Mushing Deerhurst Resort in Canada
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Despite the stereotypical questions I have heard from non-Canadians along the way, I have never believed I would have the opportunity to rnush my own dog sledding team. You know the questions I'm referring to; "Have you ever mushed?", "Have you ever seen a polar bear?", or my own personal favourite, "Do you live in an igloo?"
Fortunately at Deerhurst Resort in Muskoka, Ontario, you can indulge in a true Canadian experience.
Driving up one Friday afternoon from Toronto, I feared my well planned weekend of taking advantage of "Old Man Winter" would not be possible — there was no snow at all in the GTA. (Greater Toronto Area). Deerhurst is located approximately 2.5 hours from Toronto and I was about 30 minutes away. Then suddenly within a turn or two I literally drove into a winter wonderland. It was like I had driven into a secret world around the corner and over the rainbow. Before me was a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, wooded terrain and an incredible partially frozen lake, and situated right in the middle of it all was Deerhurst Resort. My weekend was begging to begin.
Deerhurst is located in Huntsville, Ontario, on Peninsula Lake. in Muskoka. and has been open for business since 1896. The original resort was built by an Englishman, Charles Waterhouse, and the only available access to the resort at that time was by steamboat! Today the resort is reached by road and train; there is also an on site landing strip for those who choose to travel by plane.
DEERHURST RESORT -
"Best in Canada" by
North American Inns, Bed
& Breakfast and Resorts Magazine.
Deerhurst was passed down through two generations: first to Charlie's son, Maurice, and then on to his son, Bill. One hundred and five years in operation and it is still going strong. It's now owned by Cornerstone Real Estate Advisors. There are 425 guest rooms and suites, with the choice of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom accommodations located throughout the 800 acres, complete with living room, kitchen, and appropriate dining facilities. Some rooms feature fireplaces and whirlpools! For gatherings there is 30,000 square feet of meeting space and 10,000 square feet of exhibit space, along with two ballrooms and 32 function rooms. Rooms range in price from about CND$99.
Silently, I was welcomed by the large entrance way, gushing fountain and beautiful ice sculptures of a sleigh and the Deerhurst crest, all located outside the main building referred to as the Pavilion. My feet could not move fast enough as I lugged my baggage (although the resort's bellman did offer help) through the front doors to check-in. I was greeted a number of times with warm smiles and polite demeanor. Before going to my room, I thought I would steal a moment and sit in front of the warming and relaxing lobby fireplace.
Listening to the swoosh of the revolving door without fail was accompanied by a cool, crisp breeze, reminding me that outside was still winter. Guests included a mixture of families, couples, and business people queuing to check-in.
I was awed by the expansive three-story lobby. The hearth's surroundings was elegant spaciousness, yet intimate and cozy. The double-sided gas fireplace was grand and majestical, draped in garland and decorations. Above was an elaborate wrought iron chandelier, glowing ambient. The warm tones of burnt red and forest green couches invited me with comfort and I sunk deeply into the stacked, patterned pillows. Huge stony pillers, large area rugs on a slate floor, and a reindeer motif, were the perfect combinations, capturing the natural outdoors setting — indoors. I listened to the voices hum, ringing phones, and soft music and clinking glasses from the nearby lounge — what a great spot to relax after dinner, I thought.
What was I waiting for?
The most interesting sport I experienced at Deerhurst was the pleasure of dogsledding — and learning about ski-joring! My boyfriend, Stephan, and I, were greeted at the stables by the program director, Sean Ardis, and his assistant. Tara. We played with the friendly huskies, getting to know them before the "mushing" lessons. Unfortunately, due to stormy weather conditions we were unable to ski-jor. I was a little relieved; I am not the best skier! Sean, however, demonstrated this unique man and dog winter sport. With two beautiful huskies pulling him, he harnessed himself up, gliding along on cross-country skis three times faster than normal skiing, all with the powerful assistance of his dogs. We were told not to be entirely fooled by the slight man-power that is used in the sport. When pulling up hill the dogs turn around, looking, questioning your lack of help, wondering why you are not doing your part (and rightfully so!). Ski-joring can be enjoyed by everyone who is comfortable on a pair of skis. The orientation takes about an hour. The cost is CND$50 per person.
Ski-joring originated in Scandinavia and became popular in North America. Sean first discovered the sport at his home in B.C. years ago when picking up his mail. The snow was too much to tackle so he harnessed up his dogs and skied out. The rest, as they say, is history. Sean practiced the sport on a recreational level and then went professional. He has raised three generations of ski-joring dogs. There are presently 16 huskies in his fleet (with a mix of Irish Wolfhound and Malamute). Each dog has a chance to run every two to three days and then gets two days off. I watched as the dogs were fed chicken and soup as a reward for their hard day at work. The rest of their diet consists of beef fat and premium performance kibble.
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By Joanna Neibler - Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent - at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
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Joanna Neibler Jetsetters Magazine. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com