Severn, Ontario, nestled in the heart of Lake Country, has long been a cherished destination for tourists seeking both tranquility and adventure. Its rich history, dating back to the early 1800s, saw the area flourish during the lumber industry’s heyday, with communities like Port Severn emerging as vital hubs. The completion of the Trent-Severn Waterway in 1922 marked a transformative shift, positioning Severn as a prime location for recreational boating and tourism.
Today, Severn continues to captivate visitors with its diverse offerings. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore extensive trail systems like the Uhthoff Trail, which meanders through scenic woodlands and wetlands, or paddle along serene waterways such as Sparrow Lake and Matchedash Bay. The township’s charming villages, including Coldwater and Washago, offer unique shopping experiences, local eateries, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Severn’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty while providing modern amenities ensures its enduring appeal. Whether it’s the allure of its historic roots, the abundance of year-round recreational activities, or the simple pleasure of a lakeside retreat, Severn remains a beloved destination for generations of travelers.
Discover Severn’s history for yourself and check out these destinations for your next getaway!
Timeless Retreats
Rawley Resort & Port Severn
At the top most point of the historic Trent-Severn Waterway, Rawley Resort and Port Severn offer a beautiful oasis to step away from everyday life. Rawley Resort’s rich history dates back to the 19th century when the property was home to Christie’s Lumber Mill, a local hub producing white pine lumber from the vast riverside forests. In 1922, Edgar Otto Rawson, a civil engineer, his wife Mabel, and her brother James Gawley transformed the site into a three-story fishing lodge named Camp Rawley, serving as a gateway to Ontario’s newly accessible Muskoka wilderness.
Over the decades, Camp Rawley evolved into Rawley Lodge, embodying the charm of cottage country. In 2005, local entrepreneurs Liz and Barry Honeyman acquired the property, undertaking a significant restoration to modernize the facilities while preserving its historic essence. The resort reopened as a member of Ontario’s Finest Inns group of luxury lodgings. Today, under the ownership of brothers Frank and Mario Ribeiro, Rawley Resort, Spa & Marina continues its tradition of family-run hospitality, offering guests personalized experiences in a boutique setting. As part of their vision for expansion, the Ribeiros also acquired Bush’s Marina, The Grill Restaurant, and The Icebreaker Sweet Shoppe, further enhancing the resort’s offerings and creating a more immersive guest experience.
For over a century, Rawley Resort has been a cherished retreat, seamlessly blending casual elegance with personalized service. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to cater to both longstanding family traditions and new guests seeking memorable experiences. The resort’s commitment to understanding each guest’s unique preferences ensures a stay filled with delightful surprises.
Many are drawn to Rawley Resort to celebrate life’s milestones or simply to relax and unwind. The on-site spa offers holistic treatments, providing a sanctuary for rejuvenation. Guests can indulge in exceptional cuisine at the newly renovated Lighthouse45 Restaurant, where chefs artfully blend locally inspired flavors with innovative touches. Above all, the resort’s dedicated team possesses a genuine desire to please, a sentiment echoed in the glowing reviews from satisfied guests.
Don’t Miss This:
Girls Getaway: Gather your friends for a delightful escape featuring a charcuterie board upon arrival and a spa voucher for each guest to unwind and create cherished memories.
Stay and Play: Tee off at the nearby Oak Bay Golf Club with our Stay and Play package, combining luxurious accommodations with a round of golf, perfect for both enthusiasts and novices.
In addition to these packages, Rawley Resort offers amenities such as elegantly appointed suites, a holistic spa experience, and the Lighthouse45 Restaurant, all set against the serene backdrop of the historic Trent-Severn Waterway.
For the most current information on packages and availability, please visit the resort’s official website or contact the reservations team directly.
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Bayview Wildwood Resort & Port Stanton
Nestled on the southwest shores of Sparrow Lake, along the Trent-Severn Waterway between Lake Couchiching and Georgian Bay, Bayview Wildwood Resort is a family vacation destination, going back generations.
In 1875, Steamer Captain Thomas Stanton settled with his wife Ellen and their young family on the west shore of Sparrow Lake. During his time as a steamboat captain on the Severn River, Thomas and his family saw potential to bring visitors to the area. If you build it they will come, and by 1898, campers and summer cottagers were well established on the lake. It all came together about 1906 when the CNO railway reached the community and established scheduled runs for holidayers to the north. This area became the hub of the tourist industry, linking a mainline rail service to a popular waterway and Sparrow Lake was widely promoted by the railway as a fine tourist area for vacationers living in the cities in both Canada and the United States. Over time, four resorts were developed at the newly minted Port Stanton, eventually amalgamating into Bayview Wildwood Resort we know today.
Bayview Wildwood Resort has captivated visitors with their natural beauty, rich history, and enduring hospitality. The resort’s appeal lies in its all-inclusive, four-season offerings that cater to families, couples, and groups alike. From summer activities like boating, fishing, and hiking to winter pursuits such as ice skating and snowshoeing, there’s something for everyone. The resort’s commitment to providing diverse recreational programs and comfortable accommodations has made it a beloved destination for generations.
The enduring popularity of Severn and Bayview Wildwood Resort is a testament to their ability to evolve while preserving the essence of what makes them special—a commitment to creating memorable experiences in a picturesque setting.
Don’t Miss This:
Fishing Getaway: Just sit back, relax and drop your line. Bayview Wildwood Resort sits on the shores of Sparrow Lake, a shallow, fresh body of water that is a part of the Trent–Severn Waterway. Sparrow Lake is ideal for anglers of all ages and skill levels and the most popular species found here are Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass. Enjoy a Fishing getaway to Bayview Wildwood Resort and enjoy lakeside accommodations, resort amenities, amazing cuisine in our onsite dining room and boat rental.
Summer Kick Off, Kids Stay & Eat Free: Start your summer off right with this special getaway. From thrilling water activities to our exciting daily kids’ programs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Best of all – Kids Stay & Eat FREE! Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or a few days of family fun, we’ve got you covered.
Immersed in History
The Village of Coldwater
As you make your way into cottage country, at the cross-roads of Hwy 400 and Hwy 12, you’ll find the Village of Coldwater. The village gets its name from the Ojibwe name gisinaa nibiish which means “cold pool of water”, and refers to the river that runs through the village. The Coldwater Experiment, which began in 1830, was one of the first examples of the forced displacement of First Nations for the reserve system in Canada. Spanning from the eastern shores of Lake Simcoe and Atherley to Coldwater, the reserve consisted of approximately 10,000 acres. The Ojibwe ancestors farmed the land, built modest homes, and built the Coldwater Mill. After six years, the community was forced to relocate again. Then known as the Chippewas of Lakes Simcoe and Huron, the community split into three distinct communities: Chippewas of Rama, Chippewas of Georgina Island, and Beausoleil First Nation.
The Village of Coldwater was incorporated in 1908, and has remained a charming rural village for over a century. When traveling through the Village today, you can see many of the original facades to the buildings and a community ready to welcome you. Whether arriving by car off Hwy 400 or Hwy 12, by paddle along the Coldwater River, or by bike from the Uhthoff Trail; this village offers a delightful respite to dine and drink (or grab some ice cream!), shop, and play.
Don’t Miss This:
Coldwater Duck Race: May 31st. Come for a family fun day of activities, a parade, and the highlight event – the rubber duck race down the Coldwater River!
Coldwater Fall Fair: September 26 -28. Harkening back to Coldwater’s rural roots, come to one of the region’s longest running fall fairs!
Coldwater Witches Walk: October 17th. One of the largest gatherings of witches in Central Ontario, this night time event is full of magic.
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Coldwater Museum
The Coldwater Museum sits on the Woodrow homestead, built in the 1840s. The original tiny, one room cabin is preserved in its unaltered state, with the fireplace, hearth, and cooking cauldron still in use today! As time passed, the family grew, and the cabin was expanded into the house it is today. Visitors can walk through rooms and step back in time to appreciate the skills and hard work required to survive the many challenges of rural homesteading in the mid-1800s. Outside, visitors can get a slice of life for what parts of Coldwater may have looked like in its early days with steam engines, horse buggies, print shop, functional blacksmith shop, post office, fire hall and more!
Don’t Miss This:
Boer War Weekend: June 7th & 8th Firing demonstrations, period encampments, drill & cooking demonstrations, skirmish with the Boers.
Midsummer Night’s Drum & Bonfire: Saturday, June 21st Come all ye rolling minstrels, bring your drums, guitars and songs, for a celebration of midsummer and the shortest night of the year.
Vintage Car Show: Saturday, July 5 Come see this first class collection of spectacular vehicles which can honestly be described as fully operational time machines!
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The Coldwater Mill
Constructed in 1833, the Coldwater Grist Mill was built as farming took off in the area and hundreds of bushels of grain had been harvested. With the forced displacement of the Ojibwe to the area and with barriers from the government, the Mill was built at the cost of the Ojibwe First Nation. Operating for 162 years, the Mill is now a historic museum and cultural centre. With artefacts and displays, the Mill showcases life in the 19th Century for farmers and rural settlers, along with acknowledging and celebrating the Indigenous ownership of the Mill in the 1830s. The second floor features local Indigenous artefacts and artwork and the gift shop highlights hand-crafted pieces by local artisans. Step outside where the Mill offers many events in their Musical Barn and a Farmers’ Market in the summer.
Don’t Miss This:
Friday Night Live: Throughout the summer, enjoy Friday night entertainment under the Musical Barn! Come out and listen to local musicians along the edge of the Coldwater River.
Open Air Vendor Markets: More details coming soon for 2025!
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Travel Through Time
The Uhthoff Trail
This 22-kilometre trail between Orillia and Coldwater was originally part of the Canadian Pacific Railway and is now a section of the Great Canadian Trail. A beautiful canopied trail that traverses through a variety of habitats, this is a popular trail for hikers, cyclists, snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, and equestrians. Want to learn more as you set off on this trail? Download the Uhthoff Trail App to learn about the region’s history, flora and fauna, and points of interest.
Available in the Apple Store or Google Play Store.
Big Chute Marine Railway
For boaters traveling along the Trent-Severn Waterway, Lock 44 Big Chute is always a highlight. It is the only marine railway of its kind still in use in North America, and traverses a height of 60 ft to transport watercrafts. The original Big Chute Marine Railway was completed in 1917, after delays with the First World War, and replaced again in 1923. In 1978 a larger carriage was built that is still in use today. The smaller 1923 carriage is no longer in use, but is still on display for visitors. Those visiting by car can also visit the site, a short drive from Coldwater, and has large grounds for picnicking.
There is always more to discover in Severn! Start planning your next getaway to the region uniting past and present.
SEVERN TOURISM