Deerhurst Resort is one of the best-known names in Muskoka hospitality, a sprawling lakeside resort on Peninsula Lake just outside Huntsville. It has been welcoming guests since the late nineteenth century and has grown into a large resort campus with lodging, golf and a long list of seasonal activities. Huntsville is the northern anchor of Muskoka, and from the resort you can reach the downtown murals, Arrowhead Provincial Park and the Highway 60 route to Algonquin Park by car in a short drive. It is a good fit for families, groups and golfers who want a resort stay with plenty to do on the property, and for travellers who want to be in the north of the region rather than near Gravenhurst. Because resort programming, restaurants and facilities change with the season, confirm what is operating on your dates before you book.
Location and getting around
The resort sits beside Peninsula Lake on the edge of Huntsville, so downtown shops and restaurants are a short drive away and the Muskoka Heritage Place museum and village are close. A car is the practical way to get around, particularly for Algonquin Park, Arrowhead Provincial Park and the Limberlost reserve, which all sit within a manageable drive. In the warm months the nearby lakes add swimming and boating, and the Dorset Lookout Tower and Lake of Bays are within reach for a fall colour day.
The rooms and the feel
This is a big resort rather than an intimate inn, with a campus of buildings and grounds and a lively, family-oriented atmosphere in the summer holidays. Room types, views, dining venues, pool and spa facilities vary by building and by season, and we could not verify the current details, so check the property page for the accommodation that suits you. Golf is the traditional highlight, and the surrounding landscape of lake, pine and granite is a pleasant backdrop in every season.
Who it suits and what to know: families, golfers, wedding and conference groups and anyone who likes the idea of a self-contained resort will be happiest here, while travellers wanting a quiet cottage feel might prefer a smaller lakeside property. Rates peak in July and August, in fall colour weeks and around holidays, and fall in the quieter months, so flexible dates help.
Ask about resort fees, parking, which restaurants and activities operate in your season and whether any facilities are closed for maintenance. Because large resorts change hands and renovate from time to time, check the operating status and facilities on the property page and in recent guest reports before committing to a non-refundable rate.
Getting the most from a stay
Plan one day for Algonquin Park and Ragged Falls, one for Huntsville's murals and Muskoka Heritage Place, and keep a day for the resort itself, whether that means a round of golf, a swim or a lakeside walk. In winter, ask about skating, skiing and snowshoeing nearby, since the region around Huntsville is one of the most reliable for snow. Book dinner ahead on busy weekends, and carry warm layers for evening walks by the lake.
Why stay here
- ✓Peninsula Lake setting
- ✓Golf resort
- ✓Large resort grounds
- ✓Near downtown Huntsville
- ✓Gateway to Algonquin Park
- ✓Seasonal activities programme
- ✓Car recommended
- ✓Check dining and spa on booking
Good questions
Where is Deerhurst Resort?+
It is on Peninsula Lake at the edge of Huntsville, in the north of Muskoka. You will want a car for Algonquin Park and the surrounding sights.
Is it a good base for Algonquin Park?+
Yes, Huntsville is the usual base for the Highway 60 route into the park, and the resort is a short drive from town. Allow a full day for the park.
Which facilities should I check before booking?+
Dining, spa, pool and golf details change with the season, so check the property page for what operates on your dates, and ask about resort fees and parking.
