The last time my family and I visited Viamede Resort, it was during a typical Canadian winter – it was freaking cold! But this month we revisited this family cottage resort which is nestled amid 165 acres of woods on the north shore of Stoney Lake near Peterborough. We lodged in a renovated cottage right by the lake in cottage country.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend away or a family retreat in cottage country, Viamede is just a two-hour drive from the hustle and bustle of Toronto. There are also conference facilities for businesses and the resort is popular as wedding venue.
Viamede offers deluxe rooms and cottages with 1 to 3 bedrooms, which are suitable for larger families. The cottages have been renovated – we stayed in a renovated two-bedroom cottage with a family room and full kitchen with a huge porch overlooking Stoney Lake.
There are several activities to keep you busy, if you can’t seem to sit still – what you’re supposed to do in cottage country! You can hike Viamede’s 6 km of private nature trails, go out to the field for a game of soccer or take a canoe out on the lake and enjoy other activities at the Marina. You can also enjoy spa treatments at the full service spa or enjoy the pool with a lakeside view. The lobby offers books and movies to take back to your room or cottage too.
Our cottage was situated right beside The Inn at Mount Julian, Viamede’s fine dining restaurant which dates back to 1865 to 1875. The menu is all complemented by the Viamede farm – free range ducks, pigs, turkeys and a vegetable garden. For those seeking a romantic adult-only option, no kids are allowed here. Unfortunately we weren’t able to try it out as we had our kids with us on this trip.
This visit, we brought my parent’s dog so pet lovers will be happy to know that the resort is pet friendly too! With this added bonus, it is cottage country family travel destination with a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere.
A local resident came down to the lake to fish for crappies, which are apparently abundant here! 
The highlight of the weekend was the boat tour of Stony Lake. We toured the area and saw some cool sites, like the “glass house” where The In-Laws starring Michael Douglas was filmed and NHL player Bob Gainey’s home. There are quite a few activities happening during the summer on the lake – Juniper Island offers an Art Festival, Film Festival, and there is the annual Mile Swim that takes place in August.
Make sure you bring your appetite with you! I always find I’m hungry in cottage country. We had lunch at the Boathouse Pub which is right on Stony lake, a popular spot where local boaters, and sledders in the winter, come in for lunch and dinner.
Sadly we missed out on dinners in Viamede’s dining room, 1885, as it was closed for a private wedding. The last time we visited, we loved the food. But we enjoyed breakfast buffet at the dining room – the view in the morning is always so tranquil.
You’ll find quite a few locals who visit the restaurant, the Boathouse or go fishing and enjoy the Marina activities or dock their boats here. But for others like us who don’t live in cottage country, Viamede is a fun destination for family travel in cottage country all year round. Viamede Resort is a fun and relaxing family cottage resort in Ontario.
Disclosure: My family and I were invited by the lovely people at Viamede Resort to enjoy a complimentary weekend getaway.