Sun Deck
Just steps from the cottage takes you to the sundeck atop the large 800 sq ft boathouse with breathtaking views of the lake, boats, passerby, boulder rocks, and dazzling clouds.
Features:
- Lounge chaises
- Patio table and chairs
- Patio umbrella
Views from the Sun Deck
Waterfront
Off the dock or waterfront, there is swimming, lounge furniture, water toys, and a boathouse that has a fridge, storage space, safety equipment, accessories, and water crafts for your use.
Canoe
Our aluminium canoe is workhorse, albeit a heavy one. It is a 16 foot canoe and holds two or three people.
Even if you have never tried this quintessential Canadian art form, it is easy to learn. Here’s a quick guide from the CBC, and a more detailed illustration of basic strokes is found here.
Kayak
While the canoe is easier to handle with two people in it, the shorter kayak is a great way to explore the lake on your own. The kayak is 12 foot long and it’s a one-seater.
Early morning is the best time to explore the shoreline. The hardest part about the kayak is getting in and out – you can learn how, here.
There are two available kayaks, so explore together!
Paddle Boat
Boat
Known as the “Legend”, it is a wide-body fishing boat, with a 4 stroke, 9.9 hp Honda engine. It is located outside, on the side of the boathouse.
Boating Tips:
- To get the boat started, you will likely need to squeeze the bulb on the gas line
- Note that ALL operators of motorized watercrafts require a Pleasure Craft Operator Card – Boating License, so please plan ahead
Fishing
You can fish off the dock using the canoe or the boat. You will need to bring your own fishing rods and gear.
Fishing licences are needed at all times.
Swimming
The dock offers privacy in a picturesque Muskoka setting and the perfect spot to watch children play in the shallow water with a sandy bottom. Lake Joseph is the cleanest and most pristine of the three big Muskoka lakes.
Swimming Tips:
- For deep water entry: use the ladder off the end of the dock
- For shallow entry: it is best to enter the water on the flat rock at the far end of the dock
- The rocks are often slippery so wearing water shoes is highly recommended; the rock quickly turns to hard-packed sand so this is a good spot for children
- It is also recommended to always swim with a buddy – there is a swimbuddy in the boathouse for your use
Staying close to the shore with the swimbuddy will mean more visibility and more safety. If you wish to try a longer swim, make sure that you are accompanied by someone in a watercraft.
Water Toys
The eye-catching blue and yellow water trampoline is a fun toy for children and young adults. It is sturdy and has a cushy top, but please make sure everyone is closely supervised while they are using it.
We also have a floating Lily Pad.
Living Spaces
The living spaces consist of a fully equipped kitchen with a large granite island, a dining room, a living room (upstairs and downstairs), five guest suites, and four bathrooms.
Kitchen
The Kitchen is very well equipped with big and small appliances, plenty of dishes and tools.
Features:
- Spacious kitchen island with granite counter and seating
- Microwave, toaster oven, fridge, stove, and oven
- The ‘Coffee Nook’ – nestled into a beautiful stone wall – offers Nespresso (original) capsules
- A drip coffee maker and a French-press
- A kettle with temperature settings programmed for the ideal cup of tea
- The overhead lights were specially made for this space by a glass-artist in Toronto
Dining Room
The Dining Room features a harvest table and comfortable seating for eight.
Upstairs Living Room
Comfortable seating for watching TV, playing board games, or working on a puzzle.
Features:
- View of the lake and walkout to patio and BBQ
- Floor to ceiling windows
- Tall beautiful cathedral ceilings
- Overhead fan to ensure air circulation in the large open space
- Gas fireplace, TV, and plenty of seating
Downstairs Living Room
Separated by a doorway, this room is a favourite for ‘the younger set’. There is comfortable seating, a TV, a DVD and a large selection of games, DVDs and books.
Features:
- Walkout to sun room
- Next to the games room with a ping pong table
- Gas fireplace, TV, and plenty of seating
Guest Rooms
Main level: four guest rooms and three bathrooms (two with ensuite).
Ground level: one guest room with twin bunk beds and a separate bathroom.
Master Guestroom 1
Bed: Queen
Room Features:
- Ensuite bathroom with a separate bidet
- Ceiling fan
- Walkout to wrap-around deck and view of the lake
- Dresser drawers
Master Guestroom 2
Bed: King
Room Features:
- Spacious room with an ensuite bathroom
- Ceiling fan
- View of the front court yard garden and parking
- Dresser drawers
Guestroom 3
Bed: Queen
Room Features:
- Ceiling fan
- View of the front court yard garden and parking
- Closet
- Dresser drawers
Guestroom 4
Bed: Two single beds
Room Features:
- Ceiling fan
- View of the front court yard garden and parking
- Dresser drawers
Guestroom 5
Bed: Bunk beds (1 twin, 1 double)
Room Features:
- Walkout to sun room and view of the lake
- Beautiful pine ceiling
- Dresser drawers
Upstairs Bathroom and Downstairs Bathroom
Upstairs Bathroom Features:
- Tub with a shower
- Toilet
- Linen closet with beach towels and blankets
Downstairs Bathroom Features:
- Tiled shower stall
- Toilet
Ensuite Bathroom for Master Guestroom 1 and Master Guestroom 2
Bathroom Features for Master Guestroom 1 :
- Shower stall
- Toilet with separate bidet
Bathroom Features for Master Guestroom 2 :
- Shower stall
- Toilet
Indoor Amenities
For indoor amenities, we offer a games room with a ping pong table and lots of board games, an exercise area, and a sun room. There is also a laundry facility.
Sun Room
The sun room is a screened-in porch. Often you’re feeling like you’re sitting in the middle of the woods. This is the room where we have most of our evening meals.
Features:
- Floor to ceiling windows with full views of the lake and the stars at night
- Round table with four chairs – great for afternoon teas or dinners
- Couches, coffee table, games, and books – for an enjoyable evening next to nature (but without the bugs!)
Games Room
Our games room features a ping-pong table with paddles and balls with quick access to the outdoors for some fresh air and sunshine. We also have lots of board games for the whole family to enjoy.
Laundry Room
There is a washer and dryer, iron, ironing board, and laundry detergent for your use.
Outdoor Amenities
For our outdoor amenities, besides our sun deck and waterfront/dock area, we have a fully furnished deck with a BBQ on the upper level, a smaller lower level patio, and a campfire site.
Campfire Site
There is spot set aside for campfires – overlooking the lake and surrounded by bench seating where you can experience nostalgic moments of the past campfires, or create new memories while enjoying the incredible sunset. And bring your marshmallows!
Features:
- Muskoka chairs, fire pit, and logs
Walkout Patio with BBQ
Walkout from the living room or dining room to a fully furnished deck and full views of the lake.
Features:
- Patio table, chairs, and umbrella
- BBQ
Lower Level Patio
Hammock
Relax on the comfy hammock! It’s meant for one person, and note that like the kayak, the tricky part is getting in and out.
The stand for the hammock is assembled just outside the sun room. The hammock itself is in the sun room and can be quickly attached to the stand. It’s a soft, cushy material so you don’t need a cushion or blanket to make it comfortable.
Clouds & Sunsets
At Muskoka Joe, you will see some of the most spectacular cloud formations and sunsets. Perfect photo opportunity. Remember to take some selfies and tag us in your photos!
Sunsets at Muskoka Joe Cottage
- By now, you’ve seen lots of photos of dazzling cloud formations at our Muskoka Joe cottage. However, here are some of our equally fantastic sunsets.
Our cottage faces South, South West so there are plenty of opportunities for sunsets.
- The cottage deck often presents a good vantage point
- Sometimes you can catch an afterglow, just after the sun has disappeared below the horizon that makes for a good photo
- Pictures from the shore or the boathouse provide opportunities to capture the reflection off the water
