My family and I had the pleasure of experiencing Muskoka Hills on a mild February weekend in 2025. Nestled in the Northern Lights development between Huntsville and Dwight, ON, this stunning retreat provided the perfect backdrop for a three-generation family getaway.
Joining me for the weekend was my husband, Andrew, and our two sons, Ryker (6) and Colin (2), along with my mom, Lynne, my brother, Ben, and his girlfriend, Jess. Since Muskoka Hills is pet-friendly, our dog, Mylah, came along for the adventure too!
First Impressions & Arrival
I arrived first with my mom and Colin to do some marketing for the property and capture updated photos before the rest of the family joined us. It was a wonderful opportunity to settle in, unwind with a glass of wine, and prepare some appetizers while waiting for Ben and Jess to bring dinner.
Shortly after, Ben, Jess, Andrew, Ryker, and Mylah arrived, and with multiple hands to help, we quickly unloaded the cars and settled in for a relaxing weekend.
Cooking & Comfort
Dinner was delicious and effortless to prepare in the spacious and well-equipped kitchen. With three chefs in the family, counter space is often an issue, but Muskoka Hills delivered! There was ample space for cooking, and even room for the non-chefs to sit at the stools and keep us company.
The bedroom configurations were ideal for our group; there was even an extra room, just in case. My mom took the main floor primary suite, which was great for accessibility. Andrew and I stayed in the upper-level primary bedroom, which conveniently adjoined a bunk room, via a semi-ensuite bathroom—perfect for our boys! Meanwhile, Ben and Jess had their own space in the fourth bedroom, complete with yet another ensuite bathroom.
Once the kids were tucked into bed, the adults enjoyed a few rounds of board games provided at the cottage. Later, we relaxed in the hot tub, soaking away the day’s travel before heading to bed.
Restful Nights & Thoughtful Design
The beds were incredibly comfortable, ensuring a great night’s sleep for everyone. One thoughtful feature that stood out was how well-spaced the bedrooms are throughout the house. Other than the upstairs primary and bunk room, each bedroom was spaced out enough that night owls and early risers didn’t disturb each other—a huge plus for a multi-generational group!
Saturday Adventures in Muskoka
Saturday was all about exploring and adventure! We started with a big brunch, which was again a joy to prepare in the fully equipped kitchen. After eating, we took a short drive into Huntsville (less than 20 minutes away), where we stopped at Muskoka Bear Wear—a must-visit for cozy, Canadian-made cottage clothing. Everyone left with something, and we’re already planning to use Bear Wear for our annual Matching Christmas Pajamas during the next festive season!
Back at Muskoka Hills, we went on a snowy walk, and Mylah had the time of her life chasing snowballs in the deep snowdrifts. The Northern Lights neighbourhood is quite hilly, so be prepared for a bit of a cardio workout if you’re heading out on foot!
After our walk, Ryker and I went tobogganing, while Andrew took Colin inside for a nap. Mylah stayed out to play in the snow a little longer while we took turns racing down the hill.
Before dinner, we ventured to the basement for some more fun and activities! We had some fun with a mini ping-pong tournament, while the kids enjoyed the football table and running around in the large, open, unfinished basement. While one pair of socks was ruined on the concrete floor, we opted to wear our Crocks or slippers for the rest of the time, and would highly recommend bringing at least one pair, to wear while enjoying the basement amenities.
That evening, we took the easy route for dinner and enjoyed a pre-ordered lasagna from a local Italian deli, paired with salad and garlic bread. It was the perfect comfort meal after a day filled with fresh air and adventure! Once the kids were tucked in, the adults gathered around the large dining table for a game of cards—a fantastic way to wrap up the evening.
Wrapping Up Our Stay
Sunday morning flew by in a blur of photo-taking, tidying up, and a quick breakfast before heading home. Though our time at Muskoka Hills was short, it was truly memorable.
Final Thoughts
Muskoka Hills was the perfect home base for a winter weekend away. While it doesn’t have direct waterfront access, its location makes up for it with nearby beaches, parks, trails, and charming towns to explore. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a cozy retreat, this property checks all the boxes.
We can’t wait to return—perhaps in the summer to see Muskoka Hills in a whole new light! If you’re searching for a spacious, pet-friendly, and beautifully designed Muskoka retreat, look no further than Muskoka Hills.
