Entire home

Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat!

Photo gallery for Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat!

A large blue house with a dock and red chairs by a pond. - Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat! (Bala)
A cozy room with a large window, a ceiling fan, and a couch with pillows. - Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat! (Bala)
A sunroom with two wicker chairs, a lamp, and a view of a lake. - Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat! (Bala)
A wooden dock with a covered seating area, a boat, and a kayak. - Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat! (Bala)
A two-story house with a covered patio, outdoor seating, and a stone staircase leading to the deck. - Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat! (Bala)
Consider a stay at Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat! and take advantage of a firepit, a garden and a playground. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Free in-room WiFi, with a speed of 50+ Mbps, and laundry facilities are available to all guests.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 8183 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi

Add dates for prices

About this property

Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat!

  • Welcome to Birchwood in Bala, a meticulously preserved historic cottage nestled in the heart of Muskoka. This beautifully maintained retreat seamlessly blends timeless charm with modern comforts, ensuring an unforgettable getaway.

    Property Highlights

    Birchwood graces the shores of scenic Lake Muskoka and offers a quick stroll into the enchanting lakeside town of Bala. Revel in the southwest lakefront exposure, providing sun-drenched days on the dock and breathtaking sunset views from the 8-person hot tub in the evenings.

    For families, the sandy beach entry is perfect for children, while swimmers can enjoy 6 feet of refreshing water off the dock. Boating enthusiasts will appreciate the convenience of the 26' covered boat slip, making Birchwood an ideal choice for the perfect family cottage experience.

    All upstairs bedrooms boast ensuite washrooms, ensuring privacy and convenience for all guests. Modern amenities include high-speed wireless internet, Netflix-enabled TV, air conditioning, on-demand hot water, municipal water, an induction stove, a cocktail ice ball-making fridge, and high-quality linens and mattresses.

    Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Birchwood in Bala, where historic allure meets contemporary luxury. Book your Muskoka escape now for a truly exceptional experience.

    Town of Muskoka Lakes Short-Term Rental Licence: STRA-TML-26-0057

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • Up to 9 kg per pet

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible parking space
  • No lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near the marina
  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Local artist showcase
  • Recycling
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Unit size: 1,966 square feet

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  • Spa pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total (up to 9 kg per pet)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Located in Muskoka Lakes, this cottage is on the waterfront. The Port Carling Wall and Gravenhurst Narrows Lighthouse are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Muskoka and Hardy Lake Provincial Park. Muskoka Sports and Recreation and Santa's Village are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and cycling. Visit our Bala travel guide
View more Cottages in Bala
Map
Bala, ON

What's nearby

  • Two Adirondack chairs on a wooden dock overlooking a calm lake with a forested hill in the background.
    Lake Muskoka
    1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Bala Falls
    5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • The KEE to Bala
    8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Bala's Museum
    8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Long Lake
    20 min walk - 1.7 km

Getting around

  • Gravenhurst Station
    21 min drive
  • Muskoka, ON (YQA)
    31 min drive

Restaurants

  • Don's Bakery
    5 min walk
  • Hook and Ladder
    9 min walk
  • Bala Falls Pub
    9 min walk
  • The Pearl
    12 min walk
  • Jack And Stella
    10 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet.

How much is parking at Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within a 10-minute walk of Lake Muskoka, Bala Falls and The KEE to Bala. Bala's Museum and Jaspen Park are also within 15 minutes.

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Birchwood in Bala - Stroll to Town from Your Lake Muskoka Retreat! Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews

10

Cleanliness

9.6

Location

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Birchwood

Just a beautiful property, with the perfect combination of historical architecture with modern amenities. Very well provisioned and easy access, made for a tremendous stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pretty Cottage

Thoroughly clean and well kept. It had all the ammenities you would need. Very pretty cottage.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

End of Summer get-away

We were beyond happy staying at this gorgeous cottage, it was stunning and described perfectly in the ad. The cottage had everything we may have needed in the kitchen, plenty of clean fluffy towels, very comfy beds and exquisitely clean. Don’t hesitate on booking.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful spot

Great weekend with family. On the lake and a 5 minute walk to town. Enjoyed the train! Every room upstairs has their own washroom. Lots of places to relax!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Cottage Experience

There are to many outstanding things to say about this cottage and the wonderful host. The location is walking distance to awesome restaurants, marina and local shops. The cottage itself is fantastic! The beds are comfortable, the cottage is very clean, and the amenities are abundant. We loved the boat house and dock with the steps down to the little beach / lake. The kids loved their rooms as well as the parents. We cannot wait to go back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

A taste of historic Bala

We enjoyed our the lake house and it’s well laid out common area including many thoughtful tidbits - well stocked kitchen, tons of towels, blankets..even hiking trail maps. We felt right at home in no time at all. Only caution we had relate to the location - there is a train track not more than 150 yards from the property. The train appears to run about every 3 hours. Our party included two infants 2 and 3 years old…at first they were enthusiastically taking it in but after awhile, the horn and rumbling did disturb their sleep.Were it not for the proximity of the train, we would all have rated this property 5 stars.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A beautiful cottage on Bala Bay. Has everything to entertain guests of all ages. We would book again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome Property!

It was a great weekend with friends. Communication was great with host. Would stay there again for sure!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The owners were great to communicate with, the property could not have been cleaner, and the property was just as described and better
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
So welcoming! Wonderfully equipped kitchen. Beautiful decor. Even special occasion decorations. Great location. Superlative stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved our stay at this property. The home has been lovingly updated while retaining bits of its history. The view of the lake and proximity to both town and the marina is perfect (shout out to the team at Bala Cove Marina who are wonderful!) Liam is responsive and helpful and we were able to extend our stay an extra day. If you want to visit Bala this the place … bonus hummingbird sightings and terrific mugs!!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bala

Overall, five star
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025