Family Cottage Resort Near Toronto
The kind of vacation your kids will still talk about at Thanksgiving. Lake Dalrymple Resort is a family cottage resort 90 minutes from the GTA with 22 lakefront cottages, fishing, kayaking, a sandy beach, and enough outdoor fun to keep every generation happy.
Where Families Actually Unplug Together
Screen time goes down. Eye contact goes up. That is what happens when you bring your family to Lake Dalrymple Resort, a family cottage resort Ontario families have been returning to year after year. Our 22 lakefront cottages sit along the eastern shore of a 3,400-acre spring-fed lake in Carden Township, surrounded by forest, trails, and the kind of quiet that does not exist within city limits.
This is not a resort where families sit in hotel rooms watching television. At Lake Dalrymple, the kids are catching crappie off the dock while Dad grills dinner on the deck. Grandma is watching the sunset from her Muskoka chair while the teenagers are paddling the kayaks along the shoreline. The dog is sniffing every trail in sight. And everyone sleeps better than they have in months because the only sounds are loons and frogs.
Whether you are planning your first family cottage trip or continuing a tradition that started a generation ago, Lake Dalrymple Resort is the family cottage resort near Toronto that makes it easy. We are 90 minutes from the GTA, which means the drive is short enough for even the youngest travellers, and the lake is close enough for weekend getaways or full week stays.
Something for Every Age
The best family vacations are the ones where nobody is bored. Here is what each generation gets out of a stay at our family cottage resort Ontario guests love.
Little Ones (2-7)
Supervised play at the playground, splashing at the sandy beach, spotting frogs and turtles, and their first time holding a fishing rod from the dock.
Kids (8-14)
Kayaking adventures, catching crappie and perch, volleyball tournaments, basketball, climbing, and the thrill of reeling in a fish bigger than their arm.
Teens (15-17)
Fishing boat excursions targeting pike and bass, kayak explorations along the shoreline, and the rare privilege of a phone-free zone they might actually enjoy.
Parents & Grandparents
Morning coffee on the deck, fishing at your own pace, nature walks, birding at Carden Alvar, reading by the lake, and the satisfaction of watching everyone else have the time of their lives.
Family Activities at the Resort
No agenda required. Everything is here when your family wants it.
Family Fishing
Six species in the lake. Panfish for beginners, pike for the experienced. Live bait at our store.
Boat Rentals
Small outboard boats for the day. Explore 3,400 acres of lake together as a family.
Kayaking & Beach
Paddle from our sandy beach. Calm, sheltered water perfect for kids and beginners.
Lawn Games
Volleyball, horseshoes, washers, cornhole, shuffleboard, and a basketball net.
Playground & Climbing
Dedicated play area where the little ones can run, climb, and burn off energy safely.
Dog Walking Trails
Pet friendly resort with hiking and biking trails bordering the property. Your dog will love it.
A Family Fishing Resort Ontario Kids and Parents Both Love
Lake Dalrymple is loaded with Northern Pike, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Muskie, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch. That range of species is exactly what makes this a great family fishing resort Ontario families return to every year. The little ones can catch crappie and perch from the dock or from shallow water near the beach. No boat required, no complicated gear, just a rod, a worm, and a lot of excitement when the bobber goes under.
Meanwhile, experienced anglers in the family can rent a fishing boat and head into the deeper waters for trophy pike, walleye, and muskie. The lake has two distinct basins connected by a narrow channel, so there is always somewhere new to explore. Our on-site convenience store stocks live bait including worms and minnows, plus snacks and drinks for the cooler.
The best family fishing stories start with someone catching something they did not expect. At Lake Dalrymple, that happens every single day.
What a Family Day Looks Like Here
No alarms. No schedule. Just a day that unfolds at your family's pace.
Coffee on the Deck, Kids at the Dock
Wake up to loon calls instead of alarm clocks. Make coffee in your cottage kitchen while the kids head down to the dock to try catching their first fish of the day. The dog is already investigating every bush on the property.
Out on the Lake
Take the family out in a rental boat. The little ones spot turtles and herons while the older kids learn to cast into the weed beds. Dad hooks a pike. Everyone screams. It is the loudest anyone has been all week, and that is saying something.
Beach, Games, and Ice Cream
Swim at the sandy beach, race kayaks along the shore, and set up a family volleyball tournament on the lawn. Stop by the convenience store for Kawartha Dairy ice cream, which might be the best part of the whole trip depending on who you ask.
BBQ on the Deck, Sunset Over the Lake
Fire up the propane BBQ on your private deck. Cook dinner together as the sun drops below the tree line and the sky turns orange over the lake. The kids are already planning tomorrow. So are you.
Cottages Built for Families
Every cottage at Lake Dalrymple Resort comes with a full kitchen, stove, refrigerator, cookware, utensils, a propane BBQ on your private deck, and outdoor seating. You can cook meals on your schedule, which is a lifesaver for families with small children who run on their own clock. No restaurant reservations, no buffet lineups, no overpriced room service.
Our cottages sleep two to six people depending on the unit. For larger families or multi-generational trips, you can book side-by-side cottages so grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins all stay on the same row, steps from each other and steps from the lake. Our premium cottage even includes bedding, pillows, and towels for families who want to pack lighter.
What to Bring
Please bring your own bedding, pillows, and towels for most cottages. Bring groceries, a cooler, and your favourite family board games. Our convenience store has backup snacks, drinks, live bait, and ice cream. Fishing gear is helpful but not required.
The Whole Family Comes Along, Dogs Included
Nobody gets left behind at Lake Dalrymple Resort. Our cottages are pet friendly, which means the dog gets a vacation too. There are hiking and biking trails bordering the property, open grass areas for playing fetch, and plenty of new smells for your four-legged explorer to investigate.
We ask that pets be quiet and housebroken, stay on leash whenever outside the cottage, and be cleaned up after. Bring proof of vaccination to show at check in. Simple rules that keep the resort comfortable for all families.
Snapshots of Family Life at the Resort
Sunsets from the deck. Kids at the dock. Mornings that actually feel like mornings. This is what your family cottage trip looks like.
Close Enough That the Kids Won't Ask "Are We There Yet?"
One of the best things about choosing this family cottage resort near Toronto is the drive. Most families arrive in under two hours. That is one movie, two snack breaks, and zero meltdowns. Lake Dalrymple Resort is located at 230 Lake Dalrymple Road, Sebright, Ontario, in the municipality of Kawartha Lakes.
| Starting City | Approximate Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Toronto | Approx. 1 hour 45 min |
| Vaughan | Approx. 1 hour 30 min |
| Oshawa | Approx. 1 hour 30 min |
| Bowmanville | Approx. 1 hour 30 min |
| Hamilton | Approx. 2 hours 15 min |
| Niagara Falls | Approx. 2 hours 45 min |
Explore More of the Resort
Dig into the details that matter most for your family's trip.
Fishing Resort
Species guides, seasonal tips, and licensing info for family fishing trips.
Fishing Details
Corporate Retreats
Planning a team event? See our group retreat options and event space.
Retreat DetailsFamily Cottage Resort Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions families ask most before booking at Lake Dalrymple Resort.
Is Lake Dalrymple Resort safe for young children?
Yes. The resort is a quiet, low-traffic property with a designated playground and climbing area for kids. The sandy beach provides calm, shallow water for younger swimmers. Children should always be supervised near the water. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and family-oriented, which is one of the reasons families return year after year.
What ages is the resort best suited for?
Lake Dalrymple Resort works well for every age group. Toddlers love the playground and beach. Kids aged 8 to 14 enjoy fishing, kayaking, and lawn games. Teenagers appreciate the boat excursions and the freedom to explore. Parents and grandparents love the deck time, nature walks, and the chance to watch the whole family enjoy themselves. Multi-generational trips are common and popular.
Can we bring our dog?
Yes. Lake Dalrymple Resort is pet friendly. Quiet, housebroken dogs are welcome. They must stay on leash while outside the cottage and be cleaned up after. Bring proof of vaccination to check in. There are excellent trails around the property for walks.
How many people can a cottage accommodate?
Cottages sleep two to six people. For larger families or multi-generational trips, book multiple cottages in the same row to keep everyone close together while giving each family unit their own private space and kitchen.
Do the cottages have kitchens?
Yes. Every cottage has a full kitchen with stove, refrigerator, cookware, and utensils. This is especially helpful for families with young children or picky eaters. Cook meals on your own schedule and avoid the cost and hassle of eating out. Each cottage also has its own propane BBQ on the deck.
Do we need to bring bedding?
Yes, for most cottages. Bring your own bedding, pillows, and towels. Our premium cottage includes bedding, pillows, and towels if your family prefers a lighter packing list. We do not offer laundry service, so bring enough for the full stay.
Can kids go fishing even if they have never fished before?
Absolutely. Lake Dalrymple is a great place for kids to learn. Black crappie and yellow perch are plentiful and easy to catch from the dock or from shallow water near the beach. You do not need a boat. A simple rod and a worm from our bait shop is all it takes. Children under 18 can fish without a licence in Ontario when accompanied by a licensed adult.
Is there a grocery store nearby?
The nearest full grocery stores are in Orillia, about 25 minutes from the resort. We recommend stocking up before you arrive. Our on-site convenience store carries snacks, drinks, ice cream, live bait, and a few essentials, but it is not a full grocery store.
What is the best time of year for a family cottage trip?
Summer is the most popular for families because the water is warm for swimming and the days are long. Early fall is excellent for families who prefer fewer crowds and lower rates, plus the Ontario fall colours are stunning. Late spring offers the best fishing and wildflower season.
How far in advance should we book?
Summer weeks and holiday weekends fill up months in advance. Book as early as you can for July and August. Spring and fall availability is usually easier to find, and the rates are lower.