Outdated and run down…read more The food was delicious, we love the breakfast room service, but the cabin we stayed in needs some fixing. I wouldn't step on the front porch for fear I'd go thru. We had a terrible smell in the coffee bar area the first night, I'm sure it was a dead something, they took care of it right away! Charging extra for the in room coffee is very cheap! Come on!! The foot stool in our room has seen better days, it was FILTHY! There's old and there's need to be replaced, the patio chair covers are disgustingly dirty and old. I'm sure they're at-least 30 years old. Small details like updating visions and tub stoppers (brown and disintegrated) can go a long way. We had a private parking spot next to our cabin and STILL got charged parking fees. That's a bit ridiculous, for the price everyone pays there is plenty that should be included. Ice to get the park pass for free, we used it daily. I'm not sure I'd recommend to anyone, unless they got it as a gift.

when you come here. you know why they take your money in full before you see your room…read more dirty. lots of saftey and health issues. fire places useable. broke screens. bass of fire box burned out. hot tubs dirty unmaintained food was less than exceptable grounds are very un kept. they said they are going organic. not correct. just not doing maintenance Wish I could put pictures on this review!? Save your money. Go somewhere else Please !!

This place is a hidden gem! The staff were so welcoming and hospitable. We were celebrating my…read moredaughter's 17th birthday and it was amazing! The services were great and so relaxing! The prices are reasonable and I loved the packages they offer. I am excited to see how this place evolves! The high tea was next level and so delicious!! Thank you for making our day so special and amazing!!

I've just spent 4 nights at Eganridge. There are two dining spaces - the dining room and Stables…read moreSports Bar and Patio. More options available in the dining room. The staff were so accommodating and creative. All the entrées, most of the appetizers, and about half the breakfast menu can be made gluten free. Everything I had was delicious. I had GF French onion soup! Delicious! When I ordered the burrata, they cut GF bread into rounds and grilled them to simulate the crostini they'd normally serve it with. It was amazing. The bison strip loin dinner was a triumph! I also had the ribeye ragout with GF pasta, the pickerel chowder, the Caesar salad without croutons, and the poached prawns. My only note for the restaurant is to provide more GF desserts besides ice cream sundae. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I see a lot of poor reviews a few years ago. In terms of food and service a lot has changed for the better post-Covid. The comments about the decor are on point, though. The decor is a little dated but my terrace room was well appointed and very clean. I loved having the fireplace, whirlpool bathtub, and amazing view of Sturgeon Lake from my balcony. Overall a wonderful experience. I am already planning to return. :)

Rustic and cozy cottages…read more Beautiful scenery. Relaxing. Clean Lake. Fresh air! Right across from beautiful uninhabited island. Not far from the town of bobcaygeon, fenelon falls and buckhorn. (Drove to Burleigh Falls which is close by) Great fishing.

It's such a pretty drive up to the Calabogie Peaks Resort along a twisty, windy, curvy road! I love…read morecoming here in the summer for their 2 music festivals in June and August, but the Resort is best known for winter downhill skiing. You can rent skis here and they offer two lifts going up the "hills" (which are rather steep IMHO!), and a chalet with a canteen on the main floor. Upstairs has a fireplace and a bar where you can warm up, cool down, or just chill out. The upstairs leads out to a balcony offering a panoramic view of the grounds (including the stage for summer concernts). Then there is a staircase that leads down to the grounds. It's a really nice facility. Theres a fall festival coming up this year, when they will offer lifts up the hill to admire the fall colours up close. The staff has all been great, friendly and efficient. August 2017: I am editing my review to add that there's a restaurant called Canthooks in the resort. No idea why I didn't mention it in my previous review; maybe I hadn't gone there before. But I can say that it's pretty good. They offer a decent brunch on the weekends, for about $15.00 all you can eat, which I believe also offers free refills on coffee. I look forward to going back this weekend.

I am giving a big star rating due to the sweetness of the staff and the gorgeousness of the…read morelocation. We stayed this past Thanksgiving weekend with family for the holiday in one of the two level condos. The accommodations are fairly dated, needing some updates and a real big scrub down. The weather could not have been more perfect, so we took advantage of riding up the hill on the ski lift for a pleasant hike in the woods on a beautiful sunny Sunday. The views were absolutely breathtaking and worth the trek and stay. We ended up using the pool with our young nephew who did have a good time but wished there were some toys to play with in the aquatic area. The outdoor hot tub was very gross however, wasn't hot and had a mysterious smell and colour to the water (avoid!). Since our family brought our own food to cook in the condo kitchen, the only food we tried at the resort were some fries with a side of mayo, which were quite tasty, reminding me of a old school chip truck variety - YUM! Tried the local beer called the Farmer's Daughter by the Ottawa based Whitewater Brewing Co and enjoyed every second of sunshine on their quaint patio. I would recommend visiting with an open mind ;)

A beautiful location and a clean resort. So peaceful and picturesque…read more The only thing I would have improved is the number of places to hang things in the bathroom in the upstairs unit we had. Once there are two towels, two hand towels and two face washers stacked on the one rail, everything has to be moved for use. There are no shelves or rails or hooks anywhere else in the room so when you shower you leave your clothes on the toilet lid. If you want to hang the hand towels somewhere after use, the bath towels are in the way. Considering the size of the bathroom which is adequate, another rail or hook on the door would have made the whole experience perfect. There is a no smoking sign on the door, however smoking is allowed on the balcony, evidenced by a dirty ash tray on the table in the centre. Love the quirky ceiling fan on the balcony.

"A relaxing haven in the heart of the Kawarthas" says it all. Friendly and helpful management,…read morebeautiful and clean accommodations - a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Ontario. We came up in a big group to celebrate my friend's 30th birthday, but after seeing all the families (especially the kids!) enjoying the resort, I will be back very soon with my family. My little nieces and nephews will love it (and my Dad can get plenty of fishing in).

Driving into this little oasis of a cove you see a couple of boats and docks. Then you see the…read morenewly built dock and next to that a beachfront and playground. Scattered around the property are cabins of varying sizes. But the gems of the resort is what are in these cabins. Flat screen tv? Dishwasher? Giant kitchens? Am I home or am I at a cottage ? This is an oasis from the stresses of city life. With campfires by the beach, scavenger hunts, archery lessons and boat rides around Stoney Lake, this is the kawartha lakes at its best.

On a scale of 1-10, you truly are a 25!…read more I've just returned from my 7th year in a row, week-long stay at Arowhon Pines, where perfection is the watchword, where attention to detail is evident at all levels, from the continuous renovations that blend into the environment so well you'd think they'd always been that way, to the lovingly prepared food always with a new twist every year, to the friendly and helpful housekeeping staff, to the hardworking kitchen and dining room staff; to the groundskeepers and maintenance men, whose invisible presence is felt in all the beauty, cleanliness and perfection around the property. Nothing is too much trouble for the approachable yet unobtrusive staff. I ate well, slept well, played well and worked well. Heaven couldn't possibly be more beautiful or more perfect. Coming back is always like coming home to an amazing family. It's my annual pilgrimage for rest, rejuvenation and restoration, while the Arowhon muse helps me write up a storm on my books and blog. Thank you to Theresa, Adam, David, Edward, Erik and everyone for your effective, tireless, welcoming hospitality. I didn't think you could improve on perfection, but you've done it again! On a scale of 1-10, you truly are a 25!

(Late to review) I…read morewent here with 4 of my friends for a friend's birthday at dinner time. My friend graciously paid for everyone (yay!!) and it was $75pp for an all you eat meal. It was delicious and scrumptious. The appetizers and desserts are the highlight for sure - there's sushi, chicken wings, sandwiches, a variety of dips and veggies, soup etc etc. For the entree, you can eat two entrees, so I got the steak and fish. The steak was great but the fish could use more seasoning. The desserts were so great - full selection from mousse to date squares. After the meal, you can sit outside in the balcony and it's truly beautiful. Algonquin Park at its finest. It was definitely one of the best meals I've had this year. We sat for too long and they shut off the lights at around 9:30pm for the main lodge and that was our cue to leave. :)

The Grail is truly something special. I arrived there during a time when I was pretty broken from…read morean external situations, feeling depleted! From the very beginning, I felt held by the space, the energy, and the people! Sandi was waiting for me as I booked the time with her for a Thai massage! Amazing! Through the treatments and the evening workshops, something shifted. Little by little, I was able to turn a corner, reconnecting with myself, finding clarity, and feeling strength return. The experience was not just restorative, it was genuinely healing. There was intention, care, and thoughtfulness in every detail, and it made all the difference. The first night, Jason lead a mediation which was so fabulous, and that started my healing journey. Beyond that, the atmosphere is beautiful, warm, and inviting! elevated yet deeply comfortable. The food is exceptional, vegan, creative, nourishing, and beautifully presented, with every dish made with obvious care and passion. What truly sets The Grail apart is the people. The service is attentive, compassionate, and authentic! you're not just a guest, you're seen. That level of presence and humanity is rare, and it's what makes the experience unforgettable. The suite was so comfortable, with a fireplace, such comfortable beds, and a wonderful large tub. The suites was a large size. The Grail is more than a place you visit, it's a place that supports transformation. I'm deeply grateful for the role it played in helping me find my footing again. An absolute gem, and one I will continue to return to and recommend wholeheartedly. Truly exceptional. Alana Burstein

Grail Springs Retreat Centre for Well Being fit the bill for a tranquil weekend getaway. It's a…read moresmall property that had about 18 guests over the Victoria Day long weekend - hurrah to no lines at check-in or having to hustle to find a chair. Of course, their outdoor "spa" facilities are no where near the calibre of sites Scandinave or Vetta. The miniscule jet less soaker tubs that make up the "water circuit" and warm-up-yourself infrared sauna could resemble ones you'd find at someone's cottage. Yet, that's not why you come to Grail Springs. After experiencing it for the weekend, it's the fact that there aren't too many things to do that makes the stay attractive. I didn't feel like I had to go from place-to-place or task-to-task (apart from the morning breakfast, spa treatment, then yoga timetable). It's why when speaking to other guests, they choose to go back solo for progressively longer stays. It's not about the amenities but finding time to relax and unwind. It's a place where if you go by yourself there are tons of other guests doing the same, so it doesn't feel weird. Consequently, if you're not there for the immersion pool and sauna, what is there to do? I highly recommend the spa treatments. They're pricey but was one of the better treatments I've had at an out-of-town destination. When the weather is nice and the black flies are at bay, the outdoor lake-side property and trails are also a draw. Yet, when all else fails, it's nice to just sit in their Great Room and read or talk to people. It's also a great place to BYOB (bring your own board) if you're into games. But, onto the food - my focus here at Gastro World. It's all inclusive and there's no choice so everyone eats the same meal (with consideration for allergies). Everything is vegan, but delicious thanks to a new chef that has recently joined the team. Just be mindful that Grail Springs tends to serve a substantial breakfast and lunch, a small snack in the afternoon, and ends with a light dinner. We didn't realize the progression upon checking in on Friday and proceeding to dinner, it was really scant after hours of driving. It started with a not overly exciting green salad that was nevertheless refreshing and incorporated a tasty maple balsamic dressing that was balanced and not too acidic. This is a long review check out Gastro World for the rest.

Glad to have checked that off my bucket list!…read more I didn't camp on their grounds. I found my own means of accommodation and just went spent the evening & day after in the area. It was fun! I recommend going in early/mid summer moments (as opposed to going in the early fall) because it'll probably be a lot warmer. If you have a wet suit and shoes, bring it. Those are extra costs. If you can find a deal on white water rafting, do it (groupon or teambuy are amazing for that). However with these deals, you'll be restricted with when you can redeem your trip/adventures (factor that in too! Early May to early June or August, if I remember correctly). It makes a huge difference as you save almost half in the cost of your trip. If you're traveling from Toronto, also keep in mind that it's a 5 hour drive (one way). The towns near Beachburg are scarce and have very few amenities so there isn't much sight seeing available in the area. We drove in circles trying to find a good restaurant. In terms of River Run itself, they provide a bbq lunch midway through the day which is excellent fuel for all that exercise your body probably isn't accustomed to (unless you go water rafting on the regular of course). It was an amazing experience that I'd say you should try at least once in your life. If you're into water sports, you will absolutely love it. Going white water rafting is an adrenaline rush. P.S. Get the 6 man raft; you won't regret it!

All-in-all, I was very happy with my trip to RiverRun, despite them needing a bit of work on their…read moreorganization. M'lady and I were camping two nights and rafting on the day between the two nights. When m'lady and I got to the camp grounds after-hours, we were told earlier that day that there'd be a map left for us telling us where to go. Unfortunately there was only a map with someone else's name and it referred to their cabin (we were camping). So going through my previous e-mails with this guys, we ended up figuring out where to pitch our tent, so fortunately we figured that out with the help of the map that was left for the other people (we left it there for them, but used it for reference to determine where to go). In the morning, we went to the office and they told us where to register for the rafting and also provided us with a map. The rafting itself was alright. The intro was decent, however our guide wasn't very knowledgeable of the area, claiming that he wasn't from Canada as an excuse. He did know a fair amount about the waters we were rafting on however, and also how to take each rapid, so that was all good and fun. The video that was made of our rafting experience was definitely not one of the better videos I've seen, so there was no way we were purchasing a copy (I wish they had made a better ver of it so that we could have bought a visual of our experience, but oh well). At the end of our rafting trip, we were brought to the beach of RiverRun's campground area and invited to enjoy the beach including the water slide on it, the sauna, and in the evening the live performance. There was also a pub on-site for the enjoyment of the guests. Also there was a ping pong table and a fooseball one. We played some fooseball after watching the vid on their two comparatively small flat screens (was rather hard to see much on them, so that wasn't the best way of them promoting their DVD they were trying to sell). We didn't participate much in any of the other events, but we were able to overhear the live music, which we found to be very decent as the performer was very good at matching the voices of the artists' whose songs he was performing. So all-in-all, if I was a fan of rafting the Ottawa river (this was my 2nd time rafting on it), I'd return to this venue. Especially with a group deal voucher, it was definitely worth the price.