Butterfly Way Respite

The Cottage is a cozy little cabin, nestled in the woods and is available for Butterfly Way overnight guests. It can sleep up to four and a baby in arms. Open the windows to listen to the running water of the creek, the birdsong, and the breeze flowing through the forest. This well-appointed off-grid cabin invites you to surrender to the natural rhythm of the day and night.

In 2020, a vision was created to form Butterfly Way Muskoka, a place of rest and refuge for those who have experienced trauma. We landed in beautiful Muskoka and began building. With the renovations now complete, the “Respite Cottage” is a place of rest, hope, and renewed spirit. The cottage is made available for individuals, families, or caregivers coping with the effects of trauma.

The Purpose of The Respite Cottage

We hope and pray that the Respite Cottage's natural setting will allow those who visit or stay to be ministered to by nature's beauty. The cottage provides a warm and comfortable environment. It is a space designed for peace and tranquility. You can stay at The Cottage for up to one week at no cost.

Who Can Use The Cottage?

If you are someone who has experienced trauma, recently or in the past and you're struggling, this place is for you. If you need to get away for a short time to rest, get your bearings, and reconnect with yourself, your family, or Creation, this place is for you. Caregivers and those ministering to others experiencing compassion fatigue are also welcome.

The Cottage is equipped with two single mattress in the loft and a futon couch that folds out to a comfy double-size bed. All beds have mattress covers, all you need to bring is your pillow and sleeping bag!

Click here for more photos.

The Cottage has a solar-powered fridge to store your food safely! There is a kettle, coffee/tea, and a Coleman stove, but most other food prep is done at the Campsite. We would love to offer you fresh eggs from our chickens, and other homegrown/baked goods (when available) as our welcome gift to you!

The Campsite is where all food prep and dining is done. It's just a short stroll away from The Cottage in a gully by the creek. There is a full-size BBQ with side burner, a camp kitchen complete with a sink for washing, picnic tables under a dining tent, fire pit, and firewood for evening bonfires. Everything you need for prepping food, cooking, cleaning, and lighting the fire is provided.

For a full list of camp essentials, click here.

The Triggaloo - named after a kind and generous donor who not only made it possible to have a waterless, no-power compost toilet close to The Cottage but has been an integral part of helping Butterfly Way take flight (and also has a pretty good sense of humor!)

We're working on building an outdoor shower but for the time being, we provide hand sanitizer and will soon have a vanity with water to brush your teeth and freshen up.

But for the outdoor enthusiasts, it's only a short walk to Skeleton Lake :).