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Natural Joy! Cosy Canoe Cottage

Hosted by Paul · Bancroft, Ontario
4 guests max · 2 bedrooms · 2 beds · 1 toilet
100%
·
78 reviews
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Best cabins: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Romantic
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.
All to yourself
100% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
Boat-in
This Hipcamp is accessible by boat.
The cottage is at the edge of a large wilderness area. We supply an ultra-safe large canoe with paddles and lifejackets. It's an easy and fun 15 minute paddle to reach the cottage. The cottage is an artistic gem on a safe and quiet lake with beavers and loons and numerous bird species -- owls, herons, hawks, ospreys, and many migratory songbirds. In over 20 years of experience on the lake, we've seen no bears. It's a cosy three-room place with a small bedroom (8x12) with an antique double bed; a main room (16 x12) with a single bed; and a kitchen (8X12). Sleeps 3, max. Access to the cottage is up a short set of irregular stone stairs from the lake. This could be an impediment for elderly or frail people. The lake is not a private lake. There are other cottages. But it's a very quiet lake and often there's no one else there. The landscape is very similar to Algonquin Park's. North Kawartha is famous as the birthplace of the canoe. This is a thinly-populated landscape of rugged granite bluffs, thickly-forested hills and valleys, and gorgeous lakes that remain quiet and peaceful even during the hottest summer weeks. This place was made by and for lovers, artists, poets, musicians, dreamers, writers, environmentalists, ecologists, escapists...and their children. Enjoy!This is an ideal cosy semi-wilderness getaway place for a couple, or a couple with a kid, or for a couple of friends who want separate rooms.  Come and smell the pines! The cottage is accessible by canoe (we provide an ultra-safe Grumman 17 foot canoe, paddles and life jackets) after the lake thaws in late April. In the Spring, there are wonderful clear vistas and there's forest walking with great visibility. The woodstove keeps it totally cosy indoors. There is often perfect seclusion with no one else on the lake. In summer, it's a magically rustic summer escape with fabulous swimming in a warm lake. In the fall the colours come alive! The cottage is an artistic gem on a safe and quiet lake with beavers and loons and numerous bird species -- owls, herons, hawks, ospreys, and many migratory songbirds. In over 20 years experience on the lake we've seen no bears. It's a cosy three-room place with a small bedroom (8x12) with an antique double bed; a main room (16 x12) with a single bed; and a kitchen (8X12). Sleeps 3, max.  There's a cheery, pleasant and kid-friendly outhouse about 15 feet from the back door of the cottage.  Groups of 2, or 2 people and a child, maximum. No big dogs, and no more than one small dog per group. There are beavers active nearby as well as porcupines and lots of other wildlife that we don't want disturbed by dogs.  Access is by canoe only. It's a simple 15-minute paddle from the car park (except on the rare days its extremely windy, in which case canoeing steering skills and paddling strength are needed). We provide an ultra-safe very-hard-to-tip Grumman 17 foot aluminum canoe as well as life jackets and paddles. Or, bring your own canoe, but no motorized craft, thanks.  The place is great for swimming, hiking, sailing, fishing, landscape painting, writing poetry, making music, napping, and lazing on the dock in the afternoon sun. (Kitchen dancing has been known to happen from time to time as well). There's a campfire pit with cooking counters and benches and a set of pots for small campfires and cookouts by the dock. So, depending on the weather,  and your inclination, you can cook indoors on gas, or outdoors on the fire. The cottage has a fully-equipped indoor kitchen, put together by people who love to cook, and eat, and socialize over food and wine and music. There's solar-powered lighting, and a solar-powered cooler that keeps drinks and food cold. There's mininal phone service - texting works fairly reliably, but phone and email/mobile internet connection is sporadic at best. There's a wood stove for cool nights (bring some wood). We have 20 acres of forest so lots of room to roam and gather wood for your outdoor campfires. If you're burning our cut logs in the woodstove indoors please leave us a few bucks to pay for our wood cutting costs. The lake has about 15-20 cottages but we're in a secluded cove with open forest for miles to the south and east behind our cottage. There are no roads anywhere near us. However, there's a small cabin about 150 metres to the north, and every once in a while the owners use it and that does break the seclusion. They're respectful and friendly, and they seldom come. From our dock there are half a dozen docks visible along the forested southeast shore of the lake. If you come on weekdays you will likely have near-total seclusion. But the summer weekends are much busier, especially the holiday weekends. After Sept 1 the whole lake is completely quiet. If you want near-total seclusion come anytime between Sept 5 and May 24.  This place was made by and for lovers, artists, poets, musicians, dreamers, writers, environmentalists, ecologists, escapists...and their children.  Enjoy!
What to expect
Cabin
You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

Things to know

Getting there
Check in: After 2:00 PM
Check out: Before 2:00 PM
On arrival: Head straight to site
Access: By boat
Cancellation policy:
Minimum nights: 2 nights
Accepts bookings: 12 months out
No wheelchair access
Max 1 vehicle
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

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Lodging

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Canoe Cottage Summer & Fall Joy!

100%
(94)
Cabin · Sleeps 4 · 2 bedrooms · 2 beds · 1 toilet
This is an ideal cosy semi-wilderness getaway place for a couple, or a couple with a kid, or for a couple of friends who want separate rooms.  Come and smell the pines! The cottage is accessible by canoe (we provide an ultra-safe Grumman 17 foot canoe, paddles and life jackets) after the lake thaws in late April. In the Spring, there are wonderful clear vistas and there's forest walking with great visibility. The woodstove keeps it totally cosy indoors. There is often perfect seclusion with no one else on the lake. In summer, it's a magically rustic summer escape with fabulous swimming in a warm lake. In the fall the colours come alive! The cottage is an artistic gem on a safe and quiet lake with beavers and loons and numerous bird species -- owls, herons, hawks, ospreys, and many migratory songbirds. In over 20 years experience on the lake we've seen no bears. It's a cosy three-room place with a small bedroom (8x12) with an antique double bed; a main room (16 x12) with a single bed; and a kitchen (8X12). Sleeps 3, max.  There's a cheery, pleasant and kid-friendly outhouse about 15 feet from the back door of the cottage.  Groups of 2, or 2 people and a child, maximum. No big dogs, and no more than one small dog per group. There are beavers active nearby as well as porcupines and lots of other wildlife that we don't want disturbed by dogs.  Access is by canoe only. It's a simple 15-minute paddle from the car park (except on the rare days its extremely windy, in which case canoeing steering skills and paddling strength are needed). We provide an ultra-safe very-hard-to-tip Grumman 17 foot aluminum canoe as well as life jackets and paddles. Or, bring your own canoe, but no motorized craft, thanks.  The place is great for swimming, hiking, sailing, fishing, landscape painting, writing poetry, making music, napping, and lazing on the dock in the afternoon sun. (Kitchen dancing has been known to happen from time to time as well). There's a campfire pit with cooking counters and benches and a set of pots for small campfires and cookouts by the dock. So, depending on the weather,  and your inclination, you can cook indoors on gas, or outdoors on the fire. The cottage has a fully-equipped indoor kitchen, put together by people who love to cook, and eat, and socialize over food and wine and music. There's solar-powered lighting, and a solar-powered cooler that keeps drinks and food cold. There's mininal phone service - texting works fairly reliably, but phone and email/mobile internet connection is sporadic at best. There's a wood stove for cool nights (bring some wood). We have 20 acres of forest so lots of room to roam and gather wood for your outdoor campfires. If you're burning our cut logs in the woodstove indoors please leave us a few bucks to pay for our wood cutting costs. The lake has about 15-20 cottages but we're in a secluded cove with open forest for miles to the south and east behind our cottage. There are no roads anywhere near us. However, there's a small cabin about 150 metres to the north, and every once in a while the owners use it and that does break the seclusion. They're respectful and friendly, and they seldom come. From our dock there are half a dozen docks visible along the forested southeast shore of the lake. If you come on weekdays you will likely have near-total seclusion. But the summer weekends are much busier, especially the holiday weekends. After Sept 1 the whole lake is completely quiet. If you want near-total seclusion come anytime between Sept 5 and May 24.  This place was made by and for lovers, artists, poets, musicians, dreamers, writers, environmentalists, ecologists, escapists...and their children.  Enjoy!
Boat access only
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No showers

Reviews

100%· 94 reviews

Themes

  • Review summary

    Generated from real Hipcamper reviews

    This campsite is a tranquil haven that has left many visitors with fond memories. The reviews consistently highlight its serene atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for those looking to unwind and enjoy nature. Guests have praised the thoughtful design of the cabin, the beauty of the surrounding lake, and the opportunity to disconnect from daily life. However, some visitors noted that the steps leading to the cabin can be challenging for those with mobility issues.

  • Emily S.

    Camped here, Oct 2026.

    Recommends

    Amazing 3 nights at the cabin! The vibe of the cabin is even better in person, such a nice place to come to relax and unwind. The views, the dock, the cozy cabin, everything was perfect. Highly recommend

  • Jenny K.

    Camped with pets, Sept 2026.

    Recommends

    We had a great stay at Paul’s place! Paul is a great host and it’s clear he has put a lot of love into the cottage. Paul provided clear instructions and was great to communicate with. We would definitely stay here again!

  • Suzanne O.

    Camped here, Sept 2026.

    Recommends

    It is an amazing spot! Beautiful spot to swim, listen to the loons, amazing sunset views. And the cabin is crazy fun game if eye spy with so many things to see - and books! We had a great stay. You do need to be fairly agile as the steps are uneven and some are pretty high. But the set up is great with enough kitchen tools too host a chef.

    • Cabin in the evening with solar powered lights - kitchen dancing ready
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Amenities

  • Fire pitsFirepit, Wood burning fireplace
  • Pit toilets
  • Potable waterBottled water or jugs
  • Picnic tables
  • Trash disposalTrash bin
  • Cooking equipmentPrivate, Stovetop or hot plate, Cookware, Cooking utensils, Dishware, Cutlery, Basic seasoning and oils, Grill over firepit, BBQ
  • No showers
  • No wifi
  • No laundry
  • No hot tub
  • No playground

Things to know

  • Boat-inBoat in to your site.
  • Pet-friendlyOff leash.
  • Campfires allowedAlways review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.
  • Check-in processYou'll head straight to your site upon arrival.
  • Cancellation policyFull refund 21 days before check in time starts.
  • Check-in and check-outCheck-in at 2pm. Check-out at 2pm.
  • Booking windowBook from 1 day to 12 months ahead. Stay at least 2 nights.

Location

Bancroft, Hastings, Ontario, CanadaTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Your Host

Paul W.Joined May 2021100% response rateResponds within 11 hours

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