Port Cunnington Lodge & Resort

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting two years in a row and am quite impressed with the upgrades this year. The lodge has been here so incredibly long but has many comfortable modern amenities while keeping a natural and rustic feel that “going to the cottage” has. Instantly noticeable were the HBC linens, blankets and towels which are not just comfy, but iconically Canadian, which the whole family loved. It was so handy having plenty of canoes, kayaks, and Stand-up-paddlebords so the whole family could get out on the water together. A water trampoline and slides were new this year and brought out the little kid in me which was really fun! This year they added a couple of pedal boats which were nice. They now have many yard games on top of their volleyball and tennis courts, shuffle board and putting green. The wood fire pits were great option, but we went with one of the gas options with Muskoka chairs around it - no smoke to contend with. We mostly used the kitchen in our cottage for the first trip last year, but this year ended up in the dining room almost every night for dinner and mornings for breakfast. Some of us in the family are vegetarian and they always had nice veg and meat options. The staff is all incredibly kind and accommodating and had great suggestions for hikes and excursions we could do within and outside of the property. Our group was 3 couples with one infant and we had such a nice time that we’ve slotted a vacation next summer already.

In the last year or so this place changed its manager , and its not good , or at least not nearly as good. Gone is respect for guests and a relaxed Muskoka feel and in place is much process , rules and and a disregard for guests, - and this place is not cheap. You now have to pay to make your own fire ? and book the fire pit ? - the resort used to simply have a nice stack of wood for anyone to use , and all would meet up around the fire. The water trampolines are always being repaired ? no regard for a timely fix or replacement asap. There are rules on where you can lounge / sit along with a feeling of being watched to make sure all new rules are followed. And now there is wrist bands on the lake ? really ? for what ?? someone may jump in the lake illegally ? ;-) The lawn is cut all the time , way too much, and yet overall maint / repairs is lacking. I believe much of the issues / rules stems from the the new manager, who is truly not a people person and constantly rubs many the wrong way - the whole atmosphere at the resort has changed, its too bad - help Duck ! !

My family has been coming to Port Cunnington for over 25 years. It remains a gem in the world of resorts - quiet and rustic which is the way Muskoka was meant to be enjoyed. A real effort has been made to upgrade the food served in the dining room (we were Modified American Plan guests). The meal offerings are broad (we were there for two weeks overall), interesting and well done. The lamb was especially notable for dinner as were the home-made, fresh-baked muffins for breakfast. But it was ALL very good. I take SHARP issue with the review by Kathleen462 "Mrs". All the staff we encountered were friendly and engaging. Our balcony chairs were fine and yes, there was a coffee table. She obviously stayed there during Covid (either 2020 or, 2021) and was lucky to find a place to stay at because; ALL resorts were struggling with the (largely) moronic Covid protocols and STAFF SHORTAGES brought on by governments paying people NOT to work. Imagine, having to "carry your own bags upstairs" (just like a cottage) and having a lovely pine-lined unit to stay in (just like a cottage) with a fireplace (just like a cottage). Maybe she should instead head over to the "Disneyworld" of the nearby Deerhurst Resort where you can get central air and all the "charm" of a Soviet prison camp for the same money. Of course, she could BUY a cottage (for say $2 million) and find that it costs a LOT more than $600/night to NOT have someone to carry her bags and have to clean HER OWN coffee maker. And had she done this during Covid, she wouldn't have been able to find ANYONE to help with her dock ladder, and would still have to take her own garbage to the dump. PCL is easily one of the most beautiful lodges in the Muskokas, period. If you want rural peace and quiet, with a beautiful beach and swimming, PCL should be at the top of your list.

This meal was a huge disappointment. Was also disappointed to discover it was buffet only. Food was not of a quality for the price we paid. The boat cruise was part of our package on such a lovely historical vessel; it’s too bad the poor quality meal left a bad taste in our mouth on the return voyage.