Elmhirst’s Resort is open year-round, offering cottage rentals along the shore of Rice Lake in the Kawarthas with two onsite restaurants, the casual atmosphere of The Blue Yonder, and fine dining at Hearthside Restaurant.

Relaxing in a quiet cottage during the off-season and enjoying fine dining with local ingredients is what drew me to this destination. This Resort is for getaways and an ideal location for conferences, family gatherings, special events and celebrations. There’s some fun for everyone.

The Couch Potato Package

Elmhirst’s Resort made it easy to get away with this off-season two-night package; it was an easy choice to book a cottage for my mom and me to relax and unwind on the waterfront. We didn’t have to think about making breakfast and dinner, even though there was a fully equipped kitchen!

As the Couch Potato Package is only available from October to May, we didn’t go for a swim. We enjoyed exploring the Resort’s expansive ground, strolling on the lakeside trail, and soaking in the spectacular views. We saw canoes, kayaks and SUP boards for guests’ use – and a lawn chess gameboard waiting for players.

One of the Resort’s seaplane flew overhead on a sightseeing tour which increased my anticipation for our turn – but that would come later!

A #FeastON Destination

The Elmhirst’s Own branding indicates which foods the Resort produces on the property.

Vegetables are grown for fresh dishes, cooking, and canning. There are beehives onsite pollinate the heirloom vegetables – and produce delicious honey. Elmhirst has a herd of Angus Beef cattle, born on the property and raised using sustainable practices, along with chickens, Pekin ducks, and turkey for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The resort sources local ingredients as well, bringing the best and freshest ingredients into the kitchen – and you’ll only find Canadian wines in their restaurants.

Wild Blue Yonder Pub & Patio

How could I resist ordering Elmhirst’s Own Angus burger? Topped with cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles with a tasty side of fries and garlic aioli, the taste took me into the wild blue yonder.

Yes, the pun was horrible, but rest assured, the bacon cheeseburger was terrific!

A Bright and Sunny Morning

We woke up to sunny, clear skies and spent some time by the water, appreciating the view before heading up to the main building for breakfast.

It was shaping up to be a glorious day!

Breakfast at the Hearthside Dining Room

A hearty meal at the Hearthside is the perfect start to any morning.

Before and After The Storm

My mom and I stood on the dock, watching the clouds come over Elmhirst’s Resort.

It was moving quickly, so when the first spatters of rain started coming down – and the rumble of thunder was no longer in the distance – we retreated to the cottage. We listened to the booms and watched the lightning flashes through the trees from the second floor. The bedroom’s window seat was the perfect viewing area.

These are some panoramic shots of Rice Lake before and after the storm.

Dinner at the Hearthside Dining Room

For our second night at Elmhirst’s Resort, we ate at the Hearthside. The chef sent out some duck and corn relish amuse-bouche for a starter, which we ate slowly and with much relish.

When I saw what was on the menu, I couldn’t help myself – another juicy burger? YES PLEASE! Almost everything on my plate was farm-fresh – either grown onsite or sourced locally.

I can’t rave enough about the food – and as the menu changes with the seasons, there are culinary delights to explore year-round at this restaurant and Elmhirst’s Resort’s commitment to sustainability is evident.

Sunset on Rice Lake

Two nights wasn’t enough – we could have spent a few more days here, and there were so many other activities we wanted to do; walking the woods trail, paddling on Rice Lake, having a relaxing massage, reading (more) books, relaxing in the sunshine, and sitting by the lake.

My mom and I enjoyed this quality time together. Elmhirst’s Resort was such a great getaway – I know my husband was jealous of our Mother & Daughter retreat – he made me promise to take him there next time.

Until Next Time

Parting is such sweet sorry, so we said until next time instead of saying goodbye.

We plan to return a little earlier in the season to enjoy the warmer water and some paddling on Rice Lake, or later when the snow turns the Resort into a magical winter wonderland.