Cottage getaways are a tradition in Ontario. For many, Muskoka is the default destination when you think of cottage country. But, if you want to rent a lakeside retreat look no further than Haliburton, it’s every bit as beautiful as Muskoka with far fewer resorts, people, and prices. Bitter Lake Cottage with H2H Cottage Co makes for a charming rental for your Ontario getaway. Here’s my review.
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This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to book. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure for more information. Thank you to H2H Cottage Co for gifting me with a free stay. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
H2H Cottage Co in Haliburton
H2H Cottage Co. offers two lakefront cottage rental properties. The Kennisis Lake Cottage is a much larger cottage, sitting on a larger lot, and is located on the second-largest lake in Haliburton. And, the newly released second property on Bitter Lake is the complete opposite.
It’s a charming and unassuming cottage sitting close to a quiet, small lake. Both the Kennisis Lake and Bitter Lake properties are ideal for a year-round cottage rental for a relaxing getaway.
Bitter Lake Cottage
I fell in love with Bitter Lake in Haliburton as soon as I laid eyes on it. It’s a tiny lake of just under 2 km long and almost 1 km wide. There’s just something so quaint about a smaller lake. Tranquil, is still, peaceful, and somehow more intimate.
Being completely surrounded by trees, Bitter Lake Ontario is a deep, dark emerald green almost black in colour, despite the sun rising and setting over this lake. Bitter Lake in Haliburton is an amazing destination for those who want to soak up natural life on a lake rather than hear powerboats and jet skis zooming by.
My absolute favourite time of day to be lakeside was early at dawn to watch the sunrise and at golden hour to watch the sunset. The lake becomes incredibly still and the water reflections are simply incredible.
H2H Cottage on Bitter Lake – a Lakefront Cottage Airbnb
This property rental in Haliburton has all the charm you would expect to find in a cottage. It’s cute, cozy, and comfortable. As a newly released cottage rental, it has been recently updated and is ready for you to enjoy.
H2H Cottage sits fairly close to the lake with a very gradual slope down to the water. That means cool lake breezes and sounds can be felt and heard while in the cottage.
The kitchen is the main space you see when you enter the cottage. That space then opens to a sunken living and dining space. A cozy TV room with a walk-out to the deck is adjacent to the main space. Oh, and yes it’s a dog-friendly cottage rental.
H2H Cottage on Bitter Lake is a 3-bedroom cottage with 2 renovated modern bathrooms. The primary suite takes up the entire upper floor. A spacious room with a king-sized bed, laundry, and modern bathroom featuring a free-standing sunken tub as well as a walk-in shower.
Booking Information for Cottage Rental on Bitter Lake
Want to rent this lakefront, 3-bedroom, a 2-bathroom cottage that is dog friendly?
Check prices and book your dates here
Laura, your host, will ensure you have the best experience, including little welcome surprises to make you feel immediately at home.
Top Things to Do in Haliburton
H2H Cottages, located in Haliburton Highlands, is packed full of interesting and fun things to do. Here are some of the top attractions in Haliburton:
Haliburton Forest features more than 100,000 acres and 100 lakes, making this an ideal hiking destination. While here, visit the Wolf Center to watch a wolf pack from the safety of a large indoor observatory window. Another popular must-see activity is the Canopy Tour. Suspended, you will walk along the treetops with incredible views of the Haliburton Forest. Address: 1095 Redkenn Rd, Dysart et al – 10-minutes from Bitter Lake.
Abbey Gardens is an amazing collection of gardens, hiking trails, and a Food Hub which includes a craft brewery, Haliburton Highlands Brewery. Address: 1012 Garden Gate Drive, Halliburton – 15 minutes from Bitter Lake
Haliburton Sculpture Forest offers a unique outdoor collection of sculptures by Canadian and international artists. This is dog-friendly and free to visit. Address: 297 College Drive, Haliburton – a 25-minute drive from Bitter Lake
Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride is a popular resort in Haliburton for downhill skiing in the winter and hiking and biking trails in the summer. Address: 1491 Sir Sams’s Rd, Haliburton – 25 minutes from Bitter Lake
Hawke Log Chute is a historic site from 1861 as it’s considered the last of its kind in Ontario. A log chute is a trough that was invented in Canada in 1829 to carry logs over a rough river landscape to a sawmill. The Hawk Log Chute is part of The Stanhope museum featuring the largest archives of pioneer history in Ontario. Address: 1123 North Shore Rd Algonquin Highlands – 30 minutes from Bitter Lake. Bonus attraction: visit Buttermilk Falls, which is a rapidly flowing river with hiking trails alongside it (located at Highway #35 at Halls Lake)
If you want to go into town for amenities or simply stroll the Main Street of a small town, visit Haliburton and Minden, both are under 30 minutes from Bitter Lake. Bonus, if you happen to be staying at Bitter Lake cottage on a Tuesday be sure to check out the Haliburton Farmers Market. During the hours of noon to 4 pm in Head Lake Park, why not support the local vendor stalls of bakers, cheese makers, crafters, farmers, and more.
As a Holidaymaker
If you are seeking a quiet escape in cottage country in Ontario look no further than H2H Cottage on Bitter Lake in Haliburton. The solitude of the lake won me over, and I know it will do the same for you. This dog friendly cottage rental in Haliburton is a perfect couple’s getaway.
