Taffy Lake Retreat

18/08/2024

Autumn at Taffy Lake Retreat is amazing. The lake tends to be quiet in the fall, especially before hunting season. The days are warm, the nights are cool and crisp. It is perfect campfire weather, and still warm enough to paddle around the lake.

Message for fall availability, we still have a few weekends left, although we recommend planning on a longer stay as it's so pretty, you won't want to leave.

Taffy Lake Retreat is located in a rural area between Fredericton & Woodstock. It is not a high tourist area, more of a relaxed kind of vacation, if you enjoy peace, calm, nature, this is the spot for you.

Availabilty as follows:
September 3-5
Sept 13-18
September 24 & 25
September 30-October 16
October 21-26

Sunset photo taken the evening before a hurricane by our daughter. Beauty in nature.

12/08/2024

Stay for sunset when working on projects at the lake, a priceless bonus.
It's nice to just stop.
Take a pause.
We have seen hundreds of sunsets and they still fill us with awe.

16/07/2024

Love a good Taffy Lake storm!

12/07/2024

Booking for fall

Cottage is located in a rural area between Woodstock & Fredericton, NB. This is not a big tourist area, think relaxation not rip roaring fun.

Use of canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, floating tubes and a pedal boat included. Bbq, firepit, wifi, ac & heat available.

Other availability (2 night minimum except long weekends)
September 3-18
September 24 & 25
September 30-October 27
airbnb.com/h/taffylake

https://www.houfy.com/ls/taffylake

12/07/2024

Rare summer cancellation.

July 15-17 &
August 13-21 (or any three nights in there, weekend on hold) now available.

Vacation cottage in rural NB, locally owned and operated. Unwind in nature at our lakefront cottage.

09/06/2024

Beautiful sunset photo at the lake taken a few years ago by guests staying around this time of the year.

July & August fully booked (a cancellation list is kept)

Lots of September-October availability (2 night minimum except October long weekend)

https://www.houfy.com/ls/taffylake
airbnb.com/h/taffylake

11/05/2024

Beautiful sunset at the lake tonight.

June 16-26 available (2 night minimum), the only summer weekend available.
July & August fully booked (a cancellation list is kept)
Lots of September-October availability (2 night minimum except October long weekend is 3)

18/04/2024

It's our favourite time of the year (fall is pretty awesome too though).
Ice is out, check.
First run in the kayak, check.
First angry orchard spilled in the kayak (there were back ups lol), check.
First loon sightings, check.
A much needed "me" time in nature, check.
Stayed for sunset, check.

08/04/2024

Way up on Howland Ridge watching the eclipse. Guests of Taffy Lake Retreat had front and center seats right ahead of us in the chairs.

24/03/2024

Spring? At Taffy Lake

24/03/2024

We have enjoyed hosting many families over the years. If you would like to come back we would love that. Here are some things to note if you wish to return (this is a legitimate list that we have compiled over the years)

Do not throw things in the compost toilet. Only human waste and toilet paper should go in there.

Show respect for the lake and other cottage owners. This includes not treated it like a trash can. Garbage, cans and bottles should not have to be scooped out of the lake.

If you bring a pet and it has an accident inside, clean up after it. No one wants to step in it. Clean up after your pet outside. There are bags for waste or throw it into the woods away from the cottage.

Stealing keys (we switched to electronic locks for this reason)

Stealing other items. Our handmade soap in the washrooms are free to use. The soap on display is for sale and not free for the taking. This is basically an honor system but we do notice when things are missing.

Excessive cleaning. Not counting laundry, on average it takes us six-eight hours to clean after your stay. In a few extreme cases, we have not been able to clean in the aloted time resulting in loss of income as we were forced to block off the night.

Complaining constantly about things we cannot control including weather, lake critters, insects, loss of power or internet or noise for the neighbors (generally not an issue)

Unnecessary harsh reviews. We are pretty blatantly honest about what the cottage offers and what it does not. If you did not take the time to read up on information prior to your stay, that is on you.

FAQ about Taffy Lake Retreat

Is it for sale?
No, although many of our guests have wanted to buy it. It has been in the family for a number of years and we plan on using it for extra income during retirement (but we aren't at that point of our lives yet).

Can you swim there?
Most everyone does.
That's not to say there aren't critters, because it is a lake and of course there are. I haven't had a leech on me yet though in 30 years, although as soon as I tell someone that I jinx things and someone gets one on them.

But even if you aren't a swimmer, we provide canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, a pedal boat and inflatable tubes too (with cup holders for adult beverages, my idea and you are welcome lol)

Can you book direct?
In some cases yes. There are no parties and no smoking inside. And you will be asked for a copy of the renter's license if we don't know you. You will also be sent safety/liability info prior to your stay. If you have not stayed a refundable $300 deposit is required.

Do you do discounts?
Our prices fall within a certain range depending on the time of year and/or how much extra help we need to get things ready.

It is slightly less during the winter and slower seasons as we do more oursleves since we arent as booked up and have extra time in between guests. It is slightly more during the summer, but there is also more equipment available for your use.

That being said, we do not increase above our regular seasonal pricing for special events such as the solar eclipse, the Nackawic beer festival or long weekends. So a three night summer weekend stay is the same price all summer long, no matter what weekend you stay.

We do offer discounts on weekly stays and if you are able to book direct we encourage you to take advantage of that savings.

What are the future plans?
Hopefully we will do some renos this spring that will allow up to 8 guests year round. We are looking into adding a hot tub (but it has to be environmentally friendly as we are steps away from the lake). We also have a second lot that we will be gradually working away at. The two spots would be near each other but not next to each other.

Are there extra charges?
The only extra charges are if there are more than 4 overnight guests and this is because we have to hire extra people to clean. We have a maximum we charge if you are a group of 8.
Pets are $25 extra for the entire stay.

Can we accomodate a longer stay?
Yes, but generally people stay about a week.
We have been asked in the past about renting it out long term over the winter.
Due to the location, it does get more difficult to get there in the winter. The road down to the cottage is on a hill and the government doesn't plow it. Additionally the portion that the government does plow just up the road is one of the last sections done as it is very remote. Cars, vans and front wheel drive vehicles cannot go down in winter. And there are even times when a 4 wheel drive should not go down (I took out a road sign this winter attempting it).

So we do still rent it short term over the winter but have had to cancel due to extreme cold and freezing rain/rain/snow storms. If there is a storm warning, well it is usually worse down there.

Any other questions? Feel free to ask!

24/03/2024

Epic skiing still to be had at Crabbe

‼️OPEN MONDAY MARCH 25th ‼️

You asked and we listened - we’ll be open Monday March 25th from 9am - 4:30pm! We’ve waited all season for this snow and if we don't use it, we’ll lose it.

Extending hours this time of year can be risky, but we want to make the most of this gift from mother nature! So spread the word, bring your friends - and if we get enough ski traffic on Monday, we may even open up on Tuesday 👀

17/03/2024

In case you ever wondered about the inside of Taffy Lake Retreat or if it's been awhile since you stayed

10/03/2024

Well although it has been a strange winter weather wise, it's safe to say it is still here. Thanks to the Haweye's, Dort's and Larsen's. An epic snow shoe may have happened. Some may have wanted to kill me, I do affectionately refer to it as the loop that near killed Pheobe.

As far as winter availabilty goes, we have March 10-13, March 18-April 4th available. And that is it until mid May and mid June!

The road before the cottage is quite soft, so for the time being cars are not recommended.

11/02/2024

Thanks Lisa & family for sharing your pictures of your weekend stay, spring like but still winter at Taffy Lake!

23/12/2023

We are located between Fredericton and Woodstock, NB in a rural area. Approximately 15 minutes from Crabbe Mountain.

Booking direct is always less expensive as you dont have extra air b and b fees and taxes. Reach out if you have some dates in mind. Current summer dates are posted below. Dates not posted are reserved but you can put your name on our cancellation list.

Three night minimums are in place for June 21-September 1 and on long weekends. There will be an occasional exception if we have a 2 day stay that we want to fill. We will post availabilty as it gets booked up.

As of now the following is still available, so message us if interested

Next availability
August 13-21
September 3-September 18
September 24-October 27

We book direct, trip advisor, air b and b, vrbo and houfy.

Booking direct requires a $200 deposit, plus a copy of your license. Remainder due immediately -if under 30 days or 30 days prior to your stay)

https://air.tl/kMmB8ZxD

https://air.tl/9DOrVmd2

https://www.houfy.com/ls/taffylake

22/12/2023

No snow at Taffy Lake right now but plenty of ice

15/12/2023

It’s winter at the lake. I think we can finally admit it, there’s no more going down in my little car.

Taffy Lake is located between Fredericton and Woodstock NB and is around 15 minutes from Crabbe Mountain (in good weather)

For those with a four wheel drive and some skill, you can still get down most of the time. We do suggest canceling in extreme cold, snow storms or freezing rain storms as it is brutal. A short snowshoe in is required if you don't have a fourwheel drive. We do provide utility sleds and can help in the late afternoon.

It can get a bit blustery in the winter, slippers are definitely recommended. But if curling up by the fire and reading a good book on a secluded lake is your vibe, Taffy lake is the place for you.

We do keep a decently grooomed snowshoe loop that you can do if you are adventurous (note, my sister and I snowshoe all the time and didn’t think it was a big deal until her friend Pheobe did it and was pretty sore for days) but you don’t have to do a huge snowshoe loop.

Those of you have have been to Taffy Lake know that there is only one washroom inside, so we limit guests to a five person maximum.

We have lots of December, January, February and March availability. We will be closed in April and part of May this year for some renovations (structural to the porches and the outdoor washroom), but hope to open again for the May long weekend.

01/10/2023

Fall is off to a late start this year.The leaves are just starting to turn. Our October guests should have some awesome fall foliage in the next few weeks!

16/09/2023

The calm before the storm at the lake last night

15/09/2023

The calm before the storm at Taffy Lake

28/07/2023

There's a tree starting to turn colors in our yard. That means fall is on it's way. While we are sad that summer is ending, fall is one of the prettiest times at the lake. The days can still be warm enough for swimming, paddleboarding and other water activities, but the nights are cool enough to warm yourself by a campfire. Fall has had a late start but it is finally here.

All fall weekends are booked except the last weekend of October.

Weekend rates $250/night
During the week $200/night
(Discount on more than 2 nights)

Cottage is located between Fredericton and Woodstock NB

It is on a quiet lake in rural NB. Your stay includes use of kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, pedal boat, inflatable tubes. There is a bbq, firepit. Cottage has wifi, ac/heat, and an indoor fireplace.

Prices are based on four people but we can host up to eight people during the summer fall. We still rent in winter but capacity is limited to five guests. Minimum two night rental in autumn (long weekends and during holidays, it is a 3 night minimum)

October 1-4 available
October 15-18 available
October 22-31 available

03/07/2023

Don’t forget to get your while at Taffy Lake

Available (complimentary) with your stay, bar of soap, solid shampoo & conditioner bars, foaming h**p hand soap.

Please take leftover bars of soap, shampoo and conditioner home with you. While they are complimentary, they take time and supplies to make.

30/06/2023

If any of our summer guests are interested, Nackawic has a local market every Thursday afternoon.

Heart of nature soap (made by yours truly) is often set up there

Fyi

05/05/2023

The sunsets at Taffy Lake are pretty spectacular, this was one of the best sunsets I have been able to take a photo of (with my phone, no less!)

What is Taffy Lake Retreat? It’s a cottage located in rural NB. Located between Fredericton and Woodstock NB, Taffy Lake is a great place to unwind. It is not located in a tourist area, but if a quiet lake on a rural road appeals to you, this is the spot for you!

There is currently no summer availability unless someone cancels but we can add you to our list.

We have some fall availability (it's the best!) including a few weekends
September 14-25
October 1-4
October 10-22

After October 22, we switch to our winter renting. The docks come in, the boats too (although a few brave people have used them afterwards), and if it’s exceptionally cold (can we all unblock from our memory when it dipped down to like -45?) or there is a major storm, freezing rain event, etc, we may have to cancel your stay for your own safety. It can be brutal at the lake in bad weather and it’s not worth your safety. The cancellation is penalty free if environment Canada issues a warning.
All November and December available, the ability to drive all the way to the cottage depends on weather after November. Due to the fact that there is only one washroom in the winter, although the cottage can sleep eight it is more comfortable with 4-5 during the winter. We are generally able to help lug stuff down after 3-4 pm and we do have a four wheel drive.

Cottage includes the use of canoe, kayaks, pedal boat, paddleboards, firepit and bbq (generally from May-October). There is wifi, heat, ac, at the cottage.

Feel free to book through one of the sites below or if we know you, you can book direct. It is $200 upon booking with the remainder due 30 days prior to your stay. In the event you have to cancel, if it is greater than 30 days in advance, a full refund is given. If it is less than 30 days, a refund is given according to whether or not your stay gets rebooked by another person (it almost always does as we keep a cancellation list)

https://abnb.me/tM1RCt6kmAb

https://abnb.me/N4l51p6TMBb

https://www.houfy.com/ls/taffylake

https://www.vrbo.com/1721391?unitId=2282876&childrenCount=0&noDates=true&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=earned:vrbo:sharecopylink:USA&utm_content=1721391&oc=skXvw7jDpcP9qpcPiXrK-

30/04/2023

The ice is out (finally!). We will be spending the first few weeks of May doing some routine maintenance and yard work, but Taffy Lake Retreat is currently available the last May weekend and during the week also!

June is starting to get booked up, due to a cancellation the first weekend of June is available. There are a few weekdays available towards the end of June.

The only summer availability is July 31-August 6 due to a cancellation.

September & October have some weekend availability and also have availability during the week.

29/04/2023

Many of you know our neighbour Jerry had an injury where he lost his left hand and forearm. He has a long road ahead but it has been nice to witness the outpouring of support from far and wide.

In appreciation of all the efforts that are taking place and have taken place, we are compiling a list of name to be put into a draw as a thank you. The winner will get a complimentary two night stay at our cottage, Taffy Lake Retreat. This means if you have e-transfered a donation to DanielleandJerry O'Grady (fyi, it’s [email protected] ), or put in for the 50/50 or the Yeti draw, your name will be entered into the draw. This is for past, present and future donations (up until May 15). We would also love to hear about those who have helped in a non monetary way so they get put into the draw as well.

We will be doing our draw May 16th, once we have all the names compiled.

Thanks so much for all you do Jerry & Danielle

One of my personal favourite Jerry stories is the times I shot a deer and Jerry helped trudge after it (truth be told it happened twice not once), and when we found it I said “that’s not my deer, it’s too small. Mine was twenty points and three hundred pounds”. ❤

Entire cabin in Howland Ridge, Canada. This is a unique lakefront cottage, a quaint rustic retreat. This is a partially off grid cottage, there is a walk in during the winter and an out...

07/03/2023

Doing an epic snowshoe loop with Kadence's girl Vada. Note Crabbe Mountain in the background. It's been a lovely March break to enjoy some time at the lake.

26/02/2023

Approximately 15 minutes from ski Craabe Mountain, accesible by snowmobile. Message for more info. Driving directly to the cottage does require a four wheel drive in the winter. A short walk from the top of the hill is necessary for anyone not having a 4wd.

March 17-18 available
March 24-25 available
All April weekends available
All May weekends available

Some limited summer availability left (mostly mid week)

26/07/2020

How many Larsens does it take to put in a king size log bed? A lot. Six in fact. It is perfect for the space though.