Welcome to the Crowe River Retreat!
croweriverretreat on IG
Summer stays are booked in 1-week blocks (Friday check-in and Friday check-out) — guests are welcome to reserve multiple weeks for a longer getaway.
LOCATION
Located on a private half-acre lot just a 2-minute walk to town, Crowe River Retreat is a four-season beachfront and waterfront escape. The property features city water/sewer, central A/C, gas heating, and a fireplace for year-round comfort. The six-person hot tub and large deck with dining area offer perfect relaxation while enjoying the water views.
You’ll have private access to Crowe River, which is 200’ wide at the property and expands to 800’ wide (35’ deep) just a 5-minute paddle away. The gradual shoreline is ideal for children and easy water entry. Guests can use a 16-foot canoe, stand-up paddleboard, two adult kayaks, and one child kayak, with life jackets provided from toddler to adult.
The dock is installed by the third weekend in June and remains available until late September (weather and water levels permitting). The beach washes away in spring and is restored by the third weekend in June.
Crowe River Retreat is conveniently located 2 hours north of Toronto, 2.5 hours west of Ottawa, and 3 hours northeast of Niagara, making it perfect for a weekend or week-long escape.
WINTER & SNOW SEASON
• Property is decorated for the holidays from early December through January 5 — cozy winter vibes included!
• Road to the property is municipally maintained and snow plowed, making it easily accessible even in snowy conditions.
• Just a few minutes from a main OFSC District 2 snowmobile trailhead — perfect for snowmobiling adventures out of Marmora.
• Crowe Lake is less than a 5 minute drive, offering ice fishing opportunities when the lake freezes over.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS
Sleeps up to 8 guests (recommended max 6 adults for comfort).
• Bedroom 1: Queen bed, small futon, 50" Smart TV, dresser, closet, full-length mirror, USB bedside lamps, small desk, 2 robes, cozy rugs
• Bedroom 2: Queen bed, 45" Smart TV, dresser, chair, full-length mirror, 2 robes. Closet includes a foldable crib with mattress and linens
• Bedroom 3: Twin bunk beds, toddler bed, two kid-sized dressers, lamp
• Rec Room: Modular pit couch sleeps 2 adults or 4 children
We provide a mix of down, cooling, and polyester pillows of varying firmness for a restful night’s sleep. All linens included. In early spring, the sub pump may cycle on/off (slightly louder than the furnace)—earplugs recommended for light sleepers.
HOT TUB
Relax in the six-person hot tub under a covered pergola, year-round, with plenty of deck space for lounging and enjoying the river view.
FISHING
Enjoy fishing right from the dock, canoe, or kayak! Crowe River is home to smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, rock bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, and brown bullhead, offering plenty of variety for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re casting from shore or paddling out, it’s a relaxing way to spend time on the water with family or friends.
OUTDOOR AMENITIES
The half-acre property provides access to 16+ km of swimmable and fishable Crowe River. There is a small beachfront, and the water is crystal clear, making it easy to see the bottom (and the fish!).
Outdoor features include:
• Large deck with hot tub, outdoor dining, sunshade and seating area
• Small beachfront (restored mid-June)
• Dock (June–September, water level dependent)
• Sandy/muddy gradual sloped shoreline (ideal for kids)
• Fire pit (wood provided)
• 16-ft canoe, 2 adult kayaks, 1 child kayak
• Life jackets from toddler to adult
• Space to set up a tent for outdoor camping
• Various seating areas, traditional hammock and chair hammock
• Garage amenities: Pool table, dart board, basketball shooter, life jackets, and outdoor games (garage is not temperature controlled).
Outdoor Notes: The waterfront may have some sticks and zebra mussels—water shoes recommended for littles. Some outdoor amenities are stored from early November– late April. Indoor shower/bath towels and four robes provided; outdoor water towels not provided.
KITCHEN & DINING
Fully equipped kitchen includes: dishwasher, stove, oven, fridge, microwave, toaster, crock pot, countertop ice maker, blender, cookware, utensils, plates, cups, wine glasses, basic spices, and cooking oil. Dining table seats 7; highchair and booster seat available.
COFFEE BAR & LOUNGE
Start your morning in our cozy coffee bar/lounge with a Keurig machine (pods and ground coffee), tea bags, sugar, and fun mugs. Enjoy a quiet moment in the lounge area for two, with unique books and tourist brochures for a peaceful escape.
BATHROOM
Full bathroom includes tub/shower combo with rain showerhead, vanity storage, toiletries, towels, shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, hair straightener, and blow dryer.
REC ROOM & SUNROOM
Rec Room: 50" Smart TV with sound bar, cozy gas fireplace, vintage and new board games, foosball table, modular pit couch with seating for eight.
Sunroom: Floor-to-ceiling sliding windows with stunning river views. Relax in the swinging egg chair or stretch out on the couch by the electric fireplace. In the summer: ceiling fan and open doors transform the sunroom into a covered patio with a breeze.
LAUNDRY
Washer, dryer, and detergent included—perfect for keeping bathing suits dry and for light packing.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES
Crib, toddler bed, plastic plates, cups, utensils, highchair, booster seat, baby bath, potty, toddler books, toys, and puzzles provided.
CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT
Self check-in/out with smart lock and unique code. Code active from until 11 AM checkout. Early check-in or late check-out can be requested (fee may apply).
EV CHARGING
Level 2 electric car charger with ChargePoint J1772 (7.5 kW). Tesla users need an adapter.
WATER ACCESS
Private access to 16 km of Crowe River (swimmable). Crowe River boat launch (for larger boats you may bring) is at the end of our street. Crowe Lake boat launch is a 5-minute drive. No direct Crowe Lake access from the property.
PETS
No pets allowed. Family allergies, unfenced yard, and water safety make the property unsuitable. No exceptions.
SECURITY & PROPERTY DETAILS
One security camera monitors the driveway and street; The far left side of back deck and sunroom are also visible. Property is private and exclusively yours to enjoy, with one small hall closet and the shed not available for guest use.
BOOKING/HOUSE RULES
Security Deposit Hold
After booking, you will be directed to a link that uses a 3rd-party Airbnb-approved property management software. Here a credit card will need to be provided for the $500 security deposit (hold only). The hold will be placed on the credit card 2 days before check-in. The hold will be released within 5 business days if there are no major issues such as theft, damage, rule violations, or excessive cleaning requirements. THE SECURITY DEPOSIT MUST BE SUCCESSFULLY HELD BY CHECK-IN TIME, OR THE DOOR CODE WILL NOT BE PROVIDED AND NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN. BY MAKING A RESERVATION, YOU AGREE TO THIS REQUIREMENT.
Rental Agreement
The link will also take you to a rental agreement using the same the 3rd-party Airbnb-approved property management software. The agreement must be signed within 48 hours of booking to complete the reservation. During this process, you will be asked to input the names of all adult guests and provide photo ID of the person making the booking.
HOUSE RULES
• Maximum 8 guests. July & August: max 6 adults + 2 children. All other times: up to 8 adults allowed.
• Any guests beyond maximum must be approved in advance.
• No parties and no excessive noise/music after 11 PM (we have neighbors).
• No pets — no exceptions (yard is unfenced and we are on the water).
• Life jackets are mandatory when leaving our waterfront on the water.
• Children must be supervised at all times; we are on the water and the yard is not fenced.
• Smoking only at the outdoor fire pit. Do not move the fire pit.
• Obey all fire bans issued by the host (no refunds/discounts due to fire bans).
• At least one guest must be 21+ for the entire stay.
• All garbage, recycling, and empties must be taken with you. $50 charge per bag if left behind.
• Follow all hot tub rules in the agreement and posted on-site. Do not go directly from the river or sandy beach into the hot tub without rinsing first.