Canada's Muskoka region has long been a summer hideaway for Toronto's elite - a place of loons and lakefronts, of weathered docks and weekend bonfires. But in recent years, a quieter transformation has been taking place. Muskoka is no longer just about rustic retreats. Thanks to hospitality operators such as Jayne's Luxury Rentals, it's now also about curated comfort, concierge-style service, and appreciated privacy, writes Mandy Sinclair

The Concept: Rustic Meets Refined

Founded in 2014 by Jayne McCaw, a Toronto-based entrepreneur with a background in marketing and a love of lakeside living, Jayne's Luxury Rentals began with just a handful of properties. Today, the collection includes 300 properties within three hours' drivetime of Toronto, 150 of which are located across Muskoka's "Big Three" lakes - Muskoka, Rosseau and Joseph - ranging from heritage cabins with contemporary upgrades to sprawling estates on private islands.

And while each property is unique, what links them is discretion, design, and a sense of place. "In the decade since launching Jayne's, we've seen an uptake in guests linked to the entertainment industry. For those that are the public face of the industry - actors, personalities and such - the attraction lies in the privacy and the quality of accommodation, and the relaxed nature of lakeside living."

For those seeking high-end escapes within a three-hour drive of Toronto - or a short seaplane transfer - Jayne's is reshaping the way cottage country is experienced.

The Stay: Personalised, Private, Stress-free

Whether checking into a modernist retreat with wall-to-wall glass, a log cabin perched on its own island, or a family compound with bunkhouses and a boathouse, when booking with Jayne's Luxury Rentals, the experience is designed to be seamless from arrival to departure and everything in between.

After boarding a seaplane at Toronto's city airport, our short flight afforded views of the rocky shoreline and sea of forest from above before arriving dockside at Santosha, a four-bedroom cottage on Lake Rosseau with a boat house. Not just for the collection of boats, above, a separate abode served as a bonus hideaway with one-bedroom, one bath with kitchen and living space. And a hidden terrace for enjoying a morning coffee and the stillness of the lake.

Having settled in, we gathered around the large island in the open-concept Santosha property for front-row seats as chef Brandon McLeod prepared a multi-course dinner for our party of 11. Appetisers of ahi tuna were enjoyed with local wines while dinner was served family style with lake views under a canopy of tree cover. Salads made from locally sourced ingredients were passed around family style with the option of beef or salmon.After being lulled to sleep by the sound of waves crashing in, we kicked off our first morning with a private yoga session on the dock. Forget the stuffy yoga studio, here we had clear views across the lake and the rocky, treelined shoreline and a jump in the lake after a sweaty yoga class.

Jayne's team can organise everything from pre-stocked groceries and private chefs to paddleboard lessons, sommelier-led wine tastings, and boats with pilots can be arranged for the duration of your stay. Waterslides and water trampolines can be delivered. Craving a massage after a day in the sun? That too.

As for restaurant reservations? Jayne's team ensured we secured a table at the dockside Turtle Jack's for pub grub and cold brews to fine dining with lake views at the Windermere.

"We're noting an increase in the additional treats that guests are seeking, in particular private chefs, dedicated boats with pilots to have on hand for the duration of their stay, but also yoga classes, wine tastings and restaurant reservations," says McCaw. "Our guests really do take the opportunity to indulge themselves during their stay."

 Day-to-Night Living in Muskoka

There's a rhythm to lakeside living, one dictated more by sunlight and appetite than by time. Mornings might involve paddling out into glassy water or enjoying a slow breakfast on the dock. When lunch rolls around, chef-prepared meals that require minimal preparation from the likes of Field of Greens or preparing a charcuterie board with local finds from Silver Stream Farms pair perfectly with outdoor dining.

Afternoons invite exploration: hopping between nearby charming towns - Port Carling, Bala, and Bracebridge offer independent boutiques, bakeries, and local food shops. I highly recommend a stop at Jack and Stella's for an iced coffee or chilled glass of rosé by the harbour and a bit of shopping for souvenirs. Don't miss Pure Muskoka for cottage attire. Equally enticing is staying put at the cottage - diving off the dock for a refreshing dip, or curling up with a book in a screened sunroom.

Evenings are for open-flame grilling, star-watching, and soaking in that particular kind of silence only found away from cities.

Designed for Families and Longer Stays

The rental properties cater to a wide range of travellers, but extended families are especially well served with bunk rooms to sprawling lawns, private docks, and game rooms,ensuring there's space for kids to roam and adults to relax.

"Our average stay is 12 to 15 days," says McCaw, "and most of our properties have between three and eight bedrooms, so they work well for multi-generational groups."

Options to add on a freefall waterslide, playpark or bounce platforms provide even more fun in the water, making it quite easy to spend an entire vacation without leaving the property. For families, this means a rare chance to reconnect - whether around a firepit at night or mid-lake on an inflatable water park.Need to work while in the Muskokas? No problem. Despite the region's remoteness, the cottages include wifi and most properties include a dedicated work space or office for those who may have to jump on a call or spend a few hours deskside.

Muskoka, Season by Season

While Muskoka's summer months are its most iconic, fall and winter are increasingly on discerning travellers' radar.. Autumn brings brilliant foliage, ideal for photography, hiking, and fireside lounging. Winter turns the lakes into frozen playgrounds, with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating by day - and après-ski culture by night.

And it's no longer just Toronto folks spending the weekend or summering in the area. In 2025, the trend has shifted notably toward international guests. "We've already seen a doubling of U.S. travellers compared to last year, and bookings from the UK and Australia are coming in for 2026," McCaw notes.The Verdict

As "slow travel" continues to gain momentum among luxury travellers, Jayne's Luxury Rentals offers a compelling case study in how traditional destinations can evolve. It's not about maximalism or over-servicing - but about the ease of soaking up cottage country worry free.

For travellers overwhelmed by luxury resorts or simply craving nature without sacrificing comfort, Muskoka feels like a best-kept secret.

Need to Know

Seasonality: Open year-round. High season is July and August; fall foliage peaks in early October; winter escapes popular December–February.

Rates: Weekly rates start from £3,410 for a two-bedroom cottage on Lake Rosseau and reach up to £62,625 for a 16-acre private island on Lake Muskoka sleeping 32.

Booking Tip: For golden-hour lakefront views, request west-facing cottages on Lake Rosseau.

Trending Now: Private wellness retreats, chef-led culinary weekends, and "workations" - guests extending stays to blend leisure with remote work.