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Ontario getaways Stoney Lake Viamede Hotel

Viamede Resort Ontario, a Kawartha Lakes getaway

Luxury travel blog » Places to Travel » North America Travel » Canada Travel » Ontario » Viamede Resort Ontario, a Kawartha Lakes getaway
August 19, 2016 by Carol Perehudoff

This post may contain affiliate links.

If you want a weekend getaway, Viamede Resort, Ontario, two hours northeast of Toronto, promises a ‘boldly different’ experience. Sitting on the shores of Stoney Lake in the Kawartha Lakes district, this 4-season destination is a unique trip into Ontario cottage country.

Viamede Resort in the Kawartha Lakes district of Ontario

Visiting Viamede Resort, Ontario

I’m looking out at Stoney Lake, stretching and yawning after the 2-hour drive up from Toronto. Behind me, Viamede Resort curls around the long shoreline.

“Boldly Different,” I tell my husband, Mark, scanning the view. “That’s the resort’s tagline. But they’ll have to convince me, because I don’t quite see how.”

Stoney Lake Viamede Resort Ontario
Stoney Lake

 

A classic Ontario getaway

What I do see is a deep blue lake dotted with granite islands and the odd lonely tree. I see a thick sheaf of forest and what looks like two resorts put together, a white-with-green-trim row of cottages on the Mount Julian side, and a row of log-cabin-like cottages with red roofs on the other. In between sits the historic Viamede resort hotel, a gracious white frame building that looks, according to my husband, ‘Cape Cod-ish.’

Viamede Resort Ontario Kawartha Lakes
Viamede Resort

 

Exploring the Kawartha Lakes

We’ve driven up to Stoney Lake for a weekend getaway from Toronto. I’ve heard about the Kawartha Lakes district in Ontario, but I’ve never visited a resort here. I’ve also never heard of Stoney Lake, which, considering it’s 32 km long and an Ontario Cottage Country classic, shows that there is a serious gap in my Ontario getaway education.

After checking in, we park outside our one-bedroom cottage. The ground rolling down from our cottage towards the lake looks as if it was once manicured but has now grown wild. “I’m not sure about the lawn,” I whisper to Mark.

“I like it,” he says. “It’s natural.”

Viamede Resort Ontario lakeside cottages
Our cottage was the cute little one on the left

 

Natural ambition

Natural is my first clue that Viamede Resort does, in fact, have some lofty ‘Boldly Different’ ambitions. Flipping through the info binder in our cottage, I learn that the resort’s resident farmer, Jarrod Craig – “The resort has a resident farmer!” I shout out to Mark, who is busy checking out the barbecue on our deck – is the person responsible for bringing the lawns back to native grasses which are far more friendly to wildlife.

I join Mark on the deck. “So it’s not a neglected lawn, it’s an ‘encouraged habitat of local grasses and wildflowers.’ I like it better already.”

Viamede Resort Stoney Lake Ontario Kawartha Lakes

 

Stoney Lake history

Sometimes it just takes a bit of background to see things in a new light. And that seems to be the theme for our weekend. Once I learn, for example, that Viamede Resort has been around since the 1870s, I look at it differently, too. Originally two separate resorts, Mount Julian and Viamede, they were established when a few forward thinkers were starting to buy up land around Stoney Lake for cottages.

The main hotel dates back to 1907, though an earlier hotel on the site dates back as far as to 1873. And the historic Inn at Mount Julian, now the resort’s fine dining restaurant, hasn’t changed much since 1874.

Viamede Resort Ontario getaway Mount Julian restaurant

Early vacationers on the Trent Severn Waterways

Back in the day, these early vacationers would have come up by steamer through the Trent-Severn Waterways that connects Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay, and just thinking of Viamede’s history makes our own experience feel richer, as if we’re joining a long line of lake lovers.

When we head down to the Boathouse Restaurant for dinner, I don’t just think ‘casual lakeside bistro,’ I imagine it back when it was the resort’s dancehall, filled with women in long dresses and dapper men in suits.

Viamede Resort Ontario excellent good
Can I have some?

 

Viamede Resort cuisine

No matter how elegant the resort was, however, I doubt the hotel guests got to enjoy a medium rare ribeye burger like the one Mark is digging into. (I’m having the organic trout, which is also very good, but I’m still trying to steal as much of Mark’s burger as I can.)

This is when I learn something else about Viamede Resort. It takes its cuisine seriously, using ingredients from its garden and farm as much as possible. What they can’t grow or raise themselves, they buy from local producers and try to source nothing beyond Ontario.

Viamede Resort Mount Julien restaurant local ingredients
Fresh!

 

Fine Dining at Mount Julian restaurant

Viamede’s farm-and-forest dining philosophy is raised to an art form at the resort’s Mount Julian restaurant, where you can dive into a 5, 7, or 9 course Chef’s Tasting Menu. From cattail shoots to fresh quail eggs, the resort’s Executive Chef Kevin McKenna makes sure at least one ingredient in every dish is harvested from Viamede’s farm or their extensive 165-acre property.

Mount Julien fine dining Kawartha lakes Viamede Resort
The 4th course

 

Chef’s tasting menu

“How long does a 9-course dinner take?” I ask our server when Mark and I sit down in the wood-lined Mount Julian restaurant on our second evening.

“Between four and four and a half hours,” she says cheerfully.

It’s tempting, but we opt for the 5-course tasting menu instead, because no matter how light the sweet corn soup is, with its bursts of sorbet and chipotle popcorn; how artistically the Cider Lake smelts are arranged on the plate, or how tender the dry aged Traynor Farms ribeye with potato cake, goat cheddar and creamed garden spinach, we have a lot of things on our agenda.

Canoeing on Stoney Lake, Viamede Resort Ontario
Someone (who is not me) seems to be doing all the paddling

 

Activities at Viamede Resort

There is canoeing and kayaking around lonely islands, swimming in the lake and a floating trampoline.

Viamede Resort Stoney Lake Kawarthas
Water fun!

 

There are six kilometres of nature trails, sunsets to photograph, tea tastings, farm tours, outdoor movie nights and a glamorous lakefront outdoor pool. And, as part of Viamede’s Boldly Different approach to vacationing, these resort activities are free.

Viamede Resort Ontario indoor pool
Indoor pool

 

Can’t beat that sauna

Mainly, however, Mark and I are drawn to the resort’s newest addition: the swanky indoor outdoor pool, steam room and sauna facility. Since most vacationers seem to come to the Kawartha Lakes to actually be by a lake, Mark and I pretty much have the sauna and small outdoor deck to ourselves. We sweat ourselves silly, cool off in the pool and peer over the rail down to the small beach where families seem to gravitate.

Kawartha Lakes resort Viamede
The beach

 

Understanding Viamede Resort

It’s taken awhile to get a handle on Viamede Resort, but, as Mark and I stroll along the lake at sunset, I think I’ve finally got it. It’s a lakeside retreat with rustic charm, luxury amenities (did I mention the sauna?) and high-end locavore cuisine.

It’s also got a wacky edge when it come it comes to workshops, and I’m sorely tempted to sign up for its School of (un)Necessary Skills for Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen of the 21st Century – perhaps a weekend Parlour Tricks workshop or The Lost Art of Grooming.

Viamede Resort Ontario Stoney Lake Sunset
A moment to reflect

 

Of course there are things I don’t like. Marks says it’s because I’m a pampered city dweller: loose screens in our cottage and a fire exit gate off the pool deck that’s still raw unfinished plywood. But any criticisms are counter balanced by things I do like: the crisp white bedding, the updated kitchenette in our cottage, surprise hideaways around the property such as the 400-year old ‘Viking’ Oak Tree in the forest or tranquil Toby’s Swimming Hole by the lake.

(And not least, the sausages at the complimentary buffet breakfast are delicious.)

Viamede Resort Ontario getaway Stoney Lake

 

Mostly I have the sense of a continuum, that the resort has been rolling on since the 19th century and will continue to change and grow, not stopping until every unfinished piece of plywood has been tackled. A member of Ontario’s Finest Hotels, Inns and Spas, Viamede was bought in 2010 by Ben Samann, who is also the General Manager. He’s clearly worked hard to bring back Viamede’s former glory as a top Kawartha Lakes resort – and yes, make it Boldly Different.

 

Travel guide for Viamede Resort, Ontario, and the Kawartha Lakes district

A few ‘Boldly Different’ perks:

  • Viamede is a very dog-friendly resort – no extra fees for the canine members of your family.
  • As of September, Viamede Resort will be offering shuttle buses to and from Union Station in Toronto for $30, making it an excellent weekend getaway from Toronto.
  • Complimentary buffet breakfast for all hotel guests.
  • No dreaded ‘resort’ fees.
  • You can go food foraging with the chef.
  • Free parking and Wifi (in the main building – though I couldn’t get Wifi in the cottage).
  • On-site century-old chapel for weddings.
Ontario getaways Stoney Lake Viamede Hotel
Boathouse Restaurant

Prices and packages at Viamede

Prices range from $249 (deluxe room) up to $509 for the 3-bedroom cottage in high season. Packages are the best deal and there is a huge variety for you to choose from. Here’s a sample:

  • Over 55? A Golden Getaway Package offers a midweek 2-night stay for 2 for $249 per night and includes an $80 dollar food credit per day for the Boathouse Restaurant.
  • A Midweek Get-Together Package offers a 2 or 3 night stay from $590 including meals and shuttle.
  • A Fall Harvest Package is $389 for 1 night in a deluxe room and a 7-course tasting menu with wine pairings for 2.

Viamede Resort outdoor pool

Where is Viamede Resort?

Viamede Resort is located at 595 Mount Julian-Viamede Road, Woodview, Ontario. Tel: 705-654-3344. Visit the resort website for more info.

About the Kawartha Lakes and Stoney Lake

Known for its lake tourism, the Kawartha Lakes are a scenic chain of lakes in south central Ontario. The region is about 2 to 2.5 hours northeast of Toronto, and many of the lakes are connected by the 386 km Trent-Severn Waterway. Stoney (or Stony) Lake is actually 3 lakes put together: Upper Stoney Lake, Stoney Lake and Clear Lake, and contains more than 1,000 islands.

Read more: To find some other top Canadian destinations visit Top Places to Go in Canada.

Disclosure: My trip was subsidized by Viamede Resort: All opinions and love for Ontario getaways are my own.

 

Category: Hotel Reviews, Ontario

About Carol Perehudoff

A former freelance travel columnist for the Toronto Star, Carol has won more than 30 writing awards and honours. A spa and luxury travel expert, she’s written for top travel publications around the globe.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janice & George (@SandInSuitcase)

    Minor missteps can always be forgiven by great food! Sounds like Viamede got that right :-). Funny you mention the lawn… We’re noticing the gardens here in Victoria are more wild looking and less manicured (unless you’re in Uplands) than in Vancouver. Probably because Victorians are seriously (and rightly) protective of the lovely environment here. With threats of drought, other climate changes and environmental concerns, we’re probably all going to have to start changing our views of what a beautiful lawn or garden should look like. Wonder what they teach at the “School of (un)Necessary Skills for Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen of the 21st Century”? Sounds interesting…

  2. Buddy The Traveling Monkey

    Wow, a 9 course Chef’s Tasting Menu sounds awesome!! And I love that trampoline! Even though I’d probably end up hurting myself… lol!

  3. Carol Perehudoff

    Thanks, Francesca – I loved that Viamede has a resident farmer, too.

  4. Carly Moore (@girloutofbounds)

    The sunsets look absolutely amazing, as does the food. There’s a lot of places like that little “holiday village” if you will in the mountains of BC/Alberta that I really liked. Looks like a great place for a holiday!

  5. Lauren Meshkin @BonVoyageLauren

    The food looks so nice… actually everything looks so nice! What a perfect getaway. Thanks for sharing and happy travels :)

  6. One Girl One World

    What a beautiful sunset! That’s so cool they have a resident farmer. Looks like they have enough activities to keep someone occupied for weeks! I’ll have to check it out when I head to Ontario

  7. Tamara Elliott

    That looks gorgeous, and those sunsets, wow! I visited the Kawartha Lakes during a conference last year, definitely a beautiful place to escape from the city.

  8. Carol Perehudoff

    Oh, I’m so sorry you’re not stopping in Toronto for a longer time, Meg.

  9. Meg Jerrard

    Sounds like an amazing escape – we’re headed to Toronto in a few days actually, though only have an overnight stop so are staying at the airport. Will have to plan for a return trip and rent a car so we can make our way up to Kawartha Lakes :)

  10. Carol Perehudoff

    Yes, we were pretty cozy in our lakefront cabin, which was a lot bigger inside than it looks, Laura.

  11. Carol Perehudoff

    Definitely some amazing meals at Viamede, Drew. Thanks for writing.

  12. Drew

    What a beautiful, rural retreat! Love they have a resident farmer and hold wacky workshops (Lost Art of Grooming?). Looks like a nice place to sit back, relax, and enjoy some amazing meals!

  13. Laura Lynch

    What cute little cabins! I love them already. I also like that they have options for dinner that include 5 and 9-course tasting menus. 4 hours is a long time to devote to dinner, but sometimes that’s just what you feel like doing, so it’s nice to have the option.

  14. Carol Perehudoff

    I loved the history of Viamede as well, Anne Marie. Fascinating.

  15. Carol Perehudoff

    I regret not opting for the 9-course menu now though, Valerie! I missed a vanilla, cherry and chocolate dessert.

  16. Valerie Dailey

    There are so many things I love about this, especially a RESIDENT FARMER! How cool! It is really interesting too how they have allowed the grass to return to its natural ways so it’s better for the critters. The food all sounds amazing, but I’m not sure I could still long enough either for a 9 course/4 hour meal ;)

  17. Annemarie

    Haha, love your husband’s description of the resort as ‘Cape Cod-ish.’ It definitely reminded me of that as well, to be honest. It certainly looks like a great place to relax and the indoor pool especially looks enticing. Can’t believe it’s been going strong since the since the 19th century! Then it must be good.

  18. A Taste for Travel (@atastefortravel)

    Food foraging with the chef sounds fantastic. Definitely worth a visit!

  19. Sherel Purcell

    Love those gorgeous photos;-)

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