6,000 Acres of Pure Fun
Crystal-clear Canadian Shield water, a private sandy beach, your own dock, and 2 stand-up paddleboards included with every stay. Rent a boat next door for tubing, skiing, and wakeboarding — or just float all day.
Water Activities on Big Gull Lake
From lazy paddleboard mornings to high-speed tubing runs — Big Gull Lake's 6,000 acres have something for every energy level and age group.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
None — 2 SUPs includedGlide across glass-calm morning water on one of our included SUPs. Great core workout, incredibly peaceful, and surprisingly effective for fishing.
Swimming
None — private beach includedPrivate sandy beach with gradual entry — safe for toddlers, fun for adults. Crystal-clear Canadian Shield water that's swimmable from June through September.
Tubing
Boat rental + tube (Camp's Bay Marina)6,000 acres of open water means endless tubing runs. The east basin has long straight stretches perfect for picking up speed.
Water Skiing
Boat rental + skis (bring your own skis)Morning glass water on Big Gull Lake creates ideal conditions. The sheltered coves are perfect for beginners, while the open east basin offers long runs.
Wakeboarding
Boat rental + wakeboard (bring your own board)The lake's calm mornings and open stretches make for excellent wakeboarding sessions. Bring your own board and rent a boat from Camp's Bay Marina.
Dock Jumping & Swimming
None — private dock includedThe private dock is perfect for jumping, sunbathing, and hanging out on the water. Kids (and adults) love it.
What's Included
Island View Retreat comes equipped for water fun from the moment you arrive — no extras to rent for the essentials.
2 Stand-Up Paddleboards
Stable, beginner-friendly SUPs ready on the beach. Glide across glass-calm morning water — the best way to start a day on the lake.
Private Sandy Beach
Your own stretch of lakefront with soft sand and gradual entry. Safe for toddlers, fun for everyone. Crystal-clear spring-fed water.
Private Dock
Jump off, sunbathe on, fish from, or just hang out. The dock is the social hub of any stay — and it's all yours.
Life Jackets
Multiple sizes available for adults and children. PFDs are legally required on all watercraft in Ontario — we have you covered.
Boat Rentals for Tubing, Skiing & More
Camp's Bay Marina is steps from Island View Retreat. Rent a boat and you've got 6,000 acres of open water for tubing, water skiing, and wakeboarding. The east basin has long straight stretches perfect for picking up speed.
Water Temperature by Month
Big Gull Lake is a spring-fed Canadian Shield lake — crystal-clear and clean. Water temps peak in August, but the lake is swimmable from June through September.
May
10–14°CCold — wetsuits recommended. Ice-out typically late April.
June
16–20°CRefreshing — swimmable for most. Great for paddleboarding.
July
21–24°CPerfect — peak swimming season. Warm enough for extended swims.
August
22–25°CWarmest — the lake holds summer heat. Best month for water sports.
September
17–20°CCooling — still swimmable. Beautiful fall paddle conditions.
October
10–14°CBrisk — hardy swimmers only. Stunning fall colour paddling.
The Beach & The Dock
Island View Retreat sits on 1.2 acres of private lakefront with its own sandy beach and dock — no sharing, no crowds, just your group and the lake.
The Beach
Soft, sandy bottom with a gradual slope into the water — toddlers can wade safely while older kids swim out further. The spring-fed water is crystal-clear; you can see the bottom at chest depth.
The Dock
The social hub of the property. Jump off into deep water, sunbathe all afternoon, cast a fishing line off the side, or just sit with your feet in the water and watch the sunset.
Water Safety
Big Gull Lake is a safe, clean lake — but open water demands respect. Keep these guidelines in mind for a safe and fun trip.
PFD Requirements
- Life jackets legally required on all watercraft
- One properly fitted PFD per person
- Children under 12 must wear PFDs at all times on the water
- Multiple sizes available at Island View Retreat
Boating Regulations
- Ontario boating licence required for motorized boats
- No-wake zones near docks and swimming areas
- Navigation lights required after dark
- Maximum speed limits in sheltered bays
Swimming Safety
- Swim in designated areas near the beach
- Supervise children at all times near water
- Check water depth before diving or jumping
- Be aware of boat traffic when swimming off the dock
Buddy System
- Never swim or paddle alone
- Tell someone your plan before heading out
- Stay within sight of the cottage on SUPs and kayaks
- Carry a whistle on all watercraft
Life on the Water
Paddleboarding at sunrise, dock jumping all afternoon, and sunset swims — this is what summer on Big Gull Lake looks like.
Make a Splash on Big Gull Lake
Private beach, private dock, 2 SUPs included, and Camp's Bay Marina right next door with boat rentals for tubing, skiing, and wakeboarding. Everything you need for a summer on the water.