The Riviera Lodge was the perfect cottage for our multi-generational family summer vacation. Our large group of 14 people (i.e. 4 different families) ranged in age from 10 years old to 70 years old. Plus, we brought with us our 3 dogs. The cottage had ample space and amenities to easily accommodate everyone's different needs and wants (i.e. plenty of bedrooms, numerous bathrooms, air conditioning, large kitchen, dishwasher, bbq, washer/dryer, water+boat access, etc.).
The Riviera Lodge is even better and larger than shown in the VRBO listing photographs. One of our group's favourite hang outs was the private historical log house cabana with working stone fireplace located just steps from the main cottage. The free boat launch, located right next door at the museum, made it very easy to bring in/out our family's motorized boat.
After this cottage experience, our group all agreed that we preferred being located directly on the Sturgeon River vs. Lake Nipissing. The river water was much warmer and calmer. Plus, the lake was conveniently located only a few minutes away by boat.
The kids enjoyed access to the cottage provided water toys: water mat, canoe, kayak and paddle board. They also enjoyed playing pool and watching Netflix on the cottage account provided.
The cottage has everything anyone could possibly need. We only needed to bring our clothes, beach towels, food, and drinks. The kitchen is well stocked with all the tools and equipment requiree including several different coffee makers (Keruig, Nespresso, and percolated coffee). All linens and bathroom towels are supplied. The washer and dyer are huge and work well so we packed less than more.
The cottage has drinkable well water, but it does have a slight colour and smell. We only used it for cooking and bathing. There is a water cooler provided in the kitchen. The nearby Metro grocery store (approx. 15 minutes drive from the cottage) has large water cooler bottles available for purchase. There is also a Canadian Tire, Diary Queen, and other big name stores in town.
Rogers and Bell internet service providers (on our smart phones) were pretty slow and spotty in this cottage region. The free internet provided at the Riviera Lodge was similar. It was fine for our group's day-to-day use, but if anyone is thinking of booking this cottage and working half/full-time, it would be challenging.
Overall, Riviera Lodge was an amazing experience. We would definitely book it again.