This is a really pretty spot to stroll through town. It's really tucked away behind the main…read morestreet, but once you find it you'll be happy. The website says to park at Old Town Hall. There is parking all along the way, but the lots are all for the different businesses so just be mindful. That said, there are LOTS of choices for food to continue enjoying the beautiful scenery! Also, we didn't realize when we first went, the trail keeps going to the railway bridge. You'll see it on the map. So we missed about half of the trail, but we're definitely going back! This has a real first date vibe. It's pretty and relaxed with lots to look at and do. Cute ice cream stand near the dam too (also highly recommended ).

I know that everyone likes to use Expedia or Redtag for booking trips these days, and i certainly…read moreuse them for booking hotels, airfare, and trips........however never underestimate a great travel agent. Shelly will get it fixed when things go wrong....and really that's when you want an agent, when something goes wrong. She even leaves her cell number on her voicemail to get her when they are closed (don't know very many business's that would do that) enjoy your trip. 26 of 30

This past weekend I travelled to Ottawa from Toronto with my husband for a Triathlon. We decided…read moreto take an additional off from work and booked a long weekend at a cottage on the water in White Lake, Ottawa (Thursday to Sunday). I contacted Snowbird (they rent cottages as well) and she assured me a tranquil and relaxing cottage on the water. We arrived around midnight on Thursday and were awoken by renovations early on Friday. Shortly after, the owners met us at the cottage (which is in fact the guest house to their main residence, where the renovations are taking place) and apologized for the noise - unfortunately, their tiling had fallen down from their newly renovated rooms and they were in a stretch for an upcoming wedding - that is taking place in 2 weeks. To further the inconvenience, an hour later, the bed (in the one room guest house) cracked through, causing me to fall through the frame entirely. We attempted to call the owners in order to have our issue fixed from early afternoon until well in the evening. When we were not able to reach them by phone, we travelled down to their main office (Snowbird Haven) and their residence (where they indicated previously we could find them). Unfortunately, we were not able to find them and we were forced to spend the night on the floor. The next day, far from relaxed, we decided to leave after the Triathlon instead of returning. I contacted the owners and requested to be reimbursed for the last night we did not spend there. She did not respond to my emails and when I finally called her, she stated she has no interest to reimburse me as it was "my choice to leave" and I would hear from her lawyer. A few hours later she called me to tell me her lawyer advised her to reimburse me. When I accepted the transfer, I received a slew of emails including personal attacks: "I see you accepted the money e transfer. You are a very impatient person as I can see you wrote a review on cottage country. That is something that I would expect from a person from Toronto, so I am not surprised. That was how quickly you wrote and that is the same as you trying to reach us. You expect it right away, and think you are the only person we are dealing with. You have a serious problem..oh yes you are a controller by trade....that is it. are a very self centered person and you are certainly not the definition of a "Mother"

Stayed at the big cottage and had a wonderful time. Such a…read morebeautiful park. The owners Joanne and Ken were very welcoming and made our weekend special. We'll definitely be back.

I went to Pakenham this season for the first time. It was also my first time skiing at all. I…read moresigned up for the Discovery program, which is a package that gets you a one-hour beginners' lesson, equipment rentals, and a 4-hour lift ticket for $55. This was a great deal, and made skiing really accessible for me. Otherwise I would have for sure been too nervous to go try this on my own. I didn't feel like the website gave me enough information about where to go and when, but when I phoned to ask questions, the person who answered my call was super helpful. The lesson took place first thing on a Saturday morning. There was a ski option and a snowboard option. The age ranges were so varied. Some were as young as little kids, right up to adults. I was divided into a group with three other adults, and a super helpful instructor named Stew. He was a jolly, retired gentleman who was empathetic, helpful, and hilarious. Stew took us on the baby hill (like, seriously, one smaller than the bunny hill) to teach us the basics. We learned how to go up the rope tow, and how to ski on the bunny hill. I was so nervous about learning this, but byu the end was so comfortable, and actually excited about coming back to try again. I mentioned that the lift ticket was for four hours. After the lesson, I continued to practice on the bunny hill for another hour and a half. It got really old after about 45 minutes, but I hadn't learned how to use the chair lift. I ended up leaving before the pass had expired/ There's a level 2 to the discover program, which I will be excited to try next season. I hope I get to learn how to use the chair lift!

Really enjoyed our stay this past weekend at Moonstone Manor!…read more This B&B is located in a large, newly renovated home. There are three guest suites each meant for two adults, so at any given time there are at max 6 adult guests. Combined with being out in the country, this means that it is nice and QUIET! A rare and refreshing quality. There are many things to praise but I cannot continue without mentioning that Susie and Mark, the owners, are the best asset of this business. They are both incredibly welcoming, hospitable, and attentive, while also being conscious of giving you space as a guest to do your thing. Upon checking in, Susie sat down with us to discuss breakfast. She is careful to note any allergies or aversions, and to review the menu in advance! We were able to schedule our breakfast for any time between 7-9am. Breakfast itself was generous and more importantly, delicious! We had yogurt with fruit and homemade granola, quiche, potatoes, a stuffed tomato, juice, and all the coffee we could drink. The last thing I want to focus on is that this house is remarkably CLEAN. Susie and Mark have two friendly, quiet dogs and two cats, but unless you are looking right at them you'd never know it. I am actually allergic to dogs and cats, and had zero reaction during my two night stay. In her past Susie worked in a healthcare field and it shows...this is one of the cleanest houses I've ever been in. But it did not feel sterile and cold, quite the opposite. I happened to be visiting for a wedding in Kanata but I will happily stay at Moonstone Manor anytime I need to be in the Ottawa area. It's a quick 20 minute drive downtown to the ByWard Market/Parliament/National Gallery/etc. I can't see myself ever getting a hotel in the city knowing that this is an option. All that to say, if you are thinking of staying here, do it!

i found this bed and breakfast on Expedia, the owner Susie and Mark are really an amazing couple…read morethe our great hosts. There home is warm and really well appointed, They have 2 adorable dogs and there's 2 cats which they you don't really see. The rooms are well equipped with everything you need i had the room at the back and overlooked the rear garden and they have a hot tub which you are allowed to use. Breakfast is really good Susie will ask on day of check in what you like for breakfast and at what time and breakfast is ready at that time. Its close to Ottawa and the Canadian Tire Centre.

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 ;)

I was lucky to find a room here during the Calabogie Blues and Ribfest; although we could only get…read moreit for 1 night. It's also not as close to the Peaks as I thought it would be - it's not far - about 5 km away. I was also a little bit reluctant to book it, because of the price - $250 for 1 night. In the end, I needn't have worried - it was well worth it! We were 4 people, after all. The suite has a full kitchen including a dishwasher and coffee maker, dining room, and living room, 2 TVs, a shared BBQ, a view of the water, and it sleeps 6, although it has 2 separate bedrooms. The master bedroom has a huge ensuite with a soaker jet-tub and separate shower, but what surprised me was the free washer and dryer set tucked away behind the master clothes closet. People 5 and 6 would have had to sleep on the fold out couch. The other beds were comfortable, but I can't speak for the couch ;-) Well laid out with lots of space, and the free wifi does not hurt. I wouldn't hesitate to go back again.

I am still here as I write this review (mid October), but will be leaving tomorrow, a full day…read morebefore our check-out time. The Pros: Beautiful area & lake, and well kept grounds, friendly staff, spacious suites, *very* comfy bed, good hiking in the area, good (if not secure) free WiFi, fireplace (electric), spartan, but functional exercise room (with 2 treadmills, an eliptical, a rowing machine, and 2 bikes, and small set of hand weights), clothes washer and dryer (very old, but functional) The Cons: * Our suite was outfitted with *old* 1980's kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures that are long overdue to be replaced and worked poorly. The toilet seats were rough and peeling, the kitchen supplies, utensils, cutlery, etc was clearly bought as cheaply as possible. * nothing here is energy efficient * The patio furniture is cheap and flimsy & the table literally came apart when I tried to move it. * The unit was not very clean when we arrived (dust bunnies & cobwebs in the corners), and there are no cleaning supplies in the unit. We asked for a vacuum & one was supplied * The water pressure was inconsistent and the faucets were sticky and old, leading to several blasts of water incidents. * thin walls... we could hear our neighbour's conversations. * small, threadbare towels * crappy pillows on the bed (glad we brought our own) I loved the area, but not the resort.

What a great way for kids to learn to love skiing! The coaches are fantastic and the program…read morerepresents very good value - all at one of the best ski hills in Ontario.