We love the 6 as much as Drake does, but even so, sometimes we need to escape the concrete jungle for a quick getaway to cottage country. In a little over two hours from Toronto, you can drive to Woodview’s Stoney Lake, which yes, is known to have some rocks in it—be smart and stay within the channels when boating—but the lake (and the Kawarthas area overall) is no less beautiful and relaxing than the much more hyped Muskoka region. —Karen Kwan
Stay: Book a cottage at Viamede Resort, a family- and dog-friendly cottage resort that’s the spitting image of the property in Dirty Dancing (be prepared to be hit with the urge to reenact a scene or two). The cottages on the Mount Julian side of the resort seem to be the quieter half and are decked out with porches facing the serene lake. With the casual Boathouse restaurant on the property, boaters from cottages on the lake often stop in for a bite, making for a lively atmosphere. Check the schedule posted daily on the aquarium at reception for fun activities including wine tastings and ice cream socials (featuring tasty ice cream and sorbets from Kawartha Dairy, of course). 595 Mount Julian-Viamede Rd, Woodview. 705-654-3344. www.Viamede.com
Savour: If you’re craving finer fare than the hot dogs you plan to grill on your cottage BBQ, set aside a night for a decadent tasting menu dinner by chef Kevin McKenna at Mount Julian. We practically licked our bowls clean of the Stoney Lake bouillabaisse and of the beautiful salad course, and were thrilled that the commute home involved merely stumbling across the way to our cottage having added the wine pairings (featuring largely Ontario wines) to our meal. For a quick bite off of the property, the fish and chips just down the road from the resort at Stella’s Electic Edibles comes with crunchy battered halibut, a good helping of not-too-greasy fries, and a delightful little scoop of lettuce, cucumber and dill salad.
See: Plan to go on the resort’s farm tour, or pop on over on your own to check out the pigs, chickens and quail. If you’re a history buff, or have kids who you’re keeping entertained, head to nearby Petroglyphs Park to see the largest concentration of Aboriginal rock carvings.
Sweat: Drop into the daily morning yoga class on the resort for a calming and cleansing introduction into your day on the lake. Less into the mind, body, soul practice of yoga and more into reconnecting with nature as you work on your fitness? The resort features six kilometres of trails for you to explore, and if you’d like company, ask at reception whether the resort’s golden retriever rescues, Tobey and Daisy, are available for a hike. Be warned: they may do more of the leading than following, but they’re so lovable, you’ll forgive them just as we did. Or instead of a hike, try out a game of disc golf; there is an 18-hole course in the forest here.
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