If there’s one thing you can count on in Muskoka, it’s that spring doesn’t always mean sunshine and tulips. Sometimes, it looks a little more like a winter wonderland — and on our weekend at Northern Lights Chalet, that’s exactly what we got.
We had planned a peaceful spring cottage weekend in Muskoka, staying at one of CottageLINK Rental Management’s newest properties, Northern Lights Chalet. Located just off Highway 60, between Huntsville and Dwight, the chalet is part of the luxurious new Northern Lights community — a collection of high-end cottages surrounded by forest, nature trails, and just minutes from Dwight Beach.
Preparing for a Wintery Spring Getaway
As our weekend approached, so did the weather warnings. An ice storm was on the way. But with new winter tires, all-wheel drive, and a bit of northern Ontario driving experience, we decided not to cancel our plans. And I’m so glad we didn’t!
One of the perks of renting Northern Lights Chalet is access to the garage — a small detail that made a big difference when unloading our car in freezing rain. With the car safely parked inside, we brought everything in quickly while our kids excitedly explored the house.
Family-Friendly Fun at Northern Lights Chalet
The kids raced upstairs to claim the bunk bed room, then immediately discovered the basement games room — stocked with arcade games, toys, and entertainment for all ages. It was perfect. We could get settled in the kitchen and living area while still keeping an eye on them downstairs. With young children (ages 2 & 6) this is an important feature for us!
The heart of the home is the open-concept kitchen and living room, which overlook a peaceful beaver pond that’s central to the Northern Lights community. Even in early spring, the pond was alive with wildlife — birds, deer, and even a fox made appearances. Sometimes you might even be lucky enough to spot the residence moose! This unique waterfront view adds a calm, natural touch to an already luxurious cottage stay.
That evening, we kept it simple with a pre-made casserole for dinner — though with the fully equipped kitchen, we could have easily whipped up something fancy.
A Hot Tub in the Ice Storm
Once the kids were in bed, my husband and I slipped outside to enjoy the private hot tub and sauna. What started as a gentle snowfall turned into a full Muskoka blizzard. Snow fell thick and fast, then suddenly turned to sharp ice pellets hitting our shoulders. We ran for the warm sauna where hot towels were waiting and listened to the ice tapping on the roof and frozen pond. It was easily the most unforgettable hot tub experience I’ve ever had.
We slept soundly in the upstairs primary bedroom, which we chose to be near the kids. The home also offers a main floor primary suite for guests who prefer single-level living — perfect for couples or grandparents.
Exploring the Northern Lights Community
Saturday morning started with pancakes and coffee, followed by some marketing work for Northern Lights Chalet (I always like to mix a bit of work into my stays). I even walked down the street to tour another Muskoka cottage rental coming soon to the CLRM portfolio.
Later, our friends arrived to join us for the night. We offered them the main floor suite, which they loved — especially the soaker tub in the ensuite bathroom. After lunch, we went for a long walk with the kids through the quiet community roads. That’s one of the best things about this area — even with families out enjoying the snow, the Northern Lights community is peaceful, safe, and quiet.
Dinner that night was homemade burgers on the back deck barbecue (my husband raved about how evenly it cooked!) with a fresh spring salad. After the kids went to bed, we played cards and enjoyed one last soak in the hot tub — thankfully without the ice storm this time.
Saying Good-bye to Northern Lights Chalet
Sunday mornings at the cottage are always bittersweet. While cleaning up after breakfast, the power flickered out for about 30 minutes — a reminder of the wild weather we’d experienced. But it didn’t faze us. Compared to other areas across the province, we were lucky to have such a smooth stay.
After checking out, we stopped in Huntsville to shop and grab BeaverTails — a must-have treat for any trip to cottage country. During our trip to town, we also stopped into Bear Wear to get some cozy gear from their new spring collection release.
The drive home was eerily quiet. With no power from Huntsville all the way to Port Perry, there were no radio stations or cell signals. Thank goodness for our GPS and pre-downloaded Spotify playlist!
Final Thoughts
Despite the unexpected winter weather, our spring weekend at Northern Lights Chalet was a cozy, fun-filled escape. From family-friendly features to luxury touches like the hot tub, sauna, and waterfront views, this property is the perfect mix of comfort and Muskoka adventure — perfect for any time of year.
If you’re looking for a luxury cottage rental in Muskoka that combines nature, modern comforts, and a true getaway feel, Northern Lights Chalet is a must-visit.
