Birch Island Cottage is boat access only — a secluded cottage on Birch Island, reached by a 3–5 minute boat ride. You’ll park on the mainland at Sand Lake Marina (222 Hugh’s Road), then either launch your own boat ($25 + parking) or take the marina water taxi ($7/trip). Call the marina ahead to arrange the taxi during business hours (9am–5pm); note the marina is closed Sundays. Details are at sandlakemarine.ca.

Yes. You can launch your own boat at Sand Lake Marina for $25 + parking. If you'd rather not, the marina water taxi runs $7/trip — just call ahead during business hours (9am–5pm) to arrange your crossing.

The marina water taxi runs 9am–5pm, so a later arrival means crossing before 5pm — or bringing your own boat. Let us know your arrival plan when you book and we'll help coordinate it.

Birch Island Cottage is a seasonal rental, open June through September, and closed over the winter and shoulder seasons.

The cottage sleeps up to 7 guests. Bedroom 1 has a queen bed; Bedroom 2 has a double bed plus a single loft bed; and the living room has a queen pullout couch. Twin air mattresses are available on request. The single loft bed in Bedroom 2 is best for a child or extra guest rather than a full second bedroom.

Sand Lake is about a 90-minute drive from Ottawa, which lies to the northeast.

Sand Lake is about a 40-minute drive from Kingston, which lies to the south.

Sand Lake is about a 3-hour drive from Toronto, mainly along Highway 401 East.

Yes — the cottage has high-speed internet, which provides fast, reliable coverage even out on the island.

Bed linens and bath towels, firewood and kindling for the fire pit, life jackets, and a canoe and kayak with paddles. Netflix, Prime, Disney+ and Apple TV+ are logged in on the Smart TV, and the kitchen is fully equipped.

Yes — a canoe and a kayak are available for guests at no extra charge, along with paddles and life jackets.

Yes — Sand Lake and the wider Rideau Lakes system are well known for bass and pike. You can cast right off the cottage's private dock or paddle the canoe or kayak out to quieter water. You'll need a valid Ontario fishing licence, and it's worth checking the current Ontario seasons and catch limits before you go. Our fishing guide covers where to start, the best times of day, and how to reach the quiet bays.

No — the cottage does not have a hot tub. It does have a fire pit by the shore, an elevated wraparound deck, a private dock, and direct lake access.

The kitchen has a propane countertop stove — each element is lit individually, and the propane tank is outside the cottage and on when you arrive. There's also a 2-in-1 microwave and convection oven, plus a full-size fridge and freezer.

Yes — the cottage runs on a lake-water supply treated with a UV filtration system, so it's safe to drink. Separately, the cottage is on a septic system, so please flush only toilet paper — no wipes, paper towel, or other non-flushable items.

Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Yes — you'll leave your car on the mainland at Sand Lake Marina, and 2 parking spots are included with your stay. If you have a larger group and need additional parking, contact us and we'll help sort it out. (Note: the marina is independently operated, so please follow their rules.)

No — pets aren't permitted at the cottage. Smoking is also not allowed inside, on the deck, or near open windows and doors.

Because it's a boat-access island, plan to bring groceries, drinks and supplies before you cross — there's no store on the island. We also suggest bug spray, sunscreen, water shoes, a flashlight or headlamp, and a power bank. Linens, towels and firewood are provided.

Minimum stay can vary by season and is shown in the live booking calendar. For the current cancellation terms, see the booking widget at checkout or contact us directly with any questions before you book.