A Great Luxury Escape To Lake Rosseau In Muskoka
It was a long summer of isolation during Covid-19. So we were happy when we booked a luxury escape to Lake Rosseau in Muskoka for a few days. The resort had much to offer for a getaway. And throughout our mid-week visit we felt safe and relaxed.
We got a bonus with beautiful fall colours for our visit. Each day the colours deepened. When the weather stayed nice, we headed even further north to Sault Ste Marie.
Planning A Luxury Escape During Covid-19
During the summer of Covid-19, we carefully assessed the risk of local travel and ventured out for several local day trips in Ontario. Once we even planned one overnight stay. But when September came, we looked for a longer escape before winter set in.
We maintained a very small social circle (our Covid “bubble”) through the pandemic. In that bubble were two of my cousins and their husbands. We all operated with the same stringent rules.
When restrictions on social gatherings lessened and children went back to school, the Covid-19 numbers in Ontario started to rise again. So we planned this one trip for the 6 of us to celebrate a number of key events. We felt our luxury escape to Lake Rosseau in Muskoka might be the last chance we had for awhile to enjoy some time together.
David and I visited the JW Marriott Rosseau Resort on one of our drives in the summer and checked out their Covid-19 processes. Our visit was booked for 3 nights mid-week. And we were happy the resort was only at about 30% capacity. Everyone was mindful of the Covid-19 requirements and we felt totally safe during our stay. It was a small break that we all desperately needed.
Travelling North To Muskoka
The drive north from our home in Toronto to Lake Rosseau was about 3 hours. We took separate cars since we headed further north to Sault Ste Marie after this first stay.
The more direct route was straight north on Hwy 400. But we took the longer route up Hwy 11 with a stop in Gravenhurst. We needed to stop at our favourite bakery (The Bakery) to order a birthday cake for a celebration during our stay. We picked the cake up later in the week and it was a chocolate delight!
David eyed the donut treats. But we picked up my favourite butter tarts to share with the cousins. If you followed our travels in Ontario this summer, you know we followed the butter tart route in the Kawartha Lakes Region this summer.
We stopped in Bala at Windsor Park for our picnic lunch. The park was empty and had a great view out over the lake. And when we passed through Bala, we did not miss the detour for the Bala Falls. That was the first but not last waterfall detour we did on our travels north on this trip.
Fall Colours During Our Stay
The temperatures dipped overnight in the week before we headed north. We knew that was great to hasten the fall colours in Muskoka. As we drove north, more and more of the trees were coloured. And over the week we explored north of Toronto, each day brought more colour.
We stopped often as we drove and got a closer look at the fall colours. The florescent reds and oranges always caused us to gasp. Even the shrubs at the ground level turned red.
Whenever we passed by a lake, we slowed and checked for reflections. And often we were rewarded with a perfect double view.
In the Muskoka region, the Canadian Shield rock mass was never far from sight. We saw the fall colours on the rocks as we moved north.
Even if we did nothing else on our luxury escape to Lake Rosseau in Muskoka, the fall colours made the trip magical.
A Luxury Stay At The JW Marriott Rosseau
The JW Marriott Rosseau peeked out at us high on the hill as we approached. We pulled up to the hotel and unloaded our bags. Valet service was suspended with Covid-19. But I went in with our bags while David parked the car.
Even with little travel this year, we maintained our Ambassador Elite Marriott status. And we were delighted when we were upgraded to a one bedroom suite. This ensured we had lots of room to spread out during our stay.
From our suite we had a view out over the pool and down to the lower level by the beach. My cousins were in the lower building so we got lots of exercise going up and down the hill to the beach area. It was always a surprise when we checked out the view from our large patio each day. Once we got a lovely sunrise glow. But the next morning the resort was blanketed in thick fog.
Enjoying The Resort Facilities
A large outdoor patio was the perfect spot for a view out over the lake. There were enough Muskoka chairs spread out for everyone.
During the day, it was hot so we spent time outside on the lounge chairs. And even got in one of the pools. The upper pool was an inside / outside pool and was quite warm. The spa was open and had its own private pool. And the lower pool was empty so we chose that spot for our swim.
There was a small beach and dock on Lake Rosseau. Kayaks and canoes were available as part of our resort fee. We were told in advance that the lake water was very cold so we wimped out. But my cousins canoed one afternoon when we headed back to Gravenhurst for the birthday cake.
There were several fire pits on the property. But only the one at the front of the resort was open during our stay. There were marshmallows roasting when we checked it out!
Although some amenities were closed for the season or for Covid-19, the JW Marriott Rosseau had lots of activities available and they kept us busy for a few days. It was clear that Covid-19 restrictions were in place. But it was nice to be out for a few days and still feel safe.
Celebrating With Our Family Bubble
Breakfast was included for us with our elite status. The breakfast room was widely spaced out and there were some great options on the menu. We also had dinner two nights with our family bubble at different hotel restaurants. These were the first indoor dining experiences we had since the beginning of Covid-19. And we felt perfectly safe.
We celebrated a special birthday and a milestone anniversary. Although we wondered how some of the other guests felt about our noisy group of 6 dining and celebrating!
One night we went off the resort to the Crossroads in Rosseau for dinner. This was a little more crowded. But we were happy we called in advance and booked a corner. All of the meals were great. But David’s seafood “salad” was enough for two meals!
We managed to safely celebrate at the hotel and in the local area on our luxury escape to Lake Rosseau in Muskoka.
Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous On Lake Rosseau
One afternoon we went on the pontoon boat for a trip around Lake Rosseau. The six of us rented the full boat so we did not have to worry about other guests during our ride. And the attentive boat driver Kyla answered all of our questions.
We drove around the lake and saw the massive houses built on the lake. The boat houses were bigger than many people’s houses. Throughout our trip Kyla pointed out the distinctive Muskoka design elements. And some of the owners of houses on this lake. Muskoka was known to attract the rich and famous.
As we headed back to the JW Marriott Rosseau, we got a perfect view of the resort from the water. It gave us a better sense of how big the property actually was!
It was a lovely trip around Lake Rosseau on a perfect day.
Cranberry Harvest Season
When we drove through Bala on our way to the resort, we saw signs that indicated that Bala was the cranberry capital of Ontario. And we would just miss the start of the Cranberry harvest. But on our trip to Gravenhurst for the birthday cake, we made a detour and checked out the Muskoka Lakes Cranberry Farm and Winery.
We saw the large bogs where the cranberries were harvested. But it was still a little early so we missed the people as they waded in the bogs.
We definitely wanted to plan a trip back for the cranberry harvest. We enjoyed a cranberry martini on our stay. But we knew there were other cranberry treats in the area for a return trip.
Such A Great Luxury Escape To Lake Rosseau In Muskoka
Every travel decision we made during the Covid-19 pandemic balanced risk and reward. We really needed a break before the winter came and the infection numbers increased. And we wanted to share our luxury escape to Lake Rosseau in Muskoka with the small group of family we trusted.
When we arrived back home in Toronto, we heard that Covid-19 infection rates had increased. And new restrictions were put in place. It made our family celebration that much more special. Since we knew it would not happen again anytime soon.
Every part of our trip worked out well. The resort was not busy and offered many things for us to do. It almost felt normal for a few days. Even though infection rates north of Toronto were very low, the resort and local businesses followed the Covid-19 requirements. That made every interaction feel safe.
We were so glad we planned our break to Muskoka. From Lake Rosseau we headed further north towards Sault Ste Marie. We caught the fall colours before the colder weather set in.
Have you done a luxury escape to Lake Rosseau in Muskoka? Did you go in the fall with the colours ablaze?
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Lake Rosseau in Muskoka is breathtaking during the fall season!! The changing leaves really make this the perfect fall escape. Your stay at the JW Marriott Rosseau looked great, I will definitely keep that hotel in mind if I end up visiting. The pontoon boat for a trip around Lake Rosseau looked like such fun as well! Glad you stayed safe and had a great time during your travel!
Rina, We were so glad we booked an escape to Lake Rosseau. The JW Marriott was the perfect spot for our safe family celebration. And the fall colours were jus waiting for us! Linda
Oh we all need it! 2020’s summer just went by and we have no clue which month are we in, now. Its already October and we too are planning a couple weekend breaks before the cold winter sets in. Its nice how you managed to go on a mini vacation with your social bubble intact. JW Marriott Rosseau looks luxurious. View of pool & beach is perfect. When staying such luxurious hotel, spending time in the hotel itself, relaxing is just the best vacation.
Bhushavali, It felt almost normal to get away for a few days of pampering. We loved the chance to spend some time with our small circle of family in a great setting. The changing fall colours did make it magical. So glad we got away. Linda
I love hearing the stories of travelers who are starting to venture out of their towns that detail the safety measures that were taken. It sounds like a great balance. THis whole adventure sounded like a much needed getaway from all the craziness from this year. I particularly loved the lovely colors of the trees as you made your way to the hotel. It must have felt magical to drive through those roads.
Lourdes, It was indeed a great escape from the crazy times. Good to laugh and enjoy a few days in the beautiful fall colours. Linda
Wow! These photos are stunning. You have captured the colors of fall beautifully. Thank you for sharing these photos.
Also, I am happy to know that you got to have a quick escape from the lockdown. I like the idea of having a covid bubble/ group in that way we can still socialize or at least have some company in this trying times. Enjoyed reading your adventure and experience in Lake Rosseau.
Clarice, Thanks for your comments on the photos. Mother Nature sure put on a great show! We had a very small Covid bubble that we knew we could trust. So it was wonderful to get away with them. As numbers increase here, we are now being told to stay within only those we live with. So our timing was perfect for this trip. I am glad you enjoy our Rosseau tale. We sure did love the escape. Linda
Lake Rosseau in Muskoka looks lovely. The fall colours add to the beauty of the trip. And I totally like that idea of travelling in a Covid bubble where everyone is adhering to the protocols. Its very important to be safe and travel mindfully. J W Marriott is a trustable brand and I am glad all protocols were being followed. The pontoon boat looks great. The pictures do say that you did have a nice time with the family and now you can all hold on to the memories till the pandemic dies down.
Manujulika, We did indeed have a great time at the JW Marriott Rosseau. It was wonderful to spend some time with family at this colourful time of year. Linda
The hotel is definitely surrounded by beautiful landscape and fall colors made it even special. What a beautiful view you got from your room! Breakfast also looks delicious. And those lake houses of the riches are amazing!
Umiko, We loved our stay on Lake Rosseau. Definitely glad we got this break away. Linda
What a gorgeous destination! Especially in the fall. I worked for Marriott’s Camelback Inn in Arizona decades ago. They have such unique properties in their high end resorts. What a treat for all of you! Thanks for sharing.
Nancy, We are sorry we did not get to visit the Marriott’s Camelback Resort when we were in Arizona. This resort stay was certainly a great escape. Linda
Those autumn colours are magnificent! What a lovely way and place to celebrate a birthday and anniversary.
Alma, We did love the chance to escape for a few days. And it was the perfect time of year to visit. Linda
This looks like a great getaway! I’m glad you were able to get away for a few days and enjoy! We did the same thing to get something in before winter comes! The fall colors are just lovely! They are my favorite things about this time of year. The resort looks lovely and I love all the options for the pools and beach area. A pontoon boat ride on Lake Rosseau sounds very relaxing!
We had an awesome getaway and family visit. The fall is always beautiful in the Muskoka area. We will definitely head back for another visit to escape the city. Linda
lt is good you are going for a luxury escape to Lake Rosseau in Muskoka and not only your getaway is luxurious but also full of beautiful sights of nature. I loved your view from your suite room as you can have the pool view with lake view both together. The resort is not only luxurious but as it is located on hilltop, the views are perfect and it really looks like nature resort.
Yukti, The JW Marriott Rosseau indeed had a lot to offer – inside and outside. The perfect spot for an escape. Linda
We are on a fall colors road trip with my family bubble right now. We got tested before we left, but felt the same as you that this is a last hurrah. I never knew Ontario grew cranberries and I am going to have to read your post about butter tarts. I am all about sweets. It is a bit strange to travel in these times, but really lifts my spirits and we are avoiding crowds.
Jamie, I am glad you and your small bubble are getting way too. There are ways to travel locally and be safe. And get to see some gems close to home. We are actually back in Muskoka for a second weekend and heading for the cranberry bog tomorrow. You will see the post coming up. Linda
Muskoka is the best. I’ve never been there in the fall but it looks amazing. The stunning wilderness in the fall really has me missing Canada, these photos look amazing!
Samantha, We were really happy we were home this year and got to see Muskoka in all its fall glory. A great stay up north. Linda
Those pictures and captures of the fall colors – especially with the reflection in water just blew me over. I wish that I could see them for myself. I am glad that you took all the precautions needed in these times on this road trip. Travel with caution is the new mantra and you have lived it. And my highlight here – besides the fall colors is the cranberry fiesta – that incidentally is my favorite drink.
Ami, It was a lovely and safe trip. We were so glad we headed out. And we headed back this weekend for the cranberry bog experience. So soon you will see more cranberry love! Linda
The fall colours are so beautiful, it’s a perfect reason to plan a getaway… And the Marriott hotel looks suitably luxurious for a relaxing stay!
Delphine, It was indeed a great spot for a pampering retreat. And the fall colours added to the charm. Linda
Looks like a fab trip. I almost said “post-covid trip” there, but of course we are still in the midst of it, but I am delighted to see that the resort took such care to make sure guests were safe. The fall colours are amazing! I would love to visit the cranberry bogs during harvesting too. One day!
Jane, We are doing a little local travel during the pandemic when we feel we can do it safely. We enjoyed our escape out of the city for this trip. We actually did get back for the cranberry plunge so you can watch for the new post. Linda
Lake Rosseau is absolutely stunning and a perfect autumn getaway. The Marriott resort also looks perfect for a double celebration! I’ve never tried a cranberry martini but it looks very, very good!
Lisa, We were so glad we planned this family getaway. So happy in fact that we just went back again! Had to try the new fall cocktail menu. Linda
What a gorgeous drive, I love all of those fall colors! It’s good to hear that you can still have a nice vacation while taking COVID precautions. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Martha, It has been a great fall to explore Ontario. And great to indeed find places that are safe for short getaways. Linda
Wow that looks amazing. Hope we can travel non-stop when we’re retired. The autumn colours are beautiful. Enjoy!
Mimmie, We are so glad we started to travel extensively when we semi=retired. We now have so many great memories to keep us going. But it has been great to get out this year at home and enjoy the fall colours. Linda
I would have to go on a diet if I traveled with you guys cause I would eat my weight in butter tarts alone! What better way to celebrate a birthday than a luxury escape to Lake Rosseau in Muskoka. Darcee, my wife, would lose her mind seeing the changing of the leaves! The J.W. Marriot looks great. I love the pool and the outdoor firepit! How cold is the lake? Doesnt look like it is warm enough for swimming but that is okay cause that pool is perfect with it’s view!
Eric, We certainly have not had trouble finding great food and drink as we travelled in Ontario. And our visit to the JW Marriott Rosseau just added to the treats. It was awesome to visit in the fall with the changing of the leaves. The lake was cold when we visited. But in the heat of the summer, the lake is certainly ok for most swimmers. Hope you get to visit one day. Linda
This gateway looked like a much needed escape, and you mentioned well it is necessary to go for a little break, before winter sets in and risk of infection is more. Lake Rosseau definitely looks beautiful, the way your photo depicts it.It is worth a visit, I loved the multi colored foliage.
Ramya, We loved our fall getaway to Muskoka. It was a beautiful time to enjoy this luxury resort. Linda
Canada in Autumn has always been on my travel list so hopefully one day I will get there! It seems the perfect time to travel post Covid and to be around family after such a terrible summer is the tonic we all need. The colours in your photos are beautiful.
Angela, We are normally away in the fall so this year it has been great to enjoy Canada in the fall. Our visit to Muskoka and the JW Marriott Rosseau was indeed a well needed escape. Linda
I agree with you – I do think its for the best to stay within your own Covid bubble and travel local, we have done so the entire summer and we’ll keep doing it until it feels a bit more stable.
You seem to have had an amazing time, and I love the colours on the trees 🙂
Stay safe!
Ann, We had a fun and safe trip away with our small Covid family bubble. It was a well-needed escape. It was the perfect time of year to head north. Linda
Wow, those fall colors around the lake are fantastic! You must have enjoyed those lounge chairs and the cranberries, too!
Carol, We certainly did enjoy our time around the lake as the fall colours put on a show for us. We loved it so well, we headed back for another visit specifically to find more cranberries. New post coming soon. Linda
The fall colours in Ontario are so beautiful! I would love to visit in the fall months and see more of the province outside Toronto (as that is the only spot I have been too so far). Coming from BC we don’t get to enjoy as many of those fall colours!
Kelly, We were so glad to be home in Ontario this year for the fall colours. Hope you can visit one year at this time. Linda
Your fall getaway at Muskoka sounds amazing! Canada is at its best during the fall. Great view from The JW Marriott Rosseau! As usual, your images are stunning. Also that Cranberry martini looks delish! 🙂
Jan, We loved our stay at the JW Marriott Rosseau. It was the perfect time to visit. Love exploring around home this year in the fall. Linda
Probably the best thing out of this Covid19 for those that love to travel is dicovering whats close to home. This place looks idyllic. Love the autumn colours. Stay safe!
Sarah, We have loved the chance to travel safely close to home. The fall trip was great before the cold or increased Covid numbers keep us at home. Linda
This looks glorious – that photo with the lake and the cute pink seats! It certainly looks like you are having the best time during your retirement travels – totally my plan!
Coralie, We loved the chance to relax on our visit to Muskoka. I could sit by the lake for hours. Linda
This looks like the perfect Autumn break & it’s always good to hear about places who have responded really positively to make travellers feel safe when they stay in the current circumstances. I love your photos of the lakes, the reflections of the autumnal colours are beautiful! And I am also a voyeur & love to see how the other half live so the boat trip sounds fab too!
Sue, We have been pleasantly surprised with how good the hotels and restaurants have been in dealing properly with Covid. It certainly has made us feel safe to explore locally. Fall was a great time to head north of the city for the views. And to check out how the other half lives! Linda
One of my favorite cocktails is a Cosmo so I’m a big fan of cranberries. I’d love to see the cranberry harvest. They’re a tangy little fruit harvested in a unique. way. I’m going to have to give the martini and go too!
Jay, You are in luck! We went back for the cranberry harvest and it is now up on the blog! Enjoy. Linda
We should remember that our staycations are places out there, far away. I’m living in Europe and if I want to follow your traces and see these beautiful leaves changing color, I’ll have to wait for who knows how long. So while others are jealous that I can travel around Europe – whereby, it’s sadly about to change – I’d like to go to Canada. As Einstein said, it’s all relative 😉 I love your pix with the masks – you will always know which year it was when they were taken 😉
Renata, We certainly have been envious of our friends in Europe that have had some freedom to travel a bit further this year. But we have indeed been happy to explore locally and find some great spots to visit. I hope you get to visit one day. And yes, the masks will be an interesting artifact when we look back at these posts. Linda
It’s great to hear that you can still have a good vacation by taking precautions against COVID. Autumn colors are simply beautiful! The resort looks great.
Smith, We have been very careful with our travels during Covid-19 but have found most businesses did a great job of responding to the pandemic. It was a great time to head north for a few days of escape. Linda
I think it’s a great idea to escape to Lake Rosseau in Muskoka in the fall. The scenery is absolutely fabulous. JW Marriott Rosseau is impressive. I would like to stay there.
Agnes, It really was a great fall escape. One we desperately needed before we got locked down again! Linda