Five Star Resort Recognizes Importance of Trails

Red Leaves Muskoka is planning for it all: relaxing at the spa, playing 18 holes of golf and challenging yourself to some great trails.
This vista offers an excellent view of Lake Rosseau, and on the shore, the new five star hotel.
The resort recognizes the importance of trails and is providing for all sorts of trail experiences. The Lookout Loop is just one of the hiking trails available to both guests, and the general public.
A sneak peek at some of the new mountain bike specific features being incorporated into the trail system.

Ontario's cottage country is seeing a whole new level of high-end accommodation. The first five star Fairmont Resort in Ontario, called Red Leaves Muskoka, will be opening its doors in the next year. Why would IMBA Canada be involved with a new resort development? Because this resort recognizes the importance of trails.

The accommodations at Red Leaves Muskoka will feature a luxury spa, an 18-hole golf course, a nature reserve, and 700 acres of hiking, Nordic skiing and mountain biking trails - Not to mention a planned skills park and mountain bike specific trails that include wooden features and technical rocks. It seems that Fairmont really understands the benefits of trail recreation, and has the foresight to plan for its development.

Late in 2006, IMBA Canada was contacted by the resort's trail developer to review the trails plan, and in June of 2007, IMBA Canada's Mark Schmidt was asked to assess the existing trails and provide recommendations. "The fact that the resort is planning for mountain bike specific trails is exciting and enlightened," says Schmidt. "Not everyone gets the connection between trails and tourism."

The trails at Red Leaves Muskoka are slated to be open in 2008, and will be accessible to guests of the resort, as well as the general public, for a fee.