1 / 100

Autumn Joy! Cosy Canoe Cottage

Hosted by Paul · Bancroft, Ontario

4 guests max · 2 bedrooms · 2 beds · 1 toilet

100%

65 reviews

Best cabins: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Paul is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Romantic

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.

The cottage is at the edge of a large wilderness area. We supply an ultra-safe large canoe with paddles and lifejackets. It's an easy and fun 15 minute paddle to reach the cottage. The cottage is an artistic gem on a safe and quiet lake with beavers and loons and numerous bird species -- owls, herons, hawks, ospreys, and many migratory songbirds. In over 20 years of experience on the lake, we've seen no bears. It's a cosy three-room place with a small bedroom (8x12) with an antique double bed; a main room (16 x12) with a single bed; and a kitchen (8X12). Sleeps 3, max. Access to the cottage is up a short set of irregular stone stairs from the lake. This could be an impediment for elderly or frail people. The lake is not a private lake. There are other cottages. But it's a very quiet lake and often there's no one else there. The landscape is very similar to Algonquin Park's. North Kawartha is famous as the birthplace of the canoe. This is a thinly-populated landscape of rugged granite bluffs, thickly-forested hills and valleys, and gorgeous lakes that remain quiet and peaceful even during the hottest summer weeks. This place was made by and for lovers, artists, poets, musicians, dreamers, writers, environmentalists, ecologists, escapists...and their children. Enjoy!This is an ideal cosy semi-wilderness getaway place for a couple, or a couple with a kid, or for a couple of friends who want separate rooms. Come and smell the pines! The cottage is accessible by canoe (we provide an ultra-safe Grumman 17 foot canoe, paddles and life jackets) after the lake thaws in late April. In the Spring, there are wonderful clear vistas and there's forest walking with great visibility. The woodstove keeps it totally cosy indoors. There is often perfect seclusion with no one else on the lake. In summer, it's a magically rustic summer escape with fabulous swimming in a warm lake. In the fall the colours come alive! The cottage is an artistic gem on a safe and quiet lake with beavers and loons and numerous bird species -- owls, herons, hawks, ospreys, and many migratory songbirds. In over 20 years experience on the lake we've seen no bears. It's a cosy three-room place with a small bedroom (8x12) with an antique double bed; a main room (16 x12) with a single bed; and a kitchen (8X12). Sleeps 3, max. There's a cheery, pleasant and kid-friendly outhouse about 15 feet from the back door of the cottage. Groups of 2, or 2 people and a child, maximum. No big dogs, and no more than one small dog per group. There are beavers active nearby as well as porcupines and lots of other wildlife that we don't want disturbed by dogs. Access is by canoe only. It's a simple 15-minute paddle from the car park (except on the rare days its extremely windy, in which case canoeing steering skills and paddling strength are needed). We provide an ultra-safe very-hard-to-tip Grumman 17 foot aluminum canoe as well as life jackets and paddles. Or, bring your own canoe, but no motorized craft, thanks. The place is great for swimming, hiking, sailing, fishing, landscape painting, writing poetry, making music, napping, and lazing on the dock in the afternoon sun. (Kitchen dancing has been known to happen from time to time as well). There's a campfire pit with cooking counters and benches and a set of pots for small campfires and cookouts by the dock. So, depending on the weather, and your inclination, you can cook indoors on gas, or outdoors on the fire. The cottage has a fully-equipped indoor kitchen, put together by people who love to cook, and eat, and socialize over food and wine and music. There's solar-powered lighting, and a solar-powered cooler that keeps drinks and food cold. There's mininal phone service - texting works fairly reliably, but phone and email/mobile internet connection is sporadic at best. There's a wood stove for cool nights (bring some wood). We have 20 acres of forest so lots of room to roam and gather wood for your outdoor campfires. If you're burning our cut logs in the woodstove indoors please leave us a few bucks to pay for our wood cutting costs. The lake has about 15-20 cottages but we're in a secluded cove with open forest for miles to the south and east behind our cottage. There are no roads anywhere near us. However, there's a small cabin about 150 metres to the north, and every once in a while the owners use it and that does break the seclusion. They're respectful and friendly, and they seldom come. From our dock there are half a dozen docks visible along the forested southeast shore of the lake. If you come on weekdays you will likely have near-total seclusion. But the summer weekends are much busier, especially the holiday weekends. After Sept 1 the whole lake is completely quiet. If you want near-total seclusion come anytime between Sept 5 and May 24. This place was made by and for lovers, artists, poets, musicians, dreamers, writers, environmentalists, ecologists, escapists...and their children. Enjoy!

What to expect

Cabin

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

4 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firepit, wood burning fireplace. summer outdoor fires are mostly banned except small cooking fires

Toilet available

Pit toilet. Arguably the most elegant and classy outhouse on earth

Pets allowed

Off leash

Drinking water available

Bottled water or jugs

Bins available

Trash bin

Cooking equipment present

Grill over firepit, bbq, private, stovetop or hot plate, cookware, cooking utensils, dishware, cutlery, basic seasoning and oils

Picnic table present

No showers

Bathe in lake

No wifi

Laundry absent

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 2:00 PM

Check out: Before 2:00 PM

On arrival: Head straight to site

Access: By boat

Cancellation policy: Strict (21 Days)

Minimum nights: 2 nights

Accepts bookings: 12 months out

No wheelchair access

Max 1 vehicle

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

Reviews

100% Recommend79 ratings · 65 reviews

Paul and Rosa's cabin is often described as a magical and serene escape, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat. The canoe ride to the cabin sets the tone for a secluded experience, with visitors highlighting the tranquility of the quiet lake and the thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor spaces. Reviews paint a picture of a cozy, well-equipped cabin that feels like a home away from home, complete with unique artistic touches and a warm atmosphere. While most feedback is overwhelmingly positive, it's worth noting that the steep steps leading to the cabin could be a challenge for those with mobility issues.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Recommends

· September 2025

You can tell this place has decades of love poured into it. Spent a beautiful few days here to end the summer, came home rested and inspired. Really appreciated all of Paul's detailed instructions/ recommendations.

Asia M.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2025

The perfect little get away.

We absolutely love staying at Paul and Rosa’s cabin. This was our second stay and it was just as magical as the first. We had great weather and spent our days on the dock and nights inside by the fire!

Samantha R.

3 reviews

Recommends

· September 2025

With pets

We absolutely loved our stay at the cottage! Despite the wind, it was still an easy canoe ride in and the maps were super helpful. It was well-equipped for cooking and being cozy. Such a beautiful space and 10/10 cd collection. Would definitely stay here again :)

Karolina S.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2025

A Magical, Relaxing Retreat!

Paul and Rosa’s cabin is a truly special place. The magic begins with the canoe ride over and continues as you discover the cabin tucked away in the trees. The outdoor and indoor spaces are thoughtfully designed, offering the comforts of home in an off-grid setting. Paul was attentive, communicative, and kind, with clear and helpful instructions. The little touches he suggested made our stay super smooth. We were glad to meet the man behind this beautiful place on our paddle out! I absolutely recommend this cabin for a beautiful retreat, and am so glad that my partner and I discovered it this year!

Lauren R.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

With pets

My Husband and I went here for our 2nd wedding anniversary. We loved Paul’s cabin! Paul had everything we needed for a weekend getaway. A real artists retreat, the perfect place for us to unwind and connect. The only thing to keep in mind is that the steps getting up to the cabin are a little steep so if you have any health or mobility issues that is something to be aware of. 1000/10 would definitely recommend, and we for sure will be back.

Sasha A.

4 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

Beautiful is an understatement

With pets

"Beautiful" feels like an understatement in describing Paul and Rosa's place. From the location to the setup to the ambiance, everything was perfect. If you are sick of cottage rentals with "Live, Laugh, Love" signs hanging on the wall, you may just adore this place. Warning: leaving is difficult.

Heidi T.

4 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

Private spot. Beautiful canoe ride in. Quiet lake. Locals were very friendly at the dock launch and helpful. Overall very nice spot!

Beth P.

2 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

Paul's cabin is stunning, a beautiful place to enjoy nature and relax. Paul is very friendly, always attentive, and very clear with directions.

Estrella D.

6 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· November 2024

Romantic rustic getaway in nature!

Wonderful relaxed very private space. Feels like the best of a glamping experience. Highlights for us are the indoor wood burning fireplace and the extremely quiet lake. Mornings on the dock are idyllic. Outhouse is comfortable and clean The kitchen is very well equipped The outdoor wash up area is terrific Paul is really quick to respond and makes sure you have what you need & communicates well about what to bring and what is there. As others have noted... the steps up from the dock are relatively steep so not fit those with wonky knees.

Anna G.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2024

A very special place!!!

With pets

Paul and Rosa’s place is truly special!! It’s on a quiet secluded piece of land on a lake. The paddle in was easy for us and our cat :’) (!!). The cabin is beautifully designed and has enough of the comforts that you’d want. Paul was an attentive host and made sure we were well situated. Even though it was quite chilly when we were there, the fireplace kept us cozy. I would 100% recommend this place and we will definitely come back again!!

Marsha D.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2024

Cottage Getaway

Our “wedding getaway” was SPECTACULAR!!! It’s a semi-off grid cabin (gotta work for your signal 😉) with a lovely wood stove for the cold fall nights and a cute kitchen to jam out and cook in. The cabin was EVERYTHING my partner and I needed after our wedding to recharge and have a “lil peace of our own”. Our dog was even able to join us which made everything 10x better too!!!

Melanie M.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

A magical getaway!

We absolutely loved staying at Paul’s cabin. The whole week was magical. A beautiful, short canoe ride took us and our little dog to this absolutely stunning cabin tucked away from the world. It was just what we needed. We had the lake practically all to ourselves, spending our days lazing on the dock and evenings in the cozy cabin with a lovely fire in the wood stove. Even the outhouse has a whimsical charm to it! I can’t recommend this place enough and we can’t wait to go back.

Samantha R.

3 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

This place is such a labour of love. Such a beautiful cabin —All the kitchen utensils, a hiking kit, games, well placed lights, so many interesting books…There is lovely swimming and a sweet lake with meadows to explore. And so many personal touches and art that makes you feel like you are visiting a friend’s house- not just renting a cabin. Paul is there for all questions.

Aurora M.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

The cabin was absolutely beautiful and had everything we needed. There were 4 cooking spots (3 outdoor, 1 indoor) with all the cooking appliances you could imagine. The decorations were so fun and made the place feel almost whimsical. There are also so many cool books and games that make you want to look around the cabin forever. Paul was also so kind and checked in to make sure we had everything we needed and that we got there safely. Had an amazing couple days and dream about going back sometime

Sara J.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Best place ever

There are no words for how magical this place is!! It has everything you need and then some! There’s music from Ella Fitzgerald to the Eurythmics with AMAZING stereo sound!! The water is warm and stunning! The beds are comfy and so many pillows. Book a stay you won’t be disappointed!!!!

Vicki W.

22 reviews

Recommends

· July 2024

highly recommend! don't hesitate!

Such an amazing getaway! So peaceful & quiet, it was the perfect disconnect from busy living. The cottage is so cozy & unique, we loved all the artwork/personal touches. The canoe ride in was super easy & we were able to fit everything we needed for 4 days + my dog! Can't recommend enough, we'll definitely be returning.

Riley H.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2024

Paul's cottage is a perfect get away. Loved the cottage and surrounding areas. Bugs weren't to bad for middle of June which was a big plus. Spacious sleeping areas and living quarters. Bring a plug in fan you wont regret it 😅 once you get the radio going its an absolute treat there and didn't want to leave.

Kyle M.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2024

Paul's getaway was incredible! Felt very private and had pretty well anything you could ask for for a weekend away from a busy life. Paul was very helpful, courteous and all in all an EXCELLENT host! Highly recommend Pauls cabin.

Jesse B.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2024

Paul’s Cabin

This cabin was so special. Paul was highly accommodating and the vibes were immaculate. Don’t hesitate to visit!

Chantal E.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2023

Spent an incredibly cozy fall weekend staying at Paul's cabin. It has everything you need to get away and enjoy some time off-grid. The canoe ride in was an amazing experience and the cabin is extremely private. We were also left very detailed notes on how to use everything around the property, which simplified the stay a lot. Overall it was a magical experience that created memories we wont soon forget! Highly recommend that anyone stay here.

Kurt V.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2023

With pets

What a lovely cabin and getaway! We absolutely loved the canoe ride in and the lake is beautiful to paddle on. The cabin itself is so quirky, charming, and cozy! It had everything we needed and it was exactly the type of off-grid (but comfy) getaway we needed. Don’t hesitate to stay here!

Stephanie G.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2023

Cozy Weekend Getaway

We loved staying at Pauls cabin. It is a very unique space nestled on a small and quiet lake. It is a perfect camping alternative, and the cozy and intimate atmosphere. There is a fantastic outdoor kitchen and fire pit, and a great doc for swimming and spending the day tanning. Paul was a great host, that made communications very easy and clear. My fiancé and I really enjoyed ourselves and this makes for the perfect romantic getaway.

Claudia G.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2023

We loved our stay and had the most wonderful weekend disconnecting from the busy day to day routine. We definitely recommend taking the canoe out for an adventure to explore the lake and the marsh. We even took a packed lunch and spent the day on the water, enjoying our picnic on the little island in the middle of the lake. Gorgeous! The cabin is the perfect place for chilling out, reading a book, and watching the world go by. The kitchen is super well stocked with any tool you could need. We loved using the outdoor kitchen each night as we watched the sun set. Can’t wait to go back again.

Nicky M.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Amazing!

Paul's place is the best. It's a quiet lake and you feel like you have it all to yourself. It's a beautiful canoe over and great for people who want to get off-grid but with some helpful aid for the beginners (lights, plug-in cooler).

Ellen B.

10 reviews

Recommends

· August 2023

View Halloo

I loved Paul’s eclectic cabin in the woods. The lake was warm and the canoeing easy. It is up a rather steep hill so, if you have any mobility issues, it may be tricky but the view is spectacular and the home is cosy and inviting.

Flora W.

2 reviews

Recommends

· July 2023

We loved staying at Paul’s cottage. We stayed for few days during the week and it was very quiet, hardly anyone else at the lake. The spot is beautiful and we enjoyed canoeing around the lake and swimming in the lovely and warm waters!

Marjut H.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2023

Peaceful Getaway

This is the place! A short paddle away and tucked into the forest on a peaceful secluded bay, Paul and Rosa's cabin made for an incredibly peaceful getaway in the heart of nature. We loved the quirky details and all of the art and trinkets that decorated the cabin. Great swimming and paddling on the lake, tons of pots and pans to cook inside or outside, and a beautiful dock to kick back and relax on. Looking forward to our next visit. Thanks again!

Nick D.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2023

Dreamy spot!

My partner and I (and our cat!) loved our stay at Paul and Rosa's. Paul's instructions were very clear and it was an easy canoe to get across the lake. We went swimming, canoed around the lake and hung out on the dock. We were greeted by some great blue herons and loon calls every day that we were there. The cabin itself was very cozy and there was so much beautiful art and interesting trinkets to take in. We would 100% recommend booking and hope to stay here again.

Arwen S.

2 reviews

Recommends

· July 2023

Beautiful nature retreat

With pets

Paul gave lots of information prior to our visit. All of which was incredibly helpful and accurate. It was a short and easy paddle into the cottage. We were hosting friends who had never had such an experience and we were a little nervous that they would enjoy it. They loved it. Paul and Rosie’s welcoming and quirky cabin was so relaxing. The lake a beautiful calm oasis. We wished we could have stayed longer.