Muskoka's-- Cottage country-where to stay?
Jul 1st, 2011, 03:41 PM
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Muskoka's-- Cottage country-where to stay?
Being new to Ontario , I would like to know where to stay for a few nights, north of Toronto.
Somewhere upscale with good dining on site and a nice view.
Thanks
Somewhere upscale with good dining on site and a nice view.
Thanks
Jul 2nd, 2011, 10:44 AM
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Welcome to Ontario, Fleuvee!
I do not know exactly what you have in mind when you say "upscale". If you mean "high end" then I wld recommend Arowhon Pines in Algonquin Park. Google for more info.
Killarney lodge is also nice.
Ocean
I do not know exactly what you have in mind when you say "upscale". If you mean "high end" then I wld recommend Arowhon Pines in Algonquin Park. Google for more info.
Killarney lodge is also nice.
Ocean
Jul 2nd, 2011, 12:45 PM
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These places are "high end Muskoka"...not The Ritz, if you know what I mean. The are what I wld call "rustic high end".
The dining room @ Arowhon is quite spectacular....soaring ceilings.
The dining room @ Killarney has no view. But the food is very good.
Ocean
The dining room @ Arowhon is quite spectacular....soaring ceilings.
The dining room @ Killarney has no view. But the food is very good.
Ocean
Jul 3rd, 2011, 03:29 AM
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Hi Ocean
I looked both places up and sound like what we are looking for.
I appreciate the tip about the dining views at Arowhon.
It sounds like it's a bit closer to our home in Aurora.
Do you know of other resorts in other areas?
I am also looking to find a place in the Finger lakes of NY.
I looked both places up and sound like what we are looking for.
I appreciate the tip about the dining views at Arowhon.
It sounds like it's a bit closer to our home in Aurora.
Do you know of other resorts in other areas?
I am also looking to find a place in the Finger lakes of NY.
Jul 3rd, 2011, 07:48 AM
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Stay at the Deerhurst Resort just outside Huntsville and take advantage of your tax dollars at work:
http://www.thestar.com/news/torontog...host-g8-summit
http://www.thestar.com/news/torontog...host-g8-summit
Jul 3rd, 2011, 04:56 PM
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Arowhon Pines & Killarney Lodge are very close to each other. Killarney is on Highway 60 about 15 minutes past the road you take to get to Arowhon. The road from Highway 60 to Arowhon seems to take forever....it's probably only about 15 minutes but it always seems long to me. So, in terms of time, Arowhon & Killarney are probably about the same amount of time from Aurora.
Many people rave about the dining room at Arowhon. But I prefer the Killarney experience over Arowhon. Go to their respective websites to help you decide. The cottages at Killarney are very nice. I believe each one comes with a canoe!
Ocean
Many people rave about the dining room at Arowhon. But I prefer the Killarney experience over Arowhon. Go to their respective websites to help you decide. The cottages at Killarney are very nice. I believe each one comes with a canoe!
Ocean
Jul 3rd, 2011, 06:01 PM
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Hi - There is a Killarney "Mountain" Lodge in Killarney Provincial Park - much farther north, as well as Killarney Lodge in Algonquin Provincial Park, which can cause confusion.
When we visit the Algonquin/Muskoka area we usually rent a cottage, but we have stayed at the Delta Grandview - which is a Condo Style Resort in a nice setting on a lake on the outskirts of Huntsville. Two Golf courses, and an easy day-trip to lovely Algonquin Park if you want some nature and wildlife. The restaurant on site is good, some of the units have water views, and there are a number of other good restaurants within a 5 to 10 minute drive.
Another Resort we have not stayed in but have seen (and heard is very nice) is Domain of Killian which is in the Haliburton rather than Muskoka district: http://www.domainofkillien.com/
Here's a website you might also check: http://www.resortsofontario.com/
When we visit the Algonquin/Muskoka area we usually rent a cottage, but we have stayed at the Delta Grandview - which is a Condo Style Resort in a nice setting on a lake on the outskirts of Huntsville. Two Golf courses, and an easy day-trip to lovely Algonquin Park if you want some nature and wildlife. The restaurant on site is good, some of the units have water views, and there are a number of other good restaurants within a 5 to 10 minute drive.
Another Resort we have not stayed in but have seen (and heard is very nice) is Domain of Killian which is in the Haliburton rather than Muskoka district: http://www.domainofkillien.com/
Here's a website you might also check: http://www.resortsofontario.com/
Jul 4th, 2011, 10:18 AM
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Hi ocean and mat54,
Ocean- so glad you said Killarney was your preference, as I could not decide. My husband called and we will decide when to go.
Mat54- I just called domain of Jillian.
It sounds great as well.
Now I have two places to try out.
Really appreciate your help.
I will let you know how our trip went( after we decide when and where).
Ocean- so glad you said Killarney was your preference, as I could not decide. My husband called and we will decide when to go.
Mat54- I just called domain of Jillian.
It sounds great as well.
Now I have two places to try out.
Really appreciate your help.
I will let you know how our trip went( after we decide when and where).
Jul 5th, 2011, 03:29 AM
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HI there. If y9ou are looking for somepalce for just you and you husband to get away, you might want to look to the edge of Muskoka. Couples Resort on the edge of Algonquin is a bit pricey for some but has great on site dining and lovely rooms or cabins!.
Jul 5th, 2011, 08:02 AM
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Great!
You picked a perfect time to go to cottage country.
Will you be there for the weekend?
This gorgeous weather is supposed to continue into the weekend with perhaps some rain/thunderstorms Wed.
Yes, check out Arowhon Pines too & also Couple as recommended by Darlene. I do not know anything about Couples. You will pass it on your way to KL & AP so may as well check it out!
Ocean
You picked a perfect time to go to cottage country.
Will you be there for the weekend?
This gorgeous weather is supposed to continue into the weekend with perhaps some rain/thunderstorms Wed.
Yes, check out Arowhon Pines too & also Couple as recommended by Darlene. I do not know anything about Couples. You will pass it on your way to KL & AP so may as well check it out!
Ocean
Jul 5th, 2011, 11:45 AM
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Ocean
We are sitting by the lake outside cottage 11.
Very pretty, peaceful. Lunch was delicious.
The couples resort sounds more like a hotel type place/ mostly good reviews .dome not good though.
Will stop by Arowhon pines tomorrow,.
Not sure how many days we will stay. The joys of being retired.
Thanks again for your suggestions.
We are sitting by the lake outside cottage 11.
Very pretty, peaceful. Lunch was delicious.
The couples resort sounds more like a hotel type place/ mostly good reviews .dome not good though.
Will stop by Arowhon pines tomorrow,.
Not sure how many days we will stay. The joys of being retired.
Thanks again for your suggestions.
Jul 5th, 2011, 03:13 PM
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Fleuvee, that's wonderful! I cannot remember exactly where #11 is located. Aren't the grounds beautifully landscaped? We have not been to KL yet this summer so I have not seen their 2011 gardens. They usually have the most beautiful begonias!
Have you gone out in your canoe?
What's for dinner tonight? We usually go to KL for dinner several times throughout the Summer. It has always been excellent (except once when we had the lobster). Their soups are v/ good. I always have a big, chocolate sundae, topped w/ whipped cream & a cherry, for dessert! I feel like a kid!.
Oh, I forot to tell you that @ KL & AP you "bring your own wine".They are not licensed. No liquor licenses can be granted within Algonquin Park. Did you bring some wine?
If not, & you want some, there is an LCBO in Dwight on Highway 35 ( just south of Highway 60. It's about 40 minutes from KL.). You wld have passed 35 on your way to KL from Aurora.
Enjoy!
Ocean
Have you gone out in your canoe?
What's for dinner tonight? We usually go to KL for dinner several times throughout the Summer. It has always been excellent (except once when we had the lobster). Their soups are v/ good. I always have a big, chocolate sundae, topped w/ whipped cream & a cherry, for dessert! I feel like a kid!
.Oh, I forot to tell you that @ KL & AP you "bring your own wine".They are not licensed. No liquor licenses can be granted within Algonquin Park. Did you bring some wine?
If not, & you want some, there is an LCBO in Dwight on Highway 35 ( just south of Highway 60. It's about 40 minutes from KL.). You wld have passed 35 on your way to KL from Aurora.
Enjoy!
Ocean
Jul 6th, 2011, 07:10 AM
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OceanBreeze, just continuing on the topic a bit..... we stay up in the Algonquin area probably a couple of times a year on average. I've heard the food is particularly good at Bartlett Lodge but we have yet to try it. I see you didn't mention it at all, either as a place to stay or eat. Do you have any experience?
By the way, anyone in Algonquin who would love a cold beer after a long hot hike - the Portage Store restaurant on Canoe Lake in the park is licensed (they must own their property, I would guess). They offer rather pricey and casual, but decent, food (burgers, sandwiches, etc.) and may also sell wine, I'm not sure.
By the way, anyone in Algonquin who would love a cold beer after a long hot hike - the Portage Store restaurant on Canoe Lake in the park is licensed (they must own their property, I would guess). They offer rather pricey and casual, but decent, food (burgers, sandwiches, etc.) and may also sell wine, I'm not sure.
Jul 6th, 2011, 08:05 AM
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mat, Bartlett Lodge is a place we keep meaning to visit. It's a short boat ride. I, too, have heard that the food is great. I just Googled them. Looks wonderful!
Thanks for the reminder about The Portage Store. Yes! The Portage Store sells beer and wine. Now I am really confused about the liquor license "law" w/in AP.
Ocean
Thanks for the reminder about The Portage Store. Yes! The Portage Store sells beer and wine. Now I am really confused about the liquor license "law" w/in AP.
Ocean
Jul 6th, 2011, 02:21 PM
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Hi ocean and mat,
Well, we checked the area out well.
First: we did enjoy cabin 11- close to the end near the peninsula.
A bit of traffic noise during the day, but this cabin is in a better place than those that face the road.
The food was excellent.
Cream of cauliflower soup, prime rib and trout.
And yes an ice cream sundae and pecan pie .
We went to see couples resort- big , well maintained. More like a conference center .
This morning- took the long 8 km rough road to Arowhon pines.
Glad I didn't stay there.
Firstly- you are sort of stuck there.
Extremely isolated( too much for me)
Dining room and view- better than the others we saw.
Accommodations ( I only saw lodge type room) very dated , dingy in need of major upgrading.
We only stayed at Killarney one night as it was pouring this morning.
Wanted to try domain of Killean- which was recommended by a fodor poster.
It's in haliburton. We drove for 90 min. And entered a dingy, dark lobby. Saw a room in the inn. Horrible. It smelled very musty and only had a small window that opened.
Grounds not well kept.
We got back in the car and drove home.
All to say- we would stay at Killarney again.
The only negative for me is that there are no screens on porches , so it's impossible to sit out at night without getting eaten alive.
Thanks again.
Well, we checked the area out well.
First: we did enjoy cabin 11- close to the end near the peninsula.
A bit of traffic noise during the day, but this cabin is in a better place than those that face the road.
The food was excellent.
Cream of cauliflower soup, prime rib and trout.
And yes an ice cream sundae and pecan pie .
We went to see couples resort- big , well maintained. More like a conference center .
This morning- took the long 8 km rough road to Arowhon pines.
Glad I didn't stay there.
Firstly- you are sort of stuck there.
Extremely isolated( too much for me)
Dining room and view- better than the others we saw.
Accommodations ( I only saw lodge type room) very dated , dingy in need of major upgrading.
We only stayed at Killarney one night as it was pouring this morning.
Wanted to try domain of Killean- which was recommended by a fodor poster.
It's in haliburton. We drove for 90 min. And entered a dingy, dark lobby. Saw a room in the inn. Horrible. It smelled very musty and only had a small window that opened.
Grounds not well kept.
We got back in the car and drove home.
All to say- we would stay at Killarney again.
The only negative for me is that there are no screens on porches , so it's impossible to sit out at night without getting eaten alive.
Thanks again.
Jul 6th, 2011, 04:44 PM
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Fleuvee,
Thanks for the update. So happy that Killarney Lodge worked for you. How are the gardens this Summer?
I feel the same way about that road into Arowhon Pines & agree about the need for a major upgrade/refurbishment. Although I have never stayed @ AP, that was my general feeling last time we went there.... for lunch I thnk it was.
Next time maybe you can try Bartlett Lodge as suggestd by mat. It looks v/ nice.
Just out of curiosity, how long was the drive from Aurora to Killarney Lodge?
I will e heading North soon & looking forward to getting there!
Ocean
Thanks for the update. So happy that Killarney Lodge worked for you. How are the gardens this Summer?
I feel the same way about that road into Arowhon Pines & agree about the need for a major upgrade/refurbishment. Although I have never stayed @ AP, that was my general feeling last time we went there.... for lunch I thnk it was.
Next time maybe you can try Bartlett Lodge as suggestd by mat. It looks v/ nice.
Just out of curiosity, how long was the drive from Aurora to Killarney Lodge?
I will e heading North soon & looking forward to getting there!
Ocean
