What's Already Provided at Island View Retreat
Most cottage packing lists assume a bare-bones rental. Island View Retreat is fully equipped, which means you can leave a lot at home. Here's what's waiting for you:
- Full kitchen — all cookware, dishes, utensils, coffee maker, dishwasher
- Weber Genesis BBQ, ready to go
- 2 canoes, 2 stand-up paddleboards, 2 fishing kayaks
- Fire pit with Muskoka chairs
- WiFi, A/C, Smart TVs with streaming apps
- Washer and dryer — pack lighter for longer stays
- Cleaning supplies and garbage service
- PFDs (personal flotation devices)
Optional linen service ($250/week) covers all bedding, towels, face cloths, and soaps. And Camp's Bay Marina — a 2-minute walk — has boat rentals ($99–$219/day), fuel, bait, fishing licenses, ice cream, and a convenience store.
Island View Retreat is a gem!! 8 children and 8 adults for a week had a great time in a great place. Kevin was great — personable, helpful, and working to make the week happen for our best experience.
George, 4 families, 16 guests
Clothing & Layers
- Swimsuits — pack 2 per person so one can dry while you wear the other
- Quick-dry layers, hoodies, and flannel for cool evenings
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Comfortable walking shoes, water shoes, and flip-flops for the dock
- Hats and sunglasses
- Pajamas — cottage nights can drop to 10–15 °C even in July
IVR has a washer and dryer, so you can re-wear and pack lighter — especially for week-long stays.
Sun, Bug & Safety Essentials
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+ minimum — reapply after swimming)
- Bug spray (DEET-based recommended for North Frontenac evenings)
- After-bite relief cream
- Citronella candles or Thermacell for the deck and patio
- First aid kit — bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, antihistamines, tweezers
- Prescription medications
- Health cards (Ontario) or travel health insurance info
Kitchen & Food
The kitchen is fully equipped — pots, pans, utensils, dishes, coffee maker, dishwasher. Bring food, not gear.
- Groceries for planned meals — the nearest full grocery store is ~20 min away in Sharbot Lake
- Coffee, tea, favourite spices and condiments
- Cooler with ice for the drive up (ice also available at Camp's Bay Marina)
- Snacks for the car and the dock
- S'mores supplies — the fire pit is provided!
- BBQ marinades and favourites — the Weber Genesis is ready to go
- Reusable water bottles
- Ziplock bags and aluminum foil
Water & Beach Gear
Two canoes, two paddleboards, and two fishing kayaks are included — no need to bring watercraft. For the rest:
- Beach towels (bring your own even if you opt for linen service)
- Water shoes for rocky shoreline exploring
- Goggles or snorkel masks — Big Gull Lake has 5+ metre visibility
- Inflatables, pool noodles, and water toys for kids
- Fishing rods and tackle if you have your own — bait is available at Camp's Bay Marina
For species details and seasonal tips, check our Big Gull Lake fishing guide. The lake's crystal-clear water makes goggles well worth packing.
Entertainment & Rainy Day Essentials
- Board games and card games — cottage classics like Catan, Codenames, and Euchre
- Books, magazines, and journals
- Bluetooth speaker for the dock or beach
- Downloaded movies and shows as backup for larger groups
- Camera or phone for photos — the sunrises over Big Gull Lake are spectacular
- Binoculars for birdwatching (loons, herons, and bald eagles are common)
- Star chart or astronomy app — Big Gull Lake has exceptional dark skies
Looking for more ideas? Our guide to things to do near Big Gull Lake covers rainy-day options and local attractions. For stargazing at Big Gull Lake, the Milky Way is visible with the naked eye from June through September.
Packing for Kids & Families
- Extra swimsuits and changes of clothes — kids get wet constantly
- Water shoes (mandatory for shoreline exploring)
- Sand toys for the private sandy beach
- Life jackets sized for children (IVR provides PFDs, but bring child-specific sizes to be safe)
- Favourite snacks, drinks, and comfort items
- Baby gear if needed: travel crib, high chair, diapers, wipes (a crib is available at the property)
- Bug spray formulated for kids
- Glow sticks and flashlights for evening adventures
The property sits on 1.2 acres with a private sandy beach and gentle water entry — safe for toddlers and perfect for families.
Large Group Packing Tips (8–16 Guests)
Island View Retreat sleeps 16 across 5 bedrooms and a bunkie, so most groups are multi-family or large friend groups. A little coordination goes a long way:
- Coordinate meals — assign cooking nights to different families
- Use a shared grocery list (Google Sheets or a group chat works well)
- Label coolers by family or meal
- Pack in totes and laundry baskets, not suitcases — easier to unpack and repack
- Bring a folding table or extra seating for game nights (IVR seats 28 across 4 dining areas, but extra is handy)
- Bring cash — some local spots don't accept cards
The “Don't Forget” Checklist
These are the items Ontario cottage guests forget most often. Double-check before you leave:
- Phone chargers and a power strip or extension cord
- Flashlight or headlamp (for nighttime dock walks and stargazing)
- Extra garbage bags
- Bottle opener and corkscrew
- Matches or lighter for the fire pit
- Cash for local stops
- Reservation confirmation and directions
What NOT to Pack
Save the trunk space. These are things guests commonly overpack that you don't need at Island View Retreat:
- Full bedding sets — linen service is available for $250/week
- Canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards — all included
- BBQ tools — the Weber Genesis is fully stocked
- Dish soap and cleaning supplies — all provided
- An entire entertainment system — Smart TVs with streaming apps are ready to go
- A paper map — WiFi and cell signal are available, and our guest info page has directions
Curious what else is included? Explore the cottage or read guest reviews — we're rated 5.0 across 37 reviews.
Seasonal Packing Adjustments
Spring (May–June)
Extra layers, rain gear, and rubber boots. Water temperatures range from 10–20°C, so wetsuits or splash guards are worthwhile if you plan to paddle early in the season. Bug spray is essential.
Summer (July–August)
Peak swimming season. Sunscreen is critical. Pack light clothing, more beach gear, and extra swimsuits. Water temperatures reach 22–25°C — perfect for long days on the lake.
Fall (September–October)
Warm layers, fleece, and toques for evening bonfires. Fall colours along Big Gull Lake's 75 km of shoreline are spectacular. Fewer bugs, but the nights are cool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack for a cottage weekend in Ontario?
Pack layers for changing weather (hoodies, rain jacket), swimsuits, sunscreen, bug spray, and your groceries. The most forgotten items are bug spray, a bottle opener, coffee, and extra towels. At Island View Retreat, the kitchen is fully equipped and water toys are included, so you can focus on packing clothes, food, and personal items.
Does Island View Retreat provide towels and bedding?
We offer an optional linen service for $250/week that includes all bedding, towels, face cloths, and soaps. If you prefer to bring your own, pack bath towels, beach towels, and bed linens for your group. The property also has a washer and dryer, so you can wash and reuse during your stay. Check our guest info page for full details.
Do I need to bring my own canoe or kayak?
No. Island View Retreat includes 2 canoes, 2 stand-up paddleboards, and 2 fishing kayaks at no extra charge. If you want a motorboat, Camp's Bay Marina is a 2-minute walk and offers boat rentals from $99–$219/day. You don't need to trailer any watercraft to Big Gull Lake.
Where is the nearest grocery store to Big Gull Lake?
The nearest full grocery store is in Sharbot Lake, about 20 minutes from Island View Retreat. Sharbot Lake also has an LCBO, gas station, and restaurants. For last-minute items like ice, snacks, and drinks, Camp's Bay Marina is right next door.
Should I bring bug spray to cottage country?
Yes — bug spray is essential for any Ontario cottage trip, especially near lakes. DEET-based repellent works best for the mosquitoes and black flies common in North Frontenac from May through August. Bring after-bite relief cream too. The screened porch at Island View Retreat lets you enjoy bug-free outdoor dining.
What do I need to bring for fishing at the cottage?
Bring your own fishing rods and tackle if you have them — or buy everything you need at Camp's Bay Marina (a 2-minute walk), including live bait, lures, and Ontario fishing licenses. Island View Retreat provides 2 fishing kayaks, and you can catch perch and bass right off the dock. See our Big Gull Lake fishing guide for species, seasons, and techniques.
Is there WiFi at Island View Retreat?
Yes. Island View Retreat has WiFi throughout the property, which supports streaming on the Smart TVs and general browsing. For larger groups, we recommend downloading movies and shows before you arrive as a backup. The cottage also has cable TV, Netflix, and app streaming on multiple Smart TVs.
