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Make Memories that Last ! Inspired by Nature …., a taste of paradise !

Photo gallery for Make Memories that Last ! Inspired by Nature …., a taste of paradise !

Living area
Room
Private kitchen
Living area
Exterior detail

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Fireplace
    A rare find - cosy up in front of a warm, inviting fireplace.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Lake Muskoka
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue
  • Deck or patio
  • Internet access

Explore the area

View map
Torrance, ON
  • Place, Lake Muskoka
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Bala's Museum
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Airport, Muskoka, ON (YQA)
    ‪31 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Loft area

2 Single Beds and 1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

Make Memories that Last ! Inspired by Nature …., a taste of paradise !

Beautiful cottage only 45 mins from barrie.

Long lake is in beautiful town of Bala. Our cottage blesses us with warm sun all day long on while sitting on the dock....And a lake that is perfect for canoeing, boating, tubing or just bird watching.....We have it all.

The cottage has a top loft with a queen been and 2 single beds as well as a futon in the living room....Its paradise with just good times.

The cottage also comes with:
Full linen service: bed sheets, pillow cases, bath and hand towels
2 Kayaks
Large dock with muskoka chairs, 12’x12’
Shallow water entry, very safe for small children but gets deeper at the end of the dock (20ft from shoreline)

This cottage combines the relaxing world of cottage life on the lake with the convenience of having the town within reasonable walking distance with beer store, lcbo, a fresh mart grocery store and a hand full of restaurants and ice cream shops .

The kee to bala is also a very well know concert hall and it opens on may 24 weekend. They hosted some very well-known artists last year such as snoop dog (not a misprint, I couldn't believe it either), kim mitchell, blue rodeo, sam roberts, etc.

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House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 9 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
On a per case basis
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking allowed outdoors - deck and dock

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number STRA-TML-25-0015
Property # 708867vb
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
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Muskoka Lakes

Located in Muskoka Lakes, this cottage is on the waterfront. Santa's Village is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Muskoka and Lake Rosseau. Muskoka Boat Heritage Centre and Muskoka Sports and Recreation are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and cycling nearby.
View more Cottages in Muskoka LakesOpens in a new window
Map
Torrance, ON

What's nearby

  • Lake Muskoka - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Bala's Museum - 4 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Hardy Lake Provincial Park - 6 min drive - 8.0 km
  • Muskoka Lakes Winery - 11 min drive - 9.5 km
  • Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve - 14 min drive - 16.0 km

Getting around

  • Gravenhurst Station - 24 min drive
  • Muskoka, ON (YQA) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Clear Lake Brewing Co - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Don's Bakery - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Hook and Ladder - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Bala Falls Pub - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪The Pearl - ‬14 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Make Memories that Last ! Inspired by Nature …., a taste of paradise ! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet.

How much is parking at Make Memories that Last ! Inspired by Nature …., a taste of paradise !?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Make Memories that Last ! Inspired by Nature …., a taste of paradise !?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Make Memories that Last ! Inspired by Nature …., a taste of paradise !?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Make Memories that Last ! Inspired by Nature …., a taste of paradise ! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Lake Muskoka and 1.4 mi (2.3 km) from Bala's Museum. Hardy Lake Provincial Park and Muskoka Lakes Winery are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 30 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 46 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Jennifer M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage was the perfect size for my teen daughter and I for the week. It is very close to the town so it was easy to pop into Bala to grab anything we needed. Beautiful little town and really relaxing week by the lake.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Veronika Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We enjoyed our stay here!

Very cozy cottage! Our family of 4 had very good time here.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute little cottage

Very cute little cottage, with a beautiful view. My family and I enjoyed our experience.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Recommended small waterfront cottage

Excellent waterfront cottage and a short walk into the town of Bala. Loved that it offered a private dock with use of kayaks and paddle board. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

kevin f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bala beau

The cottage
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kealyn D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy retreat

From the moment you arrive everything is as it says. Cosy, warm and relaxing. The cabin is spotless and everything we needed was available. The beds are super comfortable. The property is amazing with a beautiful view. Highly recommended.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Simon A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A hidden gem in the muskokas

This property is a great value for all the amenities you get. Phil has done a great job of creating an inviting environment where you can escape your day to day and just relax. The cottage comes equipped with everything you could possibly need (and board games for rainy days!). My fiance and I had an awesome time at this property relaxing, cooking smores by the fire and kayaking around long lake. Would stay again in a heart beat!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 12 September 2023
Thank you Simon, hope to have you back sometime in the future.
Verified

8/10 Good

Wayne L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very cozy cabin on the lake. Nice bbq area and dock. Pictures are bang on. The host is very attentive and quick to answer any questions. Would have been nice to have cable tv but not the end of the world. The only thing we weren’t thrilled with is that if you are not fond of stairs you may not like the loft area staircase leading to the bedroom. It is a bit steep. Other than that it’s a beautiful place to relax and unwind.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best disconnect ever

The house, property, and location exceeded our expectations. Phil was very responsive and so helpful! The house had everything we needed and was perfect for our family of 4! Our two littles had no issues with the stairs (5&2) and we all slept great in the loft. Beds were very comfortable and overall the home is so cozy. Can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 28 October 2024
Thank you for the wonderful review. If you wish to come back in the future, please reach out to me at balaslittlesecret@gmail.com. Philip
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martin K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Perfect Hidden Secret

Fell in love with this Secret Gem from the moment we arrived. So comfy and welcoming. The cottage itself was lovely and well maintained. And if that was not enough you walk outside to the most incredible view of the lake. Then to enjoy the view even further we sat on the dock and enjoyed the amazing reflection of the autumn leaves colours and sun bouncing off the water. A perfect spot to enjoy some drinks and listen to music. I can see why they call it their little secret, it’s a special place to us! Philip and Claudia were great host.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margaret H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bala’s Little Secret

We were pleasantly surprised with our little cottage. It was just 2 of us and a dog. We had company stay one night and we were all comfortable. Cottage is well appointed with everything you need. Great waterfront and nice swimming So close to Bala (we walked one day) Port Carling, Gravenhurst. Totally happy. Philip and Claudia are great hosts. Very attentive and easy to get a hold of. We would rent again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 September 2023
Thank you Margaret for the wonderful review. Hope to host you again in the future, enjoy the rest of your summer :)
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lakeside Retreat

Had a great stay at Philip's cabin! Amazing location in cottage country with lakeside access. Had a great time hanging out by the fire pit and going kayaking on the lake. The kayaks were complementary! There was power outage with the broader grid while we were there (which was completely outside their control) but the hosts were very responsive to our messages and calls. Note this is one of two dwellings on his lakeside property. This is the cozy cabin and the other is the main house. You might get other guests in the adjacent main house and the backyards of both dwellings both bleed into each other as they lead into the lake. There is a separate fire pit and kayaks for this cabin and the main house has their own.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Lee S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bala's little secret

Great location and super property on downside would be it is between 2 rentals which are large and one of which is a shared property. We had great families so wasn't an issue but it could have been. Property owner is very available and great to deal with. Be aware there is a ladder staircase to the loft space so if you have mobility issues not the property for you but listing shows this. The fire table on the large front porch overlooking the water is just delightful and really added to our overall enjoyment of the property. Lots of water toys at your disposal.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 September 2023
Hi Susan, thank you for the review and we're glad you enjoyed your time at the cottage. Just to clarify a few points to other potential guests that may read this review: a) nothing is shared between the 2 cottages. Each has it's own dock, firepit, porch, water toys, access and parking. Cottages are side by side with approx. 50ft between each dock and each firepit. b)access to the loft is not a ladder. It is a staircase however it is a bit steep when compared to a regular staircase and may pose a bit of a challenge if a guest has mobility issues. Then again even a regular staircase may pose issues is mobility is a concern. Just in case, the main floor futon can be used as a bed.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Dmitry S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Cabin is just fine

- first of all it is a cabin, not a cottage - internet connection it terribly slow and unreliable. You probably can check weather or do text chat, but nothing more. - all beds are in the same room, so adults will not have any private space - loft smells, most probably it is a smell of mice feces (I grown up in a country side, I know smells) - expect additional charge on top of all VRBO charges
Stayed 6 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 September 2023
Thank you Dmitry for your review. I did go thru the trouble of googling the difference between a cabin and a cottage and this property is far from being a cabin. Cabins do not offer amenities such as a bathroom, water and electricity to name a few and are located in the middle of the woods. As for the bedroom layout, the listing shows a 1 bedroom loft with the 3 beds so I'm not sure where the misunderstanding came from. The listing also warns about the internet speed, "Please note internet is not always reliable in cottage country". There are times where the service is slow and unreliable but unfortunately for now Bell is not willing to upgrade the service in the Bala area. In regards to the smell, that is not something I had noticed but I will look into it and resolve if needed. Thank you for the feedback, Philip
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Mike P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Listing accuracy

No privacy! Non-stop noise. Book somewhere else.

If you expect peace and quiet at this cottage, that’s apparently your mistake—at least according to the owner, who implied it was my fault for not asking for it when I booked. The photos look serene, but they omit the giant cottage sharing the same property just feet away, packed with 16 people, crying babies, and screaming toddlers screaming. Privacy? None. Silence? I’m not the only one. Read the reviews people have complained about the lack of privacy for over 10 years. It was my fault for not reading the reviews prior to booking. Don’t make my mistake.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melissa G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

No complaints! This place was clean, quaint very cosy and intimate.

They had everything we needed and then some. Absolutely beautiful location!! About 20 minutes away from any amenities. A perfect getaway for anyone who’s looking to reconnect and ground themselves!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

paul S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome gem in Bala!!

We had a great stay, cottage was cozy and the host was very responsive. The 'town' folk were also very welcoming...overall a wonderful vibe.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tony C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderfully place to stay

Great place to relax and enjoy nature. Excellent communication with owner, prompt response for any issues.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 September 2023
Thank you for the review, hope to host you again in the future.
Verified

8/10 Good

Stuart O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Nice getaway

Overall good place to stay. Directions and check in were spot on. Cabin was clean and well appointed. The cabin is small. And the staircase is a bit steep and narrow. We went at the end of September and the lake was quiet and peaceful. Nice dock, nice fire pit and a nice deck with glass rail for a great view. All the cottages on this lake are close together so in high season I would think it might be busy. It is close to town and easy to walk in for essentials or a meal. Bathroom with shower were recently renovated very nicely.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary Ann M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

It is truly a beautiful getaway. A home away from home with all the conveniences.

An excellent family cottage. For me personally, I stayed on the first floor as I have knee issues and the angle of the loft stairs may have been a challenge. The pullout futon on the first floor was surprisingly very comfortable. The bathroom and shower was 1st rate. A complete kitchen which was fully equipped with all the appliances. Communication with the owner was immediate and responsive. This is a cozy, homie cottage with a lovely little beach and dock to launch a kayak and sit and take in a sunset. Will go back!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 12 September 2023
Your review is greatly appreciated, hope to host you again in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mandeep S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property with beautiful view and great hosts.

Awesome experience, beautiful fully equipped property with great view. Hosts were extremely helpful.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brenda C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing time at Bala’s Little Secret

This property is just as described and presented! Cute cabin with everything you need. The time of year we chose was quiet, which is exactly what we wanted. I would love to return during warmer weather to experience everything it has to offer! Phil and Claudia were amazing hosts and very accommodating to our specific needs. Thank you for sharing your ‘little secret’!!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

Nicole D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute, clean but not very private

This cottage is super cute. Nicely stocked. Clean. Decorated adorably. Great views. But it is on shared property with a larger cottage. If you are looking for seclusion this isn’t the place.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 12 September 2023
Thank you Nicole for the great review. To others that may be reading this review, the property is 200ft wide and is divided approximately down the middle (60/40) with a driveway to its own private boat launch. The 2 cottages are on either side of the driveway (approx 30-40ft apart) and both have their own dock which are also 30-40ft apart. They are also offset from each other, this cottage being much closer to the shoreline. The only area being shared is the driveway. As for seclution, unfortunately there is no longer much of that in the Muskokas. For complete seclution you would have to drive another hour further north.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hoi L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wow!

Wonderful little cottage for a small family looking for a quiet getaway. The pictures do not do it justice.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magnifique!

This a an amazing little spot. The cottage is so cute and cozy, and the little electric fireplace makes for a sweet atmosphere when the nights are a bit chilly. The kitchen is very well equipped, the beds are super comfy, the bathroom is surprisingly big and the shower is really cool! Outside, the little deck is perfect for a nice candlelight dinner (they provide lots of “Off” for the mosquitos), you can also lounge in the hammock, or sit by the nice firepit, but the dock is the star of the show. Yes, it is perfect for a glass of wine while gazing at the unbelievably beautiful lake, or for hours of reading and writing (which I did). Note that the neighbours are pretty close on each side, so it can get a bit noisy (depending on your neighbours) but the cottage in itself is just fantastic and the lake view is so breathtaking, it is worth it. A huge thanks to the owners for such a sweet, cozy and amazing place
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020

About the host

Hosted by Philip Goncalves

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English, French, Spanish, Portuguese
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