YOUR ONTARIO RESORT IS WAITING
Perhaps it’s the comfort and traditions that keep regulars coming back to Ontario’s resorts. Like a well-rounded menu, there seems to be something for everyone—couples looking for a little “we” time, families looking to carve out some moments on the same page, high-stressed working professionals looking to disconnect, unwind and
. . . breathe deeply. It’s all part of a growing trend to “Go Resorting.”
Ontario’s resorts are a four-season affair, the perfect getaway where rocks, forests and water paint the backdrop. “Getting away to the lake” is a quintessential Ontario experience, served up with a dose of personal flavour that’s a special part of many family-operated properties. As family-owned inns, resorts and cottages are passed from one generation to the next, they are noticing that repeat guests are now introducing their own children and grandchildren to the treasured resort experience. Nostalgia is enjoying a comeback as people look for opportunities to go back to simpler times.
THE HARVEST IS HALF THE FUN
You are… intrigued by learning about and awakening your tastebuds to new flavours and scents.
Head to… The chefs at The Briars— an hour north of Toronto—choose local ingredients, from their own gardens when possible. Guests love the popular weekly Garden Barbeque, an outdoors classic to make the most of Lake Simcoe’s lovely summer evenings (www.thebriars.ca). In the Kawarthas, Viamede Resort’s two restaurants are guided by a farm-to-table philosophy, featuring foraged, locally-sourced ingredients. The Boathouse offers casual lakefront dining while the intimate Mount Julian restaurant is a fine dining experience with multi-course tasting menus and a wellstocked wine cellar (www.viamede.com). Elmhirst’s Resort, on the shores of Rice
Lake, helps guests find the perfect culinary vacation style. Enjoy being catered to with the resort meal plan or cook your day’s catch in your well-appointed cottage kitchen or on the barbeque on the deck overlooking the water (www.elmhirst.ca). For those that like to dabble in the kitchen, a visit at The Waring House incorporates overnight stays at one of Prince Edward County’s most exclusive inns with hands-on, themed
cookery classes (www.waringhouse.com).
Because… For those who appreciate good food and drink, exploring a culinary destination is a way to learn how chefs source fresh, local ingredients and create magic to bring exciting tastes to your dinner plate.
A SHORELINE IS THE SHORTEST DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO GENERATIONS
You are… hoping to find a favourite place for you and your family to reconnect.
Stay at… Most of Ontario’s resort properties are on the water and people love to swim in the province’s lakes. The inn and cottage-style accommodation at Fern Resort is one of the few family all-inclusive resorts in Ontario. A year-round activities program keeps all family members busy—from wee ones through seniors. Their successful formula creates time for kids to explore and experience throughout the daytime and for families to reunite at meal times and evenings. The emphasis is on quality: games, trails, watersports, and especially family time together (www.fernresort.com). Bayview Wildwood Resort has been recognized by ResortsandLodges.com as a “Top Ontario Family Vacation” property. Activities include wintertime pond hockey, summertime fishing, swimming, biking and watersports (www.bayviewwildwood. com). The summer months at Beachwood Resort near Peterborough are family time. The four-season, lakefront property offers a variety of lodgings to accommodate different-sized groups (lodge rooms, condos and cottages sleep from two to 12), perfect for popular multi-generational vacations. Set on 121.4 ha (330 acre), all activities are included—from the on-site waterpark, waterskiing and tubing, canoes and kayaks, to firewood for the nightly campfire (www.beachwoodresort.com).
Because… The range of possible family experiences is unlimited. The authentic choices at Ontario’s resorts have a broadbased appeal and are perfect for multigenerational travel.
NATURE COMES CALLING
You are… wanting to experience Ontario’s wildlands and make a gentle footprint when you take time for yourself.
Head to… Algonquin Canoe and Log Cabin Adventures is located off the beaten track and 100 percent off the grid—ideal for those who love the wilderness but appreciate the comforts of a good bed at day’s end. The adventuresome traveller will appreciate the Destination Canada Signature Experience—a three-day Algonquin Park canoe trip topped off by two nights at the Algonquin Log Cabin (www.voyageurquest. com). Inside Algonquin Park, the intimate Bartlett Lodge greets guests with a water taxi and a solar electric-powered pontoon boat for the short trip to the lodge. With only 46 resort guests, Bartlett Lodge is a restful and relaxing setting, without the interruption of radios, telephones or televisions in any of the accommodations (www.bartlettlodge.com). Hockley Valley aims to make as small a carbon footprint as possible by maintaining an on-site fruit and vegetable farm that supplies 80 percent of the produce for the resort’s restaurants, choosing green products and following responsible and sustainable business practices (www.hockley.com).
Because… Appreciating Ontario’s unique and precious environment is an important part of who you are and the conscious choices you make.
KINDLE THE FLAME OF ROMANCE
You are… looking for ways to keep the flame glowing, spending time to reconnect and relax for a little romance.
Head to… The classic Elm Hurst Inn & Spa in southwest Ontario has been a longtime favourite destination for weddings, anniversaries and romantic getaways. The expansive grounds can accommodate allsized functions from intimate celebrations in the unique wood beam carriage house to larger tented events for up to 300 people. The inn also offers in-room couples massages as part of the Romantic Overnight Getaway package (www.elmhurstinn.com). The Westwind Inn caters primarily to adults— mostly couples—but singles will feel right at home as well. The small, all-inclusive country inn is surrounded by the breathtaking nature of the Kawartha Lakes District. Low key, casual and comfortable, Westwind is an inviting rustic lodge-style getaway that is perfect for couples looking to spend quality time together (www.westwindinn.net).
Because… You need time for romance to strengthen the bonds that make you a couple.
More Information
Resorts of Ontario members include more than 100 resort hotels, resort lodges, cottage resorts and intimate country inns. In 2017, the association marks its 75th anniversary. Check the Resorts of Ontario website for information and an on-line reservations service (www.resortsofontario.com).