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The Real Muskoka Experience

Lakefront cottage with balcony and fireplace

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Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior
Smart TV, fireplace
4 bedrooms, free WiFi, bed sheets
Interior

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 111400 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Outdoor Space
  • Dryer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Muskoka Lakes, ON
  • Place, Muskoka Lakes Winery
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Lake Joseph Golf Club
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Place, Hardy Lake Provincial Park
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Airport, Muskoka, ON (YQA)
    ‪37 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Bala

This cottage places you next to Lake Muskoka and within 2 miles (3 km) of Muskoka Lakes Winery. The cottage includes a fireplace, a balcony, and a refrigerator.
View more Cottages in BalaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Lake Muskoka - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Muskoka Lakes Winery - 4 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • The Port Carling Wall - 11 min drive - 9.5 miles
  • Lake Joseph Golf Club - 14 min drive - 10.9 miles
  • Hardy Lake Provincial Park - 21 min drive - 12.0 miles

Getting around

  • Gravenhurst Station - 32 min drive
  • Muskoka, ON (YQA) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Clear Lake Brewing Co - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Bass Lake Roadhouse - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪The Juicery - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Olivers Coffee - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Don's Bakery - ‬8 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Real Muskoka Experience

Beautiful log cabin on Lake Muskoka! Located right off Acton Island road, minutes to Port Carling and Bala. Bathrooms are newly renovated. Large dining room and spacious kitchen. Real stone fireplace is the heart of the home. 15 foot ceilings in the great room. Airy Muskoka room with a 4 piece set, perfect for cards or cocktails. Watch the morning sun rise on the deck overlooking the dock or have the morning coffee on the dock with long views! Paddleboards and Kayaks are ready for fun on the water all day. Sun is on the deck and dock all day! Deep water off the dock, perfect for fishing or jumping in to cool off. There is a lake side sauna for your enjoyment. It is wood fired.
The cottage features a balcony and 2 bathrooms, and there's space to spread out with 4 bedrooms. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a microwave.

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Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Sauna

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Shower
  • Toilet paper

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Designated smoking areas

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Water sports equipment

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,400 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Rules

Do not knock on neighbours doors and ask to borrow their boat.
Do not leave piles of garbage at the top of the driveway. The town will only take 2 bags. Take it to the dump around the corner at 1174 everleigh rd.

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 25

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a first aid kit.

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see within easy reach of this cottage?

This cottage is located in Muskoka Lakes, just steps from Lake Muskoka. You'll also find Muskoka Lakes Winery and Lake Joseph within a short drive.

Is there parking available at this cottage?

No, this cottage doesn't offer parking.

Is this cottage adjacent to a casino?

No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this cottage?

No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.

Is The Real Muskoka Experience a good place to stay for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this lakeside cottage include a fireplace and a smart TV along with a sauna.

Are there hot tubs at The Real Muskoka Experience?

No, but this cottage does have a sauna.

Does this cottage offer breakfast?

No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this cottage allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at this cottage.

Are there connecting rooms at this cottage?

No, this cottage doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to this cottage?

The closest major airport to this cottage is Muskoka, ON (YQA), which is 27.6 mi away (45 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at The Real Muskoka Experience?

Yes, every accommodation at The Real Muskoka Experience comes with a balcony.

The Real Muskoka Experience Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 10 out of 13 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 13 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 13 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra P.

Liked: Cleanliness
My friends and I had a wonderful stay! The cottage was even nicer in person. 10/10 would stay again
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristen S.

Liked: Cleanliness
We had an amazing stay! Wonderful time with family and friends on the dock and in the water. Beautiful property - lovely cottage and bunkie set up with lots of space for folks to stay and hang out in well laid out indoor and outdoor spaces. Martin was very attentive and was quick to be in touch as needed. Thanks, Martin!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alan C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything was great!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Dave D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Good
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emma R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great cottage weekend with the family!

My family (7 adults and 1 infant) had a great time at Martin’s cottage. The layout of the bedrooms and living areas gave us lots of space to spread out, indoors and outside. The dock and lake are fantastic. We especially enjoyed the sandy, shallow spot off the dock where our little one could walk around in the water. The sauna was awesome! Thanks for a great stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Spacious and Comfortable!

Lots of space for a family of 8 adults. Everyone had a comfortable bed and we could gather around the table for a meal or curl up on the large couch to play a game. Kitchen was well stocked with spices and condiments and had everything we needed for simple meals. We really enjoyed using the kayaks, paddleboard and sauna.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adam B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fantastic Family Cottage

The communication with the owner was clear in advance, with good directions and instructions on checking in. The cabin was clearly beautiful, and despite some other nearby cabins, felt secluded. The kitchen came stocked with basics as well as a s'mores station. There was plenty of room to cook and eat as a family, including on the deck. The beds were comfortable, and the bunk house clearly new and newly renovated - the upper deck beds were especially dark and quiet for sleeping. The dock was the star, whether for fishing, kyaking or swimming. We spent most of our time there. When we travelled, it was not usually far - a few minutes to Muskoka Winery, to Bala for groceries, or 30 minutes to Gravenhurst for more options. I cannot recommend this place enough.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linus C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great cottage for relaxing and getting into the lake

Our group was very pleased with our stay at Martin’s cottage - it’s very spacious inside with a well equipped kitchen, dining room, and large living area. We thoroughly enjoyed the large lake and paddle boards + kayaks that were provided. The network is quite large and you’ll see / encounter plenty of other people out on the lake. While there are neighbours, the tree coverage on either side of the property really gave us a sense of privacy while out on the back deck. Communication with Martin was also very easy and he was always quick to respond - I would recommend and book again in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristi H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great cabin

I’d recommend this lake front cabin nestled in the woods with a great host who communicates well.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Cheri/Tim C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Real Muskoka for sure

Thanks for the real Muskoka experience Martin. It took me back to my childhood! Would be nice to add some portable fans for warmer days/nights and some face washcloths.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda H.

Liked: Cleanliness

A very comfortable cottage

A clean n rustic cottage with a beautiful view of the lake. The beautiful lake looked different at different time of the day. Our host was not in the area, but he always returned his calls promptly, n was very helpful. We enjoyed our stay. Thank you, Martin.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gina B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Awesome rustic cottage, perfect spot for a relaxing weekend.

Walked in the cottage and was pleasantly surprised - it's better than the pictures! Rustic but comfortable and clean. Having the kayaks and paddle boards was a plus, and siting on the dock was a highlight. Enjoyed a swim by visit from a muscrat? each night at dusk and woke to chipmunk visits on the deck in the morning. It was a great place for our family's celebration and we would definitely book again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Paige D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Clean cottage, great location!

Our stay at the cottage with a family of 6 adults and one infant was great! The cottage was clean, location was fantastic (between Bala and Port Carling) and the walk in sandy water was perfect for our young son! The paddle boards and kayaks were fun activities for nice days on the water! Our family enjoys doing lots of cooking and we found the kitchen supplies to be a little sparse which made it difficult to make some meals! Enjoyed our time and communication with host was quick and clear!
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022