Island View Retreat
The Friends Trip That Finally Gets Out of the Group Chat
Every friend group has that trip that's been 'happening this summer' for three years. Here's the venue that ends the planning paralysis: one lakefront property that sleeps 16 in actual beds, costs about as much per person as a night out, and comes with the beach, the boats, the BBQ, and the fire pit already included. Somebody just has to pick the dates.
Who It's For
University friend groups scattered across Ontario, milestone birthdays and anniversaries, annual guys' fishing weekends, couples trips where four to eight couples each get a real bedroom or bed — any crew of 8–16 that wants a weekend that's actually about being together, not commuting between hotel rooms and restaurant reservations.
Why Big Gull Lake
Sleeps 16 Without a Single Air Mattress
2 queens, 5 doubles, and 2 singles across 5 bedrooms plus the waterfront bunkie — the most coveted room in the house for whoever calls it first.
About $61 a Night at Peak — Less Off-Peak
Summer peak of $6,850/week at full capacity is roughly $61 per person per night; a shoulder-season long weekend can run under $40. Cheaper than most concert tickets.
The Day Plans Itself
Beach, dock fishing, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, BBQ, board games, fire pit. Nobody has to organize activities — they're all just there.
Room for the Whole Crew to Coexist
Early risers get the dock at sunrise, the beach crew claims the afternoon, the chefs own the kitchen, and everyone converges at the fire pit.
Nobody to Bother but the Loons
1.2 private acres, your own beach, dark skies, and no shared walls — the group can be as loud around the fire as the stories require.
What You Can Do Here
Fishing Weekend
Walleye, bass, pike, and perch off the dock, or rent a proper fishing boat from Camp's Bay Marina next door ($99–$149/day for 14' aluminums).
Paddle Races
Two canoes, two kayaks, and two paddleboards included — 30+ islands to race to, argue about, and race back from.
Beach Olympics
A private sandy beach for the tournament your group invents on day one and takes far too seriously by day two.
BBQ Cook-Off
The Weber BBQ plus dining for 28 means dinner is an event, not a reservation for 14 that restaurants keep refusing.
Fire Pit Nights
Waterfront fire pit, genuinely dark skies, and the stories that only come out on trips like this.
Bon Echo Day Trip
The Mazinaw Rock cliffs at Bon Echo Provincial Park are 45 minutes away for a group hike that earns the evening's BBQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many friends can stay?
16 in real beds — 2 queens, 5 doubles, and 2 singles across 5 bedrooms and a waterfront bunkie. A sofa bed adds flexibility, and premium air mattresses can be rented if the group swells.
What does a weekend actually cost each?
Shoulder-season stays start at $600/night with a 3-night minimum — a full group of 16 pays under $40 per person per night. Summer peak is $6,850/week, roughly $61 per person per night at capacity, with water toys, WiFi, A/C, BBQ, and fire pit included.
Can we have a fire and music at night?
The waterfront fire pit is yours, and with 1.2 private acres there are no shared walls. We ask groups to respect the lake's quiet hours and neighbours across the water — the kind of consideration that keeps our 5.0-star hosting reputation intact.
Is it good for a milestone birthday or anniversary?
It's built for it — dining for 28 handles the big dinner, the deck and beach host the day, and the bunkie becomes the guest-of-honour suite. October weekends are a favourite for fall-birthday crews.
What about a guys' fishing weekend?
Walleye, bass, pike, and perch in a 6,000-acre lake, dock fishing at dawn, free public boat launches (Helen Lane and Thompson Road), and Camp's Bay Marina next door for boat rentals, fuel, and bait. This is that trip.
How central is it for a scattered group?
About 3 hours from Toronto, 2 from Ottawa, and 1.5 from Kingston — the classic meet-in-the-middle spot for friend groups spread across eastern Ontario.