Northern Haven on a Crystal-Clear Lake. Ideal for family-style gatherings

Resting on a grassy slope above the private shoreline of a crystal-clear lake, this unassuming 4-bedroom cottage has a fully equipped, recently renovated kitchen; a large dining room and a grand room with monumental fireplace and mesmerizing views of the surrounding nature and skies; a private deck with a BBQ (+complimentary propane) and two patio sets; two bathrooms; and a laundry room with washer and dryer. A selection of outdoor and indoor games and toys; books and DVDs for all ages; an electrical keyboard; two TV sets and high speed unlimited WIFI will ensure a pleasant stay, whichever way you prefer to spend your time.

The space is suitable for family groups and similar configurations of travellers (8-10 persons) that are searching for a quiet get-away. For families with young children, there is a pack ‘n play / travel crib, and baby safety gates.

Clean linens (100% cotton) are provided on the beds, as well as oversized cotton towels for indoor use. (Please have your own towels for outdoor use.) Water in the building is supplied from the lake and is treated with UV light. Although safe for consumption, to avoid any mishaps, we provide our guests with complimentary bottled water (18L jugs) on a water cooler. For those who need to stay connected, or work while away with family or friends, there are three working stations with desks (one in the semi-private loft; and the other two in bedrooms).

We make available for our guests a good, stable canoe, a single recreational and a tandem kayak, and two SUPs. Two metal boats can be propelled by oars and fuelled by the power of your own muscles, for a quiet fishing venture. Guests can use any of the selection of paddles, oars and a few additional beach and lawn toys that are stored in the blue shed on the shore, and in the sauna. You can relax in a traditional wood-fired cedar sauna located next to the woodshed; roast s’mores over the campfire on the lakeshore; or contemplate the stars against the pitch-dark sky while listening to the waves lapping against the shore...

A visit to this property, situated deep in the Mississagi river valley, in the rugged terrain of Algoma County, is an opportunity to enjoy the nature away from the crowds typical of the cottage country near large urban areas. The lake itself is, much of the time, enjoyed by few visitors even at the peak of the season. A unique feature of this particular location is the stunning cliff that, on the east side of the lake, soars vertically ca. 300 feet from the Canadian Shield, providing a nesting haven for falcons. Under the sunrays that reflect off the rocks, the cliff changes colours at different times of the day and over the seasons, inspiring awe at its beauty. An easy hike to the top of the cliff offers a marvellous view of the surrounding lakes and endless forests (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/ontario/rock-candy-lookout).

A visit in May and early June is ideal for witnessing the awakening of nature after a deep Winter freeze. In the Summer, one can engage in a variety of water recreational activities, stroll on the hiking trails, and shop for fresh organic produce and locally made products from area farms, including a couple of nearby berry-picking or alpaca farms. There are countless lakes and waterfalls throughout the wider Algoma region to be discovered, including the Aubrey Falls Provincial Park with its hiking trails (50-minute drive from the cottage). In the Fall, breath-taking views of lakes and rivers amid the changing foliage covering the rolling hills make it worthwhile visiting this gorgeous region that inspired the Group of Seven. Given the right conditions, you might be able to spot the Northern Lights! (https://www.northernontario.travel/algoma-country/auroras-in-algoma).

The closest store is the Tunnel Lake Trading Post (a 10-minute walk from the cottage): it has emergency cooking supplies and pantry basics, a superior stock of camping, fishing, and hunting supplies; a small LCBO, and a gas station. You may be able to arrange a boat rental with the trading post for fishing on the Tunnel Lake, mere minutes away from the cottage.

The nearby towns - Little Rapids, Thessalon, and Bruce Mines - offer essential services and conveniences such as grocery stores, LCBOs, pharmacies and health services, cafes, or restaurants, and, for antiquing enthusiasts, several antiques stores that may hold a hidden treasure for you.

The cottage is located ca. 1.5-hour south-east from Sault Ste. Marie; 2.5 hours west from Sudbury; 7 hours north from Toronto or west from Ottawa. Well-worth the trip - saves you from the urge to get on the plane and globe-trot!

Please note that this cottage is not ideal for smokers or those travelling with pets, as we do not allow smoking or pets on the property.

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The United Nations (UN) defines environmental sustainability as "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
Our family extends you the opportunity to share the experience of a sustainable retreat in our Northern camp. We promote quiet vacationing and safe use of non-motorized water toys and recreational equipment as our small contribution to the environmentally responsible living. We harvest sun energy with solar panels and encourage our guests to recycle, support local economy, and provide stewardship to nature.
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Emergency room, hospital:
North Shore Health Network - Thessalon Site
135 Dawson St, Thessalon, ON P0R 1L0
(705) 842-2014

Main Street Pharmacy
156 Main St, Thessalon, ON P0R 1L0
(705) 842-2322

Pharmasave central Algoma Pharmacy
9242 Highway 17 East, Bruce Mines, ON
(705) 785-3555

Gas stations: Tunnel Lake Trading Post, Thessalon, Iron Bridge, Bruce Mines