At A Glance:
# of People:
4Parking:
YesPets:
YesBdrms:
2A/C:
YesFire Pit:
YesBathrms:
1.5Internet:
YesHot Tub:
NoSq footage:
1500Heated:
Yes (Winterized)Waterft:
Moon RiverWater Toys:
Canoe(1), Paddleboard(1)Location: Moon River, Bala, Ontario
A discount of $300 is temporarily available for this cottage! When ready to book, ask the reservationist if this special offer is still applicable.
This isn’t just a cottage, it’s a lifestyle of peace, beauty, and connection with nature. An exceptionally modern and completely updated riverside cottage stands beside a series of gentle rapids on the shores of Moon River, Bala, Ontario. The rhythmic flow of water creates a serene and picturesque atmosphere. Located within walking distance to local shops, Don’s Bakery, restaurants, and LCBO. Near the Kee to Bala for live music and entertainment, and the popular and trendy Bala Cranberry Festival.
This open concept cottage has two elegant bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, a luxury kitchen, dining room, coffee bar, spacious living and dining room, and two decks for outside enjoyment. It has unlimited high speed internet services, and reliable connectivity.
The front entrance mudroom of this four-season cottage has a bench and a rack for outdoor wear. The main front door into the house is located here as well.
This cottage is perfect for couples. The first main floor bedroom has a king size bed, and French doors for easy access to the deck and direct views of the river. It has a large closet and dresser with two side tables and a wall air conditioner. A second main floor bedroom has a king size bed, a large dresser, large, picturesque windows, and a wall air conditioner.
Tucked between these stylish and clean line bedrooms, is one of two bathrooms. The large, spacious, main bathroom is well equipped with a full-sized tub and shower with glass doors, a double sink vanity with large mirrors, and a toilet with a bidet. A unique stand holds bath towels and washcloths for easy access. The second smaller bathroom has a sink and vanity, posh fixtures, and toilet.
The open concept family room has stylish inviting couch and ottoman, and coffee table. It has a large smart flat screen television and a handy electric fireplace for cooler evenings.
There is a coffee/cold drink cafe set up with a mini fridge. A coffee maker, electric tea kettle, and ample mugs and stemware to choose from can be found here. Comfy chairs and coffee table make this a popular nook any time of day.
The cottage features a fully stocked modern kitchen designed to combine functionality with elegance. Stainless-steel appliances include refrigerator, stove, dishwasher and double sink. This area has a large central island with four stools for a place to gather while meals come together, and useful small prep sink. Sliding glass doors to the deck offer beautiful river views.
The dining room has two large tables, and seating for twelve people. The wall of windows here frame views of the moving water and forested banks across the river.
**Swimming - There are several shallow tidal pools at the shoreline that are great for dabbling in, created by the small rapids rock formations. These shallow eddies also allow for entrance into the deeper river water. Due to the unique and sometimes slippery surfaces on the outcrop of natural rock at the shoreline, this type of entry would be best suited to able-bodied adults and unsuitable for children under the age of 10 years old. There is no dock or beach area at the cottage.**
There is a long public wooden dock available two short laneways away from the cottage. It is visible from the cottage and waterfront area. This dock area offers shallow, gradual, sloping entrance to the river and is available for all to use during the warm summer season.
There are two decks attached to the house, and one patio just underneath the upper deck. One deck has two wooden rocking chairs, a retractable awning, BBQ, and picnic table to enjoy on a summer day. The riverside deck has a glass patio table, four chairs, and two iconic Muskoka Chairs. The lower patio faces the river as well, and has a more traditional picnic table, plus a newer style outdoor patio table and bench like seating. There are two swing chairs to choose from on this level lot, and both offer stellar views of the cascading water on the rocks. Nature provides the soundtrack, no city noise required.
Afternoons invite adventure or relaxation-kayak along the shoreline, dip your toes in the water, or simply rest on the timeless Canadian Sheild rocks. The canoe and a paddleboard are provided for the those seeking water adventures. There is a flat rock area to the right (facing the river) for easing watercraft into the shallow whirlpool area and heading to the river. A fire bowl close to the shoreline encourages evening relaxation by the river.
When evening comes, the sky transforms into a masterpiece of color, reflecting across the water. It’s the perfect backdrop for delightful dinners, and laughter with friends.
Enjoy the Water & Nature
• Bala Falls & Moon River – Walk over the bridges and take in the scenic waterfalls where Lake Muskoka flows into the Moon River. The sound of tumbling water and the surrounding forest make for a peaceful experience.
• Historic Walk / Heritage Walk – Do the Bala Historic Walk, a self-guided loop through the town’s islands, bridges, and falls. Great spot for photos and to learn a bit of local history.
• Boating, kayaking, paddle-boarding, fishing & lake fun – With Lake Muskoka nearby, Bala is a perfect base for water-based activities or just relaxing on the lake (weather permitting).
️ Local Culture & History
• Bala’s Museum (“With Memories of Lucy Maud Montgomery”) – A must-visit for enthusiasts of Anne of Green Gables. The museum features artifacts from the Muskoka region and items connected to L.M. Montgomery, who visited Bala in 1922. It even includes first-edition books, memorabilia, and dioramas.
• Shop & browse local stores – There are plenty of charming local shops around town: home décor, gifts, handcrafted goods, cottage-style items, and more. The town centre is very walkable.
Food, Music & Social Vibes
• The KEE to Bala – Legendary concert/dance hall on the lake. For decades, it’s hosted live music, dances, events — a classic Muskoka night out.
• Local bites & treats – Grab something tasty at local favourites like Don’s Bakery (buns, pies, scones), enjoy a meal with lake views at one of the pubs or restaurants, or pick up artisanal chocolates at the Cacao Boys shop.
Bala has a charming little downtown / main street area with several shops all within walking distance — perfect for wandering in and out for souvenirs, gifts, décor, or cottage-style finds:
• Jack & Stella — Boutique + café/restaurant, also sells clothing/gifts / sometimes frozen pizzas for takeaway.
• Twig — Lovely home & cottage décor store.
• Birchbark — Clothing, jewellery, gifts — good for cottage-country style shopping.
• Cacao Boys — Artisanal chocolates and treats — great for picking up a sweet souvenir or a gift.
• Overboard — Women’s clothing and gift boutique.
Cranberries, Wine & Fall Fun
• Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery / Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh – Just outside of town, this is a beautiful place to visit, especially in the fall. You can tour cranberry bogs, taste cranberry-inspired wines, and walk the scenic trails.
• Bala Cranberry Festival – Visits in October (just after Canadian Thanksgiving), to see the whole town light up with this festive weekend. Expect artisan vendors, live music, food, family-friendly activities, and that classic Muskoka harvest vibe.
Peaceful & Outdoorsy Vibes All Year Round
• Enjoy fall colours & the natural surroundings – Muskoka’s forests around Bala are beautiful in every season, but especially stunning with autumn foliage or tranquil winter snows.
• Relax & slow down – Bala has that laid-back, cottage-country energy. It’s a good place to unwind — maybe enjoy a coffee, stroll the streets, get some treats, and just take things at a slower pace. Locals often talk about “Muskoka time.”
⸻
Trips to consider:
• Nature + water → Go for waterfalls, historic walk, boating, lakeside views.
• History & literature / small-town charm → Visit Bala’s Museum, shop local stores, stroll the scenic town.
• Fun & social energy → Check out live music at The KEE to Bala, enjoy lunch/dinner with views, hit up cafes and bakeries.
• Fall season → The Cranberry Festival, cranberry bog tours, and wine tasting create a unique Muskoka experience.
☕ Coffee & Casual Eats
• Olivers Coffee — A local go-to for coffee in Bala. Great for a quick brew.
• Jack & Stella — More than a shop: they serve lunch and dinner and have a waterfront patio — lovely spot to eat and grab a drink by the lake.
• Cottage Cravings Cafe & Gift Shop — Soups, sandwiches, coffee/tea, hot chocolate (they’re known for a “largest hot-chocolate bar”), ice cream/frozen yogurt, plus ready-made meals — a casual, cozy cafe vibe.
• Marmalade Skies Cafe & Gallery — A nice little café and gallery near Bala (good for coffee or a light bite while browsing local art).
• Ice Dreams Old-Fashioned Soda Shop — For ice cream, milkshakes or a sugary treat after a walk or boat ride — this is a fun, laid-back stop.
Shops & Places to Browse
Bala has a charming little downtown / main street area with several shops all within walking distance — perfect for wandering in and out for souvenirs, gifts, décor, or cottage-style finds:
• Jack & Stella — Boutique and café/restaurant, also sells clothing/gifts / sometimes frozen pizzas for takeaway.
• Twig — Lovely home & cottage décor store.
• Birchbark — Clothing, jewellery, gifts — good for cottage-country style shopping.
• Cacao Boys — Artisanal chocolates and treats — great for picking up a sweet souvenir or a gift.
• Overboard — Women’s clothing and gift boutique.
• Additional local stores — The town centre also has hardware, home-needs, convenience stores (like Weismiller’s Timber Mart / Muskoka Lumber) and other shops if you’re cottage-shopping or prepping for a stay.
• Bala Farmer’s Market (seasonal, summer) — Great for fresh local goods, handmade crafts, food items.
️ More Restaurants & Food Spots
• Beyond the ice cream and cafés, there are several other dining spots
• Bala Falls Pub — Classic pub fare, good local vibe.
• Bala Bay Takeaway / Pizza Nova — For a quick pizza or take-out meal.
• The Hook and Ladder — Another restaurant option in town for a meal out.
• Castle Blue — A dining option mentioned among the Chamber’s local eateries.
• Mrs. H’s Fish and Chips — If you’re up for classic fish & chips
Bala Bay Takeaway / Pizza Nova Bala
• Address: 3129 Muskoka District Road 169, Bala, ON P0C 1A0
• ☎️ Phone: 705-762-2222
• What to expect: Pizza (Pizza Nova), hamburgers, wings, fish & chips, sandwiches/wraps, pub-style fare. They offer dine-in, takeout, and a patio.
• Typical hours: Around 11:00 AM – 8:00/9:00 PM (varies by day)
“The oven pizza by Lake Muskoka on Highway 169.” It’s a casual family-style spot-something quick, hearty, and relaxed.
The Hook & Ladder Bar & Grill
• Address: 3119 (or 3181 per some listings) Muskoka District Road 169, Bala, ON P0C 1A0
• ☎️ Phone: 705-762-0707
• ️ What to expect: Cozy, casual spot. Their menu includes pizzas (sourdough crust), burgers, wraps, fish & chips, breakfast/brunch items (e.g. eggs Benedict), and pub-style comfort food.
• Typical hours: Weekday mornings through early afternoon; open later Friday/Saturday (until ~8:00 PM / 7:00 PM).
Good for a low-key meal, maybe breakfast or lunch, or a casual dinner.
Lakeside Bala Restaurant
• Address: 3068 Muskoka District Road 169, Bala, ON P0C 1A0
• ☎️ Phone: 705-641-9589
• ️ What to expect: A more upscale lakeside dining experience. Their menu features seafood (like halibut, salmon), lamb shanks, pasta/orecchiette with braised beef cheeks, and more refined dishes.
• Ambience: Boathouse-style dining room, many seats with a view of Lake Muskoka / Bala Bay — very scenic, ideal for date night or a special dinner.
• Hours (typical): Dinner service (primarily) — usually open in the evenings (and lunch on some days in summer).
• ✅ Dietary & menu note: They note that food may contain milk, eggs, wheat, nuts, etc. Ask about vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free accommodations if needed.
The Pearl Muskoka
• Address: 3047 Muskoka Road 169, Bala, ON P0C 1A0
• ☎️ Phone: 705-791-1363
• What to expect: A more modern, market-style food venue: “food market meets casual dining.” Great for grabbing a quick bite, shopping some curated pantry or specialty items, or sitting down for a relaxed meal.
• Vibe: A mix of “old-country” & cottage-style charm meets contemporary cuisine — casual and likely good for a quick, quality meal without the formality.
**Check-in: after 4:00pm and Check-out: before 10:00am
**Linen packages are available for this cottage, but vacationers are welcome to supply their own. A linen package includes sheets, pillowcases and towels for indoor use. The price for this will be shown as an option in the booking request form.
**Paper products: The cottage will provide enough to get you started, but vacationers must supply their own, including toilet paper and paper towels.
**Adult life jackets are supplied. Vacationers must bring their own children's life jackets due to safety and liability concerns
**There is no wooden dock or sand beach available at this cottage. Due to the unique and sometimes slippery surfaces on the outcrop of natural rock by the water, it would be unsuitable for children under the age of 10 years old. There are several small pools of water to dabble in, created by the small rapids rock formations. **
**Linen packages are available for this cottage, but vacationers are welcome to supply their own. A linen package includes sheets, pillowcases and towels for indoor use. The price for this will be shown as an option in the booking request form.
**Paper products: The cottage will provide enough to get you started, but vacationers must supply their own, including toilet paper and paper towels.
**Adult life jackets are supplied. Vacationers must bring their own children's life jackets due to safety and liability concerns
**There is no wooden dock or sand beach available at this cottage. Due to the unique and sometimes slippery surfaces on the outcrop of natural rock by the water, it would be unsuitable for children under the age of 10 years old. There are several small pools of water to dabble in, created by the small rapids rock formations. **
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