Windermere House is one of the oldest names in Muskoka, a grand lakeside inn on Lake Rosseau that opened in 1870 as a boarding house and became known as the Lady of the Lake. The original building was almost entirely destroyed by fire in 1996, and it was rebuilt to replicate its original design and reopened in 1997. Today it offers around 58 suites, an on-site restaurant and a pub with live entertainment, in a setting that mixes heritage character with modern comfort. It sits in the quiet Windermere area of the Muskoka Lakes, close to Port Carling and the lake villages, and it suits couples, families and groups who want a traditional cottage-country resort feel without the very highest prices. Since an ownership change, the property has moved toward operating through more of the year than its old seasonal pattern, so confirm what is open on your dates before you book.
Location and getting around
Windermere is a small lakeside community in the Muskoka Lakes, reached by road from Toronto in roughly two to three hours depending on traffic. A car is needed, because the inn is a drive from Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Huntsville. Port Carling and the village shops are the nearest places for supplies and a change of scene, and the lakes are the main attraction, so the best days here involve water, a walk or a long meal rather than a long list of sights.
The rooms and the feel
The building is a replica of a nineteenth-century lakeside hotel, with wide verandas, public rooms and views over Lake Rosseau, and the suites vary in layout and outlook. We could not verify room types, pool or spa facilities, so check the property page for the suite that suits your party and for seasonal activities. The pub and restaurant give a social heart to the property, with live entertainment on some nights, and the atmosphere is relaxed rather than formal.
Who it suits and what to know: couples on a weekend away, families celebrating a milestone and small groups will like the mix of history and comfort. Rates peak in July and August, in fall colour weeks and around holidays, and they soften in spring and late fall, when the quiet lake is its own reward.
Ask about parking, resort fees, minimum stays on summer weekends and which restaurant and pub hours apply in your season. In the colder months, some lake activities pause, so ask what is on offer, and check the weather and road conditions before any longer drive.
Getting the most from a stay
Spend a day on the lake, by boat or on the shore, then take a short drive to Port Carling for a stroll, add the Muskoka Lakes drive for views, and keep an evening for the pub or a lakeside dinner. For a bigger outing, Bracebridge and its falls are a drive to the east, and the Dorset Lookout Tower and Algonquin corridor are reachable in a long day. Book early for fall colour weekends and for summer, when the best suites go first.
Why stay here
- ✓Lake Rosseau setting
- ✓Historic 1870 inn, rebuilt 1997
- ✓About 58 suites
- ✓Restaurant on site
- ✓Pub with live entertainment
- ✓Near Port Carling
- ✓Car recommended
- ✓Check seasonal facilities on booking
Good questions
What is Windermere House?+
It is a historic lakeside inn on Lake Rosseau that opened in 1870, was destroyed by fire in 1996 and was rebuilt in its original style, reopening in 1997.
Does it have a restaurant?+
Yes, it has an on-site restaurant and a pub with live entertainment. Check the property page for current hours and seasonal changes.
Is it open all year?+
It has moved toward year-round operation under its current owners, but some facilities and activities are seasonal. Confirm what is open on your dates when you book.
