The period between fiery leaves falling from trees and winter wrapping the landscape in its cold embrace is generally considered a downtime in the cottage country tourism calendar. It’s typically not until January that the full force range of winter activities is available.

This period is not all lifeless, however. A pair of Muskoka resorts use music to bring excitement to the shoulder season.

Bring the kids for a getaway that’s as much about you as it is them, or plan for a well-deserved adult escape.

Deerhurst Resort

Deerhurst Resort, in Huntsville, is arguably the premier family-friendly resort in Ontario.
For the past three years, it has also been home to Elvis & Co., the successor to the defunct Collingwood Elvis Festival and the top Elvis Tribute Artist festival in the country.

“Deerhurst is the ideal location for the event,” says Stacy Russo, President of Elvis & Co. “It’s known for its hospitality, and it has everything under one roof – restaurants, rooms, amenities. The resort is the perfect ‘Park and Stay’ venue.”

Elvis & Co. 2025 takes place over the Halloween weekend. Teens will love joining parents at the Oct. 31 Ghoul Rockin’ Tonight costume dance party, while younger kids can enjoy matinee performances by Elvis tribute artists between frolicking in the indoor pool, arcade, and playroom.

Mark these dates on your calendar as well: Dec. 6, when country musician Dallas Smith takes the stage, and Dec. 13, when Jann Arden brings her incomparable blend of humour, storytelling, and music to Deerhurst.

Whenever you visit, be sure to take advantage of the resort’s sprawling property and its many outdoor activities. A popular year-round activity is to hike the Lookout Trail with views of Peninsula Lake.

JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa (marriott.com)

JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort prides itself on elevated experiences. Over the last few years, this Lake Rosseau Resort has been home to an ambitious concert series that have included such acts as The Canadian Tenors, The Jim Cuddy Band, and Steven Page, co-founder of Barenaked Ladies.

On Nov. 8, Juno award-winning Honeymoon Suite, a staple of Canadian rock in the 1980s, bring their trademark catchy tunes and ‘80s energy to the resort. After that, Scotland-born and Canadian-raised Gowan, famous for his solo career and for his time with the band Styx, headlines a special New Years Eve bash.

“Concerts here are a special experience because of the intimacy,” says Didier Dolivet, managing director. “The Rosseau Ballroom only holds 300 people, so you are up close to the performers. This creates a connection between the musicians and the audience that you don’t find at larger venues.”

Despite its elevated offerings, The Rosseau manages to remain warm and welcoming to families. Enrichment activities (miniature paddle painting and family bingo, for example) and the indoor-outdoor pool are a hit, and be sure to borrow fat bikes to explore country roads free of summer traffic.

Even in shoulder season, Muskoka’s resorts hit the right notes.