For 2008, the renowned Windermere House enters its 139th season supported by a glorious heritage and a confident view to tomorrow. Originally established in 1870 by Thomas Aitken who ventured to these shores from the Shetland Islands looking for a brighter future in Canada, the original lodging spot was favoured by fishermen. As tourists discovered Muskoka, Windermere House grew to become one of Lake Rosseau’s longest ongoing landmark resorts. High times were matched by challenges over the hotel’s lifetime, including a devastating fire which destroyed the principal structure during filming of the Hollywood movie The Long Kiss Goodnight. But careful reconstruction, preserving many historical features while modernizing key systems, resulted in a fresh new opening in 1997.