An Exceptional Restaurant & All-Season Resort
The Norsemen Restaurant is an extraordinary restaurant featuring outstanding game, seafood, steak, pizza and ribs in a historic lodge with stone fireplaces and a rare “Old Muskoka” charm. The Norsemen Restaurant has a reputation for great food, great times and great service. Just 10 minutes from Huntsville on Limberlost Road. on the See the menu or make a reservation.
Walker Lake Resort is a relaxing cottage resort nestled in the woods on beautiful Walker Lake in Muskoka – Lake of Bays. Just minutes from Huntsville and Algonquin Park but a million miles away from it all. Seven secluded lakeside cottages offer privacy and great views of the lake, some with Jacuzzi tubs and wood stoves.
Perfect for playing and sunning on the sandy beach, swimming in the spring fed lake, fishing, canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding. Enjoy the haunting call of the loon and the tranquil quiet. In the winter explore a winter wonderland. Enjoy the cross country ski trails by the lakes in beautiful Algonquin Park and Arrowhead Park. Enjoy Muskoka’s vast snowmobile trail network across forests, lakes, streams and hills stretching from Georgian Bay to Algonquin Park. Have a look on our Webcam and see for yourself.
Walker Lake Resort offers comfortable and cozy four-season cottages for rent in scenic Muskoka Ontario. It’s located just outside Algonquin Park, and yet only a short 2.5 hour drive north of Toronto. Walker Lake is a spring fed lake, perfect for playing and sunning on the sandy beach, for swimming off the dock, fishing for Bass, Lake and Rainbow Trout and canoeing. The 8 mph speed limit on the lake does not permit water-skiing or jetskis, allowing you to enjoy the haunting call of the loon and the tranquil quiet.
In the winter ride the trails from Dwight to Dorset to Sprucedale and the north. Or experiece the famous RAP tour, Ride Around the Park. We’re only minutes by snowmobile from Trails 78 & 79 in the Algonquin Snowmobile Region.
Each of the seven cottages is nestled in the trees along 750 feet of shoreline, only steps away from Walker Lake. There are two and three bedroom cottages, with equipped kitchens, a three or four piece bath, living room, and a screened porch or deck. Propane BBQ’s and picnic tables are also provided for every cottage. Each location offers a spectacular view of peaceful water and majestic trees. Our rental cottages are nestled in the woods by the lake. See them all here.
Any time of year, with its beautiful lakeside views and savoury cuisine, the Norsemen Restaurant is a treat for family occasions or memorable romantic dinners.
Our location, just 10 minutes from the town of Huntsville, places Norsemen Restaurant and Walker Lake Resort in the heart of Muskoka, Ontario, one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations. The Muskoka District, known for its crystal clear lakes, rocky terrain and majestic forests, also offers visitors a wealth of activities, attractions and events – something for every member of the family and for every month of the year. This beautiful region has it all. Pristine natural beauty combined with sophistication and charm. It’s little wonder vacationers have been coming to Muskoka to enjoy an Ontario cottage country getaway for over one hundred years.
Muskoka is renowned throughout Canada and the United States, not only as a popular vacation spot for family summer vacations and couples getaways, but as a sportsman’s paradise. This area boasts more than its fair share of nature trails, ski hills and golf courses. Known for its many beautiful lakes, including lovely Walker Lake, the Muskoka area offers fabulous boating, fishing and a wide variety of water sports. Most notably, Muskoka is home to the world famous Algonquin Provincial Park, a heritage site that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world. Stay at Walker Lake Resort, it’s a great place from which to explore all that Muskoka has to offer.
Walker Lake Resort is a terrific place to spend a relaxing romantic weekend or an enjoyable family resort vacation in Muskoka. You don’t have to take our word for it. Our wonderful guests recommend us as well. Tripadvisor.com ranks our Muskoka lakeside resort as the number 2 rated hotel in Huntsville, Ontario. Tripadvisor, a leading online accommodation directory, ranks accommodation properties according to actual customer feedback, making our resort’s high rating especially rewarding for us, as it is our customers that are singing our praises. Here are just a few of comments offered by past Norsemen Walker Lake resort guests submitted to Tripadvisor… “The Norsemen Restaurant came highly recommend to us, and it did not disappoint”, “Would definitely recommend it for a romantic getaway” “A wonderful weekend getaway!!!”, “The best Muskoka experience”, “The perfect cottage”, “Beautiful natural surroundings in a peaceful scenic environment!”, “A special world of its own”. We are very proud that our customers consider our lakeside resort as an excellent Ontario resort and a very good Ontario resort.
Here at Walker Lake Resort you will find one of the top Muskoka fine dining restaurants and premier fine dining establishments near Algonquin Park, Ontario. The Norsemen Restaurant at Walkers Lake Resort has built its reputation as a popular Muskoka restaurant by offering the best food in Huntsville and area, along with an exceptional wine list and outstanding service. Serving fine European and traditional Canadian cuisine in a charming lakeside dining room, the Norsemen Restaurant is open to Walker Lake Resort guests and the public. We are honoured that our Huntsville area restaurant is acknowledged as one of the Country’s best in “Where to eat in Canada”. For many years, The Norsemen Restaurant has hosted a fabulous wine tasting dinner featuring, wild game, many fine wines and is hosted by wine experts. This special dinner has become one of the do not miss events of the Muskoka fall season.
When it comes to weddings, Muskoka is one of Canada´s most popular destinations. Not only is it stunningly beautiful, it offers couples a fine selection of photographers, videographers, florists, entertainers, bridal consultants, and places to stay. Add to this the Norsemen´s “old Muskoka” ambience, gourmet food, beautiful and quiet lakeside location and some of the nicest wedding photo backdrops to be found anywhere the Norsemen Walker Lake Resort is a wonderful place to take your wedding vows.
With modern, custom lakefront cottages, steps from 750 feet of gorgeous Muskoka shoreline, our Muskoka cottage resort provides the ultimate Muskoka cottage rental experience. One bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom cottages with 3 piece or 4 piece baths, we have a rental cottage that is just right, to accommodate a couple or a group of eight. All of our seven comfortable Muskoka housekeeping cottages have fully equipped kitchens, screen porches or private decks. These charming efficiency cottages are well furnished to provide an incredible Muskoka family cottage vacation or a successful Muskoka family reunion. For a truly romantic couples cottage getaway, rent one of our lakefront cottages with wood-burning fireplace and Jacuzzi tub. Propane BBQ’s and picnic tables are also provided with every Walker Lake Resort cottage rental. Each of our cottages is situated to take full advantage of our lovely wilderness setting, with a location that offers a spectacular view of majestic trees and peaceful waters.
Recreation opportunities abound in Muskoka, and you don’t have to leave the comfort of our Muskoka cottage resort to enjoy many fun outdoor recreational activities. Walker Lake Resort’s spacious lakefront with its beautiful and clean sand beach is the focal point of much of the action. Resort guests can take full advantage of Walker Lake Resort’s many amenities, such as canoes, kayaks, paddle boat, fishing boats, paddle boards, docks and water trampoline. A rental cottage vacation at an Ontario cottage resort offers so much more for couples and families to enjoy than a private cottage rental. With your Muskoka rental cottage at Walker Lake Resort, not only do you have the use of our resort’s many wonderful amenities, but unlike private cottage rentals, you can choose to participate in fun group activities and enjoy the company of fellow vacations. This is especially important for family vacations with children. Many friendships have been made over the years at Walker Lake. For some families, Walker Lake Resort has become their favorite vacation destination and a family tradition returning year after year to reconnect with family and friends.
In the winter try some of the cool activities only found in the Huntsville Lake of Bays area, Algonquin Park and Arrowhead Provincial Park maintain trails for skiing, snowshoeing and hiking. Arrowhead even has an amazing Ice Trail for your skating pleasure. You can even take the family on a dogsledding expedition, or try an oxen ride.
Our neck of the Muskoka woods really is a perfect winter wonderland. Bring your sled and discover why Norsemen Resort is the ideal home base for your next snowmobiling adventure
Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park, one of the Canada’s foremost eco-tourist destinations, is just a short drive from the Norsemen Walker Lake Resort. Its 7,725 square kilometers of protected forests, lakes and rivers provides a safe haven for populations of moose, bear, deer and wolves, and makes the Park a very popular place for naturalists, bird watchers and photographers. A day trip to Algonquin Park should include a visit to the Algonquin Visitors Centre, the Algonquin Logging Museum and the Algonquin Art Centre. As well, the Park’s massive trail system includes many shorter wilderness trails for day visitors to walk, bike or jog.
Contemplating a park visit? Let Norsemen Walker Lake be your Algonquin Park resort home base. Many of our guests plan at least one Algonquin Park day trip during their stay with us. An Algonquin Park vacation at Norsemen Walker Lake not only allows easy access to Algonquin Park for day visits, but our central Muskoka location puts resort guests close to where the action is in the vibrant Huntsville, Muskoka tourist region with all the other wonderful activities and attractions this area has to offer, only minutes away from the peace and tranquility of our small woodland cottage resort on Walker Lake.
While in Algonquin Park, plan to visit The Algonquin Art Centre, a world-class art gallery that showcases some of Canada’s foremost wilderness and wildlife artists. Located right in the Park, The Algonquin Art Centre is built upon a long tradition of Algonquin Park artists, from Tom Thomson to Robert Bateman. By displaying the newest works by Canada’s top artists, the Canada’s art tradition remains and continues to be enjoyed by Muskoka tourists and art lovers from all over the world. Each year, the gallery unveils a new theme that could range from artist’s trips to the Park interior to wolf studies. In 2010 the Centre introduced “An Artist’s Perspective” dealing with environmental issues and environmental change. Open from June until Thanksgiving, The Algonquin Art Centre truly offers something for everyone. For children and students on family vacations in Muskoka, a visit to the Centre is educational as well.
Only minutes from Walker Lake Resort, the town of Huntsville, a charming community that honours its pioneer heritage and is rich in Ontario history, is well worth a visit. While in this bustling resort town, you can’t help but notice the stunning Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery, an ambitious mural project located in downtown Huntsville. In celebration of the Canada’s Group of Seven and Tom Thomson’s contribution to the heritage of the Algonquin area, Huntsville and the Muskoka lakes region, the mural project replicates some of the best loved paintings of these famous Canadian artists. Talented Canadian graphic artists have so far painted over 75 murals on walls throughout downtown Huntsville and in other locations in Muskoka, Haliburton and Almaguin, including Emsdale and Dorset. New murals are added each year. During the season, a walking tour guide is available from the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce office.
When in Huntsville, you will want to pay a visit to Muskoka Heritage Place, the home of the Muskoka Museum, Muskoka Pioneer Village and the Portage Flyer Train. Just a few blocks from Huntsville’s historic downtown, Muskoka Heritage Place is the primary historical centre in Huntsville and features two museums, 18 authentic pioneer buildings, and a genuine open-aired train ride. Here Muskoka history comes alive with informative displays and costumed narrators that demonstrate local pioneer life in the 1800s. Muskoka Heritage Place is situated on a 90 acre outdoor site that includes a lake and nature trails and is open from Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving weekend. There is a gift and souvenir shop, and during the summer months, a snack bar. For international visitors to Muskoka, Village site map translations are available in French, Japanese, Dutch and German.
Many talented artisans, artists and crafts people call Muskoka and the Huntsville area home. Here, you will find a number of interesting art galleries to visit while you are on your Muskoka vacation. A number of local artists open their studios to the public, seasonally or year-round. Visitors are invited into the studio where they can see the artist’s latest creations and make a purchase. Often studio visitors can even see the artist at work and happy to answer questions and demonstate their craft. For those interested in arts and crafts, one of the best times to visit Muskoka is during the fall. Book your Muskoka fall getaway at Norsemen Walker Lake Resort for either the last weekend in September or the first weekend in October and take part in Canada’s oldest studio tour; The Muskoka Fall Studio Tour. This free, self guided fall tour provides visitors a glimpse into the studios of diversely talented artists and award winning artisans, and takes visitors on a spectacular Muskoka Fall colors tour, as they drive through the beautiful Muskoka countryside.
The months of September and October are very special in Muskoka and are the ideal time to plan a Muskoka resort getaway. Muskoka is one of the best places in Ontario to enjoy the most amazing displays of fall colour and Norsemen Walker Lake Resort makes a great home base for your Ontario fall escape and Muskoka foliage tour. The most vibrant foliage colour in Muskoka happens between the last two weeks of September and the first two weeks of October, with peak fall colour generally occurring near the end of September and the beginning of October. Autumn in Muskoka has become a very popular time of year for Ontario weekend escapes and midweek getaways, especially for romantic couples, seniors, photographers and artists, so it is best to book your Ontario Fall colour getaway at Norsemen Walker Lake Resort early to avoid disappointment.
The Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville Ontario offers a year round celebration of the performing arts. Part of the Huntsville Civic Centre in downtown Huntsville Ontario, The Algonquin Theatre hosts a wide variety outstanding plays, presentations and live musical performances by top local, national and international artists. Each month, this large and modern theatre offers a full calendar of events, including all musical genres, from classical to pop to country music. Famous entertainers, such as Blue Rodeo, John McDerrmot and Sarah Hammer have played at the Algonquin Theatre. Muskoka visitors can visit the theatre website to see what entertainment is available during their vacation in Muskoka.
National Geographic Traveler magazine has chosen Muskoka as one of Best of The World – Must-see places for 2012! Last summer, Muskoka was #1 pick on their Ten Best Trips of Summer 2011, so this new 2012 Best of the World designation is awesome.
The cottage resort area around Huntsville, Dorset and Lake of Bays in Ontario boasts some of Muskoka’s finest public and private golf, including Deerhurst Highlands, Deerhurst Lakeside, Delta Grandview, Mark O’Meara, North Granite Ridge and Bigwin Island.
Ontario´s Muskoka district is close to Toronto about two hours north via Highways 400 and 11 while still offering an unplugged pace that´s a world away from Canada´s largest city. The 2,500-square-mile natural playground includes 8,699 miles of shoreline; 17 historic towns and villages; and countless waterfalls and lakes bordered by the granite peaks of Algonquin Provincial Park to the east and the 30,000 islands of Georgian Bay Islands National Park to the west. Spend the day paddleboarding on Muskoka Lake or exploring the Riverwalk and shops of historic Huntsville. For an old-school family vacation, head north to Walker Lake’s only resort, an 87 year old, all inclusive resort featuring simple summer pleasures like campfires, canoeing, and fishing. Plan a summer visit to catch Algonquin Park´s educational Thursday evening wolf howls starring the reclusive four-pawed chorus.
Please take a moment to visit our Blog, and see what our guests have to say. If you have already had the opportunity to visit us, please take this opportunity to post your own comments and pictures.
Just imagine your wedding….
No glaring city lights, and no drone of traffic or the roar of aircraft overhead. Just a bit of wilderness, a night sky full of stars, and the peaceful sound of silence. The Norsemen Restaurant is the perfect location for your special day. Experience a breath of fresh air as you enjoy traditional Muskoka hospitality. Get off the beaten path, take your time, enjoy the lakeside view and savour the superb cuisine and excellent service.
If you’re planning a destination wedding, there’s no better place than the Norsemen Restaurant and Resort in Muskoka. See our Wedding Page, download our Wedding Package orcontact us for details.
…taken from a review on restaurantica.com
It was referred to as ‘the best kept secret in Muskoka’ and it certainly is! A beautiful location in an old lodge. Patio and window seats overlook the lake. Everything from the bread to the appetizers to the main courses were exceptional. Very friendly and knowledgeable servers. This is a high class restaurant in a quiet Muskoka location. Very highly recommended!
The word gets around….
Les Gayne, owner of the Norsemen Restaurant, recalls the story of a recent guest telling of how he learned about the restaurant. “The fellow was leaving his home in San Francisco, rushing to catch a cab to the airport when a friend calls to him from across the street, asking him where he was going. He yells back, “Canada.” “But where?” his friend calls back. “Ontario, north of Toronto, near Huntsville,” came the answer. “The Norsemen, go to the Norsemen Restaurant,” his friends calls over.
Located north of Huntsville, at the edge of Walker Lake on Limberlost Road the Norsemen Restaurant has earned a superior reputation. “We have a more game oriented menu,” states Les, mentioning such items as Cassoulet, grilled Venison and Caribou. The rest of the menu is equally inviting. Choose from rack of lamb, pork or beef tenderloin, grilled chicken, and a nice selection of sea foods.
Les, along with his wife Suzi, manage both the restaurant and the modest cottage resort situated along the Walker Lake shoreline. Drawing from his years of experience in cottage rental accommodations, Les takes care of the extensive wine list, personally picking a full range of premium quality reds, whites, and sparkling wines and champagnes from all over the world.
“I want people to have such a good time that they will want to bring their friends back here,” Les concludes.
Renting a cottage as a vacation choice has become increasingly popular over the past few years. There are many resorts in central and northern Ontario that offer cottage rentals, so why should you choose Walker Lake Resort? Why do so many people come back to stay with us year after year?
Location is a big factor. Walker Lake Resort is easily accessible – only 2.4 km off a major highway. That’s just far enough that you’ll never hear the sounds of traffic, but still close enough to be a short, pleasant drive. Our rental cottages are just 12 km from Huntsville. Shopping, antique hunting, sightseeing; everything is close by, but here at the resort it is always peaceful and quiet.
Walker Lake Resort has a variety of cottages you can rent. There are no 12′x12′ cookie-cutter cabins here! Our cottages range from the cozy, rustic style, right up to the full-sized modern Viceroy, and everything in between. Choose the type of vacation experience you want, then contact us to reserve your place.
Here at Walker Lake Resort we have the perfect setting, with something for everyone. There is lots of space on the docks, with plenty of comfortable chairs for reading or sunning. There are open grassy areas dotted with wildflowers, and acres of tall trees and massive rock outcroppings. There are winding roads to explore, and a clean sand beach with a gentle slope into the water. And did we mention the lake?
Walker Lake is the perfect size. There is plenty of space for canoeing, swimming and fishing, and the water is clean and inviting. The 8 mph speed limit on the lake does not permit water-skiing or jet skis, so you can enjoy the haunting call of the loon and the tranquil quiet.
The Norsemen Walker Lake Resort is a great choice for a cross country skiing weekend, just 20 minutes from the f cross country ski trails in Algonquin Provincial Park. Travel amongst the hardwood forests and lakes typical of Algonquin Park, with three trail networks specifically designed and reserved for cross-country skiing. You will almost certainly see moose or deer tracks on your outing. We’re also close to Arrowhead Park with groomed cross country ski trails, snowshoe trails and an outdoor skating rink overlooking beautiful Mayflower Lake. We also welcome monthly or full winter stays – leave your skis here and have your own private getaway for the winter.
In the winter enjoy Muskoka’s vast snowmobile trail network across forests, lakes and hills from Georgian Bay to Algonquin Park. We’re minutes by snowmobile to Trails 77 & 78 near D101B and D102B. We welcome overnight guests riding the Muskoka Snowmobile Region RAP Tour (Ride Around the Park). Stay overnight and leave your cars for the rest of your ride.
Renting a cottage at Walker Lake Resort gives you a unique advantage, not found anywhere else in Ontario. You are just steps away from The Norsemen Restaurant. This fine dining restaurant is the top of the mark in cottage county, and it’s right on your doorstep!
This is truly the best luxury available. After a relaxing day in the sun, you can dress up for dinner and be pampered at this superior restaurant. Sample the tasty creations of our chef – and don’t forget the dessert!
We hope to see you soon.
The Norsemen Restaurant and Walker Lake Resort is located in Central Ontario, Muskoka / Lake of Bays, about 200 km north of Toronto, Canada. We are just off Highway #60, east of Huntsville and West of Algonquin Park.
The Norsemen Restaurant brings in diners from all the neighboring towns, like Bala, Bracebridge, Burks Falls, Dorset, Dwight, Huntsville, Lake of Bays and Port Carling. Dining in Muskoka means dining at the Norsemen. People will travel great distances to enjoy our amazing cuisine, a delicious meal in a historic dining room, sitting by the fire, or out on the screened-in porch. We have special price fixed three course dinners for just $39 per person for a hearty, quality and relaxing dinner after a hard day’s work or play.
Weddings in Muskoka! Imagine a Muskoka wedding at the Norsemen Restaurant in Huntsville on Walker Lake. Your special day would include a fantastic evening of fine dining and dancing in a historic lodge with stone fireplaces and wood beamed cielings. A warm and cozy ambience just like you were in your own home. If you have your ceremony here, you could get married on the dock with the beautiful lake as your backdrop, or inside in front of one of our cozy fireplaces. The Norsemen Restaurant and Walker Lake Resort is the perfect place for desination weddings in Muskoka.
Many people staying at the area resorts also join us for the best in dining experiences. Deerhurst, Grandview, Hidden Valley Ski Club and the Hidden Valley Resort Hotel are just a few of our neighbours. Another popular camping area is Arrowhead Provincial Park, only a few kilometers north of Huntsville.
The many lakes in the area provide a boaters paradise. Lake Vernon, Hunters Bay, Fairy Lake, Peninsula Lake, the Muskoka River and Mary Lake are all connected, providing great opportunities for cruising. Walker Lake Resort has fishing, giving visitors the opportunity to catch bass, lake trout, perch, pike and rainbow trout.
Our guests can take part in numerous winter activities, like dog sledding, cross-country skiing, skating, downhill skiing, snowmobile and sleigh rides. In the summer there is swimming, canoeing, dock parties, fly fishing and lazing in a deck chair with a good book, diving off the raft, sitting up on the porch in a Muskoka Chair, or exploring the sand beach. A popular park in the area is Arrowhead Provincial Park, only a few kilometers north of Huntsville. Enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and the view of the Big East River rapids.
Experience the sunrise and morning mist on the water, the call of the loon, a quiet walk along the road, a fabulous sunset and the starlit sky. Your private cottage awaits.
Any time of year you can enjoy campfires, marshmallow roasts, reading by the fireplace, a romantic dinner in a rustic setting, taking part in a wilderness wolf howl, or just taking in the natural setting.
You can take away wonderful memories of Jacuzzi tubs, charming cottages, elegant and exceptional fine dining in Muskoka, romantic getaways, tranquil Walker Lake, evenings by the wood stove, world class golf, and the peaceful Muskoka setting.
- Muskoka Ontario cottage resort accommodation
- Onsite fine dining restaurant
- Lakeside cottage rentals
- Wedding receptions our specialty
- Near to Algonquin Provincial Park & Huntsville
- Cross country skiing & snowmobile trails
Walloper
