Alice is a thirty-two-year-old professional photographer living in a stark, minimalist condo in Toronto. Feeling creatively stifled by editors who demand she digitally alter her subjects, and lonely following a breakup with her boyfriend of four years, Alice seeks a change of pace. She volunteers to take her grandmother to a friend's cottage in Barry's Bay for the summer, hoping the lakeside setting will help her rediscover her artistic voice.

Charlie is a thirty-five-year-old stock market trader from Toronto who is taking a sabbatical in Barry's Bay. He works as the caretaker for his neighbor's cottage, spending his summer doing odd jobs, driving his yellow boat, and building a tree house. Having lost both his parents at a young age, Charlie uses his time at Kamaniskeg Lake to reconnect with his family's happier memories while evaluating his demanding city life.

Nan is Alice's maternal grandmother, a perceptive woman recovering from major surgery. Rather than returning to a lonely recovery at home, she accompanies Alice to Barry's Bay, where she previously spent decades summering with her late husband. She acts as a wise mentor to Alice, actively encouraging her granddaughter to stop overthinking and start enjoying her youth.

Heather is Alice's older sister, a divorced lawyer who raises her teenage daughter, Bennett. Characterized by her sharp bob and confident, uninhibited demeanor, she contrasts directly with Alice's quieter, more cautious nature. She frequently pushes Alice to step out of her comfort zone, both in her career and her romantic life.

Sam is Charlie's younger brother. Having lost both parents at a young age, Sam shares a deep, protective bond with Charlie, though they have weathered misunderstandings in the past regarding their family responsibilities.

Percy is Sam's pregnant wife and Charlie's sister-in-law. She is a welcoming, friendly presence at the lake who actively supports Charlie and expresses enthusiasm for his developing connection with Alice.

John is an old family friend of Nan and her late husband. Widowed after the death of his wife, Joyce, he mostly stays away from Kamaniskeg Lake but graciously allows Nan to use his property for her summer recovery.

Elyse is an art gallerist and Alice's professional mentor. She selects one of Alice's photographs to feature in an exhibition, inadvertently causing Alice stress because the chosen image does not represent Alice's true artistic voice.

Willa is a photo editor at Swish magazine. She clashes with Alice over the artistic direction of a swimsuit spread, representing the commercial pressures that cause Alice to doubt her career path.

Trevor is Alice's neat and orderly ex-boyfriend. After a four-year relationship, their breakup leaves Alice adrift and desperate for a change of scenery to escape the memories in her home.

Harrison is a local Barry's Bay resident and friend of Charlie. After briefly meeting Alice while delivering furniture, he expresses interest in taking her out on a date.

Bennett is Heather's thirteen-year-old daughter and Alice's niece. She brings youthful energy to the lake house and immediately takes a liking to Charlie, teasing her aunt about their obvious connection.

Kip is Alice's father. Following his divorce from his wife Michelle three years prior, the family dynamic shifted, leaving Alice to frequently act as the peacekeeper among her siblings.

Michelle is Alice's mother. Her decision to move across the country after separating from Kip left Alice feeling responsible for maintaining the family's closeness.

Luca is Alice's younger brother and Lavinia's twin. He relies heavily on Alice's organizational efforts to keep the family connected but often falls short on his own commitments.

Lavinia is Alice's younger sister and Luca's twin. Like her brother, she takes Alice's constant caregiving for granted, viewing Alice's lakeside retreat as an opportunity for her sister to finally have a casual fling.