Frosted Pines & Fireside Nights: An Article by Sue Bartholomew

A fresh snowfall had settled over Muskoka just hours before my arrival at the Sherwood Inn, frosting the evergreens and transforming the woods into a storybook landscape. After the drive from the city — with my two dogs eager beside me — I couldn’t wait to explore the resort’s snow-covered trails: first the gentle Partridge Trail for a warm-up, then the wilder Wolf Trail, which winds through a forest shaped long ago by the great logging era of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Along the quiet shores of Lake Joseph, you can still sense that history beneath the hush of winter, where pine, hemlock, maple, and birch stand tall over paths once carved by timbermen and now reclaimed by travelers seeking calm. The scent of pine always feels sharper in winter, as though the cold air lifts the forest floor right to the surface.

The Inn provides guests with snowshoes and cross-country skis, making it easy to explore its wooded trails and the surrounding winter landscape. For a more adventurous spin, fat bikes are available so you can cruise through the snowy paths instead of hiking. And when conditions allow, the resort offers ice-skating on the property. In a short drive guests are also welcome to visit Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery that offers a truly unique outdoor ice-skating experience. When the cranberry bog freezes, they open a 1.2 km ice trail where visitors can skate through a beautiful natural setting — surrounded by cranberry beds and forest.

A fragrant fire crackles at the entrance of the Inn, surrounded by classic Muskoka chairs inviting guests to settle in for a cozy chat. It’s the perfect spot to share travel stories over a coffee or cocktail and connect with fellow visitors drawn to this landmark retreat.

My spacious, pet-friendly room is perched right at the water’s edge, with a wide window overlooking the twinkling holiday lights from the cottages across the lake. Snow-covered branches framed the view, creating the perfect serene winter scene.

After making my reservation at Vintages Restaurant, I settled by the wood-burning fire in the lounge to review the tempting menu. The selections were impressive — meats, fish, pasta, and vegetarian dishes. My choice was an easy one: the toasted five-spice-crusted Ontario rack of lamb served with Boursin mashed potatoes, seasonal market vegetables, and house-made chimichurri.

The wine list was extensive, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a lovely Pinot Gris from 13th Street Winery in Niagara’s Benchlands, which I had visited recently. Finally, what winter dining guest is not deserving of the Bananas Foster, a signature warm dessert at the Inn, made with bananas sautéed in a buttery, caramel-like sauce of brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon, then flambéed with rum (and sometimes banana liqueur). The fiery sauce is poured over vanilla ice cream.

Although Muskoka is renowned for summer escapes, a winter visit to the Sherwood Inn is perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway, cozy meals, scenic walks, spa sessions, and shared activities. It’s also ideal for families looking for winter fun, outdoor adventures, festive programming, and kid-friendly moments. And, of course, it suits anyone craving a blend of peaceful nature and a curated, social, and entertaining winter retreat.

Read the full January/February edition of BestSide Magazine here.