If you spent your winter glued to Heated Rivalry on Crave (or HBO), you know exactly which cottage I’m talking about. The one where Shane Hollander invites Ilya Rozanov in Episode 6. The one where everything shifts between the two hockey rivals. The famous Barlochan Cottage. Well, it’s real. It’s in Muskoka, Ontario, about 2 hours north of Toronto. And Airbnb made it bookable. As a French expat living in Canada, I’ve spent years discovering hidden gems across Quebec and Ontario. And I have to say: the Muskoka cottage craze triggered by Heated Rivalry is something else. Here’s everything you need to know if you want to plan a stay or at least daydream about it.
What Is Barlochan Cottage?
Barlochan Cottage is a 2,500-square-foot lakefront property on Walkers Point, on the west shore of Lake Muskoka. It was designed by Toronto-based architect Trevor McIvor — who, fun fact, is a former OHL hockey player himself. He helped the Oshawa Generals win the Memorial Cup in 1990. The cottage blends modern architecture with traditional Canadian cottage life: floor-to-ceiling windows, open-plan living, two fireplaces, and a direct view of the lake that’ll make you forget your phone exists. Here’s what’s inside:
- 3 bedrooms with queen beds (yes, Shane lied about there being only one bed)
- 3 full bathrooms — the primary suite has its own bathroom and electric curtains
- Open-concept kitchen with a large island — the one where those late-night tuna melts happen
- Entertainment room with theatre-style seating
- Private home gym — because Shane wouldn’t have it any other way
- 385 feet of private waterfront, with a dock, 3 kayaks, 2 canoes, and a fire pit
And keep your ears open on the dock: the loons on Lake Muskoka are known for their eerie calls. Or as Ilya would put it, those “stupid Canadian wolf birds.” The charming town of Gravenhurst is just a few minutes’ drive away, with local restaurants, shops, and access to the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre.
How to Book the Barlochan Cottage on Airbnb?
Airbnb initially offered 4 early-access weekends before the cottage opened for regular booking:
- May 8–10, 2026
- May 16–18, 2026
- May 22–24, 2026
- May 29–31, 2026
Bookings opened on March 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET at a rate of $248.10 CAD per night (about $181 USD). Fans will recognize the Easter egg: 24 and 81 are Shane and Ilya’s jersey numbers (Montréal Metros and Boston Raiders). The reality? The site crashed almost instantly. The cottage is now fully booked through February 2028, as far out as Airbnb allows. But here’s what’s coming next:
- June 1, 2026: Airbnb will release additional summer dates
- July 1, 2026: The cottage will also be available through Jayne’s Luxury Rentals, a Muskoka-based agency specializing in high-end cottage stays
The cottage sleeps up to 6 guests and is pet-friendly (with a signed waiver). Check-in is at 4:00 PM, check-out at 10:00 AM.
Booking link: airbnb.com/barlochancottage
Why Muskoka Is Blowing Up Right Now
Since the Heated Rivalry finale aired in December 2025, featuring the now-iconic line “I’m coming to the cottage”, Muskoka has seen a massive surge in interest. Airbnb reported a 40% increase in searches for the region. Muskoka Tourism launched a billboard campaign across Toronto called “Come to the Cottage”, racking up over 11 million impressions.
And it makes sense. Muskoka has been Ontario’s premier cottage country for over 150 years, with more than 1,600 lakes, pine forests, rocky shorelines, and small towns that feel like a summer camp for adults.
The region sits on the Canadian Shield and is genuinely one of the most beautiful lake destinations in North America. For me, as someone who moved to Canada from France, the whole cottage culture was a completely new concept. In Quebec, we call it a chalet, but the Muskoka version has its own DNA: more lakes, more loons, more of that unplugged Ontario wilderness feel. Heated Rivalry captured it perfectly.
Alternatives If Barlochan Cottage Is Fully Booked
Let’s be honest — you’re probably not getting a reservation at Barlochan anytime soon. But Muskoka has no shortage of stunning cottage rentals. Here are some options worth exploring:
The Edge of Bruce, Designed by the same architect as Barlochan Cottage (Trevor McIvor), this timber-framed retreat features floor-to-ceiling windows, a charred wood exterior, and a central granite fireplace. Available through Jayne’s Luxury Rentals.
D O C K (Baysville) : A picturesque cottage on the Canadian Shield with sweeping Muskoka River views, an oversized patio, and a private hot tub.
Cozy Waterfront Muskoka Cabin (Lake of Bays): An open-concept cabin nestled in the tree canopy with a hammock and private dock.
Where to look for Muskoka cottage rentals:
- Jayne’s Luxury Rentals — Curated luxury cottages with concierge service
- Airbnb Muskoka — Wide range from rustic to luxury
- Ontario Cottage Rentals — Waterfront cottages year-round
- CottageRental.com — Operating since 1988
- Cottage Vacations — 250+ private cottages
Getting to Muskoka from Montréal or Toronto
From Toronto: About 2 hours by car via Highway 400 North. Muskoka Airport is 30 minutes from the cottage; Toronto Pearson is about 90 minutes away.
From Montréal, It’s a longer trip, roughly 5.5 to 6 hours by car via Highway 401 West then 400 North. But if you’re a Heated Rivalry fan based in Montréal (Shane’s home turf, after all), it’s absolutely worth the drive for a long weekend. Stop in Kingston or Brockville on the way for a meal break, both are charming Ontario towns worth a quick detour.
Heated Rivalry Filming Locations Beyond the Cottage
The cottage is the crown jewel, but Heated Rivalry was filmed across multiple Ontario locations. If you’re planning a road trip, here are a few spots fans have identified:
- Ciao Bella Restaurant — Where Shane meets his parents (Episodes 1 & 4)
- Dundurn Castle — Stands in for the “Russian” palace Ilya runs past (Episodes 2 & 4)
- Relay Coffee — Rebranded as “Straw + Berry” for the show (Episode 3)
- The Pink Tunnel — Where Ilya calls Shane from “Russia” (Episode 4)
Most of these are in Hamilton, Ontario, making it an easy combined trip with Muskoka.
FAQ | Barlochan Cottage from Heated Rivalry on Airbnb
Where is the Barlochan Cottage from Heated Rivalry?
Barlochan Cottage is on Walkers Point, on the west shore of Lake Muskoka in Ontario, Canada. It’s about 2 hours north of Toronto, 30 minutes from Muskoka Airport, and a few minutes from the town of Gravenhurst.
How much does the Heated Rivalry cottage cost on Airbnb?
The listed rate is $248.10 CAD per night (approximately $181 USD). This price references the jersey numbers of Shane (#24) and Ilya (#81). Regular bookings after the promotional period may be priced higher.
How do I book the Barlochan Cottage on Airbnb?
Visit airbnb.com/barlochancottage. The initial early-access weekends sold out instantly. The cottage is booked through February 2028. New dates are expected on June 1, 2026 on Airbnb, and July 1, 2026 through Jayne’s Luxury Rentals.
How many guests can stay at the Heated Rivalry cottage?
Up to 6 guests. The cottage has 3 queen bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a full kitchen, a home gym, and outdoor amenities including kayaks, canoes, and a fire pit. Pets are welcome with a waiver.
Is the Barlochan Cottage the actual filming location of Heated Rivalry?
Yes. It’s the real property where Episode 6 (“The Cottage”) of Season 1 was filmed. In the show, it’s presented as Shane’s family cottage near Montréal, but the actual location is in Muskoka, Ontario. The cottage was designed by architect Trevor McIvor.
What if the Barlochan Cottage is fully booked?
Muskoka has hundreds of cottage rentals. The Edge of Bruce, by the same architect, is available through Jayne’s Luxury Rentals. You can also browse Airbnb, Ontario Cottage Rentals, CottageRental.com, or Cottage Vacations for alternatives in the region.
Can you visit the Heated Rivalry cottage without booking a stay?
No. Barlochan Cottage is a private property. You can only visit if you have a confirmed reservation. The property is strictly limited to 6 guests and enforces quiet hours from 11 PM to 8 AM.
