About Us
Stevenson Lodge is an all-seasons cabin rental community in Combermere, Ontario, situated in the scenic Madawaska Valley.
Originally built on 12 acres in 1939, after deciding to retire, Ralph, Brian and Bev severed the property to have respective retirement homes and still remain "home', they separated 6 acres (the 2 lodges, 9 cabins, boat launch, beach and round house) in hopes of the business carrying on in a smaller but similar fashion.
In 2024, after a few years of hiccups....severances, historical confirmations, COVID, etc, Sandy and Yann Gauthier were finally able to assume the honour of caring for this rustic gem.
It currently features 9 lakeside cabins situated on the waterfront, each cabin also has a screened in porch with lakeview and dock access.
We have a safe swimming area and a playground on the beach. As well as kayaks, paddle boards and a pedal boats available.
We love our fur family and they are always welcome, but we must respect those guests that may not have those same affections, all dogs must be on leash at all times.
Our History
In the 1930's, founder Harry Stevenson was a worker in Hollinger Mines in Timmins, Ontario, one of the biggest mines born from Canada's early 1900's Gold Rush. Harry would buy an Irish Sweepstakes lottery ticket for $2.50 when he was earning only $3.20 or $5.20 for an 8 hour day.
When asked what he would do if he won, he replied he would go fishing and hunting until he was so sick of it he would be glad to go back underground, knowing full well that would be a long, long time! They said why don't you start your own fishing camp and that is how the dream was born.
On his 30th birthday Harry left Timmins to go on holiday with the intention of looking for a place to start his dream. It was the best move he ever made and he never went back to Timmins. Together with his brother Ernie, they began building Cabin 2 and carried on from there!
For a full retelling of Stevenson Lodge history, "Harry History' is available to read or in the near future purchase!
A special place for generations
As the decades passed, much changed in the world, but at Stevenson Lodge families could always find the same kind of rustic getaway. The natural beauty and serene climes even attracted famous Canadian artists A.Y. Jackson and A.J. Casson, who there found the inspiration and peaceful solitude they needed to paint great works. In 1988, Harry and Ernie passed the business on to Harry’s sons Brian Stevenson and Ralph Stevenson. Along with Bev Brewer Stevenson, they built on a proud tradition, adding even more fun ways for guests to spend their time while out enjoying the wild. By the 2020s, there were families who had been vacationing at Stevenson Lodge for nearly 70 years.
In July of 2024, a new chapter in Stevenson Lodge history began. It was acquired by Sandy, the niece of Bev Brewer Stevenson, and her husband Yann Gauthier. This exciting opportunity has meant working hard to maintain the same rustic experience that families love, while adding new improvements and amenities to meet the vacationing needs of visitors long into the future.
A new era for a timeless tradition
In the main Lodge, anyone who visits will see, around the fireplace, stones sent from regular visitors, some from far abroad, built right into the hearth. This is the heart of Stevenson Lodge. Because just as a trip to Stevenson Lodge becomes a part of a family’s story, families that visit become a part of the story of Stevenson Lodge.
It is a much different world out there than on that day in 1939 when Harry Stevenson’s dream came true, but when guests visit Stevenson Lodge, they will always find the same scenic landscape and relaxing environment, and can always expect a vacation to remember.
