Gayle and I arrived at the Parry Sound train station at around 2:30 PM on Day 1 of our Via Canadian…read morerail trip from Toronto to Vancouver. Parry Sound is the birthplace of hockey legend Bobby Orr, the namesake of the local community centre and the town's own Bobby Orr Hall of Fame. The eastern coast of Georgian Bay where Parry Sound is located is known as the "30,000 Islands" and is considered the world's largest freshwater archipelago, including lots of lake-related provincial parks. The Parry Sound train station is interesting architecturally, but unfortunately it was fenced off when were were there and a good restoration candidate considering its unique features. Our visit was limited to a relatively brief stop to stretch our legs and get some fresh air (away from the smokers). Considering this area's water attractions and many cultural festivals, I wouldn't mind coming back.

When we called to ask questions about availability and breakfast the man who answered was very…read morerude. He was not friendly and became immediately irritated when he misunderstood my question. Then yelled, "WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR??" Like I was stupid. Then when I said I'd call back so I could discuss it with my husband he just hung up the phone. It's much cheaper than some of the other options but we decided to pay more to stay elsewhere because of this.

This is the best inn in the area. The rooms were clean and staff were very friendly. They even have…read morea level 2 charger for electric cars. I woukd highly recommend this place.

The Rosseau is a beautiful resort, set on top of hill overlooking Lake Rosseau. There has been a…read moregreat deal of attention put toward ensuring that guests have a true Muskoka experience - including a small fire pit (with a live smoldering fire) right near the entrance. The rooms are top notch as are the balconies. No expense was spared on the resort or rooms. The reason why I did not give them 5 stars is because of service and a few small things that need to be rectified. 1. The staff is young and very eager to please, but the lack of experience definitely shows. As a result, we wasted a few hours waiting for a charter boat on a Saturday due to the marina's scheduling mix ups and lack of communication. This was very frustrating, and even though it was not our fault, we needed to escalate the issue before it was eventually resolved to my satisfaction - which was even more upsetting. 2. There are 4 restaurants on site, however the room service menu only has 3 options for a dinner main entree (steak, fish, chicken)? Why the wedding menu? In the end, I had to physically visit the restaurants, ask for a copy of their menu, return to my room with the menus and order what I wanted. Why not just add these items to the In room dining menu? Anyway, the food was always promptly delivered and set up with a white table cloth and fresh cut local flowers! (a lot of attention to detail). I guess that's why there is an included 18% gratuity for room service. Again, not huge issues - but those are the two reasons why I did not give 5 stars. That being said - I will definitely return and have highly recommended this resort to my family and friends!

Great view (get the lake view if you can), great food (large portions) & great hospitality!!read more

After nearly 5 years we returned for our anniversary to find that not only has not much changed, in…read morefact, the services at the Marriott have been in decline. Everywhere that I go I have to clean my own chair and seats. This was a sign. First, everything is overpriced. If paying $700 per night wasn't enough, nearly every item on the resort is expensive in a way that does not map to its proportions. $18 for 3 oysters doesn't align with MP, $30 per child to jump on an inflatable raft on the lake, $150/hr jet ski rentals are just the tipping point. Look, I understand that the resort is for people who are privileged and certainly we are one of those people, but that doesn't mean I want to be raked over the coals for every little thing on the Resort. There was a time when everything was included, call me old fashioned, but what's included here? The service and attention to detail is greatly lacking and some staff informed us that it was their first day on the job. It was like pulling teeth to get information out of the front desk. Those failures of the staff are a direct result of poor leadership, and I think the lack of leadership is showing throughout the business as a whole. The spa was underwhelming as well, the two massage chairs (that are not cleaned between uses) and the Amazon 'reflexology' foot massage machine (which only does the right foot), accompanied by an oxygen concentrator that requires you to put on nasal cannula to inhale through some colored liquids for "relaxation" did not give me 5 Star vibes. I did however like the 18+ pool provided by the spa (despite the weeds growing up through the hardscaping), but do I think the whole thing is worth $100 day pass....I do not. The Avalanche Cold shower is to a cold plunge as a tomahawk is to a vegan hamburger, one is playing at being like the other but fails in all the ways that matter. We ate at the Chophouse, which was not bad, I recommend the short rib as it's been braised well. I had the lobster Thermidor as I am picky about steaks and how they are cooked. The lobster was underwhelming and was more of a canner than a mature east coast lobster. The spinach they served with it was overly bitter and should be dropped for the menu, it's not a 5 star vegetable. Use the lobster claws and shells to create a stock and use that to do a nice risotto with the Thermidor. I'm being overly picky but here is my last gripe. If you bring cutlery to a table, don't bring it in hand, use a plate with a napkin on it or a tray. Use oyster forks and small spoons where necessary. Do more. If you're charging $250 for a 50 ounce tomahawk. The service had to match those prices. If not, you cheapen the whole experience Marriott. 3 stars for the lake view.

Recently stayed here for a few days. Beautiful views and nice resort…read more Pros: - Food was quite good - Staff were welcoming and pretty friendly for the majority. - Outdoor whirlpool was really good / strong pressure and hot temps - Rooms are spacious and cleaning staff are helpful. Example: Will lay out your toiletries neatly on a towel in the bathroom lol - They have Kayak/ Canoe/ Paddle - I enjoyed kayaking around a little island in a group. They go fast though, so be prepared to go at it like an exercise session. It's not leisurely lol Cons: - Staying in the 2nd building is a bit of a trek if you need to go to the main building a lot. Unless l you rather be closer to the water and the Deck. They have golf carts to take you up to main building too but I think it's a bit of a wait sometimes? - Drinks were not great. Sodas are flat, cocktails are not that good and wines are $30 for a half glass. Beers are okay. - Never got a welcome cocktail but when I was leaving I just asked if I could have one and was asked a lot of questions for some reason so I just gave up. lol Overall, I would recommend as scenery is quite nice but there are a few spots they could improve on considering they are charging quite a lot per night during high season.

I've been visiting Parry Sound for decades and I've stayed at most of the hotels in the area. This…read moreone raises the bar! It's an elegant hotel that is incredibly kid friendly. It caters to all families and couples who travel to the area. The rooms are lovely but (most importantly) durable. They're clean and fancy but the kids could jump around and play without disrupting neighbours. The walls are solid which is wonderful. We rarely heard hallway or neighbor noise! Amenities are clean and everything is considered. We spent an hour in the pool after a busy day and my son could actually stand in the shallow end. As well, we were the only family in the pool for the entire Breakfast was included and had everything you could possibly want. My one complaint is that they gave us the wrong times for breakfast when we checked in (FYI they stop serving breakfast at 9:30 on weekdays NOT 10!). As well, they have 24/7 complimentary coffee, a nice touch for parents whose children don't sleep great at a hotel. There aren't many extras but the little snack shop on the main floor can be charged to the room. I love Parry Sound to the point we did back-to-back weekends and compared to the weekend before, this was my preference when you are doing things in town. Highly recommend!

What a GEM the Ell Mar is; talk about value for your money…read more This Motor Inn is why I love just picking up and landing somewhere new. Spotless, comfortable, and Hospitality you tell your friends about.... Paul and Julie, the owners, put out the welcome mat and talk to you like your old friends, can't say enough about our hosts. IF YOU ARE IN PARRY SOUND OVER NIGHT, and you're looking for value and comfortable accommodations, you will find it at Ell Mar Motor Inn. We were treated so well and enjoyed their company so much; my little family of 4 are returning to the Ell Mar Motor Inn for 2nd weekend in November. We are looking forward to enjoying the peaceful surroundings, the fresh air and the bon fire again....

My family and I rented out several cottages earlier this summer…read more The docks were nice, the beaches were tidy and the kids had a blast. The canoe was enjoyable and the paddle boards were decent although they didn't have the correct paddles for them. It is a nice area for large groups if you can get multiple cabins. Lots of stars at night. The grounds keeper Bob and his dog muskoka are very nice. Bob was helpful and knowledgeable of the area. I would recommend they adjust their pricing a bit. The amenities that were advertised were not available. The floaty rafts and trampoline were deflated on shore, no hot tub, the sauna was in no condition to be used, no Jet ski to be used. One cabin had electrical tape holding the fan/light fixture together. Smoke alarms had been removed from our cabins. Many of chairs provided for the campfire area either broke when sat on or were already broken. There were empty beer cans in our dresser and a few more in my sister in laws room in the closet. Ants and mice in the smaller cabins but what can ya do about that, it's in the bush. Our coffee maker that was provided was full of mold from the previous people using it and leaving their grounds. Seems like only one person maintains the entire project. I give it 3.5 stars. The price is a bit much.

Little maintenance to the grounds and buildings, the last time anything was maintained was probably…read more10 years ago. Massive disappointment. $2700 cabins should be listed for $800 a week. At best

My family and I spent 3 wonderful nights at the Shamrock Lodge. It was an incredible and relaxing…read morevacation. It's easy to tell why many of the families there keep coming back year after year. The staff were extremely friendly and accommodating. They made my wife dairy free dishes from scratch when she didn't feel like some of the other options and cooked up grilled cheese sandwiches for my kids for lunch when they didn't want their chicken wrap. The owner personally introduced my wife to the kids club counsellors so that she was more comfortable leaving them in the mornings to play. This went a long way in helping both of us relax. Besides the good food, great staff and amazing views. The other guests were so welcoming and friendly. Our daughters made friends instantly and we felt very comfortable letting them run around and play with everyone. It's a great culture that Shamrock Lodge has cultivated. With magicians, tubing, water skiing, canoes, kayaks, fireworks, and more. Shamrock Lodge really went above and beyond to always have something to do and look forward to. The only criticism, and its a big one, is that the rooms are not air conditioned. There was a portable air conditioner in the room but it was barely functional and the room was way too hot all the time. It was brutal and really took away from our enjoyment of the vacation. They really need to invest in proper air conditioning for the rooms.

On the edge of one of the most pristine of the Muskoka Lakes, Shamrock Lodge is one of the most…read moreenjoyable places we have ever stayed at. A full service hotel with all 3 meals included, this getaway also provides immaculately clean rooms and thoughtfully kept grounds. It is family owned and the owners and staff have a clear love for both the land and the patrons. The staff were a delight - very friendly and ready to provide anything needed. There is a clean pool and sauna in the main lodge, and if you want to swim but aren't a pool person, not to worry because the lodge backs onto a gorgeously clean lake. A variety of watercraft such as canoes, stand up paddle boards, kayaks and paddle boats are available for patrons to borrow at any time. Motorized watercraft are also available for an hourly rental fee. We would, and plan to, return here.