Things to Know Before You Go
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THE ADDRESS:
Provided a few days ahead of your trip!GETTING HERE:
These links will automatically populate directions via Google Maps and includes stops in Orillia (for groceries/supplies) and at the firewood box on Southwood Road if you wish to purchase fresh, dry, local burning wood.
Directions from Toronto -
While most of your route will likely be via highway (Hwy. 11, Hwy. 400), the cottage is set back a distance from these main routes. The drive in via South Kahshe Lake, Beiers, and Southwood roads is winding. We recommend taking your time on these roads, especially in slippery conditions and at night. There are sharp bends in the road and speed limits are often too high to safely navigate the road. Don’t feel the need to speed and take your time.
The final road is Haleway Drive and this is an unpaved, private road with a speed limit of 30 km/hr. Please stick to that speed limit as there are a few bends in the road and sections where it becomes single lane. There are two blind hills along the road, one marked with a STOP sign, another with a "HONK" sign to warn oncoming traffic. Hemlock Lake House is located at the end of Haleway B and is the second last cottage on that portion of the road.
During spring and early summer, water may cross the road at points due to snow melt and a local beaver family. The water is never more than an inch deep, but drive slowly and stick to the middle of the road at flooded sections (shoulders can be soft in these parts).
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Hemlock Lake House is located on the edge of the Torrance Barrens Night Sky Preserve which means that it can be very dark if you are arriving at night as there are no street lights along Haleway Drive or on most of the municipal roads in the area. Be aware of wildlife on the roads, take your time, and drive safe. When you arrive at the cottage, head around the deck to your left for the entrance and lockbox with the cottage key. The bunkie key can be found hanging inside on the side of the fridge.
PARKING:
When parking please park single file on the driveway as the ground on either side of the driveway can be soft and vehicle tires can sink in, damaging the environment and also your vehicle. Septic beds and other infrastructure also restrict where vehicles may be parked and these areas are marked with signage.
LOCKBOX CODE: This will be sent to you the day ahead of your arrival! -
GROCERIES:
If coming from the south, you will exit off Hwy 11 before entering the town of Gravenhurst, as a result, we recommend stopping at a grocery store in Orillia (if needed). Hemlock Lake House is approximately 40mins from Coldwater Road in Orillia where you can find most of your cottaging necessities (Shopper’s Drug Mart, LCBO, Zehrs/Food Bascis/Wal-Mart). Your other option is to continue up Hwy 11 just a bit further into Gravenhurst itself. It will take about 35mins to get to Hemlock Lake House from the Sobeys plaza in Gravenhurst, but does involve some backtracking.If you are coming from the north, a stop in Gravenhurst is easiest, with the Sobey’s plaza just 35 minutes door-to-door.
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Hemlock Lake House uses lake water in the cottage. As with most lakes in Muskoka, Muldrew has a signature "tea" colour to the water which can be noticed when washing dishes or in the toilet (no, we didn't let it mellow, it's just the colour of the water). While the water is filtered and suitable for bathing or washing dishes, it is not recommended that you drink it. A water cooler with a full 19L jug is provided for drinking in the water cooler. These can be easily refilled in Gravenhurst at the Sobey’s for about $5 if you need another jug. Just bring the empty and the refill machine is located at the front of the store.
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En route to the cottage (along Southwood Road) is a roadside box selling firewood for $10 a bag. This is located at 2356 Southwood Road (we have included it as a stop on our pre-made Google Maps links under the ‘Getting to Hemlock lake House’ tab). We often stop here for local, dry wood for fires. Be sure to bring cash!
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Aside from your usual overnight bag items, we suggest a few additional items for you:
FOR THE LAKEWATER/LAKE SHOES
BATHING SUIT
BEACH TOWEL
SUNSCREEN
SUNGLASSES
BUG SPRAY
FLOTATION AIDS/TOYS
LIFE JACKET
HAT
ENTERTAINMENTFAVOURITE BOARD GAMES
iPAD/TABLET
DOWNLOADED MOVIES/TV SHOWS
BOOKS/MAGAZINES
DOWNLOADED PODCASTS
KIDS CRAFTS
CHARGING CABLES/DEVICES
COFFEE PODSNespresso VERTUO pods are compatible with the coffee machine at the cottage. Starbucks branded vertuo capsules are sold at most grocery stores.
