Disclosure: Viamede Resort invited me to come and stay at the resort in return for my unbiased, honest review.
I am not going to lie, prior to our stay at the Viamede Resort I had not heard of it. But after our stay, I can not imagine why everyone doesn’t know about this hidden gem of a resort. Taken over by Ben Samann in 2010, this century old resort on Stoney Lake in the Kawarthas is exactly what it’s slogan states – Boldly Different.
Located within 2 hours of Toronto, with 24 rooms and 18 cottages, 3 restaurants, indoor/outdoor pools, a beach with play structure, a wedding chapel and a working farm,and all-inclusive packages, there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy. It is also very pet friendly.
From the moment we arrived, we knew this was our kind of resort. The staff treated us like we were family coming up for a visit and had known us for years. And with a daily activity schedule filled with all kinds of activities for the kids, there was never going to be an “I’m bored” moment. Even without the scheduled activities, there is a beach with all kinds of kayaks, stand up paddle board, and a water trampoline in the lake, I knew my kid would be begging to be in the water 90% of our trip. Even this Mom took a round on the trampoline.
It was raining upon our arrival, but with their indoor pool, DVD library, and games room, there was plenty for us to do until the weather cleared up and were able to get outside.
We stayed in the main lodge and the rooms were very similar to your typical hotel room but with amazing lake views. There are also cottages and suite style rooms available in the Hilltop building. Being just the two of us, being in the main lodge was the perfect set up for us. When we wanted to watch a movie in the evening, we were able to walk down and pick from their DVD library or we could head down to the games room area and partake in a game of table tennis or Foosball. And in the morning we were able enjoy an amazing buffet breakfast in the 1885 Restaurant.
There are 3 restaurants on the resort. The 1885 where we enjoyed our breakfast and at night they stoked up the huge fireplace and had a s’mores station set up for the kids (and this adult) to enjoy. Normally there offer a campfire for the kids in the evening but due a open fire ban in place, they brought it inside. There is also the Boathouse, located right on the water with a lovely patio with lake views where area boaters can sail up and enjoy a meal. This restaurant is only open Canada Day thru Labour Day. We enjoyed our lunches and dinners here and if you are a cheesecake fan, definitely save room for this one. Mount Julian is their fine dining restaurant and although I did not get a chance to eat there, in speaking to other guests it is one to try. Reservations are required and is an adult only restaurant but as part of the activities, there are Kids Pizza and Movie nights scheduled so that adults can fine dine and kids can enjoy some fun.
Some of the other activities that we enjoyed was visiting their onsite farm. There were chickens, pigs, turkeys and quails to visit. They have tours daily and the kids really enjoyed it.
I have to say the highlight of the trip for my son was the tubing they offer on Tuesday. This child has no fear and was the first to volunteer to go out on the lake to be pulled behind the boat commandeered by “Captain” Ben (the owner, himself). I think Ben enjoyed it as much as the kids did. I really commend him for being out and interacting with the guests and not just “running” the resort.

When our visit had come to an end, I have to say we didn’t want to leave. We were having so much fun and relaxing all at the same time. We met another family that we got along famously with and have even discussed returning at the same time next summer. My son has already asked when we were going to go back.
If you’re looking for a family friendly, all inclusive resort within 2 hours of Toronto with great views and so much to do, I highly suggest looking into Viamede Resort.