Quiet Birch Island Cottage on Sand Lake
Rideau Lakes
About this house
New
guests
bedrooms
bathroom
Escape to Cook Cottage, a quiet boat-access cottage on Birch Island in Sand Lake. With lake views, a wraparound deck, dock access, a fire pit, and space for up to seven guests, it is an easy place to slow down, unplug, and enjoy classic cottage life.
The space
Welcome to Cook Cottage at 22 Birch Island, a quiet boat-access cottage on Sand Lake in the Rideau Lakes region. Set among the trees with lake views, dock access, and a wraparound deck, this cottage is designed for relaxed days on the water and peaceful evenings by the fire. Guests can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and exploring nearby Rideau Lakes destinations, including Jones Falls, Elgin, Westport, and Chaffey's Lock. Inside, the cottage offers bright open-concept living, vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, an updated kitchen, a cozy dining nook, and a comfortable living area with a smart TV and Starlink Internet. The cottage sleeps up to seven guests, with two main bedrooms, a queen pullout couch, and additional sleeping flexibility available. The kitchen includes a full-size fridge and freezer, propane stovetop, microwave/convection oven, and Keurig coffee maker. Outside, guests can enjoy the dock, fire pit, canoe, kayak, and peaceful island setting. Please note that this is a boat-access-only cottage. Guests may bring their own boat and launch from Sand Lake Marina or the nearby public boat launch, or arrange water taxi service through Sand Lake Marina. The boat ride is approximately one mile and usually takes under five minutes. Because this is an island cottage, guests should plan ahead by bringing groceries and supplies before crossing over. The property uses drinkable UV-filtered lake water and a septic system. Guests should also be comfortable with stairs, dock access, and waterfront safety.
Guest access
Guests have full and exclusive access to the entire cottage and property, including the wraparound deck, dock, fire pit, canoe, and kayak. Please note that this is a boat-access-only cottage on Birch Island. Guests must arrange their own transportation to the island. Options include bringing your own boat and launching from Sand Lake Marina (222 Hugh's Road, Rideau Lakes, Ontario K0G 1E0), using the nearby public boat launch, or arranging water taxi service through Sand Lake Marina. The boat ride is approximately one mile and takes under five minutes. One parking spot is included at Sand Lake Marina. Additional parking can be arranged directly with the marina. The property uses drinkable UV-filtered lake water and a septic system. The cottage is accessible via stairs from the dock.
Sleeping Arrangements
2 bedrooms • 3 beds
Bedroom 1
1 Queen
Bedroom 2
1 Queen
Living Room
1 Sofa bed
Amenities
Additional amenities
Location
Neighborhood overview
Sand Lake sits within the Rideau Lakes system — a stretch of clean, quiet lakes and forest in Eastern Ontario that most people drive past on the way somewhere else. That's what makes it great. Westport is your closest town, about 10 minutes by car from the marina. It's a proper village: The Cove Inn on the waterfront, Westport Brewing Company, Tangled Garden Café, and a pub. Worth at least one afternoon. For a more scenic outing, Chaffey's Lock is about 30 minutes away — one of the most beautiful spots on the Rideau Canal, with The Opinicon restaurant right on the water. The Galley Restaurant in Portland (at Len's Cove Marina on Big Rideau Lake) is another great waterfront option. On the lake itself: fishing for bass and pike, paddling with the canoe and kayak, swimming off the dock, and fire pit nights. Boat-access only keeps things genuinely quiet — no foot traffic, no road noise.
Transit
The island is accessible by boat only — no road access. Getting to the marina by car: From Ottawa: ~2 hours via Hwy 15 South From Kingston: ~1 hour via Hwy 15 North From Toronto: ~3 hours via Hwy 401 East to Hwy 15 North Water taxi: Sand Lake Marina runs a water taxi ($7/trip) — call ahead during business hours (9am–5pm). If arriving after 5pm, arrange your ride before you leave home. Own boat: Launch at Sand Lake Marina for $25. Parking: 1 spot included at the marina. Contact us if you need additional spots.
- Full refund if cancelled at least 30 days prior to check-in.
- 50% refund if cancelled between 30 and 7 days before check-in.
- Nonrefundable if cancelled within 7 days to check-in.
3:00pm Check-In Window
Guests may arrive and access the property starting at this time.
Check-In with Keypad
Guests can unlock the door with a code..
11:00am Checkout
Guests must depart and leave the property by this time.
7 Guests Maximum
The total number of guests allowed to stay at the property, including children.
Not child-friendly
Property is not suitable or safe for children under 12
No parties or events
No parties or events are allowed on this property
Not infant-friendly
Property is not suitable or safe for very young children under 2
Commercial photography not allowed
Commercial photography and filming on this property is not allowed
No smoking allowed
No pets allowed
from
CAD $350.00
/ night
Ages 12 and above
Ages 2-11
Under 2
- This property allows up to 7 total guests.
- This property is not suitable for children or infants.
- Pets are not allowed at this property.