Emergency Services
Your address: 5039 Bula Lane (Long Lake RT 5), Perth, ON K7H 3C5 — always give this to dispatchers.
Perth, Ontario · Long Lake
A handcrafted log cottage on the shores of Long Lake
Welcome to Bula Bay Retreat! We're thrilled to have you stay at our handcrafted log cottage in Lanark County — the Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario. The cottage was built in 1965 from logs farmed right on the property, and it sits on 10 private acres that wrap around the bay and back onto conservation land.
Spend your days swimming, paddling, or relaxing on the dock, then unwind by the fire with lake views in the evening. Whether you're cozied up by the fieldstone fireplace or watching the sunset from the deck, we hope Bula Bay blends comfort and lakeside charm for you, just like it does for us. Enjoy your stay — please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything.
Everything you need to know for a smooth check-in and check-out
Your key is in the lock box at the back door. The cottage may sometimes be left open for you by the owners, so don't be alarmed if it's already unlocked when you arrive.
Leave the key in the lock box located in the basket outside the back door.
We're in cottage country — please be respectful of nature, neighbours, and this special place
The septic system works hard to dispose of solids. Please use the 2-ply toilet tissue provided conservatively — too much paper can cause a blockage.
Use the white/black disposal bags under the sink for sanitary pads, tampons, q-tips, cotton pads, and cleaning cloths. Causing a blockage will result in guests being charged full repair costs.
No food, oil, or grease down the kitchen sink — it also feeds the septic system and will clog it.
Diving off the dock is not permitted. Always wear a life jacket on the water, and bring a whistle and bale can. Water shoes are recommended — the lake bottom is rocky.
Please do not place the brown patio chairs on the dock — they can slide through the gaps between the boards and pose a risk.
Use the fire pit with great care. Keep the water bucket beside it filled at all times, and check for fire bans before lighting one. Fully extinguish your fire before walking away.
Keep it well away from the deck rail or flammable materials, and turn the main propane valve off when not in use. Please clean the grill and grease trap after use.
If you have a pet, please vacuum up all visible pet hair before you leave, and keep pets supervised at all times, especially on the trails.
Firewood is available on-site by the garage, and sticks can be foraged for kindling. Please don't cut down any trees or branches at any time, for any reason.
Quick guides to the cottage's tech and equipment
Everything right outside your door
Two adult kayaks, a kid's kayak, a standup paddle board, an older canoe, and an aluminum boat are all available. Life jackets are in the cottage and paddles are on the kayak rack — always wear a life jacket and bring a whistle and bale can.
Water depth from the dock is 5–6 feet, deepening toward the channel. Take the swim mat out to the floating raft, deeper water in the channel, or Jump Off Rock at the lake's eastern end. Water shoes are recommended — the lake bottom is rocky.
Kilometers of private trails connect to the Rideau Trail system, marked by orange arrows. The closest trail is the Mica Mines route. Watch for poison ivy near the trails, and pack in/pack out any waste.
Mica Mines Trail Map →The fire pit is ready for evenings under the stars. Keep the water bucket beside it filled, check for fire bans before lighting up, and fully extinguish your fire before leaving it.
Check Fire Bans →The property and surrounding land were mined for mica in the early 1900s. Look for shiny mica deposits in the rocky outcroppings along Bula Lane — especially on the sharp turn, where they can look like gold.
Deer, beaver, otter, muskrat, eagles, and other birds are common. You may also spot coyotes, fishers, or an occasional black bear — give them space. A wildlife camera on the garage helps the owners keep an eye on things between stays.
From lakeside brunches to candlelit dinners — Perth's food scene delights
Stock up for your cottage stay at these Perth stores
Find your way around downtown Perth and the surrounding area
Perth is wonderfully walkable — free downtown parking and compact streets make it easy to explore on foot. The Visitor Information Centre is inside the Perth Museum at 11 Gore St. E. For parking info visit Perth.ca/Parking.
11 Gore St. E. — Historic 1840s Matheson House. Local history, scavenger hunts, and visitor maps.
Gore St. E. — Historic town hall in the heart of downtown Perth.
Five-acre riverside green space — bridges, Tay River, picnic tables. Home of the July music festival.
Waterfront focal point with seasonal Farmers' Market, Friendship Fountains, and the Crystal Palace event space.
Wilson St. E. — Beautifully restored heritage mill, home to shops and Perth Chocolate Works.
Beckwith St. E. — Historic 1888 swing bridge; the Bridgemaster's House is now Bridge Masters Brewing.
Stewart Park — Beloved local landmark honouring Perth's famous championship racehorse. Great photo spot!
Herriott St. — Volunteer-run theatre hosting comedies, concerts, indie films year-round.
Conlon Dr. — Splash pad, pump track, playground, and Rideau Trail access. Great for families.
Riverside Dr. — Canoe/kayak launch, walking paths, Indigenous Healing Circle, site of Upper Canada's last fatal duel.
Available throughout town. Visit Perth.ca/Parking for current info.
Family swims and lessons year-round. Winter skating at the Community Centre and outdoor rinks.
Worth the short drive from the cottage
An 8-minute drive away. Trails, a public beach, and tours of the Silver Queen Mine — an early-1900s mica mine that plunges 20 metres deep. A small convenience store near the entrance has the basics if you've forgotten something.
About a 15-minute drive. Groceries, Shoppers Drug Mart, Canadian Tire, LCBO, cafes, restaurants, pubs, Saturday farmers' markets, galleries, concerts, and festivals throughout the summer.
Lanark County is the Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario. Local sugar bushes tap and boil syrup each year — well worth a visit in late winter or early spring.
The property connects directly via private land to the Rideau Trail, marked by orange arrows. The closest section is the Mica Mines trail, right off the property.
Check the Town of Perth's website for festivals, concerts, and farmers' markets happening throughout your stay.
Keep these handy — tap a number on your phone to call directly
I live in Perth and have been hosting for 7 years. Bula Bay Retreat is a property I manage for friends, and I want it to feel like a true home away from home for every guest who stays. I try to give guests their privacy and won't be dropping by unannounced, but I'm easy to reach by message throughout your stay if you need anything at all.
This cottage has a wonderful history — built in 1965 from logs farmed right on the land, in a style shared by several cottages around Long Lake and Black Lake. We hope you feel at home here and make memories that last.