Muskoka is having a pop culture moment. In Prime Video’s Sterling Point, which premiered in August, New Yorker Annie heads north to explore the Canadian island she and her twin brother inherited from the grandfather they never knew, setting off a summer of family secrets, romance, and dreamy lakeside views. Heated Rivalry fans may also recognize Lake Muskoka as the real-life filming location for Shane and Ilya’s pivotal cottage escape.
In Canada, Muskoka is synonymous with cottage culture, which is less a type of building than a summer state of mind. Despite what Sterling Point might suggest, arriving by seaplane is optional: Muskoka’s towns and many of its cottages can be reached by car, with minimal risk of a moose-related delay. For travelers driving north from Toronto, the cottage ritual typically begins en route with a burger from Webers, a cult Highway 11 roadside stop that is practically nonnegotiable on the way to Muskoka. Once there, days unfold around coffee on the dock, swims that replace showers, barbecued dinners, and debates over who should build the fire.
Like Annie, I initially arrived in Muskoka as an outsider. Although I grew up in Ontario, I didn’t visit the area until adulthood—regrettably, not all of us inherit private islands—but soon understood why generations return to the same lakes summer after summer. I now visit annually, often hunting for the ideal Airbnb to call home for a weekend or longer—and I can confirm that there are some pretty incredible rentals waiting waterside. For viewers wondering whether Muskoka’s clear water, rugged shorelines, and woodsy cottages are as enticing beyond the screen, the seven stays below offer a chance to experience television’s current favorite Canadian summer setting. Read on for some of the best Airbnbs in Muskoka.
We’ve selected these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, decor, editor stays, and previous guest reviews.