The Client
Offering a scenic and comfortable escape, this northern Ontario cottage resort welcomes families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts to relax by Oxtongue Lake near Algonquin Park.
White Birches is a seasonal cottage resort in northern Ontario offering families, couples, and outdoor lovers a comfortable and scenic escape. Nestled among the trees on the banks of Oxtongue Lake, the resort is situated only minutes away from Ontario’s crown jewel, Algonquin Park.
The Challenge
An outdated site that didn’t reflect the experience or the destination
Their previous website lacked warmth, visual clarity, and the functionality needed to support returning guests or new visitors. There was no proper booking system in place, with reservations handled through email inquiries. Key information, such as cottage availability, was either hard to find or missing entirely. The client needed a site that felt personal and inviting, with a structure that made it easy to explore and reserve.
The Direction
Natural, welcoming, and easy to use
The direction focused on creating a digital experience that reflected the calm and welcoming atmosphere of the cottages. We needed to move away from a static, email-based system and make booking and cottage details easier to access. Improving usability was key, both for visitors and the client. This included refreshing the logo for better clarity and setting up a backend system that made it simple to manage listings, rates, and seasonal updates.
The Result
A website that brings the cottage lifestyle online
We reimagined the website as a natural extension of the cottage experience, aiming for a design that feels relaxed, welcoming, and rooted in the outdoors. The layout is light and open, with landscape photography bringing warmth throughout. We focused on making it easy for users to find key pages like booking and cottage details without confusion. The previous logo was replaced with a redesigned version that feels both modern and legible. On the backend, we built a system that allows the client to easily manage cottage listings, update rates, and keep content current with minimal effort.
Unique Functionality
Built-in booking and flexible content control
We integrated a date-based search system that allows users to select their desired stay period and view available cottages instantly. On the backend, we built a flexible system that lets the client easily update cottage details, availability, and general content without needing technical support. The site is fully responsive, ensuring a smooth experience across all devices.
