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Private island in Ontario’s stunning Frontenac Arch UNESCO Biosphere 

BOOK NOW FOR SPRING 2025

Photo: Allan Joyner

Victorian charm with modern comfort

Enjoy your dream vacation in a landmark island cottage that has it all. A classic Victorian lake house with wraparound porch and lake views from every room, respectfully updated for 21st century comfort.

Exclusive island privacy and sunset views

An oasis of privacy in the largest, most sought-after lake in the Rideau system. Canoes, kayaks, SUP and small motorboat all included with rental. Swim to a private swimming raft, relax in a hammock or fish. Stunning sunset views

Spectacular scenery,
eco-conscious living

Fancy Free Island is in the Frontenac Arch, a world-famous UNESCO ecological corridor in Eastern Ontario. All aspects of daily life on Fancy Free are designed to respect and protect its pristinely beautiful natural setting. 

Amenities Include

  • exclusive use of summer home and beautiful private island retreat on Big Rideau Lake
  • antiques in every room
  • water view from every window
  • comfortable accommodation for up to eight
  • free private parking and use of boats
  • excellent swimming and fishing
  • dog-friendly
  • high speed WIFI
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Photo credit Paul Dewar

1 - porch
On a private island on spectacular Big Rideau Lake near Portland, Ontario, Fancy Free is a historic five bedroom Victorian summer home available for rental to a maximum of eight people.
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2 - island
Fancy Free Island is a place apart. Experience the magic of Ontario cottage life on a private island.
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Photo: Allan Joyner

3 - boat
Fancy Free’s rental fee includes exclusive use of the summer home with an accompanying motor boat and sailboat, plus numerous smaller craft for lots of fun on the water.
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4 - northern lights
Close to the mainland, yet separate, Fancy Free is the ultimate retreat. With sunny days and starry nights, summer memories are made here.
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Photo: Rachel O'Neil

5 - postcard
Fancy Free is a historic landmark of the Rideau Lakes, a designated Unesco World Heritage Site in a region of international cultural and environmental significance.
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Location

Fancy Free is located 1.5 hours by car south of Ottawa and one hour by car north of Kingston. From the USA, it is easily reached from New York State via the Thousand Islands International Bridge.

Availability

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Rental Rates

2025 Weekly Rates in CAD

  • Sat May 31 – Sat June 14: $2,400.00
  • Sat June 14 – Sat June 21: $2619.00
  • Sat June 21 – Sat June 28: $3056.00
  • Sat June 28 – Sat Aug 30: $3602.00
  • Sat Aug 30 – Sat Oct 18: $2073.00

Fancy Free closes for the winter the week after Thanksgiving.

MORE RENTAL DETAILS

Our visitors say…

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"Thank you so much for sharing your idyllic little island with us! We all had such fun and leave refreshed and renewed. We will miss the loons at night and impromptu rope-swing marathons!"

- S.H., Middleton, DE

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"Once again, Fancy Free was the highlight of our summer vacation. We saw a black martin, a muskrat, a beaver, blue jays and a Pileated Woodpecker, as well as plenty of loons. The abundant wildlife always amazes me!"

- J.S., Thailand

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"There is nothing that compares to the peacefulness of this lovely island. Our family has tied its heartstrings to it. We treasure every memory and can’t wait for next year. Thank you!"

- J. F., Albrightsville, Pennsylvania

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"Glad to be back as usual. Starting to wonder what I would do without this well-looked-forward- to week.
Absolute relaxation!"

- J.R., Michigan

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"Our holiday has been everything we hoped for, and more! Having previously stayed in other cottages in past visits, none remotely compared. We hope to come back again to enjoy the beauty, calm and tranquility the island has offered us."

- J. Sparr, Derby, England

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"Thank you! We have never seen the lake more beautiful. We had perfect weather and a week of total relaxation…can’t wait to return…"

- S.W., Harrisburg, PA

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"I don’t want to leave! Love the house, wonderful old photos, fireplace, fishing, great weather, otter, loons, sitting on the porch reading - I hope heaven is like this!"

- S. W., Plymouth, PA.

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From the Blog

  • Fall 2024: Autumn on Fancy Free Island – Northern Lights and stunning sunsets 

    Fall 2024: Autumn on Fancy Free Island – Northern Lights and stunning sunsets 

    All seasons are beautiful when you live surrounded by nature, as we are at Fancy Free, but September and October are our favourite months on Big Rideau. Daytime temperatures are far more comfortable for outdoor adventures than summer’s heat. The romance of viewing the sunset from the tip of the island coincides happily with the dinner hour. The hues of the forests slowly change from green to brillant flame, so that every day there are new surprises in store. Birds are migrating. Geese fly in flocks over the cottage frequently, and noisily. On or off the island, it’s a moveable feast…

    READ MORE ON THE BLOG

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