Bonnie Lake and The Summer Santa - MBG's First Group Outing

2022 MBG Places Ontario Series - Bonnie Lake (Aug 26-28)

Cottage County the second time around. Our first visit to Muskoka was during the Easter long weekend - a little bit of snow and lots of cold, cold air. Most of our time was spent at JW Marriot fronting Lake Rosseau, we didn't have to go far, the Marriot provided all the activities for us. Not a day was spent in idleness, it was fun but we are still missing the sun.

Forward to the blistering summer months, we had an opportunity to see Muskoka in all her prideful glory - being the unofficial cottage county of the North. The warm summer months were cottages decorated with Muskoka chairs; the lake abundant in floaties and kiddies, patios competing for the flavor and drool-worthy smell of grilled meat, sausages, seafood; iced cold beer in every hand while nicely soaking the summer sun - this is Muskoka and we will have the chance to see and experience it all for ourselves.

Our friend invited us for a weekend in a cottage they have rented, we will pay for the vacant room during the duration of our stay. We reluctantly agreed at first as we are not used to traveling in a group, let alone staying together in single accommodation. I have a penchant for luxury and utmost comfort whenever traveling because I easily get tired and I find the company of just us three enough to have an enjoyable and peaceful vacation. However, this trip changed it all - it is more fun traveling in the company of friends, and more unforgettable for Gabby too as she gets to do things together with kids the same age as her.

Day 1.

Having not enough hours to request a leave of work, since this trip came unexpectedly, we leave for Muskoka Friday night, after office hours. Two hours on the road with Ate Dora and Allan came by swiftly and the next thing we know, lovely friends are already meeting us at the doorway of the cottage. Dinner was warmed, served, and ready - all we did was just washed our hands and eat. We had a nice long chat over bottles of wine and grilled fish at the side before hitting the sack capping off the night.

Day 2.

Our first full day in Bonnie Lake was good hours under the sun. We did fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming, chit-chatting, munching, and sunbathing. The Resort prepared activities for the kids too - all are complimentary. They have set up inflatable bouncy castles, face painting stations, and bowling. They even had stalls for free snacks and drinks of hotdog sandwiches, popcorn, cotton candy, soda, and water.

The cool of the night was spent under a starlit sky, we have bonfires, grilled marshmallows, and made smores. We had a couple of bottles of wine complimented with games, trivia, and stories. We said goodnight to the wonderful day that was.

Day 3.

Our last day in Muskoka and we thought we are going to spend another enjoyable day at the beach, but Cottage County has more to offer. They have their very own Summer Santa living in Santa Village! The Village is a Christmas festivities in Summer, the reindeer were there, Mrs. Claus was there, the elves were hard at work and everything that makes a Christmas merry is all in Santa's Summer Village! Oh, what fun!

Santa's Village is fun for all ages, what's commendable is that they make your visit immersive and engaging for the guests. Mrs. Claus tasked each and every child with a task to complete in order to become Santa's Elf. There is a little booklet that needs to be stamped and once all are collected, the children will graduate as a full fledge elves ready to serve come official Christmas eve! I find this extra activity fun and entertaining, a great way to bond with our kids.

We left the village late in the afternoon and headed back to our cottage to grab a quick dinner before driving back to Toronto. Our first group trip may be short but it certainly changes my perception of group traveling. With the right company and the right attitude and a common goal - a group trip is fun and will surely join in the next time an invitation came our way.

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