This grey weather got you down? We hear you… and we’ve got your solution!
A weekend away can cure even the biggest curmudgeons cold-weather-blues. If there’s anything we’ve learned about Ontario winters, it’s all about getting out there and embracing the cold. Whether you’re ice fishing, being pulled through the woods by two hyper-active beagles on a sled or simply tucking into a hot bowl of locally made chicken soup — there’s a cold weather adventure for everyone (and every age!).
Discover all that winter has to offer at these five all-season accommodations made for food lovers:
Elmhirst’s Resort, Keene
Elmhirst’s Resort is located 90 minutes east of Toronto on the north shore of Rice Lake. This unique colony of lakeside cottages began as a humble fishing camp — making it perfect for ice fishing weekends!
The Food: Elmhirst’s redefines farm-to-table. They raise their own cattle and grow their own food — year round. Garden fresh herbs and veggies are grown on-site in the Summer and hydroponically in the Winter. Whether you’re MO is Sunday brunch or a chefs table, they’ve got your apres-ski covered.
The Fun: Snow shoeing, ice fishing and outdoor games are no brainers; but have you ever been snowkiting? Elmhirst’s offers up full weekend packages around the sport. Adventure lovers take note: it involves using downhill skis or a snowboard and a specially designed steerable kite!
1045 Settlers Line | elmhirst.ca | Feast ON CertifiedHockley Valley Resort, Mono
Family owned and operated since October 1985 by the Adamo family, this full service resort has a deep rooted passion for food and adventure!
The Food: Between their sixteen acre vineyard, the organic fruit and vegetable garden that provides 80 per cent of all menu ingredients, and the three on site restaurants, you’d never know this is a golf and ski resort! The pan-roasted Mennonite chicken at Cabin 1865 might very well be the perfect apres-ski indulgence.
The Fun: One word, snowboarding. This resort boasts five lifts and a fully tricked-out terrain park with over 35 jibs. For those of us who aren’t part snow-bunny, there’s also a luxurious 8,000 square foot spa…where it’s warm. All the time.
793522 3rd Line EHS | hockley.com | Feast ON CertifiedLangdon Hall, Cambridge
Pulling up to this luxurious Relais & Chateaux property is like stepping into a Jane Austen novel. Offering 52 luxurious suites, a full service spa, and 5-diamond restaurant, it might very well be Ontario’s most luxurious getaway.
The Food: Chef Jason Bangerter provides breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner — but what you’re after is Langdon Hall’s tasting menu. Foraged, farmed, fished and locally grown ingredients are elevated to new heights on this ever changing menu the fuses Mennonite cooking and years of experience at the finest restaurants.
The Fun: Winter at Langdon Hall means hot toddys by one of their many wood burning fireplaces, a horse drawn wagon ride, followed by slow morning strolls through the snowy orchard and the most leisurely of breakfasts.
1 Langdon Drive | LangdonHall.ca | Feast ON CertifiedNorth Edge Algonquin, South River
More than just a place to stay in Algonquin, Northern Edge specializes in hosting immersive getaways. They’re solar powered, off-grid and hell-bent on rejuvenating your soul in the process.
The Food: Chef Greg Waters would call himself more steward than cook, but his home-style cooking is full of love, care, and caramelized onions. With meals often prepared over an outdoor fire and ingredients grown at his farm, Stonemote, what arrives on the plate is heartwarming and soulful.
The Fun: This eco-adventure resort is a destination for winter thrill seekers. Spend the day dog-sledding, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, ice fishing or doing yoga. After a family style dinner, relax in the Finnish sauna — followed by a mandatory roll in the snow to cool down!
100 Ottawa Ave. | northernedgealgonquin.com | Feast ON Certified
Viamede Resort, Woodview
Encompassing 165 acres of pristine forest in the Kawarthas, Viamede sits on 2000 feet of prime Stoney Lake waterfront. For over 125 years, it has been welcoming travellers with an open door.
The Food: From the bread to the desserts, it’s all made from scratch. They raise their own Tamworth pigs, Indian Runner ducks, Heritage Bronze turkeys, quail, and various heritage breeds of chicken — offering inspiration for Chef Kevin McKenna on a daily basis.
The Fun: If you’re not spending your days walking the seemingly endless nature trails (and bumping into the resident family of deer!), you’ll surely be spending them snow shoeing or skating. Bonus: They’re super pet-friendly, so there’s no reason to leave your furry friend at home!
595 Mt. Julian-Viamede Rd | Viamede.com | Feast ON CertifiedTo learn more about Feast ON — and discover Ontario’s local champions! — visit feaston.ontarioculinary.com
