Stepping off a floatplane onto a private cottage dock in Muskoka offers an immediate sense of escape from the urban vibe of Toronto we’d just left 45 minutes earlier. This region of southeast Canada, with its 1,600 pristine lakes and 13,400 km of shoreline, has earned its reputation as the ‘Hamptons of the North’ for those seeking exclusive retreats with five-star amenities while surrounded by unspoiled wilderness dating back 1.5 billion years.
A seamless arrival
While locals modestly refer to these properties as ‘cottages’, the reality is far more impressive. Muskoka cottages blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings, offering a level of privacy that has become the ultimate luxury in today’s connected world. With strict development regulations preserving the region’s natural beauty, Muskoka maintains its exclusive character while providing world-class accommodations.
Our Muskoka cottage experience began with a floatplane journey from Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport with Cottage Air. The transition from urban landscape to endless forests and sparkling lakes was immediately striking.
Leading the transformation of Muskoka’s rental landscape is Jayne’s Luxury Rentals, founded by our host, Jayne McCaw, in 2013. Identifying a gap in the market for truly high-end accommodations, the company now manages around 300 properties, primarily in the Muskoka area.
Our Muskoka cottage
Wildcat PointOur first stop is at Wildcat Point, not the cottage we’ll be staying in but where we’ll be spending half our time over the next four days. It’s elegant and modern yet classical in the best way possible. Hermes blankets drape carefully over the large sectional sofa, and chic coffee table books are neatly piled on solid wood furniture. Through floor to ceiling windows, we spy glistening water through breaks in the trees. This is our first taste of cottage life and it’s already so sweet.
Our home for the Muskoka cottage experience was Santosha, a five-bedroom property that demonstrates what sets Muskoka cottages apart. Every detail felt considered, from the well-equipped kitchen to the expansive great room with wooden beams overhead, a huge stone fireplace and a tranquil decked patio with picnic benches to help you switch off from city life.
A four-course dinner prepared in-cottage by private chef Brandon welcomed us on the first evening. His multi-course feast included highlights such as torched salmon crispy rice paired with local wine. This is just one of the many additional services offered to help take your stay from great to exceptional. Jayne’s team operates more like a lifestyle management service than a traditional rental agency – arranging everything from boat charters to wine tastings.
The Muskoka experience extends beyond just your accommodation. A pontoon boat tour with Jayne around Lakes Rosseau and Joseph proved invaluable, as she showcased the huge variety of cottages in the area, even pointing out A-list celebrity-owned properties along the shoreline. The region’s “Big 3” lakes – Muskoka, Rosseau, and Joseph – are connected via locks, allowing for easy exploration by boat.
Exploring Muskoka
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For those wishing to explore the area, nearby towns like Port Carling, Bracebridge, and Huntsville offer charming local experiences and amenities. A visit to Jack and Stella in the quaint town of Bala proved particularly worthwhile – this café serves quality coffee and locally-inspired dishes in a relaxed setting that captures the region’s unhurried pace. Its outdoor area, lined with famous ‘Muskoka chairs’, is the perfect spot to unwind on a sunny afternoon by the lake.
One evening, we dined at The Rosseau at Windermere House – a hotel steeped in history having been built in 1870. The restaurant’s elevated vibe, balanced with the serene surroundings, makes it a must-visit. As does its delightful sushi menu.
Jayne has big ambitions to put Muskoka on the luxury-getaway map. “Our goal is to provide the ultimate in both luxury and privacy,” she tells us. “These properties represent the pinnacle of lakeside living, with all the comforts and conveniences of a luxury resort but in a completely private setting.”
A stay fit for any season
SantoshaThe appeal of Muskoka shifts with the seasons, each offering a distinct experience. Summer brings warm lake waters perfect for swimming and boating, while autumn transforms the landscape into a spectacular canvas of red and gold. Winter offers cosy fireside evenings and outdoor activities on frozen lakes, and spring awakens the region with fresh greenery and flowing waters.
Rates vary considerably by season, with peak summer periods (mid-July to mid-August) commanding premium prices. However, the shoulder seasons offer excellent value for those seeking a luxury experience without the peak season crowds. All rates include Jayne’s signature five-star white linens and midweek housekeeping during peak season, making the stay feel closer to what you’d find at a luxury hotel.
The ultimate luxury? Total privacy
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In today’s world, the most valuable luxury may simply be having details handled without having to think about them. Muskoka cottages offer exactly that – a chance to enjoy pristine nature, lake views, and quality time with companions, while thoughtful service operates quietly in the background before you can even realise.
What makes this approach particularly effective is its subtlety. There’s no fanfare about the daily housekeeping and no elaborate concierge services. Instead, everything simply works as it should. The kitchen is fully-stocked on arrival, the boat is fuelled for afternoon excursions, and dinner reservations appear in your schedule without you having to research local restaurants. For those seeking a refined escape, this understated approach delivers exactly what busy professionals need most – the freedom to simply be present.
