The district municipality of Muskoka in southern Ontario is an archetypal example of the Canadian “cottage country.” About a two-hour drive from Toronto, Muskoka is reasonably accessible for traveling tourists seeking outdoor adventure. Today, vacationers from urban centers flock to Muskoka and nearby areas for a sublime rest and recreation experience. It is not surprising, as the district has vibrant woodland crisscrossed by lakes, rivers, and canals. The star attractions include Lake Joseph, Lake of Bays, Lake Muskoka itself, and more, perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing. Its towns pride themselves on their Canadian frontier history. Finding the cottage retreats of several Hollywood stars in the area can also be fun.
Head to this district to witness its beauty up close and stay in reasonably priced accommodations for a budget-friendly yet cozy vacation. Read on to learn about the top short-term rentals in Muskoka District Municipality, Canada.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, decor, availability of dates, and short-term stay rules and regulations. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.
1. Family cottage near recreational areas, Muskoka Lakes (from USD 430)
This family home in the community of Milford Bay is highly recommended for large groups or families since it has spacious bedrooms and bathrooms. Its quaint aesthetic, such as hardwood floors, is complemented by modern amenities, such as central air-conditioning and a well-appointed kitchen. A backyard fire pit will keep evenings outdoors warm. Stay for at least a week to enjoy a 15% weekly discount on your booking price.
The rental lies across the street from an affordable golf course and is minutes away from the beaches of Lake Muskoka. Alternatively, guests can take the Huckleberry Rock Lookout hiking trails a short distance away.
2. Lakeside cottage with a hot tub, Muskoka Lakes (from USD 587)
This prime location lies next to Lake Joseph and Lake Rosseau. Moreover, this cottage boasts a living room with a 180-degree view of the lake and a massive three-tiered deck. Expected amenities aside, guests will enjoy the new outdoor hot tub, gazebo, and jumping dock with multiple watercraft available.
This rental is sublimely isolated yet never far from civilization since it’s a two-minute drive from the nearest town. Bookings are open year-round, with a weekly discount on top of things. There’s always something exciting to expect every season here. However, the hosts insist that only members from one to two households are allowed to stay.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
loved the location of the cottage the lake view from the living room was amazingthe sun room was our go to room just to relax and enjoy the beautiful viewCleanliness:
hot tub very clean and accessiblecottage was very clean comfortable and quietthe cottage was exactly as advertised perfectly clean and well appointedHost:
owners are very responsivejohn and stephanie are great hosts and very responsivestephanie was super responsive and helpful when we had any questionsabsolutely perfect would definitely stay again also the hosts are very kindRead more reviewsLocation:
location on bala bay is great for swimming boating and easy access to townconvenient to bala and hardy provincial park for hikinggreat for our little guy to walk around
3. Homey cottage with lake access, Muskoka Lakes (from USD 151)
At 800 sq. ft. (74 sq m), this cottage is roomy enough for a small group. The same goes for small non-shedding pets. In addition, you’ll get a 10% discount if you stay for a week or more.
The cottage can remain comfy in any weather or season with its gas fireplace and ceiling fan. Guests will enjoy cooking thanks to a lake-view kitchen. With a water filtration system, guests will not have supply problems, especially during summer.
An outdoor deck offers more commanding views of the outdoors. The lake is cleared for diving and swimming up to the buoy. Guests may also stroll or jog along the country road fronting the cottage, with good chances to spot local wildlife.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the cottage was exactly as described…rustic but very comfortable and well-appointedthe cottage was exactly as described…rustic but very comfortable and well-appointedCleanliness:
cottage was very clean and comfythis home was beautifully clean and well-stockedimmaculately clean well organized everything was exactly as describedthe cottage was clean and well equippedcozy clean peaceful cottage in muskokaHost:
that was so very helpfulsteve the owner was amazingsteve was very responsive to all of our questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
highly recommended getaway in a beautiful serene location
4. Pet-friendly cottage, Utterson (from USD 171)
The open-plan layout gives the interior of this rental plenty of space. A heat pump system covers both heating and air conditioning. Its bathroom features a glass shower and an imported Norwegian-design toilet. Guests can cook meals in the well-appointed kitchen or barbecue grill on the patio.
This cottage is five minutes from the historic village of Huntsville. Hobby Farm is also nearby. The fenced-in area gives clear views of the surrounding forest, so guests might see deer and other animals outside. It’s worth the booking price, which also gets a 15% weekly discount. Pets are allowed but must be leashed and kept off the furniture.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very clean and very comfortablethe cottage was clean cozy and stocked with all the necessitiesthe living space is clean spacious and has just about everything that one may needRead more reviewsHost:
lynne and jim were the perfect hosts made us feel part of the familygenerous small touches by gracious hosts made this a wonderful experiencelynne and jim are friendly and accommodating hosts
5. Riverside chalet with a stone fireplace, Bracebridge (from USD 815)
This rental recommendation might well be the ultimate cottage country experience. A magnificent riverside chalet blends classic outdoor wooden construction with cutting-edge amenities. The interior design features plenty of floor-to-ceiling, from the fireplace to the windows offering views of the Muskoka River and woodlands. Book a week’s stay or more to avail of their 5% weekly discount.
Outside, the chalet front yard has a barbecue, fire pit, and a canoe on the riverside landing. Life jackets are also available for safe swimming and boat travel along the river.
Top guest reviews
Host:
the owners were there to greet us and show us around which made us feel very welcomethe host was very helpful popped over when we needed something and was very flexible all aroundbut it has it highlights the waterfront is great and the owner is very nice and responds quicklyagain the owner was very nice and responsive and these things happen but it did impact our enjoymentRead more reviewsLocation:
loved the property and location would definitely come back
6. Roomy all-season cottage, Dwight (from USD 495)
This short-term rental is by the Lake of Bays in the village of Dwight. Whether guests prefer a walk through the woods or swimming in the lake, this cottage location gives easy access to both choices. Every room gets a lake view via windows and sliding doors, perfect for seeing the sunset.
The property gets plenty of mileage from its lakeside location with a readily available canoe and kayak. If guests desire it, they can rent a three-seater Yamaha Wave-Runner from the host during booking.
This cottage is just 15 minutes from the town of Dorset if you need to buy other necessities. It’s great fun staying here any time of the year, especially during winter for snowmobile enthusiasts. Plus, you can get a 5% weekly discount!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we really enjoyed the dock area which had comfortable chairs and loungeswe enjoyed the view and lake and facilitiesthe beds had good quality mattresses and we had the best sleeps while thereCleanliness:
rooms are clean and fireplace is easy to usewell equipped kitchen with clean well maintained appliancescottage is clean comfortable and has everything we neededthe cottage has just been renovated and it is clean and brightthe cottage was beautiful clean and was stocked with everything we neededHost:
the owners are friendly and welcomingowners were very accommodating and easy to deal withthe owners stella and greg were wonderfulstella and greg were so accommodating and helpful from the moment i bookedthey were extremely accommodating and helpful to us both before and during our stayRead more reviewsLocation:
very well located; just 20 minutes from west gate of algonquin parkthe location is peaceful and beautifulkitchen was well equipped and the location was excellenti love the location and the season as the leaves were all changing coloursbeautiful cottage and location fun winter getaway :)
7. Apartment cottage with a sauna, Gravenhurst
This apartment is perfect for couples who don’t mind having a cottage rental right in town. The ingenious layout makes the interior feel multi-level even though all rooms are on just one floor. Amenities include a hot tub and a sauna for a comfortable stay. You can also access an outdoor barbecue grill and a fire pit. Another perk is that the hosts offer a generous 20% weekly discount on the booking price.
Note that this short-term rental shares its space with the hosts’ residence. They will happily rent bikes, canoes, and paddleboards should guests request them. The surrounding property is consistently beautiful from season to season. Additionally, Gravenhurst lies on the shores of Lakes Muskoka and Gull, with plenty of sights and activities in store.
Gravenhurst, Ontario, CanadaSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed and sofa were really comfortable and the kitchen had everything we needed3) kitchen was very well organized and has everything you needwe loved the hot tub and the kitchen and bathroom had everything you needthe space itself is beautiful and does not feel like a lower level apartmenteverything about this cozy cottagey ground-level suite was exactly as described in the best way possibleCleanliness:
clean and tidyvery clean and lots of nice touchesand everything very cleanplace was very clean and very well stocked with everythingeverything was clean comfortable great bedHost:
our hosts were quick to respond to any questions we had and were so helpfulalong side that they were great hosts very responsive to anything we needed and very hospitablegreat hosts beautiful spot and we had a great timegreat stay and very pleasant and welcoming hostsmelissa and bill were very extremely helpful and kind — true super hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect location in gravenhurstthe location is greatthe location is perfectgreat location and walking distance to the towneasy walking to downtown or to the cruise docks
8. Spacious family-friendly cottage, Bala (from USD 215)
This short-term rental cottage on the banks of Moon River will comfortably accommodate a large group. With that much capacity, a 30% weekly discount helps keep booking costs affordable. A renovated kitchen and all-new appliances mean indoor comfort and convenience. Additionally, the cottage has parking space for four cars. Guests can eat indoors or out thanks to a full-length deck with furniture.
Access to the Moon River comes in a sandy beach area and a dock, perfect for swimming, fishing, and other water activities. The town of Bala is also five minutes away from essential shopping and outdoor dining. This cottage rental is excellent for bringing the kids along since the rental has board games, children’s books, and vast outdoors.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen is very well stocked with everything we needed to cook and bbqCleanliness:
very clean and recently refurbishedHost:
everything was as advertised and the response was quick and helpfulthe host is super-responsive and i’d recommend this place to anyoneRead more reviewsLocation:
everything we needed was there and the location to town was perfect
9. Granite Hill Cottage, MacTier (from USD 160)
Once serving as a residence for railway workers, this property has been given new life as Granite Hill Cottage. Today this quaint rental along the road to Port Carling is a must-stay-in for railroad enthusiasts, thanks to a nearby active railway with regularly passing trains. The open-plan interior evokes the feel of its former function and gives a luxury-hotel makeover, from furnishings to amenities.
This home stands surrounded by the great Canadian outdoors, the essence of cottage country. Windows show natural granite outcroppings and towering trees. Lake Joseph is close by, with the Cove Marina boat landing a mere minute’s walk from the cottage. This property is just the ticket for a solitary and romantic stay, made more affordable with a weekly discount of 23%.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the cottage is super cozy and we can't wait to stay againCleanliness:
the cabin was very clean and full of thoughtful touchesHost:
jeff was a great host and very responsive when we had questionsjeff is vey kind taking care of every small issuesjeffery was very easy to communicate with and provided us with lots of helpful informationRead more reviewsLocation:
this place is ideal for a couplesuper close to utv tours of muskoka great timegreat place to stay very private spot even close to all amenities
10. Lakeside cottage with a landscaped yard, Dwight (from USD 235)
Consider this splendidly landscaped two-level cottage. It stands atop a slope towards the water, with stairs made of rock. This rental is another must-recommend for big traveling groups. Get a 10% weekly discount on your rental fee if you plan to stay for a week or more.
Guests will love the plasma TV with a home theater system and the granite-tabletop kitchen counters. It’s also easy to keep warm, thanks to the stone fireplace. Alternatively, guests can head to the bathhouse and enjoy the property’s hydro pool hot tub. Lake access is via the boat dock or steps leading down the shallows.
The cottage is close enough to the villages of Baysville and Hunstville. Summer is a great time to explore nearby Arrowhead and Algonquin Parks. During winter, the road becomes a snowmobile and skiing trail.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
super clean tons of thoughtful touchesit was very clean spacious and had everything we neededthe cottage was very clean and well equiptabsolutely beautiful cottage clean quiet and well-equippedHost:
little details are what made this host and stay amazingmarcie was an excellent host and very helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
we needed a quiet peaceful location that was close to an event we were attendingthere were a lot of options for outdoor adventures for snowshoeing and hiking close by
Indulge in a cottage country experience
Ontario’s Muskoka District Municipality has been providing visitors with the quintessential cottage country experience for a long time. It’s one thing to take in the wonders of Canada’s great outdoors, but being able to do so with the comforts of a home is even better. Since this district does not fall short of places to discover and year-round activities, you have all the reasons to book a stay in one of these best short-term rentals.
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