We loved everything about this place. Perfect location on the Lake. The cottage was perfect size for our family. Camps Bay Marina right next door was very convenient as well. The kids got ice cream every night and the owners were amazing.
Absolutely beautiful! This cottage made for a wonderful getaway for our family. We went with an extended family, and it was enjoyable for all ages! The sand was great for the kids, as was the gradual slope into the water. They spent hours in the sand and on the kayaks and canoes. The dock was great for fishing off of, and docking our boat. The lake itself was beautiful for boating! The cottage and yard are very well maintained, neat, and clean! The cottage is spacious and very well equipped! Lots of space outside as well, it has a large deck with lots of seating - an outdoor dining set, bar stools, picnic tables, and chairs around the campfire - lots of options to either gather together or have some time on your own. The outdoor bar stools were especially a hit, getting to sip our morning coffee and evening wine while overlooking the lake, listening to the sounds of nature - so peaceful! The owners were also very accommodating, and so pleasant to deal with. We cannot wait to visit again! Highly recommend this cottage!
We had a wonderful time staying at Island View Retreat. Beautiful home, great beach and clean lake. Everything we needed was readily available and we can't wait to visit again!
The Shelson family have created a little piece of paradise for making memories. Ideal for families. There was something to entertain our three generations. The cottage was well equipped from the every day kitchen needs; to the comfort of beds and linens; to the kayaks, standup boards & canoes; to the lovely sandy beach and firepit. Lots of places to be together or to have some time on your own. The views and the lake were spectacular. Thank you for sharing your home away from home. We look forward to returning next year! Judy and family
We loved staying at the Shelsons beautiful cottage. We had a party of 13 people, and everyone was very comfortably accommodated in the cottage. Communication leading up to and throughout our stay was fantastic. The kids and family loved the dock and beachfront area for playing and kayaking. Couldn't ask for a better experience.
We stayed at the Shelson's cottage this past May long weekend. We were a party of 12 and found the space very conducive for everyone to feel comfortable. It was very cozy. The waterfront and available watercrafts were the highlight of our visit. The kids loved to go the short distance out to the little island that's in view of the cottage. They also loved the clean beach area to play in the sand and wade in the water.
This is an amazing place! Everything you need for a very enjoyable vacation. Spend the week with our kids and nine grandchildren. The grandkids had so much fun fishing from the dock. Kevin is very helpful with anything you need.
It was one of the coziest cottage I've ever been. Kevin was very helpful with many things, and the cottage was very clean and beautiful. I highly recommend.
Spent a weekend at the cottage. What a fabulous place. Very clean, well taken and care of and fully equipped. The owners were extremely helpful and easy to deal with. Will definitely going again
Amazing people to deal with. The place is absolutely beautiful and well equipped. I'd highly recommend a vacation here
We spent a beautiful week at this cottage, enjoying the gorgeous view, playing on the beach, and taking walks in the incomparable fall foliage. I can't imagine a better location for our extended family stay, and would recommend this heartily to anyone. We enjoyed the kayaks, canoe, and paddleboards, and spent hours playing games around the kitchen table. The pre-teens were happy to enjoy the Roku, and the WiFi was excellent for working remotely. Thanks for a wonderful vacation!
Very nice place with a beautiful view of the lake. The cottage was clean and very well kept. We were a group of 11 people and there was lots of room for everyone. Corey and Kevin were great to deal with. very responsive to any questions we had. Would stay here again
This is a wonderful place to create cherished memories with your loved ones. The pictures here don't do justice to how gorgeous the cottage is in real life. The cottage was clean and tidy when we arrived and the owners were wonderful about providing all the information we needed during our stay. The cottage has a wonderful layout, there's plenty of space around the dinner table when you want everyone together but also plenty of space for people to go off and do their own thing without stepping on anyone's toes. The kitchen is fully equipped and between it and the massive Weber BBQ outside, we had everything we needed to cook some really wonderful meals during our stay. The WiFi was great and I had no issues working remotely during our stay. There's a Roku TV with Bell satellite although that was rarely used as the view of the lake was more impressive anyway. We were initially worried about the neighbouring marina but that turned out to be a value add as we were able to walk over and rent a boat for a couple of days - they even let us use their fish cleaning hut to clean the fish we caught during our stay. Speaking of which, there's plenty of fish in Big Gull Lake - during our stay we caught 3 walleye (large enough to keep and eat), several smallmouth bass, and a pike right off the dock! Overall this was one of the best cottage rental experiences we've had and we'll certainly be back. Thank you Corey and Kevin for having us!
There aren't enough words to describe how perfect this cottage is. Ten people from 2-62 had the best week ever. There was something for everyone. Accommodations were perfect. Owners were excellent to work with. We will definitely return!
We had a great week recently with three generations of our family. The large sandy area and shallow water entry were a hit with our little ones. We also had fun catch-and-release fishing off the dock, using the many watercraft and swimming out to the floating platform. Kevin was quick to respond to any questions. Thanks for a memorable family holiday!
We absolutely loved our stay at Island View. It was perfect for our stay as a three generation family. Everything was easily accessible and there were plenty of beds/bedrooms for everyone. The cottage is a wonderful blend of rustic and modern and exceptionally clean. The sandy beach was perfect for the smaller kids to play and swim and the older kids loved fishing off of the dock. We also utilized the canoe, paddle boards and kayaks a lot and our favourite thing to do was paddle to "Fairy Island". Kevin and Corey were very responsive and even when the power went out on our first night after a big storm, they responded quickly to our questions at 11pm! It was also very convenient to have the Camps Bay Marina right next door for essentials and a boat rental (and ice cream cones!).
If you are looking for a comfortable cottage, with magnificent scenery, for a large extended family then this is the place for you. Stayed with my elderly mother and my 3 sisters with their teenage children. Room for everyone. Multiple indoor and outdoor eating areas for adults and kids. Multiple fridges, chest freezer, and a well stocked kitchen with high-end BBQ to cook. Close to small town amenities if you forgot something. Sit outside under cover, by the fire, on the sandy beach or on the dock. Canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle board in the clear waters of Big Gull Lake. Coming back next year.
We had a beautiful and quiet stay at this cottage. The location and view were amazing and we were able to make good use of the canoe, kayaks and paddle boards to explore the bay the cottage overlooks. Although the weather did not entirely cooperate with us to enjoy the outdoors for the entirety of our stay, we made excellent use of the board games and puzzles and enjoyed sitting on the covered patio with a drink to experience the storms. We very much enjoyed our stay and are looking forward to returning in the future. > **Owner response:** Chris, it was a pleasure having you and your family stay with us! We look forward to having you again next year :)
We were a group of 11 guys that rented Island View Retreat for a weekend in early May and it was PERFECT! The location is great. The cottage is well placed between Ottawa and Kingston but you feel like you're a couple hours north and wouldn't guess how accessible it is. When you're at the cottage, you can't see the neighbours since there is enough distance and trees around and you have a real good feeling of privacy. There is however Camp's Bay marina right around the corner for any small things you may need to buy or if you need to rent a boat for your stay. There are some really great fishing spots close to the cottage and you really don't need to boat far to find a perfect anchoring spot for the morning! The owners are extremely agreeable and made the experience of renting the cottage (on short notice) very pleasant. They are involved and invested in your stay and it is clear that they want you to enjoy your visit as much as you do. Access was easy and it was very clear what we had to bring ourselves vs what would be provided. We did make the mistake of assuming blankets would be included, so just note that "no linens" means no sheets or blankets (owners helped us find a solution and made sure we were taken care of in our case!). Otherwise, all cooking tools, bbq and everything else we needed was there. Awesome selection of board games as well. Otherwise, kayaks, fireplace, and outdoor activities were great! A perfect stay! Thank you! We will be back! > **Owner response:** Jan-Louis, we really appreciate your feedback and are very happy that you enjoyed your vacation with us. We are very lucky to have groups like yours who take such good care of our family cottage. We are committed to ensuring that all of our guests have an outstanding experience and we appreciate that you felt informed and supported throughout your stay. We are fortunate to have Camp's Bay Cottages and Marina located right next door - Tammy and Sam are great! Be sure to check them out if you need ice, bait, a toothbrush or a boat rental! We look forward to having your group back again in the future!
We had a wonderful time at the Island View Retreat. The grandness of this waterfront cottage must be seen to be truly appreciated as it is more of a Lake Lodge than a cottage! We are a 3 generations family and there was something for each generation to enjoy. Some of our highlights: The sandy beach with shallow entry into water for the little ones The waterside fire pit The nearby islands you can explore (pack a lunch and spend the day)! Spending hours lazing about in the luxury lawn furniture The air conditioners were a life saver in the few humid days we had The water toys - so fun to get out onto the water The unobstructed, beautiful views of the lake We can't wait to return next summer - thank you for being such accommodating and helpful hosts! > **Owner response:** Hi Anne! Thank for choosing the Island View Retreat for your family vacation. We are glad to hear that you found so much to explore on Big Gull Lake. Thank you for taking such good care of our family cottage and making it a home away from home for your family. We look forward to having you back next summer :)
Amazing cottage! Stayed for 1 week mid August. Absolutely NO bugs. Cottage and property were immaculate! Cottage was very spacious (4 adults and 2 children with LOTS of extra space). Tons of comfortable seating both indoors and outdoors. LOVED the kayaks and paddle boards! The convenience store at Camps Bay (neighbouring property) was an added bonus - saved us a few trips into town. Owners were outstanding to deal with - very friendly and quick to respond to any questions. Highly recommend this cottage rental. We absolutely will be coming back next year! > **Owner response:** Hi Jennifer - Thanks for taking the time to write this review for us :) We're glad that you had a bug-free stay and enjoyed the cottage. It is our goal to ensure that the cottage is exactly as described in the listing and we have a very meticulous cleaning and landscaping staff who assist us. We look forward to having you and your family back next year!
This is our third year staying in this cottage. It is our home away from home. It has everything our multi generational family needs. The new kayaks and paddle boards were a great addition. Memories made on Big Gull Lake will be cherished forever. > **Owner response:** Thank you for coming back again this year Melissa! We just added a Canoe as well :) We look forward to having you again in the future!
The Island View Retreat is truly a hidden gem! Since the 1980s, we have been visiting Big Gull Lake every summer and vacationing there for over 40 years. This was our first visit to Island View Retreat, and it was one of the most enjoyable experiences of our lives! We brought our children and grandkids along, and we were blown away by the spaciousness of the property and layout - you would never have known we had 14 people there! It felt like we had our own private bay to enjoy each day. Throughout the week, we swam, used the stand-up paddle boards, and enjoyed kayaking every day. The cottage is fully equipped as if you were at home - they've thought of absolutely everything you could possibly need. Definitely plan on visiting again in 2022!!! > **Owner response:** Thank you Janice - we really appreciate your feedback and thank you for choosing the Island View Retreat for your vacation. It's amazing how many families we have met who have been vacationing at Big Gull Lake for 30+ years! Thank you again for choosing to stay with us - we look forward to having you again next year :)
We stayed at this wonderful cottage in July 2021. Fishing off the dock was very successful as my husband caught a pike and bass right off the dock. My daughter and I caught rock bass, which is perfect for the impatient fisherman. The fire pit was the best one we've experienced after +20 years of cottaging. It is right on the waterfront and lined with sand and has a nice view of the gorgeously lit house. Kayaking and sup boarding was very peaceful and we had a nice tour around the lake. The house is very roomy and having two bathrooms a definite plus. Lots of seating areas to choose from. Our favourite was having my morning coffee on the stools on the porch overlooking the lake, while the chipmunks greet you. Bedrooms were quite large and the living room fit us comfortably. The owners Kevin were very communicative and felt they wanted us to feel comfortable and welcomed. Kevin even followed up for feedback :) Thank you for having us! > **Owner response:** Hi Elaine! Thank for taking time leave us with this review. We agree - the fishing is great off of the dock. It is very common catch Walleye, Bass, Pike, Sunfish and Rock Bass all from the dock. We had a great time designing and putting in the new fire pit - we are very happy that you enjoyed it :) We really appreciate you choosing the Island View Retreat for your summer vacation and we look forward to having you back next year.
I would highly recommend this beautifully set cottage. It is spacious and met all our needs for a very relaxing stay. The screened in porch made meals very enjoyable. Sandy beach for our children to play kept them occupied for hours. Added touch was the bunkie looking onto the lake allowing some quiet time to catch up on emails. Easy boat launch at Camp Bay Cottage Rental. The lake is quiet and calm and many fish caught. It was fun to tie up to Bone Island and take a short hike which is located directly across from the cottage. Our visits to buy ice cream at Camp Bay Cottage Rental was a nice treat as it is a 1 minute walk down a pathway from the Island View Retreat View of the lake from the top deck was amazing and night campfires so enjoyable. We will most definitely be booking again > **Owner response:** Thank you for your review Brenda! It was great having you and look forward to your group's visit next summer as well!
Probably the best cottage we've been to, in fact our 2nd time going (first time with new owners) This place has been completely improved, from a way better lakeside firepit surrounded by sand to a renovated, fully wifi-enabled beach house where we can do work without the kids driving us nuts. The house has everything you need for a 1-2 week stay and with the store a 20m walk from the cabin we never needed to drive anywhere. We were even able to rent a catamaran for the week with no effort! What was the cherry on top was some of the best fishing we've done in years, so from 6am to when the kids woke up at 9am was enough time to catch the biggest pike and smallmouth bass we've ever seen. Yum! Will go again next year, totally worth the penny especially with the renovations > **Owner response:** Hi Em! Thank you for this positive review and great feedback on the improvements we have made since taking over the Island View Retreat in 2021. We look forward to having you back!
Big Gull Lake sits in North Frontenac, Ontario, near the village of Arden — tucked into the Canadian Shield about halfway between Toronto and Montreal, and an easy run up from the 401 or down from the 7.
Fly into Toronto Pearson (YYZ) — direct flights from London, Frankfurt, Paris and Amsterdam — or Ottawa (YOW), the closer of the two at about two hours from the dock. Pick up a rental car at the airport; the drive north through the Canadian Shield — rolling granite, pine forest and small towns — is part of the experience.
We’ve hosted guests from across Canada and the United States, and from Europe — including Germany, France and Holland. If you’re planning a trip from overseas, email us and we’ll help you sort out the details.
The entire property — cottage, bunkie, beach, dock, firepit — plus cleaning, BBQ propane, firewood, two canoes, two fishing kayaks, two paddleboards, the swim raft and life jackets in various sizes (bring your own for the surest fit). Rates are for up to 16 guests; there’s no per-person pricing.
Our minimum stay is three nights everywhere on the calendar. Two-night stays are welcome — they book at the three-night rate, so if you can stay the third night, it’s already yours. In midsummer (late June to Labour Day) the cottage books by the full week, Friday to Friday.
One changeover day keeps the cottage pristine between groups and gives every guest the same full week. From late June to Labour Day the cottage books by the week; if a week is still open close to the date, we open it to shorter stays.
Bring your own, or add the linen & towel service for $250 — we highly recommend it. Beds made, towels ready, nothing to pack or haul home: it makes the week first class.
50% books your dates; the balance is due 30 days before arrival. A $1,500 security deposit applies and is fully refunded, usually within a week of check-out. We keep it simple: e-transfer.
Tell us as early as you can and we’ll work to re-book your dates — refunds follow the re-booking policy in the rental agreement.
Pets are considered case by case — tell us about yours when you reach out and we’ll let you know. No smoking indoors or on the decks; it’s part of how the cottage stays five-star clean for every family.
Yes — Camp’s Bay Marina next door rents everything from fishing boats to pontoons, and sells fuel and bait.
Wi-Fi runs throughout the cottage on Bell Fibe with a mesh router — good for streaming a movie on a rainy night or checking in on work, though we’d rather you didn’t.
The season opens Easter weekend (March 26 in 2027) and runs to November 15. We close for winter because the access roads can’t be safely maintained in snow — it protects our guests, and it’s why the cottage is immaculate every spring.
The July and August weeks have sold out every summer we’ve been open. If there’s a week your family talks about all winter, this is the moment to take it.