A Muskoka Legend

Shamrock Lodge has one of the oldest histories in the long tradition of Muskoka Resorts. Legend claims the original owner, Benjamin Hardcastle Johnston left Ireland and secured his holdings by giving a beautiful white steed to the proud Anishnabi Natives and paying the government $25.00.

Like many Muskoka resorts, the main lodge began as a farmhouse in the late 1800’s and to this day remains at the heart of Shamrock activities. Recognizing the potential for tourism development in this age of steam navigation, grandson Alfred Johnston took over in 1934 and turned the farmhouse into a lodge. Guests were met at the train stations of Gravenhurst and Bala and invited to step aboard the Shamrock launch for the final leg of their journey to Shamrock Lodge. In later years, Mr. and Mrs. Clinch further enhanced the property and eventually Muriel and Dennis Bryant took over continuing to modernize and update the resort.

The Bryants now work together to make your stay very special and memorable.  Sons Tim and Gary have families of their own and all have joined Muriel and Dennis continuing a long, proud tradition of family ownership. Each year new services are added and the facilities are upgraded to ensure that every guest leaves with fond memories.