~3 hours from Toronto
Cottage Rental 3 Hours from Toronto — Sleeps 16 on Big Gull Lake
Looking for a lakefront cottage near Toronto that isn’t Muskoka? Island View Retreat sits on Big Gull Lake — a 6,000-acre hidden gem in Ontario’s Canadian Shield, just three hours east of the city. The cottage sleeps 16 across five bedrooms and a waterfront bunkie, with a private sandy beach, all water gear included, and a perfect 5.0-star rating across 37 reviews. At $6,850 per week in summer, it’s significantly less than comparable Muskoka properties sleeping the same number.
The Drive from Toronto
~3 hours
drive time
~280 km
distance
East
direction
Head east on Hwy 401 for about 170 km to Belleville, then exit north onto Hwy 37. Drive 44 km through scenic rural Ontario to Hwy 7, turn east, and continue 40 km to the first yellow flashing light past Kaladar. Turn right onto Arden Road for 3 km, then follow signs to Big Gull Lake Road. Once you leave the 401, the drive is relaxed and traffic-free — just rolling countryside giving way to Canadian Shield granite and pine.
What's Here
Island View Retreat is your reward for the three-hour drive. The cottage sleeps 16 across five bedrooms and a waterfront bunkie — ideal for multi-family getaways or friend groups looking for a weekend cottage escape from Toronto. Step out the door onto a private sandy beach with gentle water entry that’s perfect for young kids. Two canoes, two paddleboards, and two fishing kayaks are included at no extra cost, and Camp’s Bay Marina next door rents pontoon and fishing boats for $99–$219 per day. Big Gull Lake stretches 21 km with 30+ islands to explore, crystal-clear spring-fed water, and excellent fishing for walleye, bass, pike, and perch right off the dock. Summer weekly rentals are $6,850 — and with four families splitting the cost, that works out to as low as $117 per family per night. Spring and fall long weekends start at $600 per night with a three-night minimum.
Stops Along the Way
Belleville
Your halfway mark at about 1.5 hours from Toronto. Stock up on groceries, grab gas, or stop at Small Scale Bread (14 N Front St) for organic sourdough. This is the last major town before cottage country.
Tweed
A heritage town on Stoco Lake along Hwy 37. Worth a quick stop for the main-street charm and a coffee before the final stretch north.
Kaladar
The Hwy 7 junction where you turn toward Arden. Bon Echo Provincial Park is 20 minutes north of here — home to the iconic Mazinaw Rock and 260+ Indigenous pictographs. A great day trip during your stay.
Sharbot Lake
Just 20 minutes from the cottage and your go-to supply stop once you’re settled in. General store, LCBO, gas station, and a handful of restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Island View Retreat from Toronto?
Island View Retreat is approximately 3 hours (280 km) from downtown Toronto. The drive takes you east on Hwy 401 to Belleville, then north through scenic rural Ontario on Hwy 37 and Hwy 7 to the village of Arden on Big Gull Lake. It’s a relaxed drive once you leave the highway — no traffic, no congestion, just cottage country scenery.
What’s the best route from Toronto to Big Gull Lake?
Take Hwy 401 East for about 170 km to Belleville. Exit onto Hwy 37 North and drive 44 km to Hwy 7. Turn right (east) on Hwy 7 and continue 40 km — the Arden turn is at the first yellow flashing light past Kaladar. Turn right onto Arden Road for 3 km, then follow signs to Big Gull Lake. We recommend stopping in Belleville or Sharbot Lake for supplies on the way up.
Is Big Gull Lake better value than Muskoka?
Yes. Comparable Muskoka cottages sleeping 16 rent for $8,000–$14,000+ per week in summer. Island View Retreat is $6,850/week with a private sandy beach, all water gear included, and a 5.0-star rating across 37 reviews. You get the same Canadian Shield lake experience — clear water, rocky islands, loons — without the Muskoka price tag.
Can I do a weekend trip from Toronto, or is it only weekly?
Summer bookings (late June through Labour Day) are weekly only — Friday 4 PM to Friday 10 AM. Outside of summer, we offer 3-night minimum stays, which are perfect for a long weekend escape from Toronto. Spring and fall rates start at $600/night.
What should I stock up on before arriving at the cottage?
Belleville (1.5 hours from Toronto on Hwy 401) is your last major town for groceries and supplies. Sharbot Lake (20 minutes from the cottage) has a general store, LCBO, and gas station. Camp’s Bay Marina next door to the cottage has essentials, bait, ice cream, and snacks. We recommend doing a big grocery shop in Belleville or before you leave Toronto.
What is there to do near the cottage besides swimming and fishing?
Big Gull Lake is 6,000 acres with 30+ islands to explore by canoe or kayak (included free). You can fish for walleye, bass, and pike right off the dock. Bon Echo Provincial Park (45 min) has the iconic Mazinaw Rock. Frontenac Provincial Park (40 min) offers backcountry hiking. Kingston (1.5 hrs) has Fort Henry, 1000 Islands cruises, and waterfront dining.