[See all properties](http://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat! Lakefront cottage with kitchen and patio ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/102000000/101520000/101513300/101513227/c67a72c7.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/102000000/101520000/101513300/101513227/ccf4ae53.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/102000000/101520000/101513300/101513227/cb97fbe2.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Marina](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/102000000/101520000/101513300/101513227/3fc8b0be.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/102000000/101520000/101513300/101513227/d5b7e19c.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Amenities - Policies - Location Birchwood in Bala is a historic cottage retreat nestled on scenic Lake Muskoka's shores. Step into the enchanting lakeside town of Bala or unwind with sunset views from the 8-person hot tub, and enjoy modern comforts like high-speed wireless internet and Netflix-enabled TV. 10 Exceptional ### Entire home 4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 81966 sq ft ## Popular amenities - Parking available - Dryer - Hot tub - Pet-friendly - Washer - Fireplace ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## About this property ### Entire place You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party. ### Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat! Welcome to Birchwood in Bala, a meticulously preserved historic cottage nestled in the heart of Muskoka. This beautifully maintained retreat seamlessly blends timeless charm with modern comforts, ensuring an unforgettable getaway. Property Highlights: Birchwood graces the shores of scenic Lake Muskoka and offers a quick stroll into the enchanting lakeside town of Bala. Revel in the southwest lakefront exposure, providing sun-drenched days on the dock and breathtaking sunset views from the 8-person hot tub in the evenings. For families, the sandy beach entry is perfect for children, while swimmers can enjoy 6 feet of refreshing water off the dock. Boating enthusiasts will appreciate the convenience of the 26' covered boat slip, making Birchwood an ideal choice for the perfect family cottage experience. All upstairs bedrooms boast ensuite washrooms, ensuring privacy and convenience for all guests. Modern amenities include high-speed wireless internet, Netflix-enabled TV, air conditioning, on-demand hot water, municipal water, an induction stove, a cocktail ice ball-making fridge, and high-quality linens and mattresses. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Birchwood in Bala, where historic allure meets contemporary luxury. Book your Muskoka escape now for a truly exceptional experience. ## Property amenities ### Beach - Beach loungers - Beach towels ### Pool/Spa - Hot tub ### Internet - Available in the cottage: Free WiFi ### Parking and transportation - Parking on site ### Kitchen - Blender - Coffee grinder - Coffee/tea maker - Cookware, dishware, and utensils - Dishwasher - Electric kettle - Ice maker - Lobster/crab pot - Microwave - Oven - Refrigerator - Spices - Stovetop - Toaster ### Dining - Dining table ### Bedrooms - 4 bedrooms - Bedsheets provided ### Bathroom - 3.5 bathrooms - Bathtub or shower - Hair dryer - Shower - Soap - Toilet paper - Towels provided ### Living spaces - Dining table - Fireplace - Living room ### Entertainment - Books - Smart TV ### Outdoor areas - Barbecue grill - Firepit - Garden - Outdoor furniture - Patio ### Laundry - Laundry facilities - Washing machine ### Comfort - Air conditioning - Heating ### Pets - Pet friendly - Welcoming dogs only - One pet total (up to 20 lbs per pet) ### Suitability/Accessibility - Smoking not allowed ### Services and conveniences - Iron/ironing board ### Location highlights - Near the marina - On a lake - On the waterfront ### Things to do - Cycling nearby - Fishing nearby - Golfing nearby - Hiking/biking trails nearby - Jet skiing nearby - Kayaking nearby - Motor boating nearby - Sailing nearby - Swimming nearby - Water skiing nearby - Water tubing nearby - Wildlife walks nearby - Winery tours nearby ### Safety features - Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property) - Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property) - First aid kit - Fire extinguisher - Deadbolt lock ### General - At least 80% lighting from LEDs - Energy-saving switches in guestrooms - Garden - Local artist showcase - Recycling - Unit size: 1,966 square feet ## Similar properties ![Interior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/35000000/34340000/34330400/34330379/00ad9c00.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Lake Muskoka Executive Cottage Port Carling - Hot tub - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer 9.6 Exceptional 21 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-26&endDate=2025-10-27&selected=34330379&PinnedHotelID=34330379&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Terrace/patio](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/70000000/69790000/69783900/69783842/4655fd50.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Muskoka Waterfront Retreat Port Carling - Kitchen - Pet-friendly - Free WiFi - Outdoor space 9.6 Exceptional 21 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-26&endDate=2025-10-27&selected=69783842&PinnedHotelID=69783842&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/32000000/31260000/31255800/31255728/b105626e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Lake Rosseau escape: vibrant fall colours, stunning views and luxury new build. 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Port Carling - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Pet-friendly 9.6 Exceptional 25 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-26&endDate=2025-10-27&selected=57919739&PinnedHotelID=57919739&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/119000000/118710000/118703400/118703343/fbe850e9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Muskoka lakefront,private sand beach ,cosy-family cottage Port Carling - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Pet-friendly 9.4 Exceptional 3 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-26&endDate=2025-10-27&selected=118703343&PinnedHotelID=118703343&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ## Policies ### Check-in Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM Minimum check-in age: 25 ### Check-out Check-out before 10:00 AM ### Special check-in instructions You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions ### Check-out instructions The host requires you complete the following before checking out: Start the dishwasher Remove personal items Turn off the lights and lock the doors Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host. ### Pets Pets allowed Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees Welcoming dogs only 1 total (up to 20 lbs per pet) ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome ### Events No events allowed ### Smoking Smoking is not permitted ## Important information ### You need to know 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 Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited Long-term renters welcome Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation ## About the area ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C45.01418%2C-79.61185&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=x02XswKjqN3kJY-NfQEedeVhdQI=) Bala, ON #### What's nearby - Lake Muskoka - 5 min walk - 0.5 km - Bala's Museum - 8 min walk - 0.7 km - Muskoka Lakes Winery - 9 min drive - 7.3 km - Hardy Lake Provincial Park - 9 min drive - 9.1 km - Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve - 19 min drive - 16.7 km #### Getting around - Gravenhurst Station - 21 min drive - Muskoka, ON (YQA) - 31 min drive #### Restaurants - ‪Clear Lake Brewing Co - ‬6 min drive - ‪Don's Bakery - ‬5 min walk - ‪Bala Falls Pub - ‬9 min walk - ‪Hook and Ladder - ‬9 min walk - ‪The Pearl - ‬12 min walk ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat! pet-friendly? > Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 20 lbs per pet. ### What time is check-in at Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat!? > Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. ### What time is check-out at Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat!? > Check-out is at 10:00 AM. ### Where is Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat! located? > Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within a 10-minute walk of Lake Muskoka and Bala's Museum. Muskoka Lakes Winery and Hardy Lake Provincial Park are also within 6 mi (10 km). ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat! Reviews 10 ### Exceptional All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.[More information](https://www.expedia.ca/lp/b/content-guidelines) ### 10 Cleanliness ### 9.4 Location 10 - Excellent 12 8 - Good 1 6 - Okay 0 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Colleen G. Jul 12, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy A beautiful cottage on Bala Bay. Has everything to entertain guests of all ages. We would book again! ##### Colleen G. Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Kyle W. Jun 16, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Awesome Property! It was a great weekend with friends. Communication was great with host. Would stay there again for sure! ##### Kyle W. Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Abe F. Jun 30, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Bala Overall, five star ##### Abe F. Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Scott J. Aug 26, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Beautiful Birchwood Just a beautiful property, with the perfect combination of historical architecture with modern amenities. Very well provisioned and easy access, made for a tremendous stay. ##### Scott J. Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Lisa M. Oct 1, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Beautiful spot Great weekend with family. On the lake and a 5 minute walk to town. Enjoyed the train! Every room upstairs has their own washroom. Lots of places to relax! ##### Lisa M. Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Kelly H. Sep 2, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### End of Summer get-away We were beyond happy staying at this gorgeous cottage, it was stunning and described perfectly in the ad. The cottage had everything we may have needed in the kitchen, plenty of clean fluffy towels, very comfy beds and exquisitely clean. Don’t hesitate on booking. ##### Kelly H. Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Paula R. Jul 21, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Pretty Cottage Thoroughly clean and well kept. It had all the ammenities you would need. Very pretty cottage. ##### Paula R. Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Jenningsg f T. Jul 15, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Best Cottage Experience There are to many outstanding things to say about this cottage and the wonderful host. The location is walking distance to awesome restaurants, marina and local shops. The cottage itself is fantastic! The beds are comfortable, the cottage is very clean, and the amenities are abundant. We loved the boat house and dock with the steps down to the little beach / lake. The kids loved their rooms as well as the parents. We cannot wait to go back! ##### Jenningsg f T. Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024 ### 8/10 Good #### Ellen K. Jul 7, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy #### A taste of historic Bala We enjoyed our the lake house and it’s well laid out common area including many thoughtful tidbits - well stocked kitchen, tons of towels, blankets..even hiking trail maps. We felt right at home in no time at all. Only caution we had relate to the location - there is a train track not more than 150 yards from the property. The train appears to run about every 3 hours. Our party included two infants 2 and 3 years old…at first they were enthusiastically taking it in but after awhile, the horn and rumbling did disturb their sleep.Were it not for the proximity of the train, we would all have rated this property 5 stars. ##### Ellen K. 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