Cabin

By Nordik Spa/Gatineau Park! Waterfront Cabin17min to Ottawa. SUP+canoe+kayaks!

Photo gallery for By Nordik Spa/Gatineau Park! Waterfront Cabin17min to Ottawa. SUP+canoe+kayaks!

Miscellaneous
Interior
Pool
Living area
Property grounds

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
6 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 11

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Chelsea, QC
  • Morrison’s Quarry
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Nordik Spa-Nature
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Camp Fortune
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Ottawa, ON (YRO-Ottawa-Rockcliffe)
    ‪32 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

6 bedrooms (sleeps 11)

Anteroom

1 Double Futon

Children's Room

1 Single Bunk Bed

Front Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Living Room

1 Double Sofa Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

The Kiwi-vine Loft

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

By Nordik Spa/Gatineau Park! Waterfront Cabin17min to Ottawa. SUP+canoe+kayaks!

Experience Ottawa’s urban delights while staying and playing in the woods at the one-of-a-kind winterized Lazy Cabin! Outstanding dock on the wild Gatineau River with kayaks, canoe, swimming, fishing, & sun basking. Close to Ottawa and Wakefield, walking distance to Gatineau Park.

OVERVIEW
Fully equipped, classic Canadian cedar log cabin modernized with eco-friendly upgrades (including high efficiency wood-burning fireplace insert, plus electric furnace), located an unbeatable 17 minutes from downtown Ottawa. Secluded amongst 200-year old white pines on hilltop 1.5 acre lot, at the trailhead of Gatineau Park’s 363 square kilometers (226 square miles) of pristine Canadian wilderness, overlooking the mighty Gatineau river… and yet so close to town that you can take full advantage of both worlds!

Semi-private riverfront is great for swimming and boating. Canoe and kayak, mountain bikes, “Green Egg” BBQ, outdoor tent, bonfire pit, trampoline, and WiFi also included. Good privacy, plenty of parking and great hiking/biking trails in Gatineau Park. An outdoor sports paradise for all seasons.

The secluded location and cozy cabin is ideal for romantic getaways. The region’s finest dining and spa facilities are just minutes away. The house also comes with a mostly outdoor cat, so quiet company is guaranteed

The Lazy Cabin is also a great spot for families, with child’s bunk bed (also sleeps an adult), treehouse, forest playground area and large trampoline.

ACCESS
There are stairs to get up to the cabin and a woodsy trail to get down to the waterfront, which lends lots of privacy to the lot and water front - but note the property is NOT ideal for people who are mobility impaired.

UNBEATABLE LOCATION
The Lazy Cabin's convenient location is the best offer in the area.
   Secluded hill-top location amongst 2 acres of giant 200-year-old white pines
   Situated directly on the Gatineau River, on a road-connected island.
   Just across the road from Gatineau Park's huge trail system.
   17 min. to the culture, shopping, and nightlife of downtown Ottawa.
   10 min. to picturesque village of Wakefield , with superb restaurants
   10 min. to the Black Sheep, Ottawa area's most famous music venue.
   5 min. to great golf.
   5 min. to Ottawa area's best 5-star restaurant, Les Fougeres.
   Extremely close to many outdoor and adventure sport activities

AN ECO RETREAT
Our location is beautiful – isolated on a quiet peninsula jutting out into the Gatineau River, nestled amongst huge white pine trees. Riverfront to the north and east, pristine forest and wetland adjoins the property to the south and west.

The cabin incorporates a high-efficiency air source heat pump for heating and cooling, natural lighting from skylights set in a new R40 high-insulating roof, and makes great use of local materials and wood panel reclaimed from the cabin during the roof retrofit. There are plenty of operable windows, which allow for natural cooling at nights. Floors are a mix of reclaimed maple hardwood and beautiful slate and pebble mosaic in living room and bathroom. A reclaimed cast iron clawfoot tub allows for long baths. For colder nights, there is a high-efficiency wood-burning fireplace and a supply of firewood sustainably harvested by the owner. A clothesline is provided for line-drying clothes the natural way, and there is a compost vessel in the garden.

There is also an efficient “Green Egg” barbecue for which we provide the hardwood charcoal – delicious for BBQing, fish, and smoking.

Guests will enjoy our herb garden and a new “forest garden” of berry bushes (some of which may bear fruit during your visit), fruit and nut trees. Lounge in one of our hand-made Mexican hammocks and enjoy the flower garden, wildlife, and forest garden!

OUTDOOR DETAILS
Our quiet waterfront area on the tranquil Gatineau river includes a canoe and one adult kayak and kids kayaks with paddles, and life jackets. Our beautiful dock lets you lounge in the sun on the river. Note that dock may be shared with two other families. Swimming in the river is fun, and several sandy beaches are nearby.

The property includes patio seating, a firepit for bonfires, a Green Egg BBQ, and outdoor tent covering a picnic table.

The Lazy Cabin is great for families, with child’s bunk bed (also sleeps an adult), a fun treehouse, zipline (for passengers under 80lbs), forest playground area and large trampoline.

Casual bike riders will enjoy riding on the new Chelsea riverside bike trail which crosses our country road, and the beautiful Cross Loop winding through the Meech Creek valley and over an old-fashioned covered bridge, just 3km away. Excellent single-track mountain biking can be found within 1km (ask the owners for directions to the trails), and some of Canada’s best mountain biking is nearby, including downhill courses with chairlift at Camp Fortune. Road biking enthusiasts from Ottawa come up Hwy 105 right past our road every weekend – it’s a great country ride, and the Gatineau Park road network offers gorgeous views and thrilling hill climbs.

INDOOR DETAILS
The cozy master bedroom loft can be found up a spiral staircase, with art and book nooks, fitted with queen-size bed that sleeps 2. A sturdy hand-made bunk bed for kids or adults (sleeps 1) is on the ground floor. The front bedroom and front loft are both equipped with queen size beds that sleep 2 each. The anteroom has an additional twin futon that sleeps 2, and the sectional sofa in the living room also sleeps 2.

The cabin is built around a gorgeous fieldstone fireplace made by a local master in the 1940s, and a spectacular “tree of life” slate and pebble mosaic in the living room. The cabin, which serves as the owners’ home during cooler months, is decorated with rare and unusual masks and artifacts from their world travels. Comes complete with a library.

An open-concept and high-ceilinged living room, sitting area with picture windows overlooking the forest, and log walls throughout make for a relaxing atmosphere. Full bath with artisanal slate floor, old-fashioned tub/shower.

The fully equipped kitchen and dining area includes everything you might need for preparing meals at home. We provide: Cooking utensils, pot, pans, silverware, dishes, a coffee machine and bodum, a toaster, and other kitchen essentials. The cabin is equipped with an electric stove, a large fridge, a chest freezer, and a microwave oven. Cleaning supplised and a vacuum cleaner are located in the kitchen closet. Emergency candles; flashlight.

Property manager

Greg

Languages

English, French

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 320775, 2026-02-23

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Chelsea

Located in Chelsea, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Nordik Spa-Nature and Morrison’s Quarry are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Dunn-d's Mini Golf and Eco-Odyssee. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Paintball Fort Ouest or Gatineau Sports Centre. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Chelsea, QC

Getting around

  • Ottawa Station - 26 min drive
  • Ottawa International Airport (YOW) - 42 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪La Cigale - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Patate a Carlo - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Les Fougeres - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is By Nordik Spa/Gatineau Park! Waterfront Cabin17min to Ottawa. SUP+canoe+kayaks! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at By Nordik Spa/Gatineau Park! Waterfront Cabin17min to Ottawa. SUP+canoe+kayaks!?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at By Nordik Spa/Gatineau Park! Waterfront Cabin17min to Ottawa. SUP+canoe+kayaks!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is By Nordik Spa/Gatineau Park! Waterfront Cabin17min to Ottawa. SUP+canoe+kayaks! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is within 9 miles (15 km) of Morrison’s Quarry, Gatineau Park Visitor Centre and Ski Vorlage. MacLaren Mill and Nordik Spa-Nature are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.0/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

jpsruddy

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic spot

The cottage is exactly as advertised with crystal clear instructions and beautiful surroundings. You feel out in nature but only 15 mins from downtown Ottawa. Couldn't recommend this place fast enough.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Audrey V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Back to nature.

Very enjoyable, lots of activities.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay at wintery Cabin

Stayed at the Cabin for two nights in January with my partner. Was the perfect winter getaway. Cozied inside by the fire for two nights with wine & books. The snowy Gatineau surroundings made our time a retreat. Fully stocked kitchen with an espresso machine was a treat. Looking forward to returning for another stay and some near by skiing with a group. Would highly recommend this place for a surely memorable time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Sara S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Beautiful stay

This is such a beautiful place, we had an amazing stay!! The water is just incredible we had access to kayaks, a canoe, paddles boards it was SO much fun!! The cabin itself is so cozy and comfortable!! The only thing it is not a 6 bedroom 2 bathroom cabin like the listing says. It has one bathroom which was great! There is two “loft” style bedrooms(both with difficult steps to manoeuvre not suitable for young children or elderly) one with a door one more open but you can’t see from the main living area and one small bedroom right off the entrance. That’s where we decided our toddler would sleep because it had a door and was the one regular bedroom, no room for a playpen but we made it work!! Overall amazing stay fun for the WHOLE family! You have to be the adventurous outdoorsy type no one with mobility issues (cabin situated on a hill so therefore quite a few stairs to get up to it and right across the road the path through woods downhill , a bit steep and with SOME tripping hazards) and definitely have to keep an eye on the littles but overall a must see and stay!! We would definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Organic Escape

Excellent organic experience! The host Greg was very accomodating. Relaxing around the hearth with friends and enjoying the eclectic decor was a highlight. The cabin has so much character, it appears several generations have built and maintained it.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

Manon L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Très agréable refuge

Chalet très chaleureux, confortable, merveilleusement éclairé et situé. Propre, bien construit et meublé, tranquille. Nous avons beaucoup apprécié notre séjour, et aimerions y retourner en été. Les seuls bémols: pas assez de vaisselle (verres, ustensiles, bols, assiettes), et toute la documentation sur le chalet et à signer était uniquement en anglais.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022

8/10 Good

Neal F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy winter getaway

We really enjoyed our stay in the cottage, an imaginatively renovated log cabin with a lot of thoughtful features and unique decorative touches. The two bedrooms are very comfortable; there is a large pull-out couch in the living room, and there is a cozy bunk nook suitable for a child. Greg has put a lot of thought into the cabin, and was a responsive host.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Howard O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great rustic cabin with an easy to communicate with host

We enjoyed our stay. It was close to Spa Nordik, the fireplace is great as is the ambiance. It has some great amenities and is close to the water and trail-systems. We would happily stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

8/10 Good

Allison W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Cabin

Lovely cabin in the woods but with all the amenities do you need.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

8/10 Good

Caroline M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great weekend getaway!

Warm and unique venue in a beautiful area close to hiking, kayaking and quaint towns with great cafes and restaurants.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Lazy cabin says it all ....

Needed some lazy time to just be and this was a wonderful place to do that ... Connect with family and enjoy the beautiful surroundings ... Thanks Greg !
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Shaun M., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy and Eclectic Cabin in the Woods

Ours was a delightful winter stay at Greg's cabin in the woods - a picturesque private space overlooking the Gatineau River. The cozy interior is populated by unique and fascinating cultural artifacts that reflects the experiences of a world traveler. The kitchen was fully equipped and easily accommodated the needs of our two duelling chefs. The sleeping arrangements worked for us but the spiral staircase to the loft bedroom might be a challenge for some. As a city dwelling, cross-country ski family, we were excited to have such easy access to Gatineau Park and its myriad of ski and snowshoe trails. A summertime visit would have allowed us to put kayaks in the river. We had excellent communications with Greg who responded to any of our questions very quickly. In summary, we had a wonderful winter stay at the "lazy cabin". Thank you Greg.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Cathy B.

Cozy cabin surrounded with natural beauty

Thoroughly enjoyed our winter stay at the Lazy Cabin, nestled the majesty of nature. Cabin is rustic with an artistic sensibility. The lake froze well enough for us in the deep cold to allow us to clear a patch and enjoy a skate. We kept the fireplace stoked, keeping us cozy and warm. Well kept roadways and trails in the area that offer a chance to hike with relative ease.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018

6/10 Okay

Cynthia B.

Nice woods, convenient location, rustic

The location gives a deep woods feeling, but is actually close to a number of cute towns. The kayaks, trampoline and hammock were enjoyed a lot. It has a very artistic/funky interior with many great books for young and old. The place is a bit more rustic than anticipated (grimy bathtub, mice, ants, broken washing machine, rough terrain, no TV). However, the owner offered to replace the washing machine during our stay (and he did replace a broken kayak paddle), but it wasn't urgent and we just wanted to enjoy the peace. Well-stocked with dishes, blankets and towels. The small spiral staircase to master bedroom doesn't have a railing, so caution for bigger-sized adults and smaller kids.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

Vivian B.

Delightful cabin I the woods

Very interesting cabin in the woods, Access up a long flight of stairs, luckily Greg helped us with our luggage . It is a cabin so sleeping areas abit tight. Nice outdoor areas for children to play and places to sit. I thought the cabin would be along the river , but the wharf is across the road and down a rocky path, as our time was limited we did not go out on the river. A nice get away from the city yet close . Wakefield a delight to visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Anne R.

Wonderful Wood Cabin

Wow! What a beautiful place to stay surrounded by nature everywhere with everything you need. We absolutely enjoyed everything about this beautiful cabin from conoeing, kayaking and swimming on the river, jumping on the trampoline, feeding the cabin rabbit, Dancer and cuddling up to a warm campfire in the evenings. The cabin has a very welcoming and comforting atmosphere. We also checked out the Nodik Spa and Art gallery which were beautiful too. I recommend this place to anyone who loves nature and wants to stay in a beautiful wood cabin. There is also so much more to do around the area and Greg provides you with an album of pamphlets so you can choose where you’d like to explore in the area. What a gem of a place! Don’t miss visiting this treasure, you won’t regret it.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Fraser S.

Very relaxing

Lovely place, just wish it hadn't rained one of the days! Great water access, and a lovely cozy cabin.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

4/10 Poor

Jack S.

Hmmmmm

We went in the winter which will change the review I am sure from a summer stay. Overall A place you have to be in the mood for, I think the description should share some of the subtleties of the place. ie. the heat is an issue, the sleeping is great for 5 but not so great for more than that and the drive in is pretty adventurous. I can see why the owner loves the cabin, it is an ideal place for the summer
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Tom N., No Permanent Address

Fantastic house.

The beautiful cabin seemed almost too good to be true in the description and photos on the web site. As it turns out, they were right on. The property itself as well as lake access and other amenities were superb. I would HIGHLY recommend this site to anyone with an appreciation for the beauty of unspoiled nature along with the comfort of well designed living space. And Greg was terrific. He even bailed me out of a gas situation. If you are thinking about this area, it can't be beat.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Daniel F.

Wonderful place to stay

We had a wonderful time at the lazy cabin. The place was very clean and calm. It was very easy to reach downtown Ottawa. It takes about 20 minutes to get there. The host Greg was very nice with us, always asking if we neaded anything. It was just a great place to stay and relax.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

So peaceful!

Joined at different points in the week by my wife and one of our kids, I was looking for a cottage or cabin where I could shed some of the stress of a busy life in Toronto. Nestled in the woods on a lovely piece of property above the Gatineau River, Lazy Cabin fit the bill perfectly. The open design of the main floor worked very well, the kitchen was well-appointed, and the overall vibe was of a great place to spend a lazy day reading on the couch (so many books if you don't bring your own). The sleeping spaces -- one upstairs and others on the main floor -- provided excellent options. And for those times where I or we did venture outside, we could wander down to the water or head off to one of Wakefield and Chelsea and the Gatineau Hills, all of which we used for hiking, biking, window shopping and dining. Thanks to Greg and Samantha for assembling a big binder of recreational brochures, grocery stores, restos, etc. They are excellent, conscientious hosts. They showed us the lay of the land upon arrival and ensured all of our questions were patiently answered. Support was never too far away if needed. Two added pluses: Excellent Wi-Fi; and the Lazy Cabin was super clean. All in all, a great place to stay. Thanks!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

James T.

Stayed more than once at the lazy cabin.

What a fantastic getaway... was a really relaxed, romantic atmosphere... just what we were looking... some time away. The Cabin has all the modern conveniences and is on a beautiful property, plenty of privacy for the two of you. Loved being able to canoe and hike, then head into the city to catch a show. Very recharging place!

About the host

Hosted by Greg

Host profile image
Greg runs a non-profit environmental organization. He previously was the cofounder and Chief Technology Officer of an internet company, worked for the United Nations, and did international development work in Africa. He is responsible for the Wheels4Refugees program in Ottawa which recycles bicycles and gets them to Syrian refugee children and their parents. He has lived in Rome, London, & Boston, & is a student of Shorinjiryu Karate and forest gardening.

Personal travel highlights include being stalked by a snow leopard at 10,000 feet in the remote Indian Himalayas while researching village micro-hydro projects.

The owner and family live at the property during the cooler months. He is painstakingly transforming the Lazy Cabin into a Zero Carbon home and has achieved a 100% increase in energy efficiency to date.

The owner also runs a local festival called Harvest Noir. Since 2011 we have celebrated local food, cycling, & vintage fashion with over 6,000 adventurous guests.

Why they chose this property

It was love at first sight for Greg when he first encountered the Lazy Cabin's wooded property and beautiful log home with its fieldstone fireplace. He previously lived on the Gatineau River in nearby Wakefield and knew how a hectic day can be transformed by spending time relaxing on the water. The biggest attraction to the lazy Cabin was its unbeatable combination of privacy, wilderness access, and close proximity to the best cultural attractions in Ottawa. You simply cannot find rural properties this close to a major city almost anywhere else on the continent.

Languages:

English, French