10 Muskoka Cottages That Are Great Airbnb Alternatives
With AirBnBs getting more expensive than ever, having hidden cameras, and making the guests clean up, do laundry, and still charge a cleaning fee, their popularity is declining. If you’re looking for a vacation in a beautiful country setting, with lush forests, shimmering lakes, and lots of year round activities suitable for everyone, Muskoka is the destination for you. If you’re fed up with AirBnBs, we’ve curated a list of 10 Muskoka cottages that are great airbnb alternatives.
1/10.
Island Property on Skeleton Lake
This extremely private waterfront property on Marlatt Island, just off the shores of Skeleton Lake and a 10 minute boat ride from the public dock at Skeleton Lake Marina, is surrounded by undeveloped Crown Land. There’s a fully loaded kitchen, adjacent Muskoka room that leads onto the deck, vaulted ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, a rec room, gaming space, movie theatre and popcorn maker, a large lawn with badminton, bocce, and cornhole, two fire pits, and a sauna. The waterfront 750 feet of shoreline with a private dock, sandy beach, water crafts, and nearby forest trails.
2/10.
Labour of Love on Muldrew Lake
This two bedroom cottage and garage loft with an additional bedroom sits on the peaceful shores of Muldrew Lake. The lake is small compared to the “Big Three”, (Muskoka, Joseph, and Rosseau) but is still 16 Kilometers (10 Miles) long.The water is warmer than the big lakes, and there is great fishing, especially for Bass and Pike. Muldrew Lake is also a part of the original Native Canoe Route from the Trent-Severn River System (Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay) to the Muskoka’s. The cottage was built by the owners and their two sons over six months in 2013 with an open concept design, post and beam structure, soaring pine cathedral ceilings, beautiful hand scraped hickory floors, floor to ceiling windows and fireplace, a loft office/sitting room, and a screened-in Muskoka room. Some amenities include a hot tub, a private dock with boat launch, stand up paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks.
3/10.
“Six Mile Smiles”
This charming three bedroom, two bathroom lakeside cottage, located near Mactier, has a wraparound deck and Muskoka room that faces the spring-fed Six Mile Lake to the southeast. You can watch the morning sun from the wrap-around deck or in the Muskoka room. Some amenities include a barbeque, outdoor fire pit, stand up paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks, the last three of which can be launched from the private dock. Nearby Gibson River Provincial Park has plenty of beautiful hikes, and the towns of Bala, home to a collection of local artisans and the infamous Kee to Bala concert area, and Port Severn are close by.
Explore Muskoka:
Why Muskoka Is Such A Popular Destination
Things to Do in Muskoka: A Year-Round Guide to Vacation Activities
Muskoka Boat Rentals: How to Rent a Boat in Muskoka
4/10.
Rosseau Retreat
Welcome to Rosseau Retreat, an exquisite waterfront escape on Lake Rosseau, one of Muskoka’s most prestigious and sought-after destinations. This luxury cottage blends rustic charm with modern elegance, offering a spacious open-concept design with soaring ceilings, exposed wooden beams, and large windows that frame breathtaking lake views. The gourmet kitchen is fully equipped with high-end appliances, a large island, and everything needed for memorable meals. The inviting living area features a grand stone fireplace, cozy seating, and a stylish yet comfortable atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
Step outside onto the expansive deck, where you’ll find an outdoor dining area, lounge chairs, and a BBQ, making it ideal for entertaining or enjoying serene Muskoka sunsets. The private dock provides direct access to Lake Rosseau, perfect for swimming, boating, or simply soaking in the beauty of the surroundings. Additional amenities include Wi-Fi, a smart TV, air conditioning, and a fire pit, ensuring a comfortable stay in any season. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this luxurious cottage offers the perfect balance of relaxation and recreation in the heart of Muskoka.
5/10.
“Coldwater” at Gibson Lake
This upscale four bedroom, three bathroom cottage on Gibson Lake was newly renovated in 2020. It features an open concept design, with a great room that has soaring two story ceilings and matching fireplace. The master bedroom also has a wall of windows facing the lake, and both have direct stunning lake views, designed to be filled with light throughout the day. On the lower level there is a games room and another substantial guest suite with lake views that sleeps four. Other amenities include a sauna, barbeque, firepit, boat launch, paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes.
6/10.
Cottage on the Bedrock
This newly renovated three bedroom, two bathroom cottage sits on a quiet sheltered bay in the Lake Of Bays, with south exposure and very little boat traffic. A four season cottage, it features an open concept living space with a wood burning fireplace and lake views through a wall of windows. The master bedroom has heated floors and a private direct walk-out to its own deck. Lake of Bays is the second largest lake in the Muskokas with over 165 km of shoreline, with many bays and islands. The villages of Dorset, Dwight and Baysville are accessible by boat, and it is a 20 minute drive from Huntsville and a half hour from Bracebridge.
7/10.
“Parkinson Lake House”
Parkinson Lake House is on Sparrow Lake by Gravenhurst. With 3 bedrooms, a wood-burning fireplace, floor to ceiling windows with a view of the lake, a wrap-around porch, hot tub, boat launch, and fire pit by the water, this four season cottage makes for an amazing getaway, whatever the time of year. Some amenities include a barbeque, outdoor fire pit, stand up paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks, the last three of which can be launched from the private dock.
8/10.
Moonstone Log and Timber Frame Cottage
Located on Sparrow Lake by Orillia, the grandeur of this cottage is immediately noticeable. All the logs are hand-selected Northern Ontario white pine, and the interior features a granite floor foyer that leads to the expansive open concept kitchen/dining/living room, lake views from large picture windows, and soaring cathedral ceilings throughout. The screened-in Muskoka room has a large comfy sectional couch, and on quiet evenings, you can clearly hear the song of the Whippoorwill. The water’s edge has a large stretch of sand with a shallow entry, and there is a dock, a fire pit, and the chance to see the wildlife that lives nearby, including deer, minks, chipmunks, beavers and birds.
Vacation Planning:
The Ultimate Cottage Packing List
What to Do When it’s Raining on Vacation at the Cottage
Dog Safety Tips for Cottage Country
9/10.
“The Green Room”
The Green Room is a classic two bedroom, one bathroom cottage on the top floor, with a gorgeous Muskoka room overlooking Lake Muskoka, and a private lower level suite with another bathroom. With the cottage being in close proximity to the towns of Bala and Port Carling, guests are able to experience lakeside dining, luxurious shopping, and local businesses. Outside, you’ll find a trail leading down to the fire pit area and dock, where you can spend your days swimming, fishing, or simply soaking up the sun.
10/10.
“Three Mile Escape”
Escape to Three Mile Retreat, a stunning waterfront getaway on Three Mile Lake in Muskoka. This spacious, family-friendly cottage offers breathtaking lake views, a private dock for swimming and boating, and a large deck perfect for outdoor dining and relaxation. Inside, enjoy an open-concept living area with cozy furnishings, a fully equipped kitchen, and modern amenities, including Wi-Fi and a smart TV. Unwind by the fire pit under the stars, explore nearby hiking trails, or paddle the lake with the provided canoe and kayaks. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, this four-season retreat is the perfect place to make lasting cottage memories.
Booking a cottage is the first step in planning your Muskoka vacation. Next is planning your itinerary and activities. With so much to do, see, and experience, Muskoka has something for everyone. Our cottage country site has lots of information that can help you plan your perfect cottage vacation, and if we can help in any way, please send us an email or give us a call.
Alex Laframboise
Alex is a champion of Ontario’s cottage lifestyle, leveraging her love for nature and years of management expertise to create unforgettable rental experiences. Cottaging near Lake Nipissing, Alex developed a deep connection to cottage country, which inspires her storytelling and marketing work at Cottage Vacations.
