After the summer crowds have dwindled, Muskoka remains a peaceful escape from the everyday demands of city life. At night, instead of scrolling through a screen, you can actually look up and gaze at stars and galaxies free from light pollution. During the day, fall leaves paint the surrounding lakes with vibrant reds and yellows and there's no better place to see the dazzling colours than at Deerhurst Resort's Lakeside Lodge. 

Sure, you can stay in a cozy cabin just outside of Toronto, but for the ultimate fall get away without actually leaving the Province, a road trip to Deerhurst Resort's Lakeside Lodge will check off every Ontario staycation box. 

Opened in 1896 and set on 760 acres of wooded, lakefront land, Deerhurst Resort is crown jewel of Muskoka hotels. One of the oldest and largest properties in the area, it’s hosted numerous notable guests over its century-long history, including world leaders like Barack Obama.

The heart of the resort is the Pavilion, a large main building that houses the lobby along with most of the resorts amenities and restaurants. The property fans out from this central hub, with groups of low-rise accommodation buildings spread throughout the grounds. 

We checked out the latest addition to the property: the Lakeside Lodge, a $60 million addition that officially opened in June 2019. It’s an ideal getaway for those looking for a stepped-up cottage country experience that blends chilled out lake vibes with the diverse amenities you would expect from a big resort.

Deerhurst Resort Lakeside lodge: what's the vibe

The Lakeside Lodge offers an unforgettable vacation experience right on the water. The studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom condos have a modern yet homey feel, decorated with soothing colour schemes and plenty of cottage-themed accents.

With the exception of the studios, all units come with full kitchens, living areas with gas fireplaces and roomy balconies. The Lakeside Lodge has its own pool and swim area on Peninsula Lake, and it’s about a 10-minute walk to the rest of the resort facilities at the Pavilion.

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Deerhurst Resort Lakeside lodge: what to eat

Deerhurst Resort has plenty of entertainment and dining options found on-site. From curb-side and guest room dining so you can eat in your robe to lakeside views on the Eclipse terrace and casual pub-inspired fare at the Maple Pub. There's always something to feast your eyes on, and we're not just talking about the leaves. There’s also low-key dining and shopping  in Huntsville, which is a 15-minute drive away. 

Deerhurst Resort Lakeside lodge: what else

With its nonstop line-up of activities, Deerhurst Resort offers a different experience than your standard Muskoka cottage getaway. The resort's beautiful private grounds are home to hiking trails, treetop trekking courses, a rock climbing wall, a petting farm, two 18-hole golf courses and multiple tennis courts.

During the winter, the focus shifts from sunny walks and boat trips to snowshoeing, skating and snowmobiling. The resort has its own sugar shack on-site, and the seasonal maple harvest is incorporated into their onsite restaurant menus.

For those looking to explore the area a little more, however, it’s less than a 30-minute drive to Algonquin and Arrowhead provincial parks.

Rooms start at $145 per night. 1235 Deerhurst Dr, Huntsville, ON, deerhurstresort.com, 1-800-461-4393