Muskoka Birch Vacation Cottage 4-Season Rental On Lake Rosseau, Muskoka Ontario
We rent all year and PRIORITIZE Sat-Fri weeks in the high season of July and August. Dare to Compare! Very clean and pet-free. Reduced rates back to 2019! We accept last-minute bookings within a week of your dates if there is no weekly rental booked. You will NOT find a more affordable cottage than the Muskoka Birch on Lake Rosseau or on any of the mainland shorelines of the Big Three Muskoka Lakes . Total up and down living space of 2400+ sq ft bungalow layout and 9+ acres of property amenities offered by the Cedar Rail Resort community. This is our treasured family-owned bit of heaven that we trust to our renters to care for during their stay. Allergy free with our No Pets policy for our Birch.
4-Season: We ONLY accept WEEKLY (Sat-Fri), Bi-Weekly or MONTHLY rentals from mid-June to after Labour Day weekend except for "last minute" requests within 1-2 weeks of the requested dates. Arrival is to be no sooner than Sat 2 pm and departure Friday no later than 5 pm to allow for cleaning and disinfecting. Rates may change per season. The high season includes all national and provincial holidays. We request $500 fully refundable damage/loss/excessive cleaning fee paid directly to the owner. VRBO collects an additional commission fee + our standard cleaning fee. The other similar cottages nearby go from $1.500 to 3,000 MORE/week. That is because we do not offer linen, towel, pillow or a laundry services for local travellers, but do so for a small fee for International travellers. With those small things, what can you do with an extra $1,000-3,000/week?
Located in Minett, Ontario, the Muskoka Birch cottage is in the "hub" of the Muskokas. The Birch is part of the Cedar Rail Community (shared common property) but The Birch has enhanced privacy because it is slightly set back from the other units and yet maintains a lovely lake view. It is situated on a quiet bay just 2 minutes south of Minett and 15 minutes north of Port Carling. The property is wide and spacious with more than 227 foot beach waterfront. The boathouse is privately owned. Our cottage embraces a beautiful pine highlighted interior and has all the comforts of home with many upgrades such as some new furniture. You can access the Birch from the mainland. The spacious property features a tennis court (new surface 2020), gazebo, fire pit, lawn furniture, and a full beachfront just like a resort because it used to be a quaint cabin resort. All are rare for a cottage in the Muskoka region. Rates are adjusted for each season. Our family cottage is located in the heart of various resorts, golf courses, and unique communities that are typical of Muskoka. Nearby, Port Carling, the "Muskoka Hub", offers a boat lock to Lake Muskoka with access to Lake Joseph. Please check for schedules and services of the region's amenities. For example, the Marriott Resort has public venues such as restaurants, bars, and boat rentals in Wallace Bay Marina.
Our Cedar Rail community is a friendly one in which the 10 members are owners, some of whom may have their units for like we do. Our property manager lives there full-time. Regulations are established by the community to safeguard its neighbourly and Muskoka setting. Example: The Average is no more than 8 persons at each unit at any one time; i.e. 2 per legal bedroom. Lake Rosseau shores are directly in front of the Birch cottage but a safe distance for children's safety. The land gently slopes for easy access for young and elderly alike. The beach is wide and VERY safe with a gentle slope for 20-30 meters into the lake. There is a tennis court and large waterfront Gazebo and Muskoka Chairs on site. As a 4-season vacation rental, we are open all year.
Specifics about The Birch: Legally, we can ONLY accommodate no more than 8 people renting within the 4 bedrooms - 2 up and 2 down. 2 bathrooms upstairs: 1-3 pc ensuite in the MBR; 1-4 pc on the main floor. If you have daytime guests, please keep the numbers very low with only 8 at the beach at any one time to avoid congestion for our community. Children under 2 are not part of that total of 8 renters. No water toys/boats provided due to legal liability and insurance advice. The Birch has a NO pets and no smoking inside policy. Bell high speed VIBE TV and Internet available. New Propane furnace, central AC and water treatment installed in 2019. I drink from the tap; some bring bottled water. Interior repainted 2019 and 2020. Brand new fridge and dehumidifier June, 2023. Living Room and Basement Recreation room newly furnished in 2025. All kitchen necessities provided. 4 car parking. Walk-out from the basement. New docks 2020. Firewood is free on our Birch site and at the waterfront. DVD and TV Movies provided. There is an electric fireplace/heater is in the living/dining room and another in the basement. If you have a boat and request my slip in advance, you will be allocated our exclusive Birch slip #10 only. It can accommodate a boat up to 30 ft.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Renters must read and sign acknowledgement of the Guidelines and then sign the Birch Renter Agreement before booking. Please water plants when there.
Furniture returned in place prior to departure. Patio umbrella placed inside when not in use. Garbage sorted properly in clear bags for road bin.&
All windows and doors locked after which they should be checked. AC off. Furnace set no lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Take LCBO empties home.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Minett
Located in Muskoka Lakes, this holiday home is on the beach. Pine Ridges Golf Course and The Rock Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Muskoka and Lake Rosseau. Travelling with kids? Consider Muskoka Sports and Recreation and Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as ice skating and snowmobiling.
Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve - 42 min drive - 47.0 km
Getting around
Muskoka, ON (YQA) - 51 min drive
Restaurants
Olivers Coffee - 12 min drive
Bass Lake Roadhouse - 22 min drive
The Juicery - 14 min drive
Pie Wood Fired Pizza Joint - 14 min drive
Turtle Jack's Port Carling - 14 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Muskoka Birch Vacation Cottage 4-Season Rental On Lake Rosseau, Muskoka Ontario pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Muskoka Birch Vacation Cottage 4-Season Rental On Lake Rosseau, Muskoka Ontario?
As of 31 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Muskoka Birch Vacation Cottage 4-Season Rental On Lake Rosseau, Muskoka Ontario on 13 May 2026 start from NZ$811, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Muskoka Birch Vacation Cottage 4-Season Rental On Lake Rosseau, Muskoka Ontario?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Muskoka Birch Vacation Cottage 4-Season Rental On Lake Rosseau, Muskoka Ontario?
Check-in begins at 2:30 PM.
What time is check-out at Muskoka Birch Vacation Cottage 4-Season Rental On Lake Rosseau, Muskoka Ontario?
Checkout is at 5:00 PM.
Where is Muskoka Birch Vacation Cottage 4-Season Rental On Lake Rosseau, Muskoka Ontario located?
Nestled on the beach, this Muskoka Lakes holiday home is within 3 mi (5 km) of Lake Rosseau, Pine Ridges Golf Course and The Rock Golf Course. Lake Joseph and Muskoka Sports and Recreation are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
My family and I enjoyed our stay. The cottage was comfortable, beach was great and communication with the owner was very good!
Irene H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 August 2025
Thank you, Irene and Heather for your trust in us. Your communication with us was super and always timely. We are happy that your stay was enjoyable. And thank you for taking care of our "Little Bit of Heaven", left as you found it - clean, tidy and used with respect and courtesy. As we make more improvements to our 4-season Muskoka Birch, you are most welcome to return. Take care of each other.
Was big enough to suit our needs.Had a beautiful location with good swimming and welcoming neighbours. Good hosts who showed flexibility with overseas guests.They aporeciated our care of their home allowing us to use supplies they had to hand.Overall a calm relaxing place we were grateful for.
John and Nancy S.
Stayed 27 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 August 2025
Nancy and Jon were very gracious and resided in our 4-season cottage as if it were their own. They were excellent guests. They and their referrals are welcome any time it is available.
Property was very clean. Beach was very shallow and sandy, perfect for kids. Great location.
Dana J.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 July 2023
Thank you, Dana. We also appreciate how you treated the Birch and corresponded with us to remedy any concerns. You are welcome back anytime and referrals are also appreciated and will be rewarded. Just let me know.
Wonderful place to stay. Hosts are very sweet. All of our expectations were mere met and more.
Steven P.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 27 June 2023
Our guests were very cooperative and fulfilled all of our requests in a timely and friendly manner. They treated our "little bit of heaven" as if it were their own. I would recommend them to any host anywhere.
The birch is a beautiful cottage with ample space in and around it. The first thing that struck as soon as we got inside was the elegant décor. We were a family of 5 with 3 adults and two teens and we found the well-furnished cottage very comfortable during our stay. My boys also had utilized the ample yard for a game of soccer and badminton. The community is very clean and friendly. The marina is just about 150 meters away and while we did not use a boat, the weather was good enough for lazing on the marina. The process of signing up as well refund of damage deposit was easy with Will being accessible all the time. All in all, a great experience!
Shailesh K.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2024
Thank you, Shailesh, for the great review and for taking such good care of our "little bit of heaven". You and your referrals are welcome any time.
It's cheap but not worth it. Just spend the extra cash on something nice.
the main problem with the place is that it's just fragile and old. Spent the whole time tip toeing around the place trying not to hit our heads on low hanging pots or corridors. Everything shakes when you walk making me think at any moment all the little trinkets surrounding the place might fall or break. if you plan on sitting in one spot the whole time and sipping a decaf coffee this is the place for you. also i would definitely not bring kids and i wouldn't bring more than 4 people.
garrett h.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 May 2023
This review is unfounded given that we have high ceilings and no low hanging items except the dining room chandelier that is above the dining room table. It is a solid (not fragile) structure as a 4-season unit that was a 4-season home. The original flooring is pine and does "creak" in some locations. We appreciate his care of the unit but counter this review; regardless, each to his/her own..
This is a wonderful property! Will was amazing to deal with throughout the entire process, was available at all times and made sure we felt at home! The house is more than enough space to accommodate 8 people. We didn’t feel cramped at all. Other major benefits included the boat slip for our pontoon, the sand bottom lake and I can not tell you how amazing it is to find a cottage with air conditioning. It just makes everything so much easier. We would definitely return!
Colin W.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 May 2023
Thank you for the review and we are making improvements every year. All notes and recommendations are welcome. We "dare to compare" with other cottages with access from the mainland on one of the big three lakes with a tennis court, gently sloping grounds to a large beach and the large dock access. We welcome such caring guests as Colin any time. Thanks gain.
Cottage was very clean and tidy upon arrival. Great location in the middle of the Muskoka 3 big lake
Had a great experience, Will was great to deal with prior to arrival and it was easy and smooth. Cottage was very clean and had all the amenities that you would need for a vacation. Great location too, right in the middle of the 3 big Muskoka lakes. Would suggest this cottage to anyone.
Jason M.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 30 May 2022
Thanks, Jason. Perhaps we can host you or a referral in the future. Best regards.
I would have prefer to know the additional cost like refundable deposit included in the advertisement
Munira K.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 22 October 2021
The damage deposit is mentioned and since it is refundable, it is not considered a cost unless something was amiss like excessive cleaning, loss or damage. We will try to make it more clear up front. Note: The renter agreement and the website also mentions the refundable damage/loss/excessive cleaning deposit.
About the host
Hosted by Will Lenssen
Teacher, coordinator and Educational Administrator (VP/P) retired after 33+ years. Full-time Real Estate Broker with eXp Realty Brokerage; OREA and CREA member. Educational Consultant for online private schools. OCT qualified Principal. Co-owner of the Muskoka Birch since 2000. We enjoy providing mature adult renters and family renters the opportunity to vacation in this beautiful, world-renowned region.
Why they chose this property
The Muskoka Region was identified as the number one place to vacation by National Geographic Magazine in 2011. Some things never change. We are also one of the most economical to rent: Dare to Compare. I have vacationed up here since 1957 with my family. The gradual slope to Lake Rosseau is child and senior friendly. Lake Rosseau is connected to Lake Joseph and Lake Muskoka, both of which make for a variety of options on the water and by land. The lakes allow for small boating and skiing and freeze over in winter to allow winter activities. The region offers much - antique boat shows; water ski shows; Muskoka Drive-In; Bracebridge Santa's Village; Gravenhurst Steamships, Segwin and Sagamo Tours; hockey tournaments; Port Carling Museum and Locks; festivals; markets; The Key to Bala Music Hall; historical sites; Bala Cranberry Festival; local breweries and artisans; Gravenhurst Opera/Theatre House; bike trails; fine dining; shopping; golf.
What makes this property unique
We have reduced rates with added health benefits for our guests. Why? Because you bring your personal bed linens, pillows, blankets, towels. And we have a net pet/no smoking policy to keep all allergies and odours away. No professional laundry services or concierge is provided, saving you money. Accessible on the mainland, we have plenty of acreage with a tennis court, horseshoe pit, large beach, superb docks, fire pit and lawn furniture on the common property. We are "The Hub" of the Muskoka Region. Take a gorgeous tour around the lakes. You can travel from the village of Rosseau through Windermere, on to Bracebridge through Gravenhurst, up to Bala and back to Port Carling and Minett. The 3 lakes provide you with plenty of water tour options as well. Nearby is Georgian Bay's Parry Sound and the Bobby Orr Museum and Chippewa cruises; Autumn Cavalcade of Colours; Spring Maple Syrup festivals; road races; bike trails; horseback riding trails; snowmobiling; ice fishing; summer antique boat shows; resorts.