Welcome to Muskoka Lakeside Retreats!
Muskoka Lakeside Retreats invites you to a serene escape offering two charming cottages for rent. Nestled less than two hours from Toronto, on a quiet, extremely private lake, our properties are perfect for families, couples, or friends seeking a peaceful cottage getaway with swimming, boating and fishing.
Explore our two properties - The Point, and South Shore.
Immerse yourself in cottage living with all the amenities
We know you're here for the waterfront. Our properties offer docks with swim ladders and beach areas with walk-in access to the water. Each property has access to a canoe, a paddleboat, a SUP, and a kayak. There is easy fishing from the dock, or any of the watercraft.
Outdoors, our cottages include BBQs, outdoor dining tables, and deck chairs. Each one includes a firepit, with lots of seating. Enjoy s'mores under the starlight!
Have to check in at the office? There is good wifi, suitable for video calls and streaming services. Rainy day? There are games rooms, board games, and televisions with streaming services.
We believe that pets are family too - your well-behaved dogs are welcome at our cottages.
We're here for you
We want your vacation to be perfect - if there's anything you need before or during your stay, please let us know. We're proud to have received superhost status from AirBnB.
Featured properties
Explore Muskoka Year Round
Cycling at the Georgian Nordic Centre
Muskoka’s Outdoor Activities
Nestled in Ontario’s iconic cottage country, the Muskoka Lake region offers a variety of year-round outdoor activities that cater to adventurers, families, and nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re visiting during the warm summer months or the snow-filled winter, Muskoka’s natural beauty provides an endless array of activities around the lakes, forests, and local trails.
Fun on the Water
From your homebase on Ricketts Lake, you have the perfect mix of tranquility and adventure, making it an ideal spot for waterfront activities. Whether you’re looking to paddle across its calm waters or get your adrenaline pumping with water sports, Ricketts Lake provides a variety of ways to enjoy your time on the water.
Ricketts is a delightfully intimate lake that's ideal for safe waterfront activity for any age or skill level. Each property is equipped with a number of small watercraft guaranteed to entertain, even without any experience! Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding, canoeing, or kayaking, or enjoy the lake with a leisurely paddleboat ride - perfect for kids and those who want to leisurely enjoy the water without exerting too much effort, while still taking in the breathtaking views.
Bring your fishing rod for use from the dock on one of the boats - the lake is home to smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleye.
Powerboat Rentals and Wakeboarding
If you're looking for bigger thrills, inquire at one of the local marinas for powerboat rentals. Several marinas around Ricketts Lake offer wakeboarding lessons, ensuring that both beginners and experienced riders can enjoy an exhilarating time on the water.
Cycling and Hiking
In the warmer months, cycling and hiking are must-do activities in Muskoka. The Bracebridge Waterfront Trail offers a serene escape along Georgian Bay, with 5 km of scenic, family-friendly pathways perfect for biking or walking, with beautiful beachfront and playgrounds for the little ones. It's a great way to explore Muskoka’s natural beauty right in the heart of Bracebridge.
For avid cyclists, Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre offers summer mountain biking through its well-maintained trails. Georgian Nordic also features a challenging 30 km network of single-track and multi-use trails that range in difficulty, perfect for beginners and advanced cyclists alike.
Exploring Muskoka’s Vibrant Foliage
During the fall, Muskoka is famous for its stunning foliage. Hiking or cycling through the region’s forests offers breathtaking views as the leaves change into rich shades of red, orange, and gold. The Hardy Lake Provincial Park loop is a fantastic option for those looking to combine hiking with beautiful fall colors, with trails circling around serene lakes and lush woods.
Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, and Ice Skating
Winter transforms Muskoka into a snowy playground, ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre is the premier location for winter sports, offering over 30 km of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing, plus snowshoeing paths that wind through forested areas. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner, this centre provides a variety of trails to suit all levels.
In addition, the Bracebridge Resource Management Centre offers free access to 15 km of groomed cross-country skiing trails that are perfect for enjoying Muskoka’s winter wonderland.
Ricketts Lake usually freezes solid by January, making it great for ice skating for the whole family.
Snowmobiling
If you are a snowmobile enthusiast, you're in the right spot to explore some of the region’s most scenic and well-maintained trails. Positioned near the southern tip of Lake Joseph, MacTier offers easy access to several snowmobiling routes that showcase the beauty of the Muskoka landscape in winter.
MacTier is part of the larger Muskoka Snowmobile Network (MSN), which provides hundreds of kilometers of groomed snowmobiling trails throughout Muskoka. These trails are well-marked and maintained, offering riders of all experience levels a chance to explore the dense forests, frozen lakes, and rolling hills. Popular trails in the MacTier area link to major routes in the surrounding townships, allowing for extended day trips or shorter rides closer to town.
One popular trail near MacTier is the Cranberry Trail, which runs through some of Muskoka’s most scenic areas, including forests, rivers, and stretches of farmland. Snowmobilers can expect a mix of terrain that keeps rides exciting, while also enjoying the tranquility of the snow-covered wilderness.
Riders can also take advantage of frozen lakes like Lake Joseph, a popular spot for snowmobiling in winter. Traveling across the frozen water provides a thrilling experience, with wide-open spaces offering speed and excitement.
Golfing in Muskoka
Top Golf Courses Near Ricketts Lake in Muskoka
For golfers staying near Ricketts Lake, several scenic courses are just a short drive away, offering breathtaking views and challenging play.
1. Rocky Crest Golf Resort: Located on Lake Joseph, this stunning course winds through Muskoka’s rugged terrain, offering beautiful views and a challenging round.
2. Seguin Valley Golf Club: Just a short drive away, this Parry Sound course is known for its dramatic elevation changes and natural beauty.
3. The Rock Golf Club: Located in Minett, this world-class course, designed by Nick Faldo, features lush fairways, granite outcroppings, and stunning views of Lake Rosseau.
4. Muskoka Highlands Golf Links: A relaxed, links-style course in Bracebridge, offering an open layout perfect for all skill levels.
5. South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club: Known for its tree-lined fairways and challenging design, this Bracebridge course is ideal for experienced golfers.
Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned golfer, the Muskoka region provides an exceptional golfing experience with natural beauty and top-notch facilities.