Rawley Resort | Port Severn, Ontario

The Rawley Tradition

Rawley Resort has been welcoming guests for over a century

While many things have changed over the years at the Rawley Resort property, one thing that remains the same after a century is the Rawley tradition.

The property is the successor of Christie’s Lumber Mill, a local hub which operated during the 19th century and created white pine lumber from the vast riverside forests.

In 1922, Edgar Otto Rawson, his wife Mabel and her brother James Gawley built a three-storey fishing lodge on the property in Port Severn, Ontario.  Camp Rawley was home to decades of memories made by land and boat travellers through the region. In 2005, the original building was restored.

It is a small 20 room boutique resort with 15 seasonal and transient boat slips, luxury spa and a fine dining restaurant. There are four two-bedroom pet friendly units, one four-bedroom cottage and four two-storey units with breathtaking views of the Trent Severn Waterway.

“An array of luxurious amenities and the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape combine to create an exceptional experience for our guests,” shares Resort Director, Carlos Durao. “You can start your day by enjoying a refreshing swim in our outdoor seasonal pool or relaxing in the hot tub, followed by a rejuvenating workout in our well-equipped fitness centre. To fully embrace the natural beauty embark on an adventure along the lake, indulge in water sports or simply take in the breathtaking views from our lakeside areas.”

For those seeking relaxation, Rawley Resorts offers spa services and treatments that soothe both body and mind.

Other amenities include the delectable dining options at Lighthouse45 restaurant, The Grill restaurant, The Ice Breaker – the seasonal sweet shoppe on the water. Guests can indulge in lakeside picnics.

Within walking distance, Bush’s Marina has offered over 20 years of Canadian summer experiences with quality boat services, storage and slip rental for boats up to 36 ft. long.

“Don’t forget to visit our lookout deck at the top of the lighthouse where you will be sure to capture the most stunning sunsets,” says Durao.

Located 1.5 hours north of Toronto it is the gateway to Muskoka making it an ideal spot for a getaway, especially as it is only a five-minute drive to the Oak Bay Golf Course and a 15 minute drive to Mount St Louis ski hills. There are also water sports available in the summer.

All of these attributes bode well for the guest demographic which are primarily couples looking for a romantic/relaxing getaway.

“Rawley Resort Marina and Spa primarily targets the luxury hospitality market, catering to affluent individuals and couples seeking a high-end and intimate getaway experience, as they celebrate special occasions or seek a luxurious escape,” explains Durao.

Other guests include corporate executives who are looking for a relaxing retreat away from their busy schedules and wellness enthusiasts seeking a holistic wellness experience.

While the Rawley tradition remains over the decades there have been some changes including several amenity improvements and a state-of-the-art renovation of their lobby, Lighthouse 45 restaurant and events room.

Looking to the future the resort plans to build a combination of hot pools and cold pools to allow guests to use as a year-round hydrotherapy and thermotherapy. 

At Rawley Resort every amenity and the beauty of the lake come together to offer a truly memorable and personalized experience.

- Eastern Hotelier Magazine