Snowfalls and Serenity: Winter Weekends At Muskoka’s Sherwood Inn

For over 75 years, Sherwood Inn has welcomed summer guests to its shores on beautiful Lake Joseph near Port Carling, Ontario. From May to October, the inn buzzes with the sounds of relaxed and happy vacationers who delight in all things hot and hazy – especially anything near the water.

But when the colder months arrive, when pristine snow has frosted towering pine trees and the lake has stilled to ice, then it’s the peaceful hush of the winter woods in Muskoka that holds such breath-taking appeal for visitors to the inn. This is winter’s serenity at its finest.

Imagine a scene from the most idyllic Canadian winter, and you are likely picturing a getaway to Sherwood Inn.

Envision your own cottage with a real, crackling fire waiting for you upon check-in (staff light the fire, you keep it stoked with the wood pile outside your door). See yourself gathering with friends and family around a main lodge fire – inside or out – to enjoy a cocktail or hot chocolate while you warm your toes.

Marvel at each fresh snowfall that entices you to head out for invigorating fun. Outdoors there is plenty to do, from skating to snowshoeing, from fat biking to skiing on the wooded trails. Be sure to stop for a break along the way at on one of many Muskoka chairs, and perhaps indulge in a pre-ordered picnic from the Sherwood kitchen. And enjoy a moonlight hike (using Energizer carabiners) or search for hidden treasures on our GPS scavenger hunt.

For the ultimate outdoor winter adventure, book your reservation for the Family Day Weekend from February 17th to the 19th, 2017, an annual event featuring ice fishing (equipment provided), “snowga” (yoga in the snow), craft brewery samplings and food pairings, campfires, hot chocolate and more.  And be sure to pack your skates to take advantage of the Sherwood Cranberry Ice Trail Package – a special getaway that includes skating around the frozen berry bogs at Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh.

Prefer the indoors once the snow flies? A visit to the inn’s Amba Spa will keep the chill from your bones with treatments such as the hot stone massage or the European Rose Body Mud (perfect for dry skin in winter). Watch the winter woods from the steamy hot tub or from the cozy screened-in ‘Muskoka room.’ Afterwards, old-fashioned fun can be found at the Fireside Games Room in the main lodge, including ping pong, shuffleboard, darts and a big screen t.v. to watch the hockey game with friends.

On the culinary front, expect exquisite meals (including Sherwood’s signature smoked salmon) prepared by Executive Chef Everett Bell and his team using locally-sourced ingredients and paired with wines from the award-winning cellar. Vintages Dining Room offers a world-class menu in an elegant setting and no detail is overlooked, from the crisp white linens and sparkling crystal glassware to outstanding service. Preview the Christmas 2016 menu here (eggnog and Baileys creme brulee, anyone?), and the New Year’s Eve menu here (an evening that will also feature musical accompaniment by guitarist Tobin Spring).

Expect great comfort when you arrive at Sherwood in winter as well. The charming, renovated rooms reveal an intimate and authentic Muskoka style, enticing you to hibernate under the covers or to curl up by the fire (in your own cottage) with the book you’ve been meaning to read. And with only 49 rooms available at the inn, you’ll feel like you have the place to yourself – perfect for couples looking for a Romantic Retreat.

Open weekends-only from November to April, a winter getaway to Muskoka’s Sherwood Inn will have you falling in love Canada’s most famous season all over again.  Book your stay today.

For more information on winter getaways to Sherwood Inn, click here.