Best Airbnb Muskoka Cottages For All Budgets

One region in Ontario gets all the spotlight when it comes to cottages and for good reason. Muskoka is known for being a getaway all year round but especially in the summer thanks to its pristine lakes, rivers, towering pines. To find your perfect home away from home, these are the best Airbnb Muskoka cottages from budget to luxury and the most unique.

16 Airbnb Muskoka Cottages Worthy Of Your Consideration

Muskoka has become synonymous with Canadian cottage living and is the spot get away from the city all year round but especially in the summer when the lakes warm up and the sun beats down our long days.

There are plenty of properties to choose from in Muskoka but which Airbnb Muskoka cottages are the best? This is a curated list of the best that will really open your eyes to some of the most unique and impressive cabins, log homes, and luxury getaways on the market.

To make things easier, I’ve organized them into different price ranges. The list is also sorted from least expensive to most expensive. Note that the prices are annual averages so the actual prices especially during high season may be higher.

My best tip for summer cottaging is to not wait to book. To secure a spot in the high season, you’ll need to book as early as November the previous year.

You’ll also need a cottage packing list so you know what to bring so make sure you read that next.

Budget Gems (<$200)

Cottage on the Muskoka River

This is an idyllic cottage set along the Muskoka River that’s perfect in all seasons.

On 20 acres of land, this is a great cottage for its proximity to downtown Bracebridge, and proximity to a ton of different hiking trails and waterfalls.

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The host, Lana, is a superhost and all reviews point to a very cozy, clean, and private, place to stay in Muskoka.

Muskoka Retreat

This affordable Airbnb Muskoka cottage has just about everything you’d be looking for in a perfect stay including waterfront access, plenty of water gear included, child-friendly features, tons of fish to catch, and comfortable digs.

A feature that you’ll find is quite difficult to find is a sandy and shallow beach at a waterfront. This makes this property great for kids.

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Located in MacTier, Ontario, it’s minutes away from supplies which makes it convenient, especially for long stays and last-minute top ups.

Recently, the owner has also renovated the basement with a games room.

Waterfront Cottage in Muskoka

You’ll love this Muskoka cottage with its modern renovations, large living spaces, stone patio, manicured green spaces, and waterfront. For the price, this property will give you ton of bang-for-buck.

Something you don’t see in every property is an indoor hot tub which is great for winters but also in the summer.

I also love how large the kitchen space is here and how open the backyard is leading down to the river.

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Located on the Severn River, you’ll be situated close to Washago for supplies, and also connected to a number of lakes to explore.

You’ll notice that this is a relatively new listing with limited number of reviews but from the guests so far, this looks like a winner and a worthy contender for you and your family.

The Eco-Cabin

This is a super unique off-the-grid cabin that’s meant for you to truly disconnect and experience Muskoka in peace and serenity.

Hand-built and surrounded by pines and granite boulders, this cabin has a very natural feeling with all of the wood features. Everything is eco-friendly with plenty of space, a kitchenette, and sleeping loft with queen bed.

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At the end of the day though, this may not be for everyone. Think of this is a glamping tiny home. You won’t have any electricity, the shower is outdoors, and it uses a composting toilet indoors.

What’s also worth noting is that this cabin is on the owner’s property so you’ll be neighbours with them and their children, clucking chickens, and tractor.

Family Muskoka Getaway

For the price, you’re getting a giant family cottage here that’s able to fit 14 people and has an astounding 11 beds.

What makes this Airbnb Muskoka cottage amazing is that picturesque lake view coupled with the lake access and all of the different water craft, and kids play areas outdoors.

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Being recently renovated, all the interior spaces are extremely cozy and homely. They even have a heated big bunkie for the kids.

While only 1 hour and 45 minutes drive from Toronto, spending a couple of days or weeks on Six Mile Lake might be just what the doctor orders.

Mid-Range ($200-$500)

Log Cottage On An Island

Just imagine living in a brand new log cottage on a private island in the heart of Muskoka. It doesn’t get better than this except it’ll be tough to find availability.

With sun-drenched dock, access to Loon Lake, gorgeous views from the deck, and magazine-worthy interiors, its hard to get this much cottage for so little in the region.

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Being on a private island has its perks and its disadvantages. While it’s “private”, there are 2 other properties on the island but they’re sufficiently spaced out that you won’t notice them.

Also, since it’s 200-300 metres from the shore, you’ll need to captain an included 14 foot aluminum boat with an electric motor. All the guests say that this is easy to use and convenient enough but it is something you need to factor.

Dragonfly at High Lake

If you’re seeking a smaller and cozier cottage in Muskoka, this one on High Lake is a great option.

Dragonfly has all of the mandatory features you’d be looking for including a spacious deck, plenty of shaded areas, huge dock, gazebo by the water, and cozy interiors.

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There are so many lounge spaces here that you’ll have plenty of places to go to find your comfy nook.

What’s unique about the landscape here is that the cottage is perched up on hill and water access is down hill and accessed by newly built stairs.

Moon River Lodge

Situated on 11 acres, Moon River Lodge is a perfect home away from home. With pine beams, cathedral ceilings, large fireplace, and tons of green plants sprinkled throughout, this cottage is cozy to say the least.

The town of Bala is not far and if you’d like to access the water, there are a number of public water access points although that does mean that this is not a waterfront property.

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The interior is mostly open concept which is great for lounging and hanging out with your family, friends, or just the two of you.

Surrounded by rolling hills, granite outcroppings, and mature trees, there is also a lot of land to explore.

Aux Box Muskoka

Take glamping, give it a modern makeover and you have this gem of a cabin, nestled near the Algonquin forests.

If you’ve ever wanted to try tiny living, this is the perfect little getaway.

The unexpected bonus here is the hot tub and the outdoor shower with heated water (only works in warmer months).

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The drawback to staying here is that you’ll find it challenging to cook and you won’t have running water.

Take this as an opportunity to disconnect while still being able to connect via the included wifi and electricity.

For meals, Huntsville isn’t far away so you can always support local businesses when your stomach growls.

Otter Haven

Modern living meets beautiful, grounded, and plenty of character in this cabin in the woods.

This is one of those properties that is almost too perfect. It’s got all the right furniture pieces, is clean, tidy, and has all the modern comforts so you don’t miss a beat.

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In the winter time, the lake freezes over which is great for skating. In the summer, the small lake is perfect for jumping in for a swim, relaxing and sunbathing on the deck.

Riverside Log Home

On the banks of the Muskoka River is this quintessential log home. Nestled amongst tall pine trees, you’ve got complete privacy here and inside it’s tastefully decorated and full of cottage vibes.

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Being along the river is a different from other cottages as there’s constant current running through. While not so great for swimming right off the waterfront, it is great for kayaking.

The location is also convenient to explore other highlights in the region including Arrowhead Provincial Park, Bracebridge Resource Management Centre, and the town of Huntsville.

Luxury ($500+)

South Muskoka Waterfront Retreat

When you get to the luxury bracket of Airbnb Muskoka cottages, you immediately start seeing a difference in amenities and size.

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This waterfront property has almost everything. Tennis court might not be on your top list of must-haves but this has it. This cottage even has a small tiki-like bar for a cool-down. You’ll have the body of water connecting from McLean Bay. Lastly you also have the indoor jacuzzi to massage your muscles.

Another unique feature to this cottage is its own private boat launch. For those that own a boat, this is a massive convenience because you won’t need to unload your boat at a public dock.

Muskoka Island Cottage on Kahshe Lake

This is the second island cottage on this list but what makes this different is that you’ll have the island to yourself and it is more than 3 times the size in capacity. You can almost run your own summer camp from here.

The photos truly don’t do this space justice as there aren’t quality ones in the listing however all reviews rave about how great this property is for large families and groups and is packed with almost too many things to do.

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The only major inconvenience/extra cost is the hiring of a water taxi to bring you here. Since a boat isn’t provided, you’ll need to pay for a ride from the nearby marina and it will cost you roughly $25 per trip and also an additional $15 per night for parking there.

Cedar Healing Retreat

This property is different from the others in that it may not seem like a luxury cottage but look closer and you’ll find a few features that make it unique.

The owners of this Muskoka cottage have clearly catered it for wellness and self-healing as it looks like they are practitioners themselves. As a result, the layout of the house and what’s included are conducive for these types of activities.

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With many large rooms, floor pillows, lounge chairs, and large dining table, you’ll find it perfect for yoga and group healing classes.

If interested, you can also pay for shiatsu, yoga, and sound healing classes run by the host for a fee.

Also note the 3.5 baths here which is another reason why this is good for multiple groups and families.

Modern Lake Muskoka Cottage and Boathouse

If you enjoy the finer things in life, this Airbnb Muskoka cottage is going to tick off all the boxes.

Located on Taylor Island (yes another island exclusive!), you can think of this as two properties in one. You have the main house which is a 3 bedroom + bunkie and 3 bath palace and then you have the neighbouring boathouse with tons of space to lounge, sunbathe, and hit the waters.

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From the impeccably chosen luxury furniture, decor, finishes, and manicured landscapes, this is a perfect for mature cottage-goers.

Luxury Retreat on Lake Muskoka

If you’re looking for that premium cottage on Lake Muskoka with both the size, access to the water, and loaded amenities, this property has it all.

Starting with the outside, you’ll be treated to 3 different decks located in different parts of the cottage including the boathouse which is packed with unlimited fun in the water. At night, take advantage of the two fire pits. That’s all before the incredible panoramic views you can get from nearly anywhere.

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Inside, this is a huge luxurious house with a rustic and cozy family feel. All appliances are professional-grade, there are plenty of games in the basement, huge tables for large groups, sauna, jacuzzi, gym, and multiple fireplaces.

To make the most of your stay, it’s recommended that you launch your own boat into Lake Muskoka which can be docked on the large covered slip or rent one at the nearby marina.

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