Winter resort facilities and activities
Experience winter at the lake! Our natural setting is truly inspirational:
Glide through our forest trails on x country skis, skate on the frozen lake,
visit the horses at the equestrian centre and the barn, go snowshoeing,
have fun on a sleigh ride (Saturday) and (45 minutes) complimentary use
of a snowmobile. 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. Complimentary is the *Use of x-country
ski equipment, *Use of natural skating rink, hockey sticks, some skates,
snowshoes, and *Horse drawn sleigh ride, *Popcorn, movies/games, books.
There will be lots to keep couples or the whole family entertained.
In a spectacular setting, nestled on Stoney Lake’s shore, The Irwin
Inn offers luxury at the lake. A year round, full service resort, The
Irwin Inn is known for its unparalleled lake views, inspired dining, luxury
suites and cottages with fireplaces, whirlpools, private hot tubs or pools,
and the Irwin family’s hospitality, now over 60 years strong. Explore
the snow-laden countryside, our equestrian centre and groomed nature trails;
enjoy the benefits of massage or simply relax by a crackling fire. It’s
up to you. From classic suites to luxury cottages, accommodations are
ideal for discerning couples and families. Couples find the Irwin Inn
an ideal lakeside resort setting to rest and rejuvenate, or be active,
participating in many recreational activities, sightseeing, shopping,
and cultural venues. Enjoy an extensive range of activities for a dynamic
resort experience, or simply relax for a peaceful, personal experience,
just 90 minutes from Toronto
At Christmas, bring a few of your own treasured decorations, and experience
a white Christmas at the lake! Fun for everyone includes cross-country
skiing, skating, snowshoeing, sleigh ride, nature walks to visit the horses.
Celebrate the arrival of the New Year in gracious style at the lake! Winter
fun includes skating, x country skiing, sleigh ride, and nature walks
to visit the horses. Two and three night packages include deluxe accommodation
in suites with fireplaces, whirlpools or hot tubs, or pools. You receive
a welcome basket of fruit and truffles, and a full country breakfast and
splendid dinner each day. New Year’s Eve, jazz musician Jonah Cristall-Clarke
and group, add to the ambiance of a candle lit dining room, a champagne
and canapÈ reception, followed by a creative six course gourmet
dinner.
Our lakeside dining room with a panoramic view of Stoney Lake is a fitting
venue for memorable winter meals with family and friends. Our winter 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 winter fine dining experience.
Experience the country ambience of a crackling fire, starlit sky, outstanding
lake views from a luxury suite or cottage with fireplace, and whirlpool,
private hot tub or pool, Housed in the main inn is the warm and inviting
dining room where a gorgeous, panoramic lake view complements appealing,
culinary creations. Explore nature trails, visit our horses, enjoy a massage,
or simply relax
At The Irwin Inn & Resort we have lots of activities for the whole
family. Dining is a special treat for Mom & Dad, and a special Children's
menu will please the kids. After dinner "kickback" in your suite
or cottage. Listen to the snapping sound of a roaring fire in your fireplace.
Watch movies, play games, etc. There will be lots to keep the whole family
entertained. Your 3 Night Deluxe Package includes:
- Full country breakfast each morning
- Sumptuous dinners daily for the whole family
- Hot chocolate and cookies
- Popcorn, movies/games, books
- Use of x-country ski equipment
- Use of natural skating rink
- Horse drawn sleigh ride.
Settle into a luxury suite or deluxe cottage with stone fireplace, and
whirlpool, private hot tub, or private pool. 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. 2-night package
includes 2 elegant dinners, 2 complete breakfasts, and seasonal recreational
activities. Luscious truffles, fruit, exotic teas, coffee, hot chocolate,
homemade cookies & popcorn are complimentary and in your room to enjoy!
Winter Group Getaway: From girl’s weekends, men’s weekends,
, riding clinics, family reunions, artists creative clinics, to intimate
wedding getaways, we can customize an event for your group. All two night
packages include complete country breakfast, 5-course dinner, and use
of seasonal recreational facilities.
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.
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!
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.
Cross Country Skiing
Enjoy a quiet ski through our 6.5 km of groomed trails or across beautiful
Stoney Lake. No need to bring equipment as everything is provided for
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.
Winter
Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides
Snowmobile Rides
X Country Skiing Equipment
6.5km of Groomed Trails
Skating
