MUSKOKA AND THE EARLY BIRD COTTAGE WILL THRILL YOUR 5 SENSES!

If you’ve ever been to cottage country in Ontario, you know there’s a lot to take in! It’s almost sensory overload but in the best way possible. With so much beauty, so many things to do and experiences to enjoy, every one of your senses will be filled to the brim! Let’s explore how life at the Muskoka Lakefront Cottage, part of the $2.6 Million Early Bird Prize, will thrill all five of your senses—sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell!

  1. See the beauty all around—and within!

We say “feast your eyes” when we show something beautiful. That must mean the Ril Lake cottage is an all-you-can-eat buffet open 24/7/365! Inside and out, it’s a masterpiece of design, featuring eye-popping post-and-beam construction, vaulted ceilings, a magnificent fireplace, and more. Don’t worry about what your parents taught you: we promise it’s ok to stare!

Speaking of staring, it’s not easy to keep your eyes off the view of the property and the scenic panorama of Ril Lake! From your raised sundeck, the screened room, or the many windows, you can take it all in from sunrise to sunset and under the stars at night. The display of fall colours is spectacular, and the blank canvas of winter has a beauty like no other.

Beyond the cottage, mighty Algonquin Park isn’t far off, and you won’t have to stray far from the main road to discover why it’s world-famous—just like our Early Bird Prize! Towering pines and pristine lakes create a picturesque backdrop for hikers and picnickers alike. And a cruise aboard the historic SS Bigwin on the shimmering waters of Lake of Bays is a laid-back way to experience the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape. You’ll never run out of ways to dazzle your eyes in Muskoka!

2. Life at the cottage sounds fantastic!

The Muskoka Lakefront Cottage is a treat for your ears, too! Is there anything quite like the crackle of a real wood fire? You can enjoy that sound at your firepit, seated with friends or family. Keep your ears open for the sounds of nature, too, including gently lapping waves, rustling leaves, and the haunting call of the majestic loon. 

Nature isn’t the only source of beautiful music in Muskoka, though! There are plenty of spots in the “neighbourhood” to enjoy live music, including the legendary Kee to Bala and the Gravenhurst Opera House. You might even strum a few notes on a guitar or sing some tunes around the fire!

The most cherished sounds of all, though, will be the laughter and heartfelt conversations you’ll enjoy with your family and friends as you share special moments with them at your wonderful new cottage. Those are sounds you’ll never forget!

3. Savour tasty moments—and food—with loved ones

The spacious gourmet kitchen is where culinary adventures begin, and comfort foods taste extra comforting. Create delicious meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from nearby markets and farmers’ stands in this chef's dream kitchen. Or push “Start” on the microwave and hurry back to relaxing at the lake—no one will judge!

And what's a cottage getaway without s’mores? Gather around the fire pit under the starlit sky and indulge in the simple pleasures of roasting marshmallows, a nostalgic tradition that adds a touch of sweetness to your lakeside retreat.

When it comes to dining out, head to Baysville for everything from fresh-baked butter tarts to pizza to pub grub. Or, amble down the main strip in Bracebridge for seemingly unlimited choices to please your palate! Cottage life never tasted better!

4. Something about Muskoka just feels right!

You’ll put every nerve to work as you immerse yourself in the tactile wonders of Muskoka. Feel the sand beneath your toes as you stroll along pristine shores, with stirring breezes in your hair, and experience the refreshing sensation of cool lake waters on your skin—for maximum effect, combine it with a cannonball off your private dock! Wrap your fingers around the smooth bark of ancient trees, feel the crunch of snow in your hands as you make a snowperson (or a snowball!), and feel connected with nature like never before.

The feelings continue inside the cottage, where plush chairs, fluffy pillows, and cozy blankets await to wrap you in comfort. Not to mention handshakes and hugs shared with friends and family!  The Muskoka Lakefront Cottage really does have all the feels!

5. Even the smells are better here

We can’t forget about the scents! Wake up to the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee or a pot of steeped tea wafting through the air, inviting you to start your day with a smile. As the day unfolds, fill the cottage with the savoury smells of home cooked (or barbecued!) meals and light your favourite scented candles to evoke feelings of tranquility. Let's not forget the comforting scent of woodsmoke by the firepit, wrapping you in an ethereal blanket of nostalgia and warmth.

Outdoors, take a deep breath and inhale the clean, crisp air, tinged with pine and cedar. Discover the delicate perfumes of wildflowers and blossoming trees or the musky scents of fall as the leaves turn and nature readies itself for a winter’s slumber. Close your eyes and breathe it in; there’s magic in the air in Muskoka!

6. You don’t need a sixth sense to know an extra $100,000 is amazing!

Call it intuition, but we know our lucky winner will be thrilled to win $100,000 cash! You could invest in art or treat yourself to fine dining experiences—in another country! Or maybe buy a boat and feel the spray coming off Ril Lake in your face. We’d call $100,000 “E.S.P.”—an Extra Sweet Prize!

And there you have it! The Muskoka Lakefront Cottage, part of the $2.6 Million Grand Prize, has what it takes to fill your senses every day. For a chance to make it yours, get your tickets now. Will it be you and your family dazzling your senses and loving life at the cottage?

Kelsy Rogers