Dock and beaches
A private dock with Muskoka chairs and a small sand beach directly beside it. Two public beaches are a short walk along Forest Harbour Parkway. A kayak, a paddleboard and floating toys are available for guests.
Waubaushene, Ontario · Georgian Bay
Your own dock on Georgian Bay
A private three-bedroom waterfront house with a sand beach, hot tub and stone fire pit. Ninety minutes from Toronto.
The stay
Mornings on the dock. Evenings by the fire.
Forest Harbour is a cedar and stone house on a deep, wooded lot that runs 300 feet down to 35 feet of private Georgian Bay shoreline. Swim from the dock or the sand beach, fish from your own boat, relax in the hot tub, and gather around the stone fire pit each evening.
The house sleeps seven across three bedrooms and three bathrooms, with a full kitchen and a stone fireplace for cool evenings. Ski hills, snowmobile trails and the 30,000 Islands are all nearby.
- 3Bedrooms
- 3Bathrooms
- 7Guests
- 35 ftPrivate shoreline
- Hot tubAnd fire pit
Photos
Have a look around
Highlights
Property highlights
Hot tub with a view
A private outdoor hot tub beneath the trees, overlooking the lawn and bay. Open year-round, it is equally enjoyable after a day of skiing or snowmobiling.
Fire pit nights
A large stone fire pit surrounded by eight Muskoka chairs, with firewood stacked and ready.
Fishing and boating
Pike, bass and perch can be caught from the dock. Guests may rent our fishing boat or use their own, with access north to Lock 45 or south to Sturgeon Bay.
Hunting, trails and off-road
Fall waterfowl hunting in Matchedash Bay by boat, snowmobile trails a few kilometres away, Burrows Lake for off-road riding, and RJ Motosport's dirt bike track 25 minutes south.
All four seasons
Ten minutes to Mount St. Louis Moonstone for skiing, ice fishing on the bay, and fall colours.
Your host
Hi, I'm Sheldon
My wife Nancy and I bought Forest Harbour about two years ago, and it's our family cottage. It's where we and our two kids come to slow down, get out on the water and gather around the fire. We hope you'll treat it like your own family cottage while you're here, and that it becomes a place your family looks forward to coming back to.
By profession I'm a Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.). I studied civil engineering technology at George Brown College and have spent more than 15 years in construction, starting out as a framer and working my way up to inspecting residential, commercial, industrial and municipal structures. That background means the house, dock and hot tub are looked after with a careful eye.
When I'm here, you'll find me on the boat, the ATV or the snowmobile, and I'm glad to share routes, fishing spots and local tips. I speak English and Italian, and I reply to every booking request within 24 hours.
The bay is waiting
Check availabilityThe house
Three bedrooms on Georgian Bay
- 3 bedrooms
- 3 bathrooms
- 7 guests
- 35 ft of shoreline
Where you'll sleep
Three quiet bedrooms
Each bedroom has its own colour and character, with fresh linens and towels ready when you arrive. Together they sleep up to seven.
King bed · Lake view
Master bedroom (the green room)
A king bed under a warm cedar ceiling, with built-in wood shelving and a wall of windows with a waterfront view, looking out over the backyard to the lake.
Queen bed · Second floor
The red room
Upstairs on the second floor, with a queen bed in a tall black iron canopy frame and deep red walls. Its window looks out over the garden in the front yard.
Queen bed and double bed · Second floor
The blue room
Also on the second floor, bright and airy with two beds side by side, overlooking the front garden. A good fit for children or two friends sharing.
Living spaces
Room to gather
Cedar walls, stone and big windows run through the main floor, so every room feels connected to the trees and the bay.
Living room
The heart of the house is a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. The leather couches all recline, a row of high windows lets in the light, and a 75-inch LED smart TV makes movie nights after a day on the water easy.
- Propane stone fireplace
- Reclining leather couches
- 75-inch LED smart TV
- Wi-Fi
Kitchen
A full kitchen under a beamed cedar ceiling, with stainless steel appliances, plenty of counter space and a breakfast counter beside the natural stone wall. It's stocked with cookware, dishes and the basics, so you only need to bring groceries.
- Stainless steel appliances
- Stocked with cookware and dishes
- Propane BBQ on the deck
Dining in the sunroom
The dining table sits in the bright sunroom, seating six under a hanging light with windows on every side. The propane BBQ is just outside on the deck for summer dinners.
- Seats six
- BBQ on the deck
Sunroom lounge
Next to the dining table, a small loveseat and two single armchairs sit in the sun with windows all around. The spot for morning coffee, a book on a rainy afternoon, or board games in the evening.
- Loveseat and two armchairs
- Bright all day
Raised deck
A big deck up in the trees, with patio tables and chairs, a tree growing right up through the boards, and a view down the lawn toward the water. Glass doors open straight in from the house, and the propane BBQ is right there.
- Outdoor dining
- Shade from the trees
- BBQ on the deck
Bathrooms and lower level
Three bathrooms
Three bathrooms means no waiting in the morning. Towels are provided, and the water is filtered and softened.
Basement jacuzzi bathroom
Downstairs, a deep jacuzzi tub under a glass block window, plus a separate shower and a sauna-style warming lamp to heat up after a cold day outside.
Glass shower bathroom
A modern bathroom with a curved glass corner shower.
Second bathroom
Warm wood walls and natural light from the window.
Also on the lower level and around the house
- Laundry room with washer and dryer
- Jacuzzi tub and shower
- Sauna-style warming lamp
- Central vacuum throughout the house
Video tour
See it before you arrive
Amenities
Everything you need
Linens, towels, a stocked kitchen and starter supplies are provided. Guests have use of a kayak, a paddleboard, toys and bicycles. There is parking for boats, trailers, ATVs and sleds.
- Private dock on Georgian Bay
- Small sand beach
- Outdoor hot tub
- Indoor jacuzzi tub
- Stone fire pit, 8 Muskoka chairs
- Propane BBQ on the deck
- Stone propane fireplace
- Full kitchen, dining for six
- Zip line and trampoline
- Sunroom and raised deck
- Laundry room, new washer and dryer
- Filtered, softened water
- 75-inch LED smart TV
- Reclining leather couches
- Central vacuum
- Sauna-style warming lamp
- Double garage, trailer parking
- Fishing boat for rent
- Wi-Fi
- Dog friendly
- Hot tub open all year
- Kayak and paddleboard
- Floating toys for the kids
- Kids' toys
- Bicycles to borrow
- 4 adult life jackets
- Linens and towels provided
Outdoors
Beaches, boats and trails
At the house
Everyday fun, right from the door
No car needed. The kayak, paddleboard, bicycles, BBQ and hot tub are all here for you to use.
Paddleboarding
Take the paddleboard off the dock on a calm morning and glide along the shoreline of Forest Harbour.
Kayaking
Paddle the sheltered bay, explore the shoreline and come back for sunset. Four adult life jackets are at the house.
BBQ on the deck
Fire up the propane BBQ on the deck for burgers, steaks or the fish you caught that afternoon.
Bike the neighbourhood
Borrow the bicycles and ride the quiet, tree-lined streets of Forest Harbour to the two public beaches, or head out on the paved Tay Shore Trail.
Hot tub, any season
The private hot tub is open all year, from summer nights under the stars to snowy afternoons after the ski hill.
Activity photos are illustrative stock photos from Unsplash and Pexels, not taken at the property.
On the water
Beaches, boats and fishing
Swim at two public beaches up the street, fish from your own dock, and head out by boat for bass, pike, salmon and fall waterfowl.
Walk to the beaches
Two public parks with beaches are right on Forest Harbour Parkway. Walk out to the street and follow it north along the shore, no car needed.
- Bayview ParkAbout 300 m
- Forest Harbour ParkAbout 650 m
- Waubaushene BeachLarger public beach in the village, a few minutes' drive
Boating
Tie up at the dock or rent ours. Cruise to Lock 45 at Port Severn, explore the islands, or anchor for a swim.
Panfish from the dock
Perch, sunfish and rock bass bite right off the dock. Four adult life jackets and a kayak are available at the house.
Bass and pike
Weed edges and rocky points around Severn Sound hold smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye and muskie.
Salmon and trout
Georgian Bay's deeper water holds chinook salmon and lake trout. Take a bigger boat out past Beausoleil Island for a full day on the water.
Duck hunting
Matchedash Bay is a major fall stopover for ducks and geese, a short boat ride under the Highway 400 bridge. Hunting is allowed in regulated seasons.
Ice fishing
Once the bay freezes, perch, pike and walleye can be caught through the ice. Check the ice thickness before going out, then warm up in the hot tub.
Boat routes to fishing and hunting spots
Your dock opens onto Severn Sound. Head north to Port Severn, south to Sturgeon Bay, or under the Highway 400 bridge into the Matchedash Bay marshes.
Fishing routesHunting routes
- Port Severn, below Lock 45Walleye, bass and pike where the Severn River meets the bay
- Open water off Forest HarbourWeed edges and drop-offs for pike, bass and perch
- Sturgeon BayShallow weedy bay for pike and largemouth bass
- Matchedash Bay marshesProvincial Wildlife Area, waterfowl in regulated seasons
Fishing: anglers 18 to 64 need an Ontario Outdoors Card and fishing licence; check Fisheries Management Zone 16 seasons and limits. Hunting: you need an Outdoors Card, a hunting licence and a federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit. Ice: check thickness before you go out and never go alone. Routes are a guide only, not for navigation. Activity photos are illustrative stock photos from Unsplash and Pexels.
Off-road and trails
Trail days for the whole family
The ATV trail starts right at the house, snowmobile trails are minutes away, and there's room to park every trailer and toy you bring.
ATVs
A short connector from Forest Harbour Parkway joins the OFATV trail running north along Highway 400.
Side-by-sides
Burrows Lake, about 8 km away, is a popular off-road destination with Crown land camping.
Dirt bikes
RJ Motosport Park in Midhurst, 25 minutes south, has a groomed motocross track and a peewee track for the kids.
Snowmobiles
The Georgian Bay Snowriders trail is about 4 km away and connects into the OFSC network.
How close the trails are
The house, the nearest mapped snowmobile trail, Burrows Lake and RJ Motosport.
Snowmobile trailDistance from the house
- OFATV trail accessRight from Forest Harbour Parkway (see the OFATV map below)
- Nearest snowmobile trailAbout 4 km
- Burrows Lake off-road areaAbout 8 km
- RJ Motosport Park25 min drive south (zoom out to see it)
ATV and snowmobile trails need a valid OFATV or OFSC trail permit, and helmets for every rider. Kids should ride machines sized for them, with an adult. Activity photos are illustrative stock photos from Unsplash and Pexels, not taken at the property.
Nearby
Things to do around Waubaushene
Close to the house
Every season has something
Waubaushene sits where Highway 400 meets Georgian Bay, so ski hills, bike parks, beaches, islands and history are a short drive away.
Winter · about 10 min
Mount St. Louis Moonstone
One of Ontario's largest ski hills, near Coldwater. Suitable for first-time skiers.
Visit Mount St. Louis Moonstone →
Summer and winter · about 25 min
Horseshoe Valley
Lift-served downhill mountain biking all summer, then skiing, snow tubing and snowshoeing in winter.
Visit Horseshoe Resort →
Summer · by boat
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Hike, swim and camp on Beausoleil Island, reached by boat from the dock through the 30,000 Islands.
Visit Parks Canada →
Summer · about 20 min
30,000 Islands boat cruises
Sightseeing, lunch and dinner cruises leave from Midland's harbour all summer.
See Midland tour boats →
Summer · about 40 min
Awenda Provincial Park
Long sandy Georgian Bay beaches and forest trails near Penetanguishene.
Visit Ontario Parks →
Spring to fall · about 20 min
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
Boardwalks, trails, canoe outings and trumpeter swans in Midland.
Visit Wye Marsh →
Summer · about 30 min
Discovery Harbour
Tall ships and a 19th-century naval base in Penetanguishene. A great day for kids.
Visit Discovery Harbour →
Spring to fall · about 20 min
Golf
Several public courses around Midland, Coldwater and Orillia.
Find courses on Google Maps →
Winter · at the house
Snow days
Snowshoe the trails, skate or ice fish on the bay, and finish in the hot tub by the fire.
See the trails →More nearby
- Waubaushene BeachPublic swimming beach in the village · 5 min
- Tay Shore TrailPaved waterfront trail for walking and cycling
- Lock 45, Port SevernFirst lock of the Trent-Severn Waterway · 5–10 min by boat
- Sainte-Marie among the HuronsReconstructed 17th-century mission in Midland · 20 min
- Casino RamaGaming, dining and live shows near Orillia · 25 min
- RJ Motosport ParkMotocross track and peewee track in Midhurst · 25 min
- Burrows LakeOff-road destination with Crown land camping · 8 km
- Matchedash BayProtected marsh for paddling and fall waterfowl
- Groceries and LCBO in ColdwaterAbout 10 min
Drive times are approximate. Activity photos are illustrative stock photos from Unsplash and Pexels, not taken at the property.
Rates and booking
Simple pricing, easy booking
Rates
Simple, honest pricing
Whole house, in Canadian dollars. Cleaning included, HST added. Booking direct avoids the 10 to 15% guest fee charged by Airbnb and VRBO.
| Season | WeeknightSun to Thu | Weekend nightFri and Sat | 7 nightswith 15% off |
|---|
- 3 to 4 nights5% off
- 5 to 6 nights10% off
- 7 nights or more15% off
Each night is priced at the weeknight or weekend rate, then your longer-stay discount comes off the total, so the more nights you stay, the less you pay per night. The night before a long-weekend holiday (Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Thanksgiving) counts as a weekend night. Late June and summer stays are 7 nights or more and can start on any day.
- 30% depositholds your dates. Balance due 30 days before arrival, by e-Transfer or card.
- Free cancellationup to 60 days before arrival. 50% back up to 30 days.
- Reply within 24 hoursto every booking request.
Extras and fees
- Fishing boat rental$150 per day · $500 per week
- Pet fee (dogs welcome)$50 per stay
- Damage deposit, held on card and released within 7 days$500
- CleaningIncluded
Book direct
Choose your dates
Select check-in, then check-out
Your datesBooked (example dates)Summer weeks (7 nights)
Questions first? Message us on WhatsApp, call (416) 454-7566 or email stay@forestharbourlakehouse.com.
Payment
How to pay
Once we confirm your dates, pay the 30% deposit by e-Transfer or card. The balance is due 30 days before arrival.
Interac e-Transfer
Send your payment to:
sheldon.victor.caines@gmail.com
Add your last name and arrival date in the message. We confirm by email when it arrives.
Credit or debit card
Pay securely through Stripe. Your card details never pass through this website.
Pay by cardYour secure card payment link is emailed with your booking confirmation.
Good to know
Location, house rules and FAQ
Location
Where Highway 400 meets the bay
- Coldwater: groceries and LCBO10 min
- Mount St. Louis Moonstone10 min
- Midland20 min
- Orillia20 min
- Barrie35 min
- Toronto1 h 30 min
Drive times are approximate.
Good to know
House rules
Check-in3:00 PM
Check-out11:00 AM
- Up to 7 guests, including children and babies
- The person booking must be 25 or older and stay at the house
- Up to 4 vehicles in the driveway, plus room for trailers
- Please keep noise down after 2 AM. Sound carries over water.
- No parties or events
- No smoking or vaping indoors
- Dogs welcome for a $50 pet fee per stay. Please mention them in your request.
- Children must be supervised near the water at all times
- Follow Tay Township fire bans
FAQ
Questions
How does booking direct work?
Send a request with your dates. We confirm within 24 hours and email you the payment details plus a link to sign the rental agreement online, which takes about two minutes. Once you sign, you get a signed PDF copy by email. Your dates are held once the 30% deposit is paid.
Why book here instead of Airbnb or VRBO?
You skip the platform guest fee, usually 10 to 15%. The calendars are synced, so availability is the same everywhere.
What's the cancellation policy?
Full refund up to 60 days before arrival. 50% refund up to 30 days before. After that there's no refund unless we rebook your dates.
Is there a damage deposit?
Yes, $500, held on your card and released within 7 days of checkout.
Is the water good for swimming?
Yes. The sand beach has a gentle entry and the dock gives you deeper water.
Can we bring our boat, ATVs or snowmobiles?
Yes. Tie your boat up at the dock or launch at the public ramp in Waubaushene. There's parking for trailers, ATVs, side-by-sides and sleds.
Is there air conditioning?
No. Mature trees keep the house shaded and cool in summer. Heat comes from a propane furnace and a propane fireplace.
Is the hot tub open in winter?
Yes, the hot tub is open all year.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, the house has Wi-Fi.
Can we bring our dog?
Yes, dogs are welcome for a $50 pet fee per stay. Let us know in your booking request.
Is there a minimum age to book?
Yes. The person booking must be 25 or older and stay at the house for the whole visit.
Can we rent the fishing boat?
Yes. The boat is $150 per day or $500 per week. Choose it in the booking form and it's added to your invoice. Four adult life jackets are at the house.
How much parking is there?
Up to 4 vehicles fit in the driveway, with room for boat, ATV and snowmobile trailers.
How do I contact you?
Message us on WhatsApp, call or text (416) 454-7566, or email stay@forestharbourlakehouse.com.
Do you track visits to this site?
We use Google Analytics to count visits and see which pages are useful. It doesn't tell us who you are. Details you send in the booking form are used only to handle your stay. See our privacy page.
How do I pay?
Once we confirm your dates, you pay a 30% deposit by Interac e-Transfer to sheldon.victor.caines@gmail.com or by card through a secure Stripe link. The balance is due 30 days before arrival. See How to pay.
Where are groceries and the LCBO?
Coldwater, about 10 minutes away. Midland and Orillia have everything else, including hospitals, about 20 minutes away.