2008
The JW Marriott in Muskoka
There is only one JW Marriott Hotel in all of Canada and its located at the Red Leaves resort near Minett in Muskoka. This is a massive resort built on 1400 acres and located on the shores of Lake Rosseau. There is a 700 acre nature trail, spa, restaurants, theater and more. It was still under construction when I strolled by but parts of it should be opening soon.
2021
Chasing Down the Wenonah II Ship
I had a tip that the Wenonah II ship was going to be on Lake Joe and Rosseau this evening. With the torrential downpours it was unfortunate that I missed her navigating through the swing bridge at Port Sandfield. Eventually the rain slowed down and I headed out to see if I could find her. She was taking passengers to the JW Marriott Hotel when I spotted her on Lake Rosseau. These ships are such a treat to see on the lakes and tonight’s dramatic skies added to her majesty.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2020
Social Distancing at Muskoka Resorts. The New World
Social Distancing resort style. I was out on the Seadoo for the first time this season and thought I would drop by the JW Marriott on Lake Rosseau to see what was happening, if anything. I was surprised to see many people in the bay kayaking and canoeing. It appears the hotel is open unlike Cleveland’s House which won’t open this season at all. As I approached the beach area I noticed these isolation pods setup across the property. It’s a new world we are living.
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2020
COVID-19 Casualty
It is exciting to be back in cottage country and out on the water. I drove by Clevelands House recently to see if anything was going on. Cleves has been my litmus test to get an idea on how busy things are in Muskoka. I have to say it was a bit of a disappointment when I approached the 150 year old resort. The docks looked dirty with debris, the iconic Muskoka chairs were not lined up and it looked completely abandoned. A bit surreal to actually see this. Shortly after my visit I received the following notice.
It is with a heavy heart that we will not be opening Clevelands House Resort accommodations this season. However, we are excited to plan for the future, and look forward to unveiling the long-term vision soon. Please be advised that the Rock Golf Course and SWS Boatworks Marine at Clevelands House are now open for the season. The opening dates Pie Wood Fired Pizza, Abbey’s Bake House and the Marine Yoga Studio will be announced shortly. Stay safe & healthy.
In my opinion Clevelands House has not been the same since the Cornell family sold it. It became part of the late Ken Fowlers big vision to establish a village in Minett that included the Red Leaves Resort, (JW Marriott Hotel) Wallace Marine (now SWS), Clevelands House, Lakeside Lodge and the Rock Golf Course. Unfortunately the vision wasn’t successful with many of the properties falling into receivership. In recent times successful Canadian businessman Mitchell Goldhar has purchased the 1200 acre properties with much optimism. Many cottagers are looking forward to seeing how things go in the future. You know its definitely strange times when Cleves won’t be open for the summer of 2020
In: historic muskoka, in and around muskoka ontario, on the water
2010
Hanging out in the Hotel Lobby
This is what you see as you walk through the front entrance of The Rosseau, part of the Red Leaves resort in Muskoka. The resort features the only JW Marriott Hotel in Canada and 1 of 37 in the world. It truly is a world class facility with good restaurants, Spa, nature trails, golf, and great water access. They have done a great job at capturing the spirit of Muskoka throughout the entire place from architecture down to the library filled with Canadian books. The most impressive aspect I have discovered in my many visits are the people that work here. Always friendly and accommodating with bright smiles. Someone has done a great job at hiring the right people, trained them and instilled a belief system that customers really matter.
Unfortunately with overruns and the economic downturn it was forced into receivership. If you have a few hundred Mil you don’t know what to do with you may consider adding this baby to your portfolio.
2008
A walk through the Muskoka Forest
The fall colors were at peak this past Thanksgiving weekend and you couldn’t ask for better weather. I was lucky enough to tag along on a nature hike with one of Canada’s foremost naturalists, Robin Tapley. The nature hike was courtesy of Red Leaves Muskoka Resort who have setup an impressive 700 acre nature preserve with trails for hiking, skiing and biking which will be open to the public to explore.
Another picture taken from one of the many trails deep into the Muskoka wild and marshland. I highly recommend anyone who spends time in Muskoka to take a walk through these trails. I noticed they are building a maple sugar camp in the bush which will be ready for the spring thaw.
