Our Facilities
The outdoors is a living laboratory in which the trees, lakes, deer, and frogs may be the objects of study, but they are the teachers as well. Our 270 acres, which includes forest, fields, mountain, streams, beaches, and a natural waterfront, provide the ideal classroom to interact with the outdoors in its natural state.
The Waterfront
Our waterfront offers ideal swimming and boating opportunities. Lake Vernon is at the head of a "chain" of Muskoka Lakes offering clean, clear, soft water. There are well-supervised, safe, sandy beaches and swimming that sets a new standard in enjoyment and safety. There is a fine fleet of row boats, canoes, and kayaks available for use.
Pop Pearse Lodge
The Pop Pearse Lodge includes a large dining area, a modern up-to-date kitchen, three recreation rooms, two fireplaces, and a library.
The Dining Hall
The Dining Hall provides a spectacular view of Lake Vernon. It can accommodate up to 600 people comfortably at tables that allow for easy and enjoyable meal conversation.
For more information about our Food Service, please click here!
The Cabins
The comfort, safety, and happiness of our guests are our main concerns while they are at the Outdoor Centre! Cabins are designed for 8-10 individuals. Each cabin has its own washroom, with a toilet and shower. The main space includes a sink, bunk beds, shelves for clothing and belongings, and windows for cross-ventilation. All cabins are supplied with hot and cold running water.
Laughton Hall
Laughton Hall was the main school building for Tawingo College for 24 years. This 10,000 square foot academic building provides a warm and welcoming venue for learning and gathering. Each classroom is spacious, suffused with natural light, and equipped with modern classroom facilities. The spectacular setting creates an environment where learning can occur naturally.
The Music Room
Located in Laughton Hall, our Music Room is equipped with acoustic guitars, ukuleles, an upright piano, and a keyboard. It’s a beautiful space for musically-inclined guests to spend recreational time.
Loon Lodge
Loon Lodge is home to our Woodcraft program. Under guidance and supervision from staff, groups learn to safely use hammers, nails, saws, clamps, wood burning pencils, and glue to build all manner of wood projects – some using pre-cut wood and instructions, some using scraps of wood and their own imaginations!
Jorgi Junction
Home to our Arts & Crafts programs, guests can make all kinds of crafts from natural and synthetic materials: friendship bracelets, nature crafts, soap stone carvings, mini paddles, origami, tie dye clothing, calligraphy, and much, much more... There is no limit to craft creativity at the Outdoor Centre!
Crestwood
Home to our Campcraft and Outtrip Preparation programs, the main Crestwood building is where we store all of our camping equipment for overnight canoe trips. The surrounding area provides space for outdoor living activities: shelter-building, fire-making, knot-tying, orienteering, and more!
SWAMP Lodge
The name of our Nature department here at Tawingo is an acronym for Stars, Weather, Animals, Minerals, Plants, and Ecology. Groups learn about astronomy and constellations, plants and trees, animals, rocks and minerals, weather instruments and prediction, ecology, and gardening. Folks can enjoy many special nature activities and programs such as “Instincts for Survival”, “Cycles”, Night Hikes, Herbal Tea, “Magic Mud”, Volcanoes, among many others.
