The village of Rosseau is a charming hamlet at the northern tip of Lake Rosseau. Must-see stops are the legendary Rosseau General Store where you might bump into a famous face or two, Hill Top interiors for all your luxury home décor, and Crossroads for a delicious gourmet dinner. Order the carrot cake for dessert!
Windermere House on the eastern shore of Lake Rosseau was built in 1870; this original lodging spot was favoured by fishermen. As tourists discovered Muskoka, Windermere House grew to become one of Lake Rosseau’s longest ongoing landmark resorts. Today it is a beautiful modern hotel, with 3 restaurants operated by Oliver and Bonacini (O&B) – an outdoor sushi cocktail lounge on the verandah, fine dining in the Upper Dining Large and a Pub Style restaurant on the Lower Level. Jayne’s personal favourite band, the Matt and Dave Band, perform at the Windermere every Friday and Saturday night singing contemporary music.
Cleveland’s House is on the western shores of Lake Rosseau. The original buildings still exist. This is a family favourite location for a fun-filled holiday where kids are in day programs and the parents get to relax in their cabin or on the beach. Cleveland’s House also has tennis courts and a 9 hole golf course. “Cleve’s” as it is commonly known as, is where SWS (Summer Water Sports) perform their weekly water-ski show. Always a family favourite. Watch the antics of the professional water skiers and wakeboarders performing stunts and skits of popular childhood themes.
Abbey’s Bakery, a recent addition to Muskoka is a church house bakery, transported from New Brunswick to its current home on the west shores of Lake Rosseau, located beside Wallace Marina and Cleveland's House. Try the Maple Bacon cinnamon buns!
Conde Nast Traveler readers ranked JW Marriott The Rosseau #6 of the Top 20 Resorts in Canada in 2013. Luxurious surroundings and magnificent views abound overlooking Lake Rosseau. The Rosseau features 2 restaurants – Cottages (Continental) and Teca (Italian). The resort is very tastefully decorated with natural Muskoka and native Indian furnishings. The lounge has live music entertainment on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the peak summer season as well as a fabulous fireworks display on Canada Day.
Port Sandfield is a small village that was formed when a canal was built connecting Lake Joseph to Lake Rosseau. Today it is a hub in Muskoka featuring an upscale food market with fresh (try the hot sugar donuts freshly baked on Sundays) fine produce, marina, ice cream bar and specialty cafe featuring lattes (one of the few coffee shops in the Muskoka) and a few upscale houseware shops.
Port Carling is the town on the south shore of Lake Rosseau’s and the hub of the 3 Muskoka lakes. The Port Carling locks allow boats to pass through between Lake Rosseau and Lake Muskoka at regular intervals every hour. Port Carling is known for charming artisans, friendly local businesses and beautiful shops. Stop in for a quick lunch at the dock overlooking the lake at Turtle Jack’s.
Watersports activities such as jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, water surfing, kayaking and swimming are what make this lake so versatile and fun for any family. Fishing is also popular amongst most anglers as healthy and good-sized fish such as lake trout, walleye and bass can be expected on Lake Rosseau.
It is no wonder Hollywood stars, hockey heroes, artists, poets, writers and captains of industry have made Muskoka their destination of choice.
