SUN INN AT DELAWANA -
GEORGIAN BAY'S GRANDE DAME

Story and Photos By
Pamela A. Campbell

It's like your own vacation playground, and if you've got the time, this Canadian resort can be your ticket to freedom from the rigors of everyday routine. I know, I've done it, and if it fits my schedule, I'd love to make it my Muskoka getaway.

An easy 90-minute drive from Toronto, Delawana Inn is a 25-acre resort that upholds a century of tradition offering the best in leisure and pleasure for their guests.

Fancy staying in one of their spacious family rooms, suites or chalets, some of which might feature hot tubs, jacuzzis, saunas, fireplaces and private screened porches. This is a resort that lets visitors do as little or as much as they want - you can even get pampered at the Wanakita Wellness Spa (please see "SPA THE WORLD AWAY AT DELAWANA'S WANAKITA WELLNESS SPA" in our SPA Section).

For the water buff in all of us, take a turn with the canoes, kayaks or paddleboats. It's great to relax on the shimmering waters of Georgian Bay, especially on a bright sunny day, surrounded by a bounty of nature. If you're into water sports, rent some jet skis. That, I guarantee, will send you into water orbit! On the other hand, boat rentals are available for fishing or just touring the bay area.

On the quieter side, there's shuffleboard, but for a more energetic workout try lawn tennis, racquetball or ping-pong. As a golf fan, but not a golf expert, I was glad the activities roster carried mini golf, a driving range and a four-hole executive short game golf course (it's fun to be an observer too).

The dining room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but be sure to check the appointed times so you don't miss the delicious meals on the menu. I find this is where a lot of guests interact with each other, exchanging ideas and discussing plans for the day. Nick and Margaret say they return to the resort year after year, and after 20 years I think it's safe to say they are dedicated fans. They welcome the nearby access to Bonaire, Brooklea and Sunnylee, Simcoe County's finest golf courses, all within half an hour's drive from Delawana.

Thank goodness for the printed menus and the smiling and accommodating wait staff, Curtis and Alex. Selecting lunch or dinner is not always easy for me, or in this case Curtis, especially when I try to get his opinion on my final choice for dinner. Fortunately the Boneless Breast of Chicken in a Curry Sauce over a Bed of (Turmeric) Rice Pilaf topped with Fried Pineapple was as appetizing as I imagined, especially after a delicious bowl of Cream of Onion and Cheddar Soup. So too were the Broccoli Florettes, Baked Potato and Honey Glazed Baby Carrots that accompanied the meal that ended with Herbal Tea and Blueberry Cheesecake.

I can't possibly recount all my meals but the lunchtime offerings are another reason to stay close to the dining room. Leek and Potato Soup goes well with Fuselli Pasta Alfredo, Garden Salad and Black Forest Cake, and of course, my cup of Herbal Tea.

On Friday and Saturday nights the curtain goes up at the Boat House for a variety of entertainment acts, but it's Mother Nature that puts on the biggest showcase of all - stunning Muskoka sunsets, just make sure you keep your camera handy. And if you're an early bird, try to catch the sunrise, these too, can be quite spectacular.

The resort is not only an all-encompassing fun spot, it's within driving distance to many of the local attractions in the Muskoka area. Relive history by visiting Martyrs' Shrine, Saint-Marie Among the Hurons, Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, Discovery Harbour and Big Chute Marine Railway.

I have to agree, this is "The Resort for All Occasions."