Fall Family Vacations

Families have been spending their resort holidays and fall getaways at the Irwin Inn for 3 generations. They come back because everyone in the family has a great time. Adults can be young at heart again, forgetting day–to-day stress of the normal working day. Do as much or as little as you wish. Sumptuous meals magically appear without you having to prepare anything. Our staff tends to your room daily just the way you like it. In the fall, you can canoe, kayak, golf take a cruise and discover some of the 1100 islands that dot Stoney Lake or visit an art gallery, museum or interesting shops in the Peterborough and the Kawarthas area.

Three generations of the Irwin family make this Ontario resort famous for its tradition of friendliness and service. On 200 acres along Stoney Lake in the Kawarthas, The Irwin Inn offers fine lakeside dining and accommodation in the fall and year-round.

The Irwin Inn is a perfect fall vacation resort destination and ideal resort for family getaways in the fall. Amenities include: a 9-hole golf course, full English riding stable & equestrian centre for horseback riding lessons and trail rides, tennis, and outdoor pool. Accommodations range from traditional, cozy rooms in the Inn to luxurious lakeside cottages and waterfront suites with private swimming pools or hot tubs.

"Every once in a while you come across a place where the service is extraordinary, the food is delicious, and the staff are warm & welcoming. Once you find this place you want to return again and again."

A year round, full service resort, The Irwin Inn is known for its spectacular setting, especially brilliant in fall, with comfort, luxury, exceptional dining, unparalleled views, equestrian pursuits and the Irwin family’s hospitality, now over 60 years strong. From classic country inn rooms and cottages to luxury suites and cottages with fireplaces, whirlpools, private hot tubs or pools, accommodations are ideal for discerning couples and families. Enjoy an extensive range of activities for a dynamic fall family resort experience, or simply relax, sit back with a good book by a warming fire for a peaceful, experience, just 90 minutes from Toronto.

Families find the Irwin Inn an ideal fall lakeside resort to relax and rejuvenate, spend a few days together away daily schedules or be active, participating in many recreation and social activities, sightseeing, shopping, historical and cultural tours involving museums, art galleries and theatre venues, for an exciting fall resort experience.

Autumn offers the best of both worlds at the Inn - high season experiences at low season rates. Enjoy a walk in the woods, a quiet paddle of a calm misty morning, a personal spa under the stars or a crackling fire in your suite's stone fireplace. It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy a movie and popcorn together, play games or cards together, a quiet time, curled up with a good book by the fire. Watch reflecting fall colours on magnificent Stoney Lake from your deck and listen to the loons calling. The autumn season is a gorgeous time of year for a relaxed family getaway. Regardless of the season some things remain the same - superior cuisine, attentive service and accommodations that guarantee a memorable holiday.

Enjoy a walk in the woods, canoeing or kayaking on a calm misty morning, a personal hot tub under the stars or a crackling fire in your suite's stone fireplace.

Watch reflections of autumn’s vibrant colour on a calm lake. Take advantage of our seasonal resort facilities and activities. Special Fall packages include golf getaways, horseback riding package, canoeing and kayaking getaway packages, fishing getaway packages, arts and culture packages, bed and breakfast package, seniors getaways. Discover a getaway that’s right for you. Check our Packages page for details.

Hauntingly beautiful, prestigious Stoney Lake is natural, rugged beauty to perfection. Perched on the south shore, The Irwin Inn offers an escape from life’s pressures, a place to unwind, in any season. Experience the ambience of a crackling fire, and unparalleled lake views from a luxury suite or cottage, with stone fireplace and private hot tub or pool under a starlit sky. Housed in the main inn is the warm, inviting dining room, a feast for the eye and the palate, where a gorgeous, panoramic lake view complements appealing, culinary creations. Explore the lake by kayak or canoe, golf, visit our horses, enjoy a massage, or simply relax for a peaceful experience. It’s up to you.

Fall Family Dining
We make every meal at the Irwin Inn an occasion to celebrate. Our lakeside dining room with a panoramic view of Stoney Lake is a fitting venue for memorable meals with family and friends. Our fall menu is carefully prepared to bring you a variety of the best of the fall harvest’s fresh country inn fare, together with the service and excellence you expect from a fine dining establishment. A full wine list, accommodating staff and the spectacular Stoney Lake view, set the stage for a fine dining experience.

The Irwin Inn operates on a Modified American Plan, which provides for breakfast and dinner daily. Lunch can be purchased as a picnic lunch year round.

"We had an amazing time. The facilities were awesome _ very clean and had everything we could want: fireplace, lighting, whirlpool. I cannot say enough about the chef _ absolutely fabulous."

Fall Family Fishing Vacations in the Kawarthas
Fall family fishing vacations abound at the Irwin Inn on Stoney Lake in Ontario, Canada. The Kawartha Lakes, of which Stoney Lake is a member, is ranked in the top ten fishing destinations in Canada. Originally it was the trophy fishing that brought visitors to the Irwin Inn. Although the 40+ lb. Lake Trout are gone, Stoney Lake still has an abundance of fish to catch on your fall fishing getaway. Pickerel, bass, and muskie, are found in Stoney Lake. We are happy to share our knowledge on how and where to catch fish. In fact, one of the best places to catch trophy muskie is in front of The Irwin Inn. For younger members of your family endless hours can be spent fishing from the dock where pan fish abound. Few things are as exciting to a 4-year old as feeling a tug on the fishing rod for the first time. Combining great family fishing with comfortable accommodations and excellent meals makes The Irwin Inn a perfect resort for a fall family fishing vacation in Ontario Canada.

Fall Family Fishing Getaway:
Stay 2-4 nights and save 50% on boat & motor rentals. Stay 5-7 nights and use of boat & motor is free! Packages include breakfast and dinner daily, use of recreational facilities, a Stoney Lake map, boat safety equipment lawfully required. We will pack you a light lunch, and we will cook your catch of fish if you wish! One young fisherman12 yrs. & under is free of charge, 1 teen is half of the adult rate!

Fall Family Golf Vacations in the Kawarthas
The Irwin Inn is ideal for fall golf vacations in Ontario, Canada. In the 1950s we constructed a 9-hole par-3 golf course facility at the Irwin Inn that is free of charge for all our guests. It provides a perfect introduction to a family golf experience and convenient on-site practice facility for the seasoned golfer.

A special featured benefit of staying at The Irwin Inn is the opportunity to play golf at the world class private Wildfire Golf Club, just 5 minutes away Check with the Irwin Inn for fees, availability and reservations.

World Class Golf is in the Kawarthas! The Irwin Inn is one of four member resorts privileged to offer guests golf opportunities at Wildfire, a private club, nestled on Stoney Lake’s south shore, For the serious golf enthusiast, Wildfire Golf Club is a challenging, stunning course. We customize fall golf packages for individuals, couples and groups. Fall golf packages, including 2 nights accommodation, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 18 holes of golf, and golf car priced from 345. to 560. pp

From par-3 to world class, you'll find an area golf course that challenges your game and delights the eye. Combining comfortable accommodation and fine dining make this a perfect family resort for a fall family golf vacation in Ontario, Canada.

Fall Group Getaway: From girl’s weekends, men’s fishing weekends, learning to kayak, golfing, riding clinics, family reunions, artists creative clinics, canoeing, scenic cruise and island cook-outs, to intimate wedding getaways, we can customize a fall event for your group. All two night packages in the fall include complete country breakfast, 5-course dinner, and use of seasonal recreational facilities. Minimum 4 people. Prices will vary. Priced from $260. pp See our Girls Getaway Package in Packages

Fall FamilyHorseback Riding
The Irwin Inn specializes in riding experiences for beginners to the very highest level of riding instruction. Delightful fall family trail rides on our own Milestone Farm are available at this most colourful time of the year. Although we offer lessons for riders at all levels, lessons for novice riders provide an ideal situation for experiencing the sport without the pressure of commitment and cost of structured programs. We offer English Riding instruction, specializing in dressage. Jaimey & Tina Irwin of Stoney Lake Equestrian are grand prix dressage riders and are available by reservation for specialized instruction. (Must be 10 yrs of age or older for trail ride. Pony ride in outdoor ring can be arranged for young children)

Fall Horseback Riding Getaway
Many a childhood dream involves horses. For adults it is a romantic notion. Into the woods, and out on open fields we go, exploring nature in her most colourful season, on horseback. Being with horses is a pleasure. It’s therapeutic. Brush your horse and forget your cares, you’re in another world! Before dinner, curl up by a crackling fire, soak in your whirlpool or hot tub, and anticipate great fall dining. Ride and dine handsomely this fall! 2 nights, 2 gourmet dinners, 2 country breakfasts, introduction to your horse, time to brush, one hour trail ride, use of resort facilities, fruit, truffles, homemade cookies, teas and coffee in room. Priced from 315.00 pp

Fall Family Kayaking/Canoeing
Stoney Lake is famous for its 1100 islands and Precambrian rock shores. You can find many areas inhabited only by residents native to Stoney Lake for thousands of years. Loons call in the evening blue herons own the “still” of morning. Canoeing and kayaking on Stoney has been inspiring naturalists since the Ojibwa natives made birch bark canoes to travel and explore it’s shining waters.

Fall Family Canoeing/kayaking Getaway;
Stoney Lake beckons to outdoor enthusiasts and families to play in nature in the fall! A hauntingly beautiful lake, with rugged shore, and sparkling water dotted with 1100 islands, waits to be explored in timeless fashion. The canoe and kayak evoke the area’s tradition of paddling. Awaken your senses in the heart of nature in the fall. Dip your paddle. Listen to the cry of the loons. Watch autumn’s brilliant colours reflecting in the glassy waters of Stoney Lake. At the end of the day you’ll experience a personal renewal only nature can bring 2 nights, 2 gourmet dinners, 2 country breakfast, 1 packed lunch, canoe or kayak, instruction, maps, nature guide book, safety equipment, pass to Canoe Museum or Petroglyph Park, use of resort facilities. Priced from 285.00 pp 1 child free

In a spectacular setting, nestled on Stoney Lake’s shore, The Irwin Inn offers luxury at the lake. Unparalleled lake views, inspired dining, luxury suites and cottages with fireplaces, whirlpools, private hot tubs or pools, and thoughtful hospitality, are all part of a 60 year family tradition for your pleasure. Explore the countryside, our equestrian centre and nature trails; enjoy the benefits of massage or simply relax by a crackling fire. It’s up to you,

The Irwin Inn, A Family Tradition for over 60 Years

The Irwin Inn can look back on a history of Kawartha resort hospitality that spans 3 generations and over sixty years.

Ross and Norma Irwin stumbled into being innkeepers by accident. Asked to accommodate overflow guests from a neighbouring resort in 1947, they found the experience so enjoyable that, the following years, after an addition to their cottage, they began welcoming guests. Ross brought his talent as cook to the business, and many of his recipes are used to this day. He was also a compulsive builder, and, over the next 20 years, the resort expanded in every direction. By 1955 Ross and Norma could accommodate 30 guests and, with a dining room expansion in 1960, more than 75 could vacation at the Inn. The golf course was built in 1965.

By 1981, Dennis and Patti Irwin had taken over the Inn and embarked on a program of expansion and consolidation. They completed the acquisition of all the privately owned cottages near the Inn begun by Ross and Norma. Concentrating on the lakefront, they renovated existing cottages or built new ones to suit the more discerning tourists of the 80s and 90s. As well, they felt that groups or organizations would benefit from the Inn's unique site and consequently built a meeting room and upgraded facilities to attract these clients. The building program culminated in 2000 with the construction of a complex of lakeside spa suites. Sympathetic architecture and a prime waterfront location have made these suites the most sought after accommodation at the Inn.

Dennis and Patti have 3 sons all now working in some aspect of the business.

Jaimey and Tina Irwin operate Stoney Lake Equestrian. They specialize in training, showing, breeding, and selling of the finest dressage horses. Their clients are international and often stay at the Inn while observing the training of their horses.

Rob and Andrew Irwin have inherited a love of building and play in important part in keeping, what is now a complex operation, working.

The Irwins have always shared a respect for the environment of which they are stewards. Using deep lake cooling (long before the City of Toronto made it fashionable), they are able to supplement both their heating and cooling requirements.

Although the reasons people visit the Irwin Inn have changed over the years, some things have remained constant - the eternal beauty of Stoney Lake, the dedication of the Irwins to providing a truly memorable lakeside resort experience, and, finally, the belief that the things we cherish depend upon our will to preserve them.

Resort Facilities

Outdoor Pool Tennis Court Games Room Playground 9-hole Golf Course Sandy Beach Waterfront Accommodation 6.5km of Trails Children/Youth Rec Programs Volleyball Net Small Store Onsite Wireless Internet Access Shuffle Board Mountain Bikes Canoes Movie Rentals Kayaks Massage Therapy (RMT)
$75/hour in massage rm $85/hour in your rm
Horseback Riding Facilities
$40/hour trail ride $45/hour semi-private $55/hour private lesson $15 pony ride Motor Boat Rentals *starting at $75/day or $350/week

Resort Facilities and Activities

Resort Facilities

Massage Therapy (RMT)

Horseback Riding Facilities

Motor Boat Rentals

Seasonal Activities

Summer

Fall

Spring

Winter

Facilities and Activities Descriptions

Please also view our activities pages to view more details and photos regarding specific activities

Golfing
The Irwin Inn is ideal for family golf vacations in Ontario, Canada. In the 1950s we developed a par-3 golf course that is free for all guests. It provides a perfect introduction to a family golf experience and convenient on-site practice facility for the seasoned golfer. A special benefit of staying at The Irwin Inn is the opportunity to play on the world class private Wildfire Golf Club, 5 minutes away.

Horseback Riding
The Irwin Inn specializes in riding experiences for beginners to the very highest level of riding instruction. Delightful trail rides on our own Milestone Farm are available most months of the year. Although we offer lessons for riders at all levels, lessons for novice riders provide an ideal situation for experiencing the sport without the pressure of commitment and cost of structured programs.

Kayaking and Canoeing
Stoney Lake is famous for its 1100 islands and Precambrian rock shores. You can find many areas inhabited only by residents native to Stoney Lake for thousands of years. Loons call in the evening blue herons own the “still” of morning. Canoeing and kayaking on Stoney has been inspiring naturalists since the Ojibwa natives made birch bark canoes to travel and explore it’s shining waters.

Water Activities

Swimming in Stoney lake’s clear and clean water is a tonic for the soul for young and old alike. Skimming across the top on skis, boards or a tube is as exciting to do, as it is fun to watch. Sunset cruises are a perfect way to end a perfect day and our cruise to our own island for a family fish fry and barbeque is a vacation highlight! Our small outdoor pool is the perfect place to swim on a windy day. Most water activities are included at the Irwin Inn.

Fishing
Fishing vacations abound at the Irwin Inn on Stoney Lake in Ontario, Canada. The Kawartha Lakes, of which Stoney Lake is a member, is ranked in the top ten fishing destinations in Canada. For families on vacation with young fishing enthusiasts, endless hours can be spent fishing from the dock where pan fish abound. Few things are as exciting to a 4-year old as feeling a tug on the fishing rod for the first time.

Kids’ program
From the last week of June to Labour Day weekend, the Irwin Inn has an amazingly comprehensive recreation program. Our experienced counselors keep younger children busy and happy through scheduled activities during the day, and one activity in the evening. Scavenger hunts, arts & crafts, tubing, face painting, talent shows, bingo, hay and pony rides, campfires, nature crafts, visits to area attractions, and our featured weekly “fish fry” picnic on Irwin Island combine to make vacation memories for our younger guests.

Youth and Adult Programs
For young adults, parents, grandparents, and the young at heart, we offer more activities such as: movie nights, campfires, tubing, wakeboarding, parasailing, golf tournaments, corn roasts, sunset cruises, canoe and kayak trips, games night, as well as cultural, shopping, and fun trips to area attractions. Our recreation programs are one of the reasons that families come back to the Inn year after year. Often as families depart the parents are already getting pressure to book next year's vacation as soon as possible. We take great pride in providing exceptional summer experiences for youth and adults because, we believe, that's what summer is all about.

Sightseeing/Shopping
The Kawartha Lakes area offers countless opportunities for shopping, and sightseeing, From the latest in fashion, footwear, sporting gear, to farmers markets, fine art, crafts, and gorgeous hand crafted gifts, the entire Peterborough and Kawartha area has it all! Numerous interesting sights can be seen along the way. Planned shopping trips will make for an exciting off site excursion.

Arts & Culture
Peterborough and the entire surrounding area, has developed into a thriving arts and culture destination. In this land of shining water, art galleries, museums, historic sites, live theatre, unique outdoor theatre, concerts, and festivals abound, demonstrating the rich cultural mosaic of the Kawartha Lakes region. Plan your own itinerary, or come along on one of our scheduled outings for a sample of Kawartha culture

A Sample of Past Children’s and Youth Programs

Complimentary Movie Rentals
Our movie gallery is located in our store area. Our movies vary from old classic to new blockbuster hits. There is sure to be something for everybody. Sit back and relax in your accommodation while watching a movie!

Games Room
Our games room offers our guests an alternative to outdoor activities. In the games room we have a pool table, ping pong table, and dart board.

6.5 km of Trails
Our trails function in many ways depending on the season. Wound through our 200 acres of land they can be used to hike, bike, horseback ride, ski, or snowmobile. With beautiful scenery the trails offer views of deer and greenery, and can lead you to our barns where you can visit with the horses. Some trails are strictly for non-vehicular use ensuring a peaceful time for all!

Massage Therapy
Our two registered massage therapists, Martina Schnettler and Nicole Hurley, are sure to give you a deep soothing massage. Have a massage in the comfort of your own accommodation or in our massage room and feel your stress slip away.

Wireless Internet Access
Available in our office and lounging areas as well as in select accommodation.