Spring resort facilities and activities

Spring is the time when nature wakes up with a smile, so we welcome the spirited mood of April! Explore the lake by kayak or canoe, golf, visit our horses, relax. Watch movies, play board games, read a book, all from our library. Play billiards or table tennis in our games room, or to really relax, reserve time for a massage.

A 9-hole par-3 golf course at the Irwin Inn is free of charge for all our guests. It provides a perfect introduction to a couples or family spring golf experience, and convenient on-site practice facility for the seasoned golfer. The Irwin Inn is one of four member resorts privileged to offer guests golf opportunities at Wildfire, a private club and one of Ontario’s best courses, 5 minutes away.

The Irwin Inn specializes in riding experiences for beginners to the very highest level of riding instruction. Delightful late spring trail rides on our own Milestone Farm are available and we offer lessons for riders at all levels. 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 rides in the outdoor ring can be arranged for young children)

The Kawartha Lakes, of which Stoney Lake is a member, is ranked in the top ten fishing destinations in Canada. Pickerel, bass, and muskie, are found in Stoney Lake. Boats and motors are available to rent, with special spring rates, and special packages with use of boat and motor free of charge! For younger members of your family endless hours can be spent fishing from the dock where pan fish abound.

The Irwin Inn is a perfect spring vacation resort destination, and ideal waterfront resort for couples getaways and romantic escapes in the springtime. Amenities include: a 9-hole golf course, full English riding stable & equestrian centre for horseback riding lessons and trail rides, tennis, seasonal outdoor pool, and countless fun and interesting activities. Accommodations in the spring range from standard suites to luxurious lakeside cottages and waterfront suites with private swimming pools or hot tubs.

Wake up to the sound of birds perched outside your suite. Take a trail ride through our budding forest or a walk down a country lane. Read a book on your deck and listen to the loons calling on the lake or watch a fisherman slowly troll between the islands by the Inn.

Spring is definitely a refreshing, and revitalizing time of year! Our canoeing or kayaking packages, fishing getaway packages, golfing getaway package, horseback riding package, seniors getaway package and arts and culture getaways will be sure to refresh your spirits, as a new and exciting season begins.

Celebrate spring on Stoney Lake. Experience superior cuisine, attentive service & spectacular lakeside accommodations. Make the most of warm days and at night enjoy your personal spa under the stars and a crackling fire in your suite's stone fireplace. Spring is the season of rejuvenation and there's no better place to get the feeling of starting fresh than a getaway at the Irwin Inn. The entire family has a great time.

Adults get to act like kids at the resort and forget their day-to-day responsibilities. Sumptuous meals magically appear without you having to prepare anything. Our staff tends to your room daily just the way you like it. You can canoe, kayak, take a cruise late May or June, and discover some of the 1100 islands that dot Stoney Lake or just sit back with a good book by a warming fire. Take a drive around the area, go shopping, visit a museum, a gallery or see live theatre.

Couples find the Irwin Inn an ideal Spring lakeside resort setting to rest and rejuvenate, or be active, canoeing, kayaking, horse back riding, hiking, sightseeing, shopping and more, for a dynamic resort experience. In a spectacular spring setting, nestled on Stoney Lake’s shore, The Irwin Inn offers spring 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,

A crackling fire, fine wine, candlelight dining and beautiful sunsets, are delightful to the senses of romantics. Experience this “Sensory Delight” getaway at the lake. Fireplace suites and cottages, with whirlpool or private hot tub or pool offer the perfect escape. Luscious truffles and fruit, wine, exotic teas and coffee are in your room to enjoy!

Take a Break in March! Take pleasure in gourmet dining, fine wines, the ambiance of a crackling fire and starlit sky. Our natural setting is truly inspirational. Glide through our forest trails on skis, skate on the frozen lake, visit the horses at the barn, or simply relax, watch a movie, read a book, or have a massage. Luscious truffles, fruit, exotic teas, coffee, hot chocolate, homemade cookies & popcorn are complimentary and in your room to enjoy!

Spring 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 spring 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 the spring season. In fact, one of the best places to catch trophy muskie is in front of the Irwin Inn. Combining great fishing with comfortable accommodations and excellent meals makes the Irwin Inn a perfect resort for a spring fishing vacation in Ontario Canada.

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!

The Irwin Inn is ideal for spring 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 at the Irwin Inn office 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 shore, For the serious golf enthusiast, Wildfire Golf Club is a challenging, stunning course. We customize packages for individuals, couples and groups.

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 resort on Stoney Lake perfect for a spring golf vacation in Ontario, Canada.

"We have been to all-inclusive vacations in Dominican Republic and a 5-star hotel in Miami, still never have we received a level of customer service like we did at your resort."

There is a refreshing quality to spring, with new life, new growth around us. This is a time of year, when dining is geared to a new a refreshing menu, featuring the best of spring bounty. 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 for couples, families, or groups of friends. Our menu is carefully prepared to bring you a variety of the best of 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.

Seniors can take advantage of our spring waterfront activities including fishing; canoeing and late May and June, sunset cruises. Couples find the Irwin Inn an ideal spring setting to relax and rejuvenate. Roam our 200 acres on beautiful nature trails, visit our horses, walk country lanes, play a game of golf. A quiet paddle in some of Stoney Lake’s back channels might reward you with a view of an osprey or eagle. A short drive away will take you to some of the area’s specialty attractions including Petroglyph’s Park and
The Canadian Canoe Museum.

Spring is the time when nature wakes up with a smile, so we welcome the spirited mood of April! Catch glimpses of spring as ice breaks away mid April, and little buds and bits of green burst into bloom. Experience the ambience of a crackling fire, and gorgeous lake views from a luxury suite or deluxe cottage. Savor culinary creations, and explore the lake by kayak or canoe, golf, visit our horses, have a massage, or simply relax for a peaceful, personal experience. All this and thoughtful country hospitality are part of The Irwin Inn’s 60-year family tradition, just 90 minutes from Toronto.

Stoney Lake beckons to the outdoor enthusiast to play in nature! 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 this spring! Dip your paddle. Listen to the cry of the loons. At the end of the day you’ll experience a personal renewal only nature can bring.

Spring Group Getaways: 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 an spring event for your group. All two night packages include complete country breakfast, 5-course dinner, and use of seasonal recreational facilities.

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 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 dining. Ride and dine handsomely!

Spring Attractions in the Heart of the Kawarthas
The Irwin Inn is in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes district, an area famous for its dramatic and varied landscape. About 40 minutes north of Peterborough, the largest city in the region, The Irwin Inn enjoys a wonderfully scenic location on Stoney Lake and its 1100 islands. A short drive to the north brings you to Petroglyphs Provincial Park, which has the largest known concentration of aboriginal rock carvings in Canada. Carved into the rock face hundreds of years ago, the 900 petroglyphs depict turtles, snakes, birds, humans and other images. From the long weekend in May until Thanksgiving you can hike on the trails meandering through surrounding forests, wetlands and rocky ridges or visit The Learning Place interpretive centre.

Curve Lake First Nation has one of the finest galleries of Native art in the country with knowledgeable staff to help you discover the Ojibwa history of the area. The pretty town of Lakefield has numerous points of interest and shops, and make sure you watch boats locking through on the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Peterborough, a city of about 75,000 has the amenities you would expect of a city of this size - restaurants, cinemas, a zoo, parks and theatres, however, the Canadian Canoe Museum, The Trent Severn Waterway, the Lift locks are attractions that should be on your 'must see' list. South of the Irwin Inn is Lang Pioneer Village which is a living exhibition showing what pioneer life was like in the area. Near the town of Millbrook is 4th Line Theatre, a nationally recognized theatre company that specializes in plays about the area. Plays are held outside to give a realistic and unique theatre experience. Westben Theatre at the Barn, features concerts in a unique venue. See more in Area Attractions!

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.

A spring and year round, full service resort, The Irwin Inn is known for its spectacular setting, comfort, luxury, exceptional dining, unparalleled views, summer programs for kids, equestrian pursuits and the Irwin family’s hospitality, now 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 resort experience, or simply relax for a peaceful, personal experience, just 90 minutes from Toronto

Resort Facilities and Activities

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

Seasonal Activities

Summer
Horseback Riding
Kids’ Recreational Program
Youth Recreational Program
Island Fish Fry
Sunset Cruises
Fishing
Golfing
Walking Trails

Fall
Horseback Riding
Fishing
Golfing
Canoeing and Kayaking

Spring
Horseback Riding
Fishing
Golfing
Canoeing and Kayaking

Winter
Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides
Snowmobile Rides
X Country Skiing Equipment
6.5km of Groomed Trails
Skating

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.

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.

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 reg

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.