WILDWOOD DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN … AND AGAIN at Muskoka’s Bayview Wildwood Resort!

by Joey Cee, Managing Editor

A few summers ago, the Muskoka region was calling out to me – telling me that I should return and spend more time there. I’ve always had a personal infinity for Muskoka, probably because I spent several years as a pre-teen attending Camp Boulderwood on Gull Lake at Gravenhurst, where I learned to appreciate the beauty of nature and relishing the invigorating outdoors.

All that rush of Muskoka splendour came back to me during a late summer visit last year to the region and a two-night getaway at Bayview Wildwood Resort. I’m a sucker for anything that helps me relive my childhood experiences, so it was no surprise to me that I took an instant liking to this wonderful and historic resort at Port Stanton, nestled on the shores of Sparrow Lake between Orillia and Gravenhurst.

The best way for me to describe Bayview Wildwood Resort is like being on the set of the movie Dirty Dancing. It has the charm of a cottage neighbourhood paired with a camp-like resort. The resort itself is village of Port Stanton, with history evident at every turn starting with the Stanton Bros. General Store where you’ll find a full line of necessities to meet your cottage, boating and vacationing needs. With cottage names like Sparrowview, Chicadee, Poplar, Chipmunk, Oaks, Balsam and Bluejay, you know your in for a true experiene with nature.

Bayview Wildwood Resort is a year-round lakefront resort that caters to families, couples, corporate retreats, conferences, meetings and special events such as weddings, reunions and receptions. Family resort getaway packages include comfortable accommodations, specialty rental cottages, hiking, tennis, family activities, children’s programs, delicious meals served in the Echo’s Dining Lounge and evening entertainment.

From fitness walks to Martini tasting; from Bingo to scavenger hunts;  from water skiing lessons to dancing at Echo’s Lounge, there is always so much to do. One look atThe Activity Schedule each day gives you everyreason not to be idle. This family resort has it all- for the adults and for the kids. For instance, adults love the spa, live entertainment, quality dining experience and great golf packages. Kids love the activity programs, safe sandy beach, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and the awesome water trampoline

My two nights at Bayview Wildwood last year alone, already makes me want to hitch my boat and make a return visit and stay longer which I plan to do this year.

Some of the amenities include: Indoor swimming pool and whirl pool, exercise facility, games room, spa (including massage and reflexology) services, parking, free wireless internet (WiFi), babysitting, laundry facilities andbusiness services. Unfortunately for pet owners, this resort does not allow pets but offers up some alternatives for your pet care in the vicinity. You can find that information on their website.

Here you can xperience Mother Nature first hand as the forest and water are alive and thriving on Sparrow Lake. Cycle, hike, fish or golf, or spend some quality time with your family at the resort and enjoy the many packages they offer that include activities, entertainment and great dining.

Packages offered at this time of the year include ‘Tuesday’s are free’, ‘Resort to Romance’ and ‘Resort to Fun weekends’ where two children stay for free throughout the Spring season. Special golf and fishing packages are also available throughout the Spring season.

Summer packages can include five or seven night stays, nightly stays and Labour Day weekend. Their unique packages are ideally suited to meet families needs. These include “One child under 6 stays free all summer” deal, as well as special weeks where one and two Children (12 and under) stay for free.

Whether you visit Bayview Wildwood Resort to have a couple’s getaway, a family vacation or reunion, to celebrate your wedding and reception, or attend your corporate meeting, this resort has plenty  of opportunities to enjoy the Muskoka lifestyle.

Right next door to Bayview Wildwood, you’ll find the cottages at Port Stanton. This waterfrontcottage community features fractional ownership of luxurious two and three bedroom cottages. Five week fractions start from just $64,900. It’s definitely worth taking some time to look at this affordable cottage ownership opportunity when you visit Bayview Wildwood Resort this summer.

NEW TO THE BAYVIEW WILDWOOD EXPERIENCE ARE THE ALL NEW ATV TOURS

To make your stay more adventurous, Bayview Wildwood Resort has introduced an ATV tour that is as educational as it is fun. Operated by Redline Outdoors, you will go on an adventure that begins with learning everything you need to know about operating an ATV. Then you are guided on a two hour journey through the untouched and natural wilderness by a specialist.

I personally took this two-hour mini-adventure last fall and found myself immersed in an unforgettable outing that had me crossing paths with deer staring at you from the roadside to beavers at work building huge damns.

The cost is only $130 plus taxes for one rider or $160 plus tax for two riders. For more details call 1-800-461-0243.

One last tip! The resort offer special last minute deals on their Facebook page every Thursday. Become a fan and you will have instant access every Thursday to some great getaway opportunities.

To reserve please call 1-800-461-0243 or check the online booking page at www.bayviewwildwood.com