Elmhirst’s Resort

Elmhirst’s Resort is a classic Ontario lakeside stay on the shores of Rice Lake, set across a wide 240-acre property around 90 minutes east of Toronto. It’s a lovely mix of nature and comfort, with that traditional “cottage resort” feel, but with an added layer of character thanks to the working farm on site. The resort raises animals and grows produce on the property, and those ingredients go straight into the kitchen, which gives meals a real sense of place and makes the whole stay feel a bit more rooted and thoughtful.

Accommodation is in a collection of around 30 cottages, ranging from one to five bedrooms, so it works well for couples through to bigger families. Cottages are well equipped for an easy, self-contained stay, with kitchens or kitchenettes, TVs and DVD players, wood-burning fireplaces, and the sort of small comforts that make a difference after a day outside, including whirlpool tubs. Most cottages also have a deck and barbecue, and the lake setting is a big part of the experience, with lake views and private docks, so it’s very easy to spend your mornings with a coffee by the water and your evenings watching the light fade over the lake.

WiFi and parking are included, keeping things straightforward, and if you want to build in a bit of “treat yourself” time, there’s an optional No Boundaries Adventure Package that can be requested at the time of booking. It allows you to choose from experiences on arrival, such as a guided nature walk, a short sightseeing flight, breakfast and dinner, a massage, or a half-day boat rental, which can be a nice way to add variety without overplanning.