This February, I packed up with a group of friends and headed to The Signal a fabulous winter cottage rental ontario, just a few minutes outside of Bayfield. From the moment we stepped in Friday evening, the cottage felt like home. Soft music played, the temperature was perfectly cozy against the winter chill, and CottageStays had left us some thoughtful goodies to kick off our weekend.
After settling in, we bundled up for a short walk to the lake access, just a minute away. The view of the ice-covered Lake Huron was breathtaking in the stillness of winter—the kind of quiet that only comes with fresh snow and frozen waves.
Later, we drove into Grand Bend to try Industria Pizzeria & Bar. The spacious restaurant was perfect for our group, and the fresh, in-house pasta and wood-fired pizza were absolute highlights. We could easily imagine how great it would be on a busy summer night, yet we appreciated the cozy winter ambiance.
Saturday was all about relaxation. We eased into the morning with coffee by the fireplace, watching Netflix on the Smart TV. In the afternoon, we ventured to Dark Horse Estate Winery to test out their outdoor skating rink, which brought out our inner kids. Skating under the open sky, sipping wine, and enjoying their gourmet grilled cheese and soup made for an unforgettable afternoon.
Back at the cottage, we kicked off a ladies’ night in. The large, open kitchen made it easy to whip up margaritas and dinner without missing out on conversation. We gathered around the massive dining table—perfectly positioned to feel like part of the kitchen space—for food, drinks, and laughter.
The outdoor sauna was a major highlight of the night; we took turns enjoying its warmth, stepping out into the crisp winter air between sessions, which made the experience even more refreshing. Sitting in the sauna surrounded by snow was incredibly relaxing, and it quickly became our favorite way to wind down after a fun-filled day. It’s very rare to find an Airbnb with sauna ontario!
When it was time to turn in, there was plenty of room for our group of eight. The main floor bunk room could easily be a hit for kids—a cozy “cousins’ room” that sleeps five. In the morning, everyone commented on how comfortable the beds were, making for a restful night’s sleep.
Throughout our stay, certain features kept standing out—little details and big comforts that made The Signal such a memorable getaway. These were the things we kept mentioning all weekend long, and when we sat down to reflect, they easily became our Top 10 Favourite Things About The Signal:
- The Outdoor Sauna: A weekend highlight! Easy to use and the perfect way to relax after a cold winter day. Sitting in the warmth while surrounded by snow was pure bliss. We took turns throughout the evening, stepping out into the crisp winter air between sessions, which made the experience even more refreshing. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of outdoor adventures!
- Huge Dining Table: Comfortably seats 12—ideal for large family dinners, weekend brunches, or spreading out board games. We loved how it seamlessly connected to the kitchen, making it easy to stay part of the conversation while prepping food or drinks.
- Cozy Fireplace: Not just for ambiance—the fireplace kept us warm and set the perfect mood for lounging with a blanket, coffee, or an evening glass of wine.
- Spacious Living Room: Plenty of comfy seating to stretch out for a movie night. We had no trouble all gathering together for a Netflix binge.
- Upstairs Coffee Nook: A thoughtful addition that we can imagine being perfect for summer mornings. Picture this: parents sipping coffee upstairs while kids play downstairs with grandparents—no need to trek down to the kitchen first thing in the morning.
- Juliet Balconies: There are two upstairs! We could easily envision stepping out with a warm drink and my favorite book to watch the sunrise—a peaceful way to start the day.
- Backyard Firepit: Though we didn’t use it this trip, we could see how it would be a perfect spot to unwind after a long summer day by the lake.
- Ample Parking: The cottage sleeps eight, and it’s great that there’s plenty of parking for multiple cars, making it easy for friends or family to arrive separately.
- Heated Concrete Floors: We were obsessed! Not only do the floors look gorgeous, but the warmth underfoot was a delightful luxury, especially during a winter stay.
- Prime Location: Tucked away on a quiet street, just a one-minute walk to Lake Huron access, and a short drive to Bayfield (10 minutes) or Grand Bend (15 minutes). Whether you’re looking for a beach day or a night out, everything is close by.
Overall, The Signal charmed us with its beautiful styling and homey comfort. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind, gather with friends, and enjoy the best of Lake Huron year-round. We’re already planning another visit! Visit https://cottagestays.ca/the-signal-winter-cottage/ to book your winter cottage rental stay today!
OR visit for more winter cottage rentals ontario https://cottagestays.ca/winter-cottages/
Links:
Industria Pizzeria and Bar
