Contact Us

By Email: info@barrysbaycottages.com By Phone: Toll Free 1-800-218-0738 Local (416) 234-2929

By Mail: Barry's Bay Cottage Resort 20876 Highway 60 Barry's Bay, Ontario KOJ 1B0 Canada

Barry's Bay Cottage Resort FAQ's

1) What is a self-catering cottage?
A self-catering cottage is designed to be just like owning your own cottage without the hassle of repairs or house cleaning. There is no resort host on site (although one is close by) and the resort is small enough to make you feel at home in the wilderness.

2) What should we bring?
We try to supply all of the basic amenities you will need when at the cottage (a list is provided on facilities page). Outside of personal items (clothing & toiletries) and groceries, we suggest you bring items you would normally use at the beach as well as any sporting goods. Folding lawn chairs, a flashlight for nighttime and bug spray are also helpful.

3) What days do your weekly rentals run?
Starting in 2010, our weekly rentals run Friday to Friday throughout the summer only. Check in is at 3 pm, while check out is at 10 am. We want the resort in tip top shape for the arrival of our next set of guests. During the off season weekly rentals can run anytime and earlier check-in times and later check-out times may be accommodated. Please e-mail to request this.

4) Where is the nearest town?
With Barry's Bay only a 5 minute drive away, everything you need or have forgotten is close at hand. The quiet, little cottage town comes alive in the summer and also offers a variety of specialty shops and artisans. Internet service is available at the Public Library or nearby Combermere at the Internet Café & Laundromat. The resort itself has cell phone coverage.

5) Are there any restaurants in the area?
Whether you are looking for upscale dining or a nice family restaurant, there are a few of options around the area. The guest book in each cabin highlights some of these locations. Be sure to visit the ice cream parlor in town on those hot sunny evenings!

6) Are there activities for children?
The shallow, sandy beach area and 20 foot water trampoline are the most popular places for kids. However, the canoes, kayaks and paddleboats are equally popular. There is also a large playground area, a lounge with playstation and a few games like pool and ping pong, as well as board games and puzzles. Fishing off the dock and exploring the trails and woods are other alternatives.

7) What is the lake like to swim in?
Carson Lake is very clean, sandy bottom lake. It is quite shallow near the shore area making it quite safe for small kids. We usually swim from June through to September.

8) Which cottage would you recommend for families with small kids?
Cottage 3 or 4 (Loon Call or Dragon Fly) are close to the beach area and the playground allowing parents to supervise from their own patio or yard area. Cottage 2 and 5 are also close to all the amenities.

9) How is the fishing in Carson Lake?
Lake trout and smallmouth bass are the most common fish species. The fishing for both species is quite good. In fact, the lake trout fishing is very good through the ice in winter as well as early and late in the season. The open water season runs from late April to the end of September, while ice fishing usually starts in early January and lasts through to April. Bass fishing starts in late June and closes in mid October.

10) Do you have canoe or boat rentals?
Being affiliated with Algonquin Bound has its perks. We have canoes, kayaks, a paddleboat and even a row boat available for use free of charge. These are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Guests are asked to return them after use and to ensure the life jackets and paddles are returned to the storage shed. Those interested in boat rentals can call us directly to book. The rates are posted under our rates page. Note there is no public boat launch on the lake.

11) How close are the trails?
We are very close to a great multi-use trail system that follows the old railbed into Barry’s Bay. This system links with trails leading to Algonquin Park, Wilno and much, much more. In winter, it is possible to zip across the lake on skis or a snowmobile to access the trail. Bikers, trail runners and ATVers can pick up the trail system near the end of Arbor Vitae Road (across from green 911 number 612 or through 679A-B easement road).

12) What are some of the popular activities to enjoy in the area?
On top of fishing and paddling on the lake, the main attraction in the area is Algonquin Park. Day trips to the Visitor Centre/Museum and trails in that area are popular. So too are short canoe trips. Algonquin Bound offers great one day packages for our guests at a discount.
Other popular activities include ATVing and snowmobiling, as well as road biking and mountain biking. There are several fantastic road routes to explore outside of the trail system described above. For a little more challenge, the Thomas P Murray Recreation Trails to the south offer great variety. Another fast popular activity is rafting trips on the Madawaska River through the Madawaska Kanu Centre. New in 2010, we have snowshoe and snowmobile rentals available.

13) Are pets allowed?
Yes pets are welcome, but only in designated cottages (2, 5, 6, 7, 9 & 12). Pets must be leashed at all times when outside and there is a small extra fee upon booking. Stooping and scooping is a must, while pets are restricted from the lounge, the beach and the main dock area. For those without waterfront access, there is a pet access to the water found between cottage 7 & 8.

14) Is there parking at each cottage?
Parking spaces are conveniently located next to each cottage. There is usually room for 2 vehicles at each cottage, while an overflow parking area is found next to the Lodge.

15) Do you supply firewood?
Yes, we provide each cottage with a starter package of wood, except during winter. Additional bundles can be ordered on-line or picked up from our host for a cost of $7.

16) How is your resort environmentally friendly?
We care about our environment. All of our cottages have undergone an energy audit and have been upgraded to increase our energy efficiency. Some of our cottage feature tankless hot water heaters. We strive to only use “green” cleaning products and recycled toilet tissue. We expect all our guests to make use of the recycling bins provided. We also use e-mail for communication rather than paper wherever possible.