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

Two yellow canoes resting on the grass with a lake and boats in the background at sunset, with trees framing the scene.

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

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.

Group of five people, three children and two adults, working together on assembling a large jigsaw puzzle on a table in a classroom or activity room.

Children and an adult enjoying a meal at a large table during a festive event, with colorful decorations and a crowded indoor space.

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!

Accommodation

A pink and white apartment building with multiple entrances and wooden stairs, surrounded by green trees and a grassy yard.

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

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.

A young boy wearing a blue cap and green t-shirt is sitting on a red stool, playing an acoustic guitar. An adult man wearing glasses, a black cap, and a navy t-shirt is standing beside him, also holding an acoustic guitar. The scene is set in a music room or classroom, with colorful musical-themed decorations and a wooden piano in the background.

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.

A rustic wooden cabin with a yellow-trimmed window and door, surrounded by trees in a forested area, with a small porch and steps leading up to the entrance, and a wooden sign reading 'Loon Lodge' above the door.

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!

Two young women in a woodworking shop, both smiling and looking at a power tool, one wearing an apron and the other in a gray sweatshirt and baseball cap. They are engaged in woodworking activity.

Three children in a woodworking shop, smiling and posing for the camera. Two girls are at the front, one with a purple cap and the other with a colorful bandana, and a girl in the back giving thumbs up. The shop has tools hanging on the wall and various woodworking supplies and equipment in the background.

Two young women happily peeking from a doorway next to a chalkboard with colorful floral designs and the words 'Jorji Tinction.'

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!

A rustic wooden cabin with yellow accents in a forest setting, surrounded by trees and foliage, with a dirt ground and a small deck in front.

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!

Group of children sitting on benches outdoors in a wooded area, listening to an adult. There is a small wooden cabin behind them, decorated with a string of round paper lanterns. A sign on one bench reads 'FOX ENDEAVORS'.

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.