As the Communications Manager and an Account Manager at CottageLINK Rental Management (CLRM), I get to see our cottages through the eyes of our guests on a regular basis. But this summer, I decided to experience another one of our rentals firsthand! For my family vacation, we chose Birdsong Cottage for a week in August. Despite the unpredictable weather, it was an unforgettable experience that combined relaxation, fun, and a few surprises along the way!
The Journey to Birdsong
Our adventure began with a scenic drive to the cottage, a little over three hours from our home. With my two kids—Ryker, aged 6, and Colin, aged 1 1/2—my mom, my brother, and his childhood best friend, Alex, joining us, we made a great crew! Along the way, we stopped in Huntsville for a quick lunch at Tim Hortons and a refreshing break at Little Doe Lake Municipal Park, Beach & Boat Launch. The park was perfect for stretching our legs, and our German Shepherd, Mylah, had a blast chasing rocks the boys threw into the lake.
Welcome to Birdsong Cottage
We arrived at Birdsong Cottage right at our 4 pm check-in time. The check-in process was smooth, and we were delighted to find everything spotless and ready for us. With only a couple of steps from the driveway into the cottage, even the youngest in our group could help unload the car. After settling in, we fired up the BBQ for an easy dinner, followed by a quick dip in the lake before bedtime. The evening ended with a lively game of Mexican Train Dominoes—our family favorite!
A Day of Adventure and a Wedding
Saturday started early for the kids and me, as we headed out to attend my sister-in-law’s wedding just south of Muskoka. It was a beautiful, sunny day, perfect for a celebration! Meanwhile, back at the cottage, my mom and a family friend enjoyed a three-hour stand-up paddleboarding adventure on Whitestone Lake, exploring the nearby islands and inlets. By the time we returned, the sun was still shining, and we spent the rest of the day swimming, fishing, and playing on the beach—a perfect summer day by the lake.
Rainy Day Fun
Sunday brought rain, but that didn’t dampen our spirits. The air was warm, so we embraced the weather with a rain walk and splashing in the lake’s shallow waters. When the power went out for a few hours, we made the most of it by playing cards and board games with Ryker. It was a cozy, fun-filled afternoon, made even better by a BBQ lunch cooked under our covered porch.
Local Delights and Wildlife Surprises
During one of our trips into Dunchurch, we stopped at Duck Rock General Store and Ice Cream Shop for a sweet treat. The kids loved sampling new flavors from Kawartha Dairy, and so did the adults! Back at the cottage, my brother and Alex were thrilled to share that they had heard a moose nearby. The next day, I heard it too—though we never saw the moose, its presence added a sense of wild adventure to our stay.
Soaking up the Sun
The rest of the week was graced with clear blue skies and warm weather. We spent our days lounging on the beach, chatting with a friendly new neighbor, cooking delicious meals, and enjoying late-night snacks. We even managed to catch up on some Netflix shows, which made for relaxing evenings after fun-filled days.
A Perfect Summer Escape
Our stay at Birdsong Cottage was everything I had hoped for and more. It was a week filled with laughter, family bonding, and creating new memories. Whether it was the thrill of spotting (or hearing) wildlife, enjoying the lake, or simply relaxing inside the cozy cottage, we made the most of every moment. Birdsong Cottage offered the perfect blend of comfort and adventure, and we can’t wait to come back!
If you’re looking for a cottage getaway that offers both relaxation and excitement, I highly recommend Birdsong. It’s a place where you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature and loved ones. Until next time, Birdsong!
Cottage: Birdsong Cottage
Region: Parry Sound
Town: Dunchurch, ON
Waterfront: Whitestone Lake
Chat with Kaitlyn
Call us at 1-866-323-6698 to chat with Kaitlyn about her experience at Birdsong Cottage before you book. You won’t be disappointed!