Innisfil Beach Park
2-minute walkInnisfil's main public beach on Lake Simcoe, with sand, a playground, a splash pad and a paved, lit trail along the water.
Things to do in Innisfil and on Lake Simcoe
Our cottage is a two-minute walk from Innisfil Beach Park, so the lake is your front yard in summer and your ice-fishing spot in winter. Here is what guests do nearby, sorted by season, with rough drive times from 650 Chestnut St.
Summer on the lake
Beach mornings, boat days and trail rides, all within ten minutes of the cottage.
Friday Harbour Resort
10 min driveLakefront village with a marina, boardwalk promenade, restaurants, a golf course and nature-preserve trails. Good for an evening walk and dinner.
Kayaking, fishing and the boat launch
10 min driveLake Simcoe is known for perch, lake trout and whitefish. Bring a boat: the driveway has room for a trailer.
Trans Canada Trail through Innisfil
Short driveA 15.6 km former rail line with paved and gravel sections for walking, running and cycling.
Winter on the lake
Winter is when the hot tub and sauna are at their best. Spend the day outside, then warm up back at the cottage.
Ice fishing on Lake Simcoe
Minutes awayLake Simcoe is one of Ontario's busiest ice-fishing lakes. Hut operators near the cottage rent heated huts by the day. Check ice conditions with the operator before heading out.
Skiing and snowboarding
About 30 to 40 minSnow Valley and Horseshoe Resort, both near Barrie, have downhill runs, tubing and lessons for kids.
Snowmobiling
Short driveIn winter the Trans Canada Trail through Innisfil is used for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. There is room on the driveway for a snowmobile trailer.
Hot tub and sauna nights
At the cottageThe 9-person hot tub and the massive top-of-the-line sauna run year-round. Sauna, snow, hot tub, repeat.
Evenings and rainy days
Racing, shopping and restaurants for the days the lake isn't calling.
Georgian Downs and Gateway Casinos Innisfil
10 min driveLive harness racing plus a casino with table games, slots and restaurants.
Tanger Outlets Cookstown
About 15 minBrand-name outlet shopping off Highway 400. The Cookstown Antique Market, one of Ontario's largest, is nearby.
Alcona shops and restaurants
5 min driveGroceries, the LCBO, pharmacies, coffee and takeout, all close by for stocking up on arrival.
Sunset Speedway
Short driveStock-car racing on summer weekends, a local Innisfil tradition.
Day trips
Innisfil is central to south Simcoe County and an easy hour from Toronto.
Barrie waterfront
20 min driveKempenfelt Bay beaches, a long waterfront trail, and downtown restaurants and patios.
Barrie Hill Farms
About 35 minPick-your-own strawberries, blueberries, apples and pumpkins, open seasonally from May to October.
Toronto
About 1 hourClose enough for a concert or a Leafs game, and far enough that the cottage feels like cottage country.
Common questions
How far is the cottage from the beach?
About a 2-minute walk to Innisfil Beach Park on Lake Simcoe.
Is Innisfil worth visiting in winter?
Yes. Ice fishing, skiing near Barrie and snowmobile trails are all close by, and the cottage's hot tub and sauna run all winter.
How far is Innisfil from Toronto?
About an hour's drive north on Highway 400, and about 20 minutes south of Barrie.
Is there parking for a boat or snowmobile trailer?
Yes. The private driveway has room for your vehicles and a trailer. Please keep everything on the driveway, not the grass.
Stay two minutes from the lake
Four bedrooms, sleeps 10, with a 9-person hot tub, a massive sauna and a fire pit. Book on Airbnb.
Drive times are approximate and depend on traffic and season. Check hours with each place before you go.