Owning a lakefront cottage is a dream come true, but for the bulk of us, it's still in the, well, the "dream" part. But just because you don't have the deed to a place of your own is no reason to miss out on the wonders of Ontario's Muskoka region or other north of the city locales.
We've got five great Ontario family holiday destinations and they range from rustic and quaint to the utmost in full-service all-inclusive luxury, so we know that one of the spots will hit the spot for your group.
And if you're headed north, check out DiscoverMuskoka.ca for all the incredible tourist destinations and "Must-See's" for your time away - from brewery tours and cranberry bogs (with wine!) to Lake Muskoka Steamboat tours on 100+ year old operational steamboats, to too many festivals to name, part of getting there (and back!) can and should be part of the fun.
If you can't get away this summer, fall and winter don't bring limitations to Muskoka family holidays; they bring additional layers of fun with many resorts offering winter pursuits and more family adventure. Check websites for seasonal details.
My family was invited to Severn Lodge this past summer to explore and experience the fun for families with older kids, and although families with children of all ages will never want to leave this place, it was my teenager who took the home time call the hardest!
It took us only 90 minutes to get to Severn Lodge from Toronto, but it felt like we were on another (more serene) planet. I felt calmer the moment we set foot inside the friendly, family-owned lodge, and we weren't on site more than 20 minutes before the scramble was on to find bathing suits and sunscreen.
We chose the "divide and conquer" method with one parent accompanying one child each to both beach and pool, but lucky for our family - and yours! - both preferences can be met here. And bonus - poolside bar, friends. The teenager swam while I read and enjoyed my Georgian Bay gin and tonic.
Our room was clean and cozy. In fact, we ended up checking our the mattress brand for future reference since it was the first time my young son slept independently for three nights in a row! Being well rested helped, since Severn Lodge hosts a multitude of activities every day which they post each morning after breakfast. That's right - you can make plans while everyone is fed and happy (and boy are they happy - the food is top notch and I would seriously pit it against a gourmet restaurant. Ask my son - the mini foodie ate steak and shrimp cocktail, cheese and fruit platters, and beach side BBQ sirloin burgers almost non-stop.) Another plus with the all-inclusive package is the assigned dinner time is suited to your family; my older kids made our 7:00 pm seating ideal and not having to worry about what to cook three meals a day while "on holiday" was one of the best parts of my vacation.
Add in the daily kids camp activities that allow parents some downtime, the nightly live entertainment, beach bonfires, jet skis, paddle boards, in-water trampoline, tennis courts, and more-than-amazing staff and service, and you've found yourself a return destination locale for Muskoka holidays each year. Even my sometimes-surly teen cracked a smile daily and has asked when we're going back - and we've only been home three weeks!
Jeni Marinucci
Clevelands House is located in Minett, a tiny town in Muskoka, Ontario on Lake Rosseau. You wanna talk history? Initially built in 1869, it's grown from one small log cabin into a large and beloved family resort!
The vibe is very understated. From the time you check in and register your little ones for their Kids Club (yay!), you feel like you're at a camp. A schedule with all the daily activities for parents, kids and families is handed to you and you're sent to your room to unpack and unwind.
Our week flies by, filled with lounging around reading by the lake or pools, watching the kids have a blast at the kids club, getting a serious workout with one of the tennis pros, golf games or water ski dudes. Canoeing, yoga, shuffleboard. And eating. Alot.
Aside from the activities we plan amongst friends, there are events scheduled in the evening made for family memories. The scavenger hunt transforms the most passive parents into mad competitors as they and their families race around the resort looking for clues in the hopes of being crowned Grand Prize Winner. My kids are old enough to go alone with all their friends, while all of us laid-back grown ups sit around drinking wine and watch the madness unfold.
The sundown fishing derby is always a big hit. Imagine a dock full of kids with little fishing rods bobbing for the big catch. The results are always a hoot. Usually it's some little four year old girl who ends up catching the biggest fish. A good time is had by all as the sun sinks into the water - another spectacular summer sunset.
In the second year of Clevelands House, we discovered there was also swim instruction available at an extra charge. Our son was terrified of water, so we worked with the head instructor to help him gain confidence. The difference after six lessons was remarkable. On the eve of our stay, there was an announcement made in the dining hall that my son had been the most improved swimmer for this session. For the rest of the evening, our new friends came over to congratulate my son. My husband and I sat there wiping away tears, watching my son's chest puff with pride
And here's a smart extra Cleve's touch we love. Every night, hall monitors aka camp counsellors, will sit outside your room and watch your kids for free until midnight! Party on! So while the kids crash out from a long day of playing, Mom and Dad get to party in the bar on property, listen to a band and have a beer with our new friends. Or just hang out and get some much needed alone time.
Check out time is always sad. Phone numbers and emails are exchanged. Hugs and high fives are shared by the kids. We load the car and head back to real life...knowing we'll be back in 51 weeks!
Erica Ehm
This summer, my family and I were invited to the Viamede Resort in the Kawarthas and we loved it! We stayed in a rustic, small two bedroom cabin with a tiny kitchenette steps away from the lake. It was clean, simple, and all you need when you're spending the majority of your time outdoors.
The resort philosophy is to have non-structured family fun. While some activities are organized for kids by the staff, kayaks, canoes, fishing rods were always available for use. Also on the property there are outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a little farm, and hiking/biking trails to keep you busy. The food at their Boathouse Restaurant which overlooks the lake was delicious with a focus on farm to table. Their Mount Julian fine dining restaurant is an extraordinary culinary and wine taste sensation for adults. Viamede is owned and managed by Ben - a super sweet guy in his early 30s who makes an effort to personalize everyone's experience. He even lends out his golden retrievers if you're looking for company on the hiking trails!
Erica Ehm
Delawana Resort sits on the shores of Honey Harbour only a short two hour drive away from the GTA.
Originally when our family first went to Delawana 8 years and 9 trips ago, it was an all-inclusive resort that included kids’ camps and meal plans. But in 2013 Delawana went into receivership. It was then purchased by new owners and reopened in 2014 as a ‘self-catered’ resort that offers a very affordable alternative to cottaging up in Muskoka.
For the past two years we've stayed at Delawana for two weeks, which you'd think would make a teen and tween go a little batty but my kids love it up there so much that when offered a choice between a Disney cruise and Delawana, they chose Delawana without a moment's hesitation - for real. There's something to be said for enjoying the simple things in life and getting back to nature.
The resort has a variety of different accommodations that include rooms, suites, small cottage rentals, and large family cottage rentals. The family cottages come with a full kitchen and propane barbecues while the smaller cottages, rooms, and suites includes a charcoal BBQ, air conditioning, mini refrigerator, complimentary bottled water, and yes, wifi.
With the exception of the large family cottages, we have stayed in every room on the resort. All the rooms are rustic so you won’t feel bad if your kids bring in a little sand from the beach. Also, expect to see lots of friendly chipmunks. With a bag of unsalted sunflower seeds and a little bit of patience you may even become friends.
Recently Delawana started offering seasonal rentals from May to October and it's something we're seriously considering for next year.
Sharon DeVellis
We recently celebrated our ten year wedding anniversary at Deerhurst Resort. It was the natural choice. It’s where we honeymooned and have spent many romantic weekends since. I guess you could say it's "our place."
It’s only two hours north of Toronto, but when we’re there, we feel worlds away. It’s also the perfect winter escape. Along with the charm, the picturesque setting and the wide array of activities, what continues to bring us back is the friendly, relaxed atmosphere. From the retired Toronto principal who shuttled us to and fro between our chalet and the main building, to the folks at the front desk, everyone exudes warmth, despite the frosty temperatures.
I would’ve happily spent the entire weekend in our room curled up by the fire with a newspaper, some wine and my man, gazing out at the view. It was so quiet I could actually hear my own heartbeat. When you have kids, you’re lucky if you can hear the phone ringing, let alone your beating heart.
So we spent the first night enjoying the serenity, sequestered in the Jacuzzi tub in our room, with a view of the lake and...the television! Seriously, nothing beats a bubble bath while watching HGTV with room service. Nothing. Well, except maybe the full eight hours of uninterrupted sleep that followed.
Any time of year is a good time to escape for a romantic Party of Two getaway, but Deerhurst has several hot deals for Valentines. You can check them out here.
Lisa Thornbury
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