Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/809166
It's impossible to fi nd someone who remembers the fi rst day they opened the doors at Port Cunnington Lodge—in 2017 the Muskoka property celebrates 127 years—a unique spot where old world charm and a peaceful lakeside setting keeps generations of vacationers coming back. Port Cunnington is a gathering place; a small, family-owned resort property where staff pride themselves on providing attentive service and building relationships with their guests. As one of the Muskoka's oldest resorts, the focus is on the quality of surroundings and time spent by guests, creating a calmness and relaxation by trimming the distractions and stresses of the outside world. Taking time and developing connections is at the heart of the lodge philosophy: connections with family and connections with nature. Just 20 minutes outside Algonquin Park, Port Cunnington Lodge aims to create a special space where guests can step away from the noise and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether a guest is from the next town over, from a big city or from overseas, a stay at the lodge creates the quintessential Canadian experience. It's more of a time-honoured, traditional style of hospitality, encouraging people to reconnect with friends and family, to slow the pace down. There is no television in the units, WiFi access may be limited and, often, by the end of a week's stay, guests fi nd they have happily disengaged from the "wired world" and have managed to reunify with the people important to them. That's not to say there is nothing to do at Port Cunnington. While the lodge doesn't off er a dedicated children's program, the focus is on encouraging a family platform with low key activities that help people to relax and renew relationships: painting classes, wildlife shows, evening hikes, yoga and campfi re storytelling. It's also an oppor- tunity to try new things. Imagine mothers and daughters developing a new, shared hobby at the easels during paint night. Or, if programming is not in the cards, it is possible to just curl up in front of the fi replace with a good book or a board game. Recreational options are all included in a stay. On the water there are canoes, kayaks or paddleboards, and nearby marinas off er powerboat rentals. The Lake of Bays waterfront is family-friendly with excellent swimming along two sand bottom beaches. Water trampolines and a dive platform challenge the more adventurous. Landside there is a small putting green, volleyball, shuffl eboard, ping pong, tennis courts and hiking trails, with the wilderness of Algonquin Park just a short drive away. Open for three seasons—spring through fall—the resort's personality changes with the time of year. Springtime is popular for weddings, corporate functions and golf getaways, when groups can rent the entire property if needed (the suites and chalets can accommodate up to 134 people). Summertime is dedicated to families, the most popular time for week-long stays. Although meals are not included in daily/ weekly rates, dining room meal plan options are available in the historic main lodge. Self-catering is popular; cooking together can be another way families reconnect. SPECIAL INFORMATION FEATURE BLUEBERRY POINT • PORT CUNNINGTON LODGE PORT CUNNINGTON LODGE LEAVES YOU WANTING MORE BY JOSEPHINE MATYAS ON 100