Big Bear Lodge - Beautiful 4Br Pet-Friendly Cottage in Muskoka

Things you need to know prior to booking:

Rents Fri - Fri only during high season (end of June - start of Sept)
Sleeps 8 people (max 4 adults).
Up to 2 well-behaved dogs (sorry no cats) are welcome at this property.
Linens and towels (indoor and outdoor) are provided. A post-rental cleaning service is provided, but the property is to be left in a tidy condition (in accordance with the departure checklist provided).
No parties or events. Lead guest must be 30+ years of age.
A supplemental information form must be completed.
Garbage and recycling removal prior to departure is required

Gloucester Pool is in many ways the gateway to the famous Muskoka region. From Little Lake just north of Coldwater through the islands and bays as far as Big Chute, the lake is a jewel for hundreds in the GTA and the rest of Ontario. The area around Port Severn and highway 400 is a little better known, but those looking to truly experience the lake will venture around to the Eastern side of the lake - which is where you will find Big Bear Lodge. This cottage is a wonderful and fun place to spend some time. The name is no happenstance, casual observation will note a distinct bear motif, with a more detailed look revealing ever increasing numbers of ursine decor. The owners have enjoyed this cottage for decades, and now they are excited to be sharing it with you.

The entry takes you straight into the living room, with a walkout to the lakeview deck, a large stone fireplace and comfy seating. The open concept space also holds a wonderful island kitchen, equipped with everything you could want for cottage cooking, and a dining area to share memorable meals with your group. Two bedrooms and a bathroom round out this level. If you're the lead person, make sure to lay claim on the King bedroom that overlooks the waterfront. Downstairs is built purely for fun with a nod to the youth in your group. A games room, complete with reversible bumper pool/poker top headlines, with satellite TV and a generous supply of games. This level also holds 2 bedrooms and a large 3-piece bathroom.

You'll want to start your day with a coffee on the deck and embrace the calm that the morning brings, waiting for the sun to rise over the treetops to bring the waterfront and dock to life. There is a sandy shallow entry here and deeper water swimming out past the end of the dock. You will find some weed in the deeper water but you can generally swim above it. You'll want to explore the lake in the canoe or paddleboat. You'll find the fishing and boating on the lake is fabulous.

Feel like an excursion? The town of Coldwater is about a half hour's drive and has the essentials you need (groceries etc.). Forty-five minutes takes you to the quintessential cottage town of Orillia, with its shopping, restaurants and galleries. Boaters should not miss the experience of going over the marine rail at Big Chute and exploring the Severn Waterway for a stretch. Keen on bigger water? You're just a lock away from the waters of Georgian Bay.
For a family of up to eight people looking to reconnect, rejuvenate and re-energize, Big Bear Lodge may be the beary, beary best!



Inside the Cottage

Sleeps up to 8 (maximum 4 adults)
4 bedrooms (1 king & 3 with queens)
2 bathrooms (4-piece (tub with shower over), 3-piece with shower stall)
Fully-equipped kitchen with dishwasher, additional freezer available
Living area with access to deck
Smart TV with Shaw satellite, DVD player & DVD library
Book library & board games
Washer/dryer
No internet

Outside the Cottage

Propane BBQ
Deck with dining furniture
Fire pit
Dock
Canoe, kayak, paddleboat, some adult PFDs




Waterfront The cottage is located in a bay off the main lake and is generally weed-free. The water depth off the dock is around 3- 4-feet depending on the time of year so there is ABSOLUTELY NO DIVING off the dock. Although entry is hard packed sand, there may be itinerant stones or logs - water shoes are highly recommended.



Trivia Gloucester Pool (pronounced 'gloster') begins at Lock 45 in Port Severn and runs North East through Little Lake carrying on through Little Chute to the Big Chute Marine Railway. The lake is 13 kilometers long and is home to at least 20 islands. Little Lake is separated from Gloucester Pool by a channel called the Narrows. The Pool is the last major body of water on the Trent Severn Waterway before it flows into Georgian Bay. Source - Gloucester Pool Cottagers' Association)



At a Glance

Sleeps up to 8 (max 4 adults)
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Canoe, kayak, paddleboat; some adult lifejackets
Up to 2 well-behaved dogs welcome - sorry no cats
Dishwasher, washer/dryer
Satellite TV, no internet
Garbage and recycling removal prior to departure is required


A supplemental information form (under 5 min to complete) which includes information on the guests and agreeing to our rental agency's terms and conditions is required to be completed to finalize the booking.
Pets - allowed
Smoking - not allowed