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From the lux lakeside cabins of Muskoka to the secluded log cabins in Ontario’s Sunset Country to the modern summer homes in The Kawarthas, Ontario makes for a truly epic getaway destination.
And that means cottage- and cabin-goers will be spoiled for choice by all the stunning rentals available in the province.
While Ontario may lack mountains, it certainly makes up for it with old-growth forests, pristine lakes and, yes, even hidden beach inlets perfect for a summer dip. You can also explore the Hudson Bay or St. Lawrence low lands.
There are plenty of outdoor activities in Ontario to fill more than a few vacations, with plenty of incredible hiking trails, especially during peak leaf-peeping season. As winter approaches, the focus turns to skiing and snowboarding, though for the less adventurous, there are plenty of noteworthy snowshoeing and skating trails that wind through the forest, like the ice trail in Arrowhead Provincial Park.
Summer draws the crowds out of the cities and into cabin country, where days are best spent lounging on the dock and diving into Lake Ontario.
Regardless of season, no visit is complete without the perfect place to stay, so read on to explore the best cabin rentals in Ontario for your summer or winter getaway.
1. Tiny Cabin in the Woods
Why you should stay: A lakefront cabin on 15 wooded acres.
- Nearest town: Mono
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $232/night
Settle into this adorable tiny house for an unforgettable couples retreat. On the shore of a private half-acre pond, it’s one of the best cabin rentals in Ontario if your dream vacay is spent casting a line or sunbathing on the water’s edge.
Close to both Orangeville and Hockey Valley, it’s just a quick drive to the surrounding ski resorts in the winter and wineries in the summer. And if you want to give hockey a try, no problem – the lake freezes in the winter and the hosts have hockey sticks and pucks you’re welcome to borrow for a truly Canadian experience.
Check Availability2. Skyfall in Muskoka
Why you should stay: A lux retreat in the woods with views of the Lake of Bays.
- Nearest town: Baysville
- Sleeps: 10
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $679/night
From just a look at the entrance to this luxurious, lakefront cabin, you’ll know you’ve arrived somewhere special. The main living area of the home has cathedral ceilings and a two-story stone fireplace, while a separate “writing room” cabin provides place to focus or work on your meditation skills.
The generously sized deck is the perfect spot for family gatherings and romantic date-night dinners. For a spa-like experience, head down to the lake and settle into the waterfront sauna for a moment of peace and tranquility.
Check Availability3. Historic Stockdale Mill
Why you should stay: Sleep in a historic building oozing with country charm.
- Nearest town: Trenton
- Sleeps: 7
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $241/night
A mainstay in the local farming community, this historic Stockdale Mill has been standing since 1867, when Canada became a country. Nestled on two acres of golden fields, the former gristmill is now available to sleep in, and it’s certainly one of the more unique cabin rentals in Ontario.
In the main building, you’ll find antique furniture, weathered barn doors, and two original millstones on display. It still looks somewhat like an old-fashioned factory on the inside, giving it a very cool vibe you don’t very often find in rental homes.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 12 Best Cabin Rentals in British Columbia for a Great North Getaway
4. The Frontenac
Why you should stay: Unwind at a lux home with hotel-style amenities on a private bay.
- Nearest town: Godfrey
- Sleeps: 10
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $388/night
Kick back in style on your own private bay on Thirty Island Lake. This modern, waterfront cabin comes fully equipped with a canoe, kayak, and paddleboards for fun on the lake for beginners and pro paddlers alike.
Snuggle up with a good book in a swinging hammock, then unwind in the barrel sauna with an entire glass wall looking out on the lake and forest. You can even bring a pup for just $10 a day, making this one of the most luxurious and one of the most dog-friendly cabin rentals in Ontario.
Check Availability5. Sauble Alpine Retreat
Why you should stay: Just a few steps from a charming boardwalk and beachside town.
- Nearest town: Sauble Beach
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $233/night
Take in the scent of salty air at this minimalist wood chalet with convenient beach access. While the beach is obviously the primary summer attraction, there’s plenty to do in the winter since the home is near snowshoeing trails and sledding hills.
It’s a lovely home for an adults-only getaway, but the children’s playhouse and toys makes this ideal for families, too. With easy access to The Bruce Trail, Flowerpot Island, and Sauble Falls, this cabin is the perfect home base for jam-packed days of exploring.
Check AvailabilityFollow ’em: @saublealpineretreat
6. Ultra Modern Chalet
Why you should stay: A 14-foot-tall wall of windows in the forest just outside Ottawa.
- Nearest town: Ottawa
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $194/night
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from the bustling city of Ottawa lies a super lux cabin for a respite from the hustle of urban life. Perfect for couples who want to get away for the weekend, the chalet offers a high-end marble kitchen, giant soaking tubs, and a fully furnished outdoor patio for relaxing at the end of the day.
Surrounded by miles of forested wilderness, the home is great for travelers who relish peace and quiet. It’s truly a gorgeous modern home, right now to details like the floating fireplace.
Check Availability7. Lake of the Woods Dreamy Hideaway
Why you should stay: A steal for a posh cabin that sleeps more than a dozen of your nearest and dearest.
- Nearest town: Sioux Narrows
- Sleeps: 16
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $341/night
Fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves at this picturesque, luxury beach house. With plenty of space to accommodate everyone you know you’d want to travel with, the home boats a heck of a lot of amenities for the price.
When divided by 16, this is certainly one of the more affordable cabin rentals in Ontario on this list. Guests will enjoy a hot tub on the balcony, a private beach, two piers, and cozy fire pit, among other offerings. Little ones will delight in the on-site playground and teepee playhouse, while water-loving adults will find the fishing, kayaking, paddling, and boating to be second to none.
Check Availability8. Hidden Valley Chalet
Why you should stay: A year-round getaway whether you prefer hiking or skiing.
- Nearest town: Huntsville
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $213/night
Tucked away in the Hidden Valley lies a dreamy nature retreat with easy access to outdoor adventures. You can start your day with a slow cup of coffee on the large wooden deck, taking in the sounds of chirping crickets, and end the days snacking on s’mores at the fire pit or snuggled up with a good book.
There’s also a walk-out basement with bunk beds that makes a great hang-out spot for kids. You’re only a few minutes by car from the Hidden Valley Highlands ski area, which also has a members-only area for use in the summer.
Check Availability9. Scandinavian Aux Box
Why you should stay: Cliffside studio with glass walls for perfect views and prime sunset-watching.
- Nearest town: Huntsville
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $214/night
This sleek Scandinavian Aux box is a one-of-a-kind modern guesthouse. The small space was designed with function and form in mind, boasting a wood-burning fireplace, cozy reading nooks and Adirondack chairs for kicking back at the fire pit.
This is one of the best cabin rentals in Ontario to feel a serious sense of hygge either while chilling in the on-site hot tub or warming up under the waterfall of the outdoor shower. These digs are both lux and low-key, which you’ll see form the photos. You’ll likely want an AWD or 4WD car if arriving in the winter.
Check Availability10. Four-Season Mid-Century Cabin
Why you should stay: Peaceful riverside cabin with a mid-century modern, surf-inspired design.
- Nearest town: Kimberley
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $255/night
Cozy up by the wood-burning fireplace in this spacious, recently renovated home. Located in the popular Beaver Valley area, guests can paddle on the river by day and enjoy the city lifestyle by night.
With easy access to hiking trails, local cider tasting rooms, farm-to-table restaurants, and boho art studios, it’s hard to ever want to leave. There’s no Wi-Fi, but there are plenty of games and books and you can be at Blue Mountain Resort in about 25 minutes for skiing, snowboarding, and skating.
Check Availability11. Muskoka Lakefront Home
Why you should stay: Avoid the crowds at a modernized lakefront log cabin.
- Nearest town: Gravenhurst
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $108/night
Relax and take in the sunset from the expansive lakefront deck of this classic Muskoka cottage. Hit the lake right from your backyard for some fun on the water with the provided kayaks and paddleboards, fish from the dock, or hang out and read in a book in the sun on the Adirondack chairs.
There’s also a huge lakeview deck with a BBQ grill, a covered dining area, and roomy couches, so you can spend your entire day outdoors — and why wouldn’t you?
Check Availability12. Westcliff Cabin
Why you should stay: An off-the-grid experience at an eco-friendly woodland cabin.
- Nearest town: Rosseau
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $109/night
With off-grid systems in place, this loft-style cabin is both sustainable and low-impact. Prepare for a little more “roughing it” than usual, with an outhouse, outdoor shower, and limited electricity, but in exchange, you get a super-affordable cabin rental on 18 acres of forest.
There’s nearly perfect stargazing every night and a sandy beach nearby for an afternoon dip. You’ll also need to bring your own bedding; pillows and sleeping bags are probably the way to go. The sleeping area is in a loft, so make sure you’re comfortable climbing a ladder before booking.
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Seen in: Cabins, Canada, Ontario, Where to Stay
