 June 2021 - Extended dock and improved shoreline - 2/40  June 1 2021 - approx 7ft deep off the end of the dock. The water level lowers throughout the season. - 3/40  Even Big Kids at heart enjoy the slide! - 6/40  July 2021 guest, Paul, showing his grandsons how it is done. 3.5lbs off the dock! - 8/40  August 2021 guest, Jena, and 2 of her kids making a splash! - 9/40  June 2021 guest family exploring the bay in our kayaks - 10/40  Use of 2 adult & 2 youth kayaks included - 11/40  Very large, naturally shaded deck for outdoor dining or relaxing - 12/40  On the shore sandy play area. - 14/40  2022 New Record Holder - 4.8 lb Small Mouth Bass, off the dock! - 15/40  Fully equipped kitchen, including: Keurig, Brew Coffee Maker and a Water Dispenser - 17/40  Woodburning stove and a big screen tv with lots of movies for cozying up together - 20/40  Master Bedroom - Queen bed - 22/40  2nd Bedroom - Queen bed - 23/40  3rd bedroom - 2 sets of bunk beds - 24/40  Hand-held shower and flush toilet - 25/40  Looking west in our bay 8:50pm June 24, 2021 - 26/40  Looking east in our bay 9:10pm the same night - June 24, 2021 - 27/40  2022 guest, Mike and his son, are returning to catch more Big Ones! - 28/40  View from the deck or inside at the dining table or livingroom - 30/40  September 2022 guest, Thomas, will be coming back to catch more off the dock! - 31/40  October 5, 2020 - before the retaining wall and extended dock were completed - 32/40  Autumn explorations - October 2020 - the water level lowers throughout the season - 33/40  October 2021 - Fire pit under the stars overlooking the calm bay - 34/40  October 7, 2021 - on the dock - 35/40  The first fish, 2020 guest, Joe, has ever caught...in his life! 4.4lbs with a Jitterbug - 37/40  Fall 2022 guest, Karina, beautifully captured an evening by the firepit - 39/40  We look forward to hosting you in our neck of the woods! - 40/40 $250 - $325 / night | CONTACT OWNER |
DESCRIPTIONGENERAL DESCRIPTION  | Sleeps 8 |
 | 3 Bedrooms |
 | 1 Bathroom |
 | Pets
not allowed |
 | Smoking
not allowed |
 | Fireplace |
 | Internet |
 | Waterfront |
Relax at Smokey the Bear Cave in Wilberforce/ Highlands East.
Located on picturesque Esson Lake, just north of the Kawarthas and just east of the Haliburton Highlands, this fully furnished 3-bedroom, clean cottage is the perfect getaway for spectacular views.
A short walkway off a spacious, shade-covered deck takes you down to a sandy, shallow entry waterfront, with an additional sandy area on shore for play.
A large, 16' x 36' dock with ladder surrounded by clear water provides for excellent swimming, boating, and fishing, or as a relaxing vista.
Lounge on the 15' x 6' Lily Pad (floating mat).
There is a slide off the end of the dock for those who dare!
The cottage property has southern exposure in a bay of calm, very clear water.
There is a public boat launch close by, if you would like to bring a motorized boat.
We have 3 youth & 2 adult kayaks, a canoe, as well as some sand & water toys available for use.
Although, we have lifejackets, we recommend that you bring your own to ensure proper fit.
We are located off a well maintained cottage dirt road, and back onto densely wooded crown land - Great for hiking, extreme mountain biking and other outdoor adventures.
*You would require a 4-wheel Drive/AWD vehicle to drive right down to the cottage. 1 alternate parking space available for a 2-wheel drive vehicle at the top of the driveway.*
7 mins away is Wilberforce - the Geocaching Capital of Canada!
In the evening, light a campfire under the stars overlooking the serene bay.
**Strict Smoke Free & Animal Free policy**
Due to owner's severe allergies and for the safety and comfort of all guests and neighbours, we do not permit any animals or smoking on the property at any time. Please be respectful and DO NOT ignore this restriction.**
NEW for 2024:
Rural WIFI access on property
Swim raft with children's diving board
For your comfort, each room has a ceiling fan and the cottage has a window air-conditioning unit.
Although we offer bed options for up to 8 people, we do not rent to groups that large. Great for a single family with adults, teens and little ones!
All beds have newer mattresses with mattress covers.
The master bedroom - queen bed.
The middle bedroom - queen bed.
The third bedroom - 2 sets of bunk beds.
The kitchen is fully equipped with dishware, cookware, water dispenser, Keurig, brew coffee maker, kettle, toaster, crockpot, blender, microwave, fridge/freezer and stove/oven.
There is a BBQ with propane included, and outdoor furniture for dining on the wrap around deck.
A 50-inch TV with DVD player, a large selection of movies & board games with a stone fireplace in the living room, invite you to cozy up inside.
The bathroom is equipped with a hand-held shower, flush toilet and sink.
The cottage is situated between Haliburton (27km to the west) & Bancroft (47km to the northeast).
It's located 7km from Wilberforce.
It is 2.5 hours from Toronto.
Wilberforce provides amenities such as Public WiFi, Foodland, LCBO, a pharmacy, gas and Agnew's General Store with Kawartha Dairy ice cream!
Haliburton offers more variety, including a laundromat, Independent Grocery, Shopper's Drug Mart and Tim Hortons.
Bancroft offers even more amenities, shops and attractions, including the Eagle's Nest Lookout.
Peak Season:
Minimum Full week rental ONLY
Spring/Fall Season:
3 night minimum with 4+ night special rates
Rates are based on the following maximum occupancy:
1 Family (2 adults, with up to 4 children) or 4 Adults.
Additional fee applies per extra pre-approved guest. Approval is not guaranteed.
* A Reservation Deposit of $700 (or 1/3) is required at time of booking. A completed Rental Agreement will be required within 1 week of booking. If you need to cancel your reservation, 1/2 of the deposit is refundable up to 1 month prior to arrival.
* The full Rental Balance is due 1 month prior to arrival to confirm your reservation.
* A Security Deposit of $700 is required upon arrival and will be returned within 7 days if the cottage & property are left as clean as when you arrived and in good repair. Cleaning supplies are provided.
* You will need to supply your own bedding, pillows, bathroom linens, toilet paper & paper towel, and dispose of your own garbage and recycling.
* Check-in is after 3:00pm EST, check-out is by 11:00am EST.
+ READ MORE - COLLAPSE
AMENITIES AND EQUIPMENT | | Bedrooms | 3 bedrooms : - 4 single beds - 2 Queen beds | | | Kitchen | | | | Communications | | | | General | | | | Entertainment | | | | Outdoors Features | | |
Summer Activities
(nearby) | | |
For your comfort, each room has a ceiling fan and the cottage has a window air-conditioning unit. There is a BBQ with propane included, and outdoor furniture for dining on the wrap around deck. 15' x 6' lily pad (floating mat) & slide into the water. A 50-inch T.V. with DVD player (incl. a selection of DVDs) and a wide selection of board games in the living room invite you to cozy up inside. The bathroom is equipped with a hand-held shower, flush toilet and sink. + VIEW MORE - COLLAPSE | Other Town/Lake/Area: | Wilberforce |
Note: The cottage is located on southern exposure waterfront in a calm bay on beautiful Esson Lake.
7 km west of Wilberforce - the Geocaching Capital of Canada!
Wilberforce provides amenities such as Public WiFi, Foodland, LCBO, pharmacy, gas and Agnews General Store with Kawartha Dairy Ice cream!
Haliburton offers more variety, including laundromat, Independent Grocery, Shopper's Drug Mart and Tim Hortons.
Bancroft offers even more amenities & attractions, including the Eagles Nest Lookout AVAILABILITYLast update: December 09, 2023 |
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RATES | | $250 | $325 | - | $1600 | - | - | 3 Nights | PEAK SEASON 2024 Jun 14, 2024 - Jun 28, 2024 | - | - | - | $1950 | - | - | 1 Week | PEAK SEASON 2024 Jul 28, 2024 - Aug 04, 2024 | - | - | - | $2100 | - | - | 1 Week | PEAK SEASON 2024 Aug 18, 2024 - Aug 25, 2024 | - | - | - | $1950 | - | - | 1 Week | PEAK SEASON 2024 Aug 25, 2024 - Sep 08, 2024 | - | - | - | $2100 | - | - | 1 Week | PEAK SEASON 2024 Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 15, 2024 | - | - | - | $1950 | - | - | 1 Week | FALL SEASON 2024 Sep 15, 2024 - Oct 15, 2024 | $250 | $325 | - | $1600 | - | - | 3 Nights | THANKSGIVING WEEKEND (4 NIGHTS) Oct 10, 2024 - Oct 14, 2024 | - | - | - | - | - | $1200 | 4 Nights | THANKSGIVING WEEKEND (4 NIGHTS) Oct 11, 2024 - Oct 15, 2024 | - | - | - | - | - | $1200 | 4 Nights |
Rates are in Canadian dollars ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | Check-in after | 03:00 PM | | Check-out before | 11:00 AM | | Security Deposit | $700 (Security deposit will be refunded within 7 days of check-out) | | Booking Deposit | 35% due at time of booking (The balance is due 30 days before arrival) | | Accepted Payments | Cash, Interac e-Transfer | | Cottage Rules | View |
NOTES Payments accepted by etransfer or cash only. REVIEWS | | Janeen |  |
| A1 cottage! Lovely hosts and close by if you need anything. Esson Lake is beautiful and we loved the loon, beavers, and heron. The cottage is well equipped, cosy, and close to the lake. Very clean and high standards. The driveway is very steep and a 4 wheel drive is a must. We have booked again for next year and almost don't want to share our secret finding a tiny bit of heaven!
Stayed: September 2023 Submitted: Sep 18, 2023
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Owner response: Thank you, Janeen. We are happy that you and your husband enjoyed your fall vacation so much that you decided to return next summer to experience more of what the Bear Cave offers. We look forward to hosting you again in our Neck of the Woods! Donna and Guy | |
| | Julia |  |
| If you are looking for a peaceful cottage off the beaten path with a fabulous view, this could be it! Smokey the Bear Cave has the best water view of any cottage we have stayed at and the water is clear and inviting for swimming, fishing etc. Children especially would love this place with the water slide, lily pad and sandy beach.
It's wonderful to find a clean smoke free and pet free cottage with everything you need plus a large relaxing deck. It will book up quickly!
Stayed: September 2022 Submitted: Sep 20, 2022
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Owner response: Thank you, Julia. You've captured in a nutshell, what we offer for a getaway in our neck of the woods! We look forward to hosting you again at Smokey the Bear Cave. Donna & Guy | |
| | Thomas | |
| Being a cottage renter for some years now, this is our first experience here in "Smokey the Bear Cave" on Esson Lake. Honestly, this week had far exceeded our expectations with comfortable accommodations, peaceful surroundings full of nature and excellent fishing. So much so, we have already booked another weeks stay in the coming year. A huge thank you to Guy and Donna for ensuring our stay was a big success.
Stayed: September 2022 Submitted: Sep 13, 2022
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Owner response: Thank you, Thomas. You all are such lovely guests! We are so pleased that you enjoyed your vacation at the Bear Cave so much that you are returning next summer. We look forward to hosting you again in our neck of the woods! Donna & Guy | |
| | Erin | |
| Donna and Guy are excellent hosts, and this cottage is beautiful, inside and out! The views are stunning. Our favourite parts were catching frogs, feeding the very friendly chipmunks, listening to the loons call, kayaking, and swimming. Such a quiet spot, very peaceful. We will be back, for sure!
Stayed: August 2022 Submitted: Sep 04, 2022
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Owner response: Thank you Erin for your kind words. We take pride in offering a beautiful experience inside & out. The location and nature really can't be beat! We look forward to hosting your family again at Smokey the Bear Cave. Donna & Guy | |
| | Jeanine | |
| My sister and I started an annual cottage trip last year with our kids. This year we found smokey the bear cave and will be coming back next year! The view is amazing, the water is clear. The kids had a great time fishing, catching frogs and playing with the friendly chipmunk (which we named Gary). The adults enjoyed kayaking, canoeing, reading on the dock and nightly fires. We were blessed with beautiful weather all week. Guy and Donna were very kind and we are thankful they shared their beautiful cozy cottage with us.
Stayed: August 2022 Submitted: Aug 22, 2022
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Owner response: Thank you for your kind words, Jeanine. We are pleased your family enjoyed their vacation so much that you are coming back! We look forward to hosting your family again next August! Donna & Guy | |
$250 - $325 / night $1600 - $2100 / week DONNA & GUY Member since December 2019 Speaks: English Response Rate: 100% |
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