Exhilaration in Tranquility
SOMETIMES WE WANT THE BEST KEPT SECRET to remain a secret, but when we find a beautiful destination close to home, and yet far enough away that our daily noise becomes a distant memory, we have to share. Within the sprawling wilderness of Northern Ontario, Elk Lake, located just north of Lady Evelyn Smoothwater Park, is a romantic sojourn to an oasis of serenity. Tucked between lakes and logging roads we find Elk Lake Eco Centre, an unexpected gem. Originally conceived as a centre to promote forest management, this not-forprofit organization was destined to become a year-round wilderness resort dedicated to tourism and connecting its guests with the natural environment. Upon check-in we feel like we’re at camp awaiting keys to our cabin. An award-winning design uses the range of wood from the surrounding Boreal forest with the aim of promoting a healthy environment that immediately induces calm. Our attention is averted by the colour and luster of the Douglas Fir pillars and the display of regional artists and artisans throughout, including a gift shop showcasing soaps, prints, jams, honey, massage oils and natural wood cutting boards. The cozy dining room beckons with the aromas of a modern kitchen preparing farm-fresh ingredients. Their “Local Eats” partners of farmers and butchers hail from the rich soils of the Temiskaming Claybelt, so the menus boast healthy, locally sourced and lightly prepared comfort food. “It feels like we’re in British Columbia”, my companion shares as we gaze into the crackling fireplace. There’s a full bar, lounge and a pool table, but we’re too excited for all that awaits outdoors. The snow shimmers in the clear moonlight and the myriad stars above glisten right back. Our chalet, one of six, is wheelchair accessible, like the main building. Inside there are six bedrooms on two floors, with two spacious bathrooms, a kitchen, electric fireplace, satellite TV and WIFI. We are immediately struck by how impeccably clean it is. We have our privacy; we even have our own barbecue on the deck with breathtaking panoramic views overlooking the Montreal River. It’s no wonder this is a haven for weddings
and conferences. There are no distractions here. We can be totally present.
A SNOWMOBILING PARADISE
We’ve come here for outdoor adventure and are surrounded by over twenty kilometres of trail systems that wind through the forest and over lakes. It’s almost as though the whole area was tailor made for snowmobilers. Rugged trails set out over historical rail beds and old forestry roads. These freshly groomed trails are Canada’s best kept snowmobile highways! It feels regal, like we’re in a fairytale, as we luxuriously zoom through the snow-caked woods, carving a wake of fluffy, snowy clouds as we pass spectacular ice-falls and abandoned mines. It is absolutely quiet. There is no one else here. Our only observers? Moose! There are lynx too, and other wildlife who perk up to watch us glide through the trees. All we can do is gasp in delight and appreciation for this peaceful experience. Back at the Elk Lake Eco Centre, we plunge into the outdoor hot tub and release all our muscle tension in luxurious heat within the picturesque setting of snow and trees, the scent of Northern Ontario woods, total stillness and silence. This gives new meaning to forest bathing. It’s like we’re in an oil painting of the wilderness. Not to be outdone, our path leads to an infrared sauna where we continue our soothing thermotherapy and unwind any last stubborn knots. There are several activities on our agenda for tomorrow. Fully stocked with on-site equipment we can rent snowshoes, cross country skis, and even an ice fishing hut. Our congenial host, GM Rick Guthrie, shares that they are even considering including helicopter rides in the near future. Perhaps next time. For now, curled up by the warmth of the fire, we are world’s away from worries, free and happily immersed in the leisurely getaway of our new found winter wonderland.