Sand Lake · Rideau Lakes, Ontario
An island cottage,
reachable only by boat.
A few minutes from the marina, and a world away from everything else.
- Boat access only
- High-speed internet
- Smart TV
- Canoe & kayak
- Enjoy Nature
- Fire pit
Birch Island, Sand Lake
Welcome to Birch Island.
Your home away from home.
Birch Island Cottage is a peaceful, comfortable retreat on Sand Lake in Elgin, Ontario. Located only a short boat ride from Sand Lake Marina, the cottage gives access to the incredible Rideau Lakes system.
Bring your own boat or schedule a ride to and from the island with us. When you arrive at the private dock, you’ll feel transported — breathe in and enjoy the peace and comfort of your private getaway.
View the full cottageA look around
Inside comfort, outside quiet.
What’s here
Set up for an easy stay.
Outside
- Dock & elevated wraparound deck
- Fire pit — firewood, kindling & lighter
- Canoe, kayak, paddles & life jackets
- Badminton Net & Cornhole Games
- Inflatable party island
Inside
- Updated kitchen with dining nook
- Smart TV — Netflix, Prime, Disney+ & Apple TV+
- High-speed internet
- Vaulted pine ceilings and wood floors
Good to know
- Sleeps up to 6 — 2 bedrooms + loft + pullout couch
- 1 full bathroom
- Bed linens & bath towels provided
- Available June–September
How you get here
Park, hop in the boat, and you’re home.
Bring your own boat, schedule a ride to and from with us. You can even brave the 20-minute canoe ride.
Park at the marina
Drive to Sand Lake Marina, and leave the car there.
5 minutes on the water
Schedule a ride with us or launch your own boat at the public or private marina. The boat launch fee is $25.
Arrive at the dock
Welcome to Birch Island. Tie your boat or canoe to the dock and enjoy serenity. It’s time for a swim.
Direct Booking
A quiet place, booked the easy way.
Birch Island Cottage is now taking direct bookings. Here’s what you can count on from the moment you reach out.
Book direct with the owners
No platform fees, no middleman. You message us directly, and we answer every question ourselves.
Off the grid, still connected
High-speed internet keeps you online even on the island — stream, work a little, or just check the forecast.
Properly secluded
Boat access keeps things quiet and private — no through-traffic and no passers-by. Just your group, the dock, and the lake.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Book direct with the owners — no commission fees, instant confirmation, and a real person on the other end. Open June through September.
The area
Bass, pike, and the
whole Rideau system.
Sand Lake is part of the Rideau Lakes near Elgin, Ontario — water that’s long been known for its bass and pike. Cast right off the dock, or paddle out to a quiet bay. Beyond the fishing there’s kayaking, hiking, swimming, and the historic canal locks, with small-town restaurants, groceries, and day-trip stops nearby.
Ottawa is about 90 minutes northeast, Kingston 40 minutes south, and Toronto about three hours west.
Explore the area
Local guides
How to make the most of a stay.
Canoe & Kayak Routes
Easy, human-powered paddling from the dock — calm-morning routes, sheltered shoreline, and how to read the wind on Sand Lake.
5 min read
A Family Weekend with Kids
Swimming off the dock, easy paddling, s'mores by the fire, and a few good rainy-day backups — a practical guide to a weekend on the island with kids.
5 min read
The Rideau Canal Locks by Boat
Two historic lockstations sit right on Sand Lake. A day-trip guide to Davis Lock, Jones Falls and Chaffey's — the heritage, and how locking through works.
6 min read