Entire home

Relax on the Dora Canal & Harris Chain of Lakes w/ Boat Dock, Kayaks & Fire Pit

Photo gallery for Relax on the Dora Canal & Harris Chain of Lakes w/ Boat Dock, Kayaks & Fire Pit

Porch Dining View
Back Yard View of Fire Pit and Boat Dock
Front Living Room
Front Living Room
Dining Room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8167.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Tavares, FL
  • Dora Canal Plaza Shopping Center
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Lake Dora
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • TableTop Team Trivia
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Leesburg, FL (LEE-Leesburg Intl.)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Guest Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Guest Bedroom 2

2 Single Bunk Beds

Primary Bedroom

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Guest Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Primary Bathroom

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Relax on the Dora Canal & Harris Chain of Lakes w/ Boat Dock, Kayaks & Fire Pit

Conveniently located on the scenic Dora Canal, a mile long waterway connecting Lake Dora and Lake Eustis, situated on the Harris Chain of Lakes which is comprised of 8 primary lakes (Apopka, Harris, Griffin, Eustis, Dora, Beauclair, Carlton and Yale) and offers excellent fishing opportunities for all anglers. Boating, kayak and paddleboard enthusiasts can enjoy riding down the picturesque Dora Canal taking in all the natural beauty and seeing the local wildlife (birds, alligators, turtles and even an occasional otter or two). You can book an Eco-Tour with Rusty Anchor Boat Tours, Premier Boat Tours, Catboat Adventure Tour (where you can enjoy driving your own 2 person catboat) or visit Adventure Outdoor Paddle to explore Lake Dora and the Dora Canal by kayak, standup paddleboard or hydro bike. If you're really adventurous and want to experience things from a birds eye view, visit Jones Brothers & Co Air and Seaplane Adventures for fantastic tours and excursions - you won't be disappointed! The Dora Canal Cottage is just minutes from downtown Tavares (also known as America's Seaplane City) & beautiful Mount Dora (often referred to as Someplace Special), both of which host events, concerts and festivals year round.

This 3bdr/2bath spacious and charming home sleeps up to 8 guests, features 2 beautifully decorated living areas, large updated kitchen with seating for 4, a dedicated indoor dining area that seats 8 as well as an outdoor dining table that seats 8. We offer kayaks, a paddle boat and boat dock use for outdoor recreation. When you stay at the Dora Canal Cottage, you will find a peaceful, relaxing retreat from it all. From the backyard, you can enjoy what we can only describe as a parade of boats where you'll experience smiling and waving from locals and tourists alike! You can bring your own boat or rent one from nearby Mount Dora Boating Center, Palm Gardens Boat Rental or Lake Adventures Boat Rental & enjoy cruising the Harris Chain of Lakes and docking at one of the many city docks and exploring the fantastic local shops, restaurants & bars. Book a sandbar, lake or sunset cruise with Cruisin Tikis Lake Dora or enjoy a tour of Lake Dora aboard the luxury 80 foot paddle wheel boat the Dora Queen.

We are close to many of the local Wedding Venues (The Carriage House at Vedder Farms, The Packing House, Tavares Pavillion on the Lake, O'Brien Oaks, Chapel Valley Farm, Sydonie Mansion and The Howey Mansion to name a few) so staying with us is very convenient for the happy couple or wedding guests alike. Here you can travel about an hour to all the Major Theme Parks, then come home and unwind sitting at the fire pit overlooking the water and enjoying nature. Conveniently located about 1-2 hours from many of Florida's World Famous Beaches & State Parks, the Dora Canal Cottage is unique because while it is centrally located, making it super convenient for anyone wanting to pack in the fun while on vacation, you can just as easily take a break from the world and enjoy the tranquility of the Dora Canal Cottage with none of the hustle and bustle. You really have to experience it to understand all the Dora Canal Cottage has to offer!

Policies/House Rules-
Must be at least 25 years old to book and person booking must be staying on the property. Signed Renter Agreement and Photo ID are required within 48 hours of booking. A $300 Security Deposit Hold is required. Maximum number of guests staying on property is not to exceed 8 (exceeding maximum 8 guests without written owner approval will result in cancellation of booking without refund). Please read full description of rooms & beds to make sure our accommodations (200lb weight parameters for each bunk bed mattress) fit for your group.

Guests booking 28 days or longer are subject to a background check.
All guest using any of the water toys (kayaks/paddleboat) must wear a life jacket. We have life jackets for guest use stored in the primary bedroom closet.
No events, parties, gatherings or use of property for commercial food preparation or food resale permitted.
No pets or Emotional Support Animals allowed in or on the property. Misrepresenting a service animal is a crime and may incur up to $500 in fines and up to 60 days in jail.
No smoking of any kind in or on the property.
No jumping, diving or swimming from dock or property edge into canal.
Any minors must be supervised on the property at all times.
No drugs and drug use, illegal or recreational, underage drinking, hunting,firearms,incendiaries such as fireworks or use of any off road vehicles on the property. Violation of any rules will result in prosecution or forfeiture of all monies paid.
If there should be excessive cleaning needed after your stay, you will be charged the additional fee our cleaners charge us as well as replacement value for any damaged items (furniture, linens, etc) that cannot be salvaged.
We do ask that the air conditioning not be set below 69 degrees and that doors and/or windows are not left open while air conditioning is running. If the air conditioning should become in anyway inoperable due to the above, the repair or replacement costs will be assessed to the guest. By booking you are agreeing to these rules and agree to pay additional fees incurred.


NOTE: This property features external security cameras that monitor the property 24/7. No security cameras look into or are located in the interior spaces.The cameras record video and audio however, cameras are not actively monitored during guest stays - unless hosts deem necessary at any point. Tampering with or disabling wifi or security cameras is not allowed. We have a doorbell camera, cameras on corners of house that look into yard, shed camera that looks at the boat dock and dock cameras that look at outer decking of the dock.

Sample Renter Agreement -
https://uc.orez.io/f/3bf81dae3c7b4895961140917f8feb88

Property manager

Dora Canal Cottage
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
No pets or emotional support animals allowed in or
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Rental Agreement must be signed within 48 hours of booking. Must be 25 years of age to book & person booking must be staying on site. 8 Guest Maximum.
Security Hold of $300 to be processed on Guest's Card.Photo ID is required to book -Govt Issued ID. No Pet/ ESA on property & No Smoking
No drugs or drug use, illegal or recreational.No hunting,firearms,incendiaries such as fireworks on property. Minors must be supervised at all times.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Tavares

Located in Tavares, this holiday home is near theme parks and on the waterfront. Lake County Historical Museum and Paul P. Williams Auditorium are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Evans Park and Mount Dora Lawn Bowling Club. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Tavares, FL

What's nearby

  • Dora Canal Plaza Shopping Center - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Lake Dora - 2 min drive - 0.8 km
  • TableTop Team Trivia - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Village Market Place of Tavares Shopping Center - 4 min drive - 3.3 km
  • AdventHealth Waterman - 5 min drive - 4.6 km

Getting around

  • Leesburg, FL (LEE-Leesburg Intl.) - 9 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Domino's Pizza - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Subway - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Hwy 441 Diner - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Relax on the Dora Canal & Harris Chain of Lakes w/ Boat Dock, Kayaks & Fire Pit pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Relax on the Dora Canal & Harris Chain of Lakes w/ Boat Dock, Kayaks & Fire Pit?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Relax on the Dora Canal & Harris Chain of Lakes w/ Boat Dock, Kayaks & Fire Pit?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Relax on the Dora Canal & Harris Chain of Lakes w/ Boat Dock, Kayaks & Fire Pit located?

This family-friendly Tavares holiday home is located on the waterfront, within a 15-minute walk of Dora Canal Plaza Shopping Center and Lake County Historical Museum. TableTop Team Trivia and Wooten Park are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 27 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 27 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

David S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house on the Canal

Super nice property, will definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexys A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable and memorable

Kelly and Drew, thanks so much for allowing us to stay at your beautiful property. The house was spotless and had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. We had such a good time we did not want to leave. We will be back again!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing Interlude

Dora Canal Cottage was such a pleasant and inviting place to stay. We were in town for my daughter’s wedding in the nearby Ocala National Forest. Not only did we love the location, it ended up being the perfect spot to reenergize in between all of the wedding festivities. The home was immaculate and very well-appointed, with much thought given to the little details. We really enjoyed relaxing on the porch and watching the water birds along the canal and the boats pass by. In the future we'd love to return when we have time to kayak from the dock. Kayaks and life vests included. I can’t say enough about this comfortable, easy 'home away from home'.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joe E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Third time

Kelly and Drew do a tremendous job taking care of the property . Our 3 time staying . Everything thing is very well thought out!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda B., Princeton

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay!!

Everything was great! The check in process was easy, the property owner was easy to contact and replied very fast. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Stacy W.

Everything was fabulous!

The property is immaculate and has everything that you need! Our family had a wonderful time! We will be back!

10/10 Excellent

katayoun a., Atlanta

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Place to stay and enjoy!

This is a beautiful place. we have already rented again. The owner had thought a about everything to help the stay be wonderful for their guests.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Dora Cottage

The cottage is beautiful! The owner did an awesome job on the renovation. I highly recommend this rental!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pam D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice vacation spot

Looking for a great place to get away? This is it!! Super nice, and property manager is easy to reach
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mr.Kenn

It was an amazing experience. Very beautiful house and clean. Will definitely stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

The house was immaculate. The amenities were plentiful and generous. Sitting outside around the fire pit watching the boats go by was very relaxing. Kayaking down the canal was so beautiful. We loved staying there.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne M., Sarasota, FL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thanksgiving weekend

Outstanding rental for a small family gathering. Totally renovated home on the water with great communication from the owners. Highly recommend. We will be booking again...
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lyle S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nature’s entertainment

Everything you need for meal preparation. Our group of octogenarians had 4 weeks of watching spring arriving and all that Mother Nature had to show us. Wonderful accommodations and perfect weather.
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

stacey Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect getaway

Loved our stay at the dora canal cottage. House is beautiful and clean. Host went above and beyond with extras and us feeling welcome. Canal is super fun. Kayaks competed the experience. We'll be back for sure!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great House

Awesome house. Exactly as shown, kitchen was stocked and had room in the cabinets for groceries. Super clean. Really appreciated all of the extras from the owners!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Morgan G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Canal life

The Dora canal is a beautiful ride and we enjoyed sitting on the dock watching boats go by. We rented with freedom boat club and enjoyed a day on the lakes. The house was well stocked with essentials. We enjoyed the screened in porch and fire pit too.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Harry B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Friends get-a-way

Great three bedroom canal home with great amenities. We brought our 22' pontoon boat. Very close to Tavares Boat Ramp. Very nice covered dock on the canal, that allowed us to keep our bimini up. 🙂👍
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Hector R.

Leesburg Bikefest 2024

The booking and check-in process was easy, fast and efficient (thanks to Christina!) The price per day is very fair. The property's location is super convenient, and close to Mount Dora and Leesburg which is where we spent our weekend at both the Bikefest and the Blueberry Fest. Words nor pictures do justice to this spectacular home away from home. From the décor to our nights and breakfasts in the backyard by the canal, this property has everything we were looking for and then some! Thank you for having our group of 7 as guests in your beautiful place. We will most certainly be back, and will also recommend it to our friends and family.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne M.

Great Family Gathering Place

We love this location and the accommodations! Everything is immaculately clean and well laid out. Great communication with the hosts and just a comfortable feel in the home. We bring our boat and appreciate the dockage behind the property to explore the lake chain but even without a vessel it's fun to watch the parade of other boats going by. The screened back porch overlooking the water is a favorite place to sit. We always enjoy the outside fire pit as well. The cute town of Mount Dora with its shops and restaurants is just a few minutes away. We would highly recommend to anyone looking for a relaxing break away.

10/10 Excellent

Terese F., Florida

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ladies Weekend

We had 8 mature women staying here, and we were very comfortable. Christina is a wonderful host and very accommodating. The place is beautiful. The kitchen and baths are totally renovated to make you feel like you were staying in a glamorous location. the house is close to Tavares and Mt. Dora. If you like nature and are people watchers, this is a perfect spot for you. Thank you, Christina.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

John H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dora Canal Gem

The Dora Canal Cottage was perfectly located on the waterway and was completely modernized and spotless! Interior design and furnishings were spacious and perfect. Plenty of parking with a circular drive and double carport. The rear screened porch, fire pit sitting area, and brand new covered boat slip/dock, right on the canal, were the best for boat traffic watching. Will be back soon!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Aradys B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Canal Cottage

We had a wonderful stay at the Canal Cottage. The house is extremely clean and equipped with everything you could think of. Nicely decorated. We enjoyed having coffee in the back porch every morning and watching the boats go by. However after a while it is a little uncomfortable having ao many people go by. If you like your privacy this could be a problem but the house overall is wonderful and highly recommended it.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Leslie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

TRIAL TEAM

Our civil trial team from Winter Park were able to access the Lake County Courthouse easily (3 miles) from this location which enabled them to focus more energy on their case than having to travel from Orange County to Lake County in a daily basis. Host very responsive and accommodating.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Katie M., eustis

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super cute and great location.

Only upset we can't leave a better star rating. House was well stocked,convenient location and so cute. Christina made sure we were taken care of from check in to check out and then some. Dock and backyard are amazing. Kids loved the bunk beds and wifi and Fire pit (even had all the stuff for smores) We even got to enjoy some local goodies from Florida Grazing and CoCo's sweet treats. Super close to downtown Tavares for food and entertainment. Watched the fireworks right from the dock. We will definitely be back soon.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brook P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Attention to detail - wow

I have stayed lots of places but I have never stayed at a place where the attention to detail was at this level. It doesn’t go unnoticed. Very impressive. Examples: remotes with Velcro located exactly where you would expect, directions attached to that location, ropes for boat all wrapped perfectly around the individual cleats, lighter fluid next to the “provided” firewood, ingredients for smores in a gift basket, a welcome charcuterie board, labels and directions throughout the home, each cabinet has a list of what is in there - walked around smiling the whole time. I tried to find something that was missed - ain’t happening. Details matter to this property owner. This is the only review I have ever left - well deserved. Thanks again.
Stayed 12 nights in Jan 2024

About the host

Hosted by Dora Canal Cottage

Host profile image
We are two couples, my husband Jason, myself, Drew and Kelly. We came across this property in 2021 and just fell in love with it and the location on the beautiful Dora Canal. After about 9 months of renovating, the Dora Canal Cottage was finally ready - complete with a brand new fire pit & dock and we are so excited for the opportunity to share it with guests!

Why they chose this property

The Dora Canal Cottage is a relaxing retreat from it all. Perfect for families or couples to enjoy all Tavares, Mount Dora, Leesburg, Eustis and Orlando have to offer. We are also conveniently located within about an hour from many of the major Theme Parks and some of Florida's World Famous Beachs and State Parks. The property is located on the Dora Canal part of the Harris Chain of Lakes and we offer a boat dock with a slip for your boat should you bring one or rent one locally.

What makes this property unique

Walking in this home you immediately feel warm and welcome! The Dora Canal Cottage is beautifully decorated and quite literally feels like home. Then you step out into the back yard, which overlooks the scenic Dora Canal and you see nature at it's finest.The canal is also very unique in that many kayakers, boaters, fisherman and boat tours travel it daily so there are many waves and friendly smiles exchanged on the regular! You really have to experience it to understand all the Dora Canal Cottage has to offer!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests