Shamrock Lodge is a resort located on the shores of beautiful Lake Rousseau, just two hours north of Toronto. The first thing I noticed about the Shamrock was the high level of customer service. Owned by the Bryant family for the past 30 years, parents and siblings are all involved but the heart of the operation belongs to one of the brothers, Tim, who somehow manages to give each and every guest the VIP treatment.
I like that the resort offers an intimate experience–the rooms and suites are all near the dining room and the waterfront. It is small enough that you see recognizable faces after a day or two. The food is homemade and most guests opt for the American plan which provides three meals a day.
We stayed in a comfortable family style suite–it was within a few steps do get to the meal hall and the recreational activities.
In the evening, the entertainment was a ‘Bird Man’ who showed us how he had trained eagles to fly from one person’s arm to the other. It even landed on my son’s head!
After the show Tim, still filled with boundless energy– offers to take interested guests on a boat cruise around the lake during which he tells the history of the huge cottages along the shoreline and reminisces about the time Princess Anne stayed at the resort while visiting Canada. There is a actually a picture of the event in the reading room of the main lodge.)
The young people who work in the restaurant are personable–they get to know each diners likes and dislikes and try to please. There are several choices at each meal and the food is tasty and plentiful.
During the day–Tim is everpresent–he personally takes any interested guests either waterskiing or tubing. My 10 year and I try tubing for the first time. It is a lot bumpier than it looks and we hold on for dear life. How come the four year old that went before us looks so calm? Later we go for a swim on the pretty waterfront and chat with parents of young kids who are enjoying their relaxing stay.
This resort isn’t for people who want tons of activities each day. But if you’re looking for personal service on a beautiful piece of Muskoka property then Shamrock Lodge is the place for you.
For more information on this four season resort go to:
Social Worker Travels 