Porter Lake Wilderness Retreat, your natural getaway in the quiet calm of an off-grid cabin on an undisturbed private lake. Located in the unorganized Patterson township 3 1/2 hours North of Toronto.
Your turn could be next.
Stretch out in front of the wood stove or on the screened-in porch to enjoy the view across the lake at windswept pines, hemlocks, and cedars. Better yet, jump in or wet a paddle in Porter Lake, a spring-fed back-country jewel on the outer edge of the French River water basin.
Access to the cabin is via a floating corduroy road, viable for a four-by-four vehicle three months of the year, but we recommend walking the mile back through long-abandoned homesteads and the farm fields of your host Peter Learn, a seasoned traveller who takes pride in his guests’ enjoyment.
Book now with Airbnb to spend some time on Porter Lake’s two miles of secluded shoreline.
Book Porter Lake on AirBNB
This is an absolutely beautiful place and if you love quiet, privacy and solitude, look no further. We spent three nights there at peak autumn leaves and it was absolutely stunning!
It should be noted though that a high-clearance vehicle, preferably with 4 wheel drive is needed to get to the cabin. It adds to the experience an makes the place all the more private, but don't show up in a hatchback!
Derek10/07/2019
If you're looking for an off the grid experience this is it. The private lake is unbelievable. We had a lovely time and loved all the treasures the cabin had to offer. We will be back, for sure.
Amy7/10/2020
This place is heaven. If you love nature and the outdoors, and want to unplug and get away from it all, this place is for you. The private lake is so tranquil, and absolutely beautiful to kayak or canoe around. Both fire pits have beautiful views of the lake. Hiking trails are close by if you are into that as well. The outhouse is well maintained and really doesn't feel like you are using an outhouse almost at all. There is a canoe, 2 kayaks and a row boat that are just wonderful to paddle around the lake in. My favourite part is that you won't see another human being the entire time if you stay on the property.
This is by far one of my most favourite places to spend my time in the summer.
Helpful Tips
- Do come prepared with food that doesn't require refrigeration, with some kind of Tupperware bin that can be sealed to make sure mice don't get into it.
- Bring lots of bug repellant.
- Also to reiterate what the add states; there is no electricity, no WiFi, and very limited cell phone reception. If you have articles, books or music you enjoy from online, be sure to download it before you go.
- a battery pack to recharge your cell phone is also a very helpful item to bring if you will want to continue using your cell phone for photos or other things.
I highly recommend this place to all nature lovers. It's a dream.
Kristina9/02/2019
A charming, rustic cabin that you would see in the movies. Lots of cool vintage knick knacks and a very beautiful vintage propane stove to cook on. Having an entire lake to yourself is a bonus, and there is a rowboat and canoe that you can use. Peter is a great host who also happens to be a pig farmer, so be sure to ask him for some ham steaks and bacon to get the full experience. Make your stay more comfortable by bringing your own bedding, plenty of water and lots of candles to create a relaxing atmosphere. It's a bit of a trek from the car to the cabin, but you're here to take in the country air and get some exercise anyway (to work of the pork you fried, haha). A fun and memorable trip.
Ryan10/12/2016
About Porter Lake
Location
- Restoule, Ontario, Patterson Township, Parry Sound District
- Latitude: 45° 59′ 52.7″ (45.998°) north
- Longitude: 79° 47′ 15.4″ (79.7876°) west
- Elevation: 260 metres (853 feet)
History
It was 1988 when a red Forerunner bounced Greg Cromwell’s heart into this remote corner of Northern Ontario bush and left it there. At the time there was no cabin, barely a clearing and a road carved through the gravel banks of the granite ridge.
Through fast friendships, rugby bulldog determination, focus from his bride Alison and inspiration from Porter herself, the cabin and trails took hold on the old homestead parcel of land. Coming in the road the remains of the original homestead log barn can clearly be seen atop a hill overlooking the sawmill site where only the pond to power it remains.
Today Alison and Greg call Australia home allowing others to retreat to Porter Lake where their friend of nearly 30 years, Peter Learn greets them at the neighbouring family farm.
Born and raised on a farm with thousands of acres of bush for a backyard, a more seasoned guide than Pete won’t be found in the area.
Amenities
We are proud to offer new mattresses and box springs to make sure you don’t miss a wink of sleep in the off-grid cabin. The washroom is outside but it’s civilized, we promise.
A wood heating stove compliments the propane cooking stove in the kitchen with gravity-fed water and propane lights. Or try baking a pie on the screened-in front porch barbecue. Better yet do it on the campfire, we dare you.
Activities
Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, skiing, fishing, hiking, bird watching, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, trail riding, snowmobiling, yoga and of course just relaxing. If there’s something specific you’d like a hand with, give us some notice and we’d be happy to see what we can do.
