Best Lakefront Cottage Stay in Muskoka for a Dreamy Getaway
Who wants to wake up to a beautiful lake view during a dreamy getaway? Many, including myself, are always on the hunt for the best lakefront cottage stays in Muskoka, and there’s plenty of reasons why. Known as Ontario’s premier cottage country, Muskoka is full of lakes and things to do throughout the year, making it an enticing getaway destination. Plus, there’s plenty of cozy cottages! Some are small and ideal for romantic escapes while others are large and perfect for a family getaway. But I’ve found one that ticks all of the boxes!
I’ve had the opportunity to stay at the Chalets on Lake Muskoka, in Gravenhurst, a number of times now. As soon as I stepped into to one of their cottages, known as chalets, that first time I knew I had to share this gem! So, if you’re looking for an amazing cottage to book for your next getaway, let me share why you’ll love a stay at the Chalets on Lake Muskoka.
In this guide I’m sharing why it’s such a great place to stay, what to do on-site as well as nearby, and more! So, let me inspire you to book your next Ontario getaway!
Disclaimer: I was hosted by The Chalets on Lake Muskoka but as always all opinions expressed are my own.
The Chalets on Lake Muskoka
Located 10 minutes from downtown Gravenhurst, Chalets on Lake Muskoka is a four season getaway destination. This family run business was featured on HGTV, where they received help and advice from the beloved Canadian construction star Bryan Baeumler.
It has 9 cottages, each with awesome views of Lake Muskoka! There are 4 a-frame chalets all have fun animal names, like the Moose Chalet and Fox Chalet, and sleep 5 people. The remaining cottages are larger and sleep 5 to 16 people.
For those planning a spring through fall stay, thanks to the lakefront location guests can take full advantage of the water. There’s a private sandy beach, water trampoline, as well as canoes and kayaks to use.
In the winter, staying at Chalets on Lake Muskoka is like a dreamy getaway in a snow globe! You can cozy up indoors or head out to build snow castles. Plus, for snowmobilers, it’s located on the Muskoka Magic OFSC Trail. Even if you don’t own a snowmobile, you can rent the gear and sled from one of their partners, Muskoka Stay and Play Tours.
For those looking for cottage stays in Muskoka that are pet friendly, The Chalets on Lake Muskoka is the place you’re looking for! All of their cottages, except for the Lodge, are pet-friendly.
The Moose Chalet Tour & Review
I stayed at Chalets on Lake Muskoka in the heart of winter. When it comes to winter getaways, this place is perfect for outdoor adventurers or couples looking for a Valentine’s Day escape.
During my stay, I had the Moose Chalet. Like the rest of the A-frame chalets on the property, it features a spacious open concept living, dining and kitchen area on the first floor.
I was blown away by the luxurious full size kitchen that’s ideal for making family dinners. It has nearly everything you’ll need for your stay, like utensils, cookware, dishes and more. You just need to bring the food. While there’s a cozy dining room, if you’re staying in the summer, there’s a large patio overlooking the lake that you can eat on too.
When it comes to cottages for rent in Muskoka on the water, I loved the various views of the lake that you can enjoy from the chalet. In addition to the patio, the living room has large windows to soak in the views from. I took advantage of cozying up with my coffee every morning during my stay to enjoy the views.
The living room has a fireplace with large TV above. When it comes to attention to details, I loved all the moose décor that highlights that you’re in the Moose Chalet. Each of chalets have their own theme.
I was also impressed with the large and bright bathroom. The full four-piece bath also comes with toiletries, which I always appreciate.
My chalet had two bedrooms. And one highlight that I loved was the small balcony off my bedroom. The views of the lake are awesome! While the bed was incredibly comfortable, the pillows were a little too flat for my liking. So, if you like thicker, more supportive pillows, I recommend bringing your own.
Another highlight for me was its location. You feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere but a short 10 minute drive and you’re in downtown Gravenhurst.
It’s a great spot to soak in the dark skies too! I was hopeful for Northern Lights during my winter stay but it didn’t happen. However the darkness offered epic views of the starts at night.
UPDATE: I’ve also now stayed at the Fox Chalet and it has the same footprint as the Moose Chalet. And of course, it has the same awesome views.
I must admit, it was great to see it not under a blanket of snow. It’s magical in the winter and in the fall too!
Things to do at Chalets on Lake Muskoka
Relax
One of my favourite things to do during a cottage getaway is relax! So often we are focused on keeping busy and hustling. But we need to slow down and relax.
I loved cozying up on the couch in the living room overlooking Lake Muskoka with a coffee and a book. The fireplace adds to the cozy vibes.
Whether you’ve booked a stay with family or friends, you can also enjoy watching movies on the large screen tv in each cottage.
Take Advantage of the Water
With prime real estate on Lake Muskoka, you have access to the water directly from your cottage. There’s a pathway leading down to the water, where you’ll find a dock with lounge chairs, a water slide into the lake and a private sandy beach.
Plus, during your stay you can use the canoes and kayaks down by the water to head out and explore the lake. A great addition for kids is the water trampoline, located just off the dock.
Soak in the Hot Tub
New at Chalets on Lake Muskoka is the addition of hot tubs! Located on the back deck, soaking in the hot tub is great all year long.
I enjoyed the hot tub in the fall after a long day of hiking. But it would be awesome too in the winter! Plus, you can’t resist the awesome views of the lake from the tub.
Add a Surprise Day Trip to Your Stay
This cottage is the ideal spot to stay when you grab one of my surprise day trip guides! Grab a Muskoka Loop Adventure guide to enjoy during your stay.
The digital guide features over 30 stops to choose your own adventure. There’s everything from cute cafes to lookouts, waterfalls, and more hidden gems.
➡️Grab your Muskoka Loop Adventure now
Take Advantage of Packages
They also partner with other local businesses where you can add on other activities to your stay. Their promotional deals are always changing, so check out the latest package deals before you book.
Check out their package deals seasonally as they often add new ones. When I revisited in the fall, they had a fun fall package with deals on visiting nearby breweries.
Catch the Sunrise or Sunset
With the dock facing almost due east, it’s a great spot to catch a sunrise. And they are spectacular! But equally, don’t miss heading down to the water to watch the beautiful colours of the sky over the lake as the sun sets.
Things to do Near Chalets on Lake Muskoka
Chalets on Lake Muskoka is a great place to base yourself to explore the region. With so many top places to visit in Muskoka nearby, it’s easy to enjoy a mix of relishing the cottage experience and get out to explore.
Explore Gravenhurst
There’s plenty of places to visit in Gravenhurst while staying at Chalets on Lake Muskoka. In under 10 minutes you can drive to the Muskoka Wharf. Here’s you’ll find shops and restaurants as well as the Muskoka Discovery Centre.
Spring through fall, it’s a great spot to hop aboard a Muskoka boat tour to explore more of Lake Muskoka.
Downtown, there’s more restaurants and shops – like The Bakery, which a great spot for buying bread for the cottage and some goodies.
Hike Hardy Lake Provincial Park
One of my favourite free provincial parks is Hardy Lake! So, when I found out that it’s only a 5 minute drive west, I was thrilled.
If you’re looking for great places to hike, Hardy Lake Provincial Park is amazing! It features a few different trails to choose from, including an 8 km loop trail that takes you around the lake. In the summer and fall, it a relatively moderate hike and features numerous boardwalks.
However, if you’re visiting in the winter and going to snowshoe the park, be prepared and careful. I’ve known a few experienced hikers that have injured themselves in the winter.
Insider Tip: While this is a non-operational park, they do snowplow the parking lot in the winter.
Go to the Muskoka Beer Spa
While you can enjoy in-suite spa services at Chalets on Lake Muskoka, just down the road is a fun spot to enjoy a spa day during your visit. That place is Muskoka Beer Spa.
It features hot tubs, saunas, steam room, and so much more! Plus, there’s places to eat and drink – Clear Lake Brewing & Distillery Co. Clear Lake is open year round but the distillery is only seasonal.
And for those visiting during the winter, you can take advantage of their ice rink.
Visit Torrence Barrens
Whether you’re looking for another park to hike or somewhere unique to visit in the area, plan a visit to Torrence Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve.
The park is located within 20 minutes of Chalets on Lake Muskoka. As the one of the few Dark Sky Reserves in Ontario, it’s one of the best places to go stargazing in Muskoka! Or to catch the northern lights.
It has three hiking trails that will take you across the unique terrain. Each of the trails range from 3.5 to 4 kms in length.
Verdict: Should You Book a Getaway at Chalets on Lake Muskoka?
My answer is yes! If you’re looking for cheap lakefront cottage stays in Muskoka that has all the comforts and luxuries of an expensive stay without the price tag that some have in the area, Chalets on Lake Muskoka is perfect. You can make it more affordable by cooking and eating in. Plus, I love that each cottage has a view of the lake. While the only downside is no restaurant on site, for those not wanting to do much cooking on vacation, its close proximity to a variety of restaurants in Gravenhurst takes away that pain point.
PIN IMAGE FOR LATER REFERENCE!
