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Snowy Trails, Starry Skies
Bayview Wildwood Resort serves up a classic Canadian winter on the shores of Sparrow Lake
Imagine this: You’re hiking through a snowy forest on a clear, cool night.
The bright starlight occasionally pierces the branches stretched out overhead. You’re on the trail with a group of families and friends — all fellow guests at Bayview Wildwood Resort.
Everyone carries a glowing lantern, lighting the path ahead. The deep silence is broken only by the crunch of snow beneath warm winter boots.
Animal tracks dot the trail, signs that rabbit, deer and other forest dwellers recently passed by.
At the end of the walk, you arrive at a hill blanketed with fresh powder that glows under floodlights. It’s time for a good, old-fashioned toboggan party under the stars.
It’s a pretty magical scene.
And it’s just one of the many winter experiences that define Bayview Wildwood Resort, an all-inclusive lakeside retreat on the shores of Sparrow Lake in Muskoka.
As Jason Stanton, general manager at Bayview Wildwood, puts it: winter here isn’t just a season, it’s a mindset.
“Winter invites you to slow down and reconnect,” Jason says. “You get outside, get active, breathe in that fresh air, then come back in, warm up by the fire and enjoy a hot chocolate or, maybe, a hot toddy. It’s all about embracing the rhythm of the season.”
Bayview Wildwood offers a variety of winter packages built around relaxation, connection and outdoor adventure.
Holiday Getaways (December 19 - 29)
During the Christmas season, the resort transforms into a festive escape with decorated accommodations, holiday dinners, buffet brunch plus oodles of activities and family fun — skating on the lake, snowshoeing, cross‑country skiing, tobogganing and nightly entertainment
It’s designed for those seeking the joy and magic of the holidays without the stress.
“We take care of everything — cooking, cleaning, planning — so you can just enjoy quality time with your loved ones,” Jason says.
New Years Getaway (December 29 - January 1)
Want to ring in the new year surrounded by snowy forest, crackling fires, and days filled with winter magic? This three-night getaway includes cozy lakeside rooms, daily meals, outdoor seasonal fun and loads of entertainment.
It’s the perfect way to start the calendar fresh with a celebration featuring a late night buffet, a glass of champagne at midnight and fireworks to usher in the new year,—plus plenty of time getting in tune with nature’s rhythms.
“You get everything you would want without any of the planning or pressure,” Jason says. “All you need to do is show up and enjoy.”
Winter Kickoff Getaways (January 1 - 5)
This extended-stay package is the perfect way to embrace the season with family and friends.
Enjoy a variety of winter activities, or just cozy up by the fire with a hot drink. Indulge in hearty, seasonal cuisine and take in the peaceful winter landscape around Sparrow Lake from your warm, inviting accommodations.
Winter Weekend Getaway (January 9 –March 28, excluding Family Day weekend)
Perfect for a quick winter escape, this package includes all your meals, lakeside accommodations and access to unlimited outdoor activities.
When you’ve had your fill of the ice and snow, head indoors for specialty cocktail classes, loads of live entertainment (from bands and magicians to interactive wild life shows) or a quiet soak in the indoor pool.
“You can work up a sweat outdoors then come back inside to enjoy delicious food and great company,” Jason says. “It’s the perfect refresh.”
Family Day Weekend Getaway (February 14 - 17)
Celebrate Family Day weekend with a stay that offers extra time to explore and unwind with your loved ones. Expect the great outdoor offerings—skiing, skating, snowshoeing—plus special kids programming and group activities.
“Family is at the heart of everything we do,” Jason says. “You’ll make memories here without having to worry about cooking meals or finding things to do. We’ve got it all covered.”
March Break Getaway (March 13 - 21)
Running early to mid-March, this package is a highlight for families. Enjoy kid-friendly programming, supervised activities (crafts, games, outdoor play) plus full meals and tons of adventures, no matter the weather.
“March Break at Bayview is weather-proof,” Jason says. “We’ve had years with full winter conditions and others where you’re biking and playing tennis. Either way, we’ve got activities lined up.”
Bonus: With many packages, kids stay and eat free with two paying adults.
What's included
At Bayview Wildwood, “all-inclusive” really does mean everything you need to make winter feel effortless. Days begin with the kind of simple pleasures that define life on Sparrow Lake: lacing up skates for a morning loop on the ice, gliding along forested trails on skis or snowshoes, or grabbing a toboggan for one more run down the hill. All the gear is provided — you just show up ready to play.
If you’re craving something a little more adventurous, guided snowmobile tours cut through the quiet of the woods, wagon rides follow old farm routes, and ice fishing shacks sit ready on the frozen lake. When the cold settles in, the indoors offers its own kind of retreat: a warm pool, games rooms buzzing with friendly competition, an escape room for families who love a challenge, and even a whimsical treehouse playground.
Afternoons often come with a surprise — maybe a cocktail class led by resort staff, or a wildlife show that captivates both kids and adults. Evenings bring live music, magicians, and the relaxed energy that fills the resort once everyone has returned from a day in the snow. And for those seeking deeper rest, the mobile spa arrives right at your door.
Accommodations range from modern lakeview suites to classic resort rooms and private cottages tucked among the trees, offering the comfort of a home base with the convenience of an all-inclusive stay.
Meals are part of the experience, too. At Echo’s Dining Lounge, the kitchen leans into seasonal, locally inspired ingredients, serving hearty breakfasts, comforting winter dishes and, during the holidays, festive buffets and traditional favourites. Dietary needs are always accommodated, ensuring everyone can enjoy the spread.
Here, the details are taken care of — so your only job is to enjoy the season.
At Bayview Wildwood, you’re not just booking a vacation, you’re tapping into a time-honoured tradition of winter fun in Muskoka.
Whether you’re watching fireworks on New Year’s Eve, snowshoeing in the serenity of the forest or sipping cider beside the fire while the kids play, the experience is always meaningful.
“People come here to slow down and reconnect with nature, with each other and with themselves,” Jason says. “And we make it really easy for them to do that.”
Whether you crave snowy adventure or cozy connection, Bayview Wildwood Resort is your ticket to a truly magical Canadian winter.
Book now and start a new family tradition on the shores of Sparrow Lake.
Bayview Wildwood Resort is located at 1500 Port Stanton Pkwy, Severn Bridge.
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