As late summer morphs into fall, the harvest season begins. What can be more delightful to a gardener or farmer than harvesting the fruits of his labour and sharing them? In autumn, everything is falling: the leaves, the temperature, the angle of the sun. The season invites us to ponder the rhythms and cycles of life. Leaves and fruits return to the earth to nourish future growth. Plants and trees drop the seeds to ensure the continued survival of their species. Trees drop their leaves, leaving only bare branches, giving us plenty of room to breathe. As the angle of the sun drops closer to the horizon, the sunlight is gentler, almost spiritual.

It lights up dust particles in the air, creating an ethereal “cathedral light.” The lesson from nature is that for there to be a sustainable relationship, there needs to be a balance between giving and receiving.

Splashes of Colour

The brownish yellow colour of a ripening field of grain is symbolic of fall in Ontario. It’s the colour of gold and ancient treasures. Surrounding forests explode into a  caleidoscope of colours ranging from bright yellow and copper to cherry red and deep burgundy. And what better way to take in all the splendour than at a Resorts of Ontario property?

For an authentic Muskoka cottage experience, Resorts of Ontario has you covered with a variety of options. Selfcatering cottages at Bondi Village Resort in Lake of Bays are the ideal place to bond and unwind in front of your fireplace after a day of play and exploration. At Cedar Grove Lodge, cottages range from rustic to luxurious, each with its own unique character, charm and cozy wood-burning stone fireplace. In the Kawarthas, Southview Cottages overlook Rice Lake, combining beautiful scenery with exceptional fishing and local attractions. At the quiet family- friendly Blue Mountain Lodge on picturesque Lake Kasshabog, you can admire Mother Nature’s artistry from your private patio. 

Prefer a little pampering? Nestled among birch and pine trees near Parry Sound, the Grand Tappattoo Resort on Otter Lake offers a choice of lodge or cottage  accommodation plus the convenience of on-site restaurants, sauna, pool and in-room dining. Another fullservice resort, Hidden Valley Resort in Muskoka, features a variety of outdoor activities and accommodation for you and your pets (on request). An all-inclusive getaway awaits you at the Bayview Wildwood Resort, the perfect place to enjoy all the beauty autumn brings. In the Kawarthas, the Elmhirst’s Resort inspires your sense of adventure with such activities as a sightseeing tour by floatplane. The all-inclusive Fern Resort on Lake Couchiching encourages you to kick back, relax, reconnect and soak up the surrounding scenery as you discover new challenges and explore nature.

Wilderness Experiences

Autumn heralds much cooler daytime temperatures, crisp mornings and cool nights. It’s time to retrieve those sweaters, coats, hats and scarves from the closet and enjoy the fresh air and countryside.

For stargazing and experiential travel, Long Point Eco-Adventures at Turkey Point in southwestern Ontario is where to go to observe the Harvest Moon on September 20. Choose from a range of unique accommodation choices, water-based tours and dry land exploration adventures to create your dream getaway. Try your hand at Treetop Trekking, downhill and cross-country biking or off-road riding at Horseshoe Resort in Barrie. Following an active day of trailblazing at Spectacle Lake Lodge in Barry’s Bay, relax in your comfortable lodge room or waterfront cottage, in the Fireside Lounge, at a communal campfire pit or in the outdoor hot tub. At the Burleigh Falls Inn & Suites, you’re sure to appreciate the panoramic views over Stony Lake and complimentary kayaks as well as fine dining, wines and hand-made chocolates. And forest bathing in the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park takes on a whole new twist during the fall season at the Westwind Inn on Lake Buckhorn.

It's Havest Time

Of all the senses, the sense of smell is our most instinctual as it’s closely connected to survival. Although the sense of smell is more acute in the autumn, why not awaken all your senses? From apple-picking, hunting for mushrooms and touring a honeybee apiary to attending a photography workshop and choosing just the right pumpkin, gourds and corn stalks for your Halloween display, there’s so much to do. 

Blue Mountain Resort is the ideal spot from which to begin your journey of discovery along the Apple Pie Trail in Southern Georgian Bay. Explore the local orchards and breweries, apple-inspired art, seasonal menus and the history of apple country. Nearby, in the quaint Town of Blue Mountains, you’ll find the Royal Harbour Resort, just minutes from an assortment of restaurants, eclectic shops and attractions for all ages.

Fall is also a popular time for food festivals. Why not book a room at the JW Marriott – The Rosseau Muskoka Resort in Minett for the ever-popular Cranberry Festival happening in Bala, October 15–17?

 

Go Ahead, Get Pampered

What better time than now to book a well-earned retreat sprinkled with relaxing body treatments and healthy meals prepared just for you from local freshly harvested ingredients? The choices seem endless.

In Ingersoll, Elm Hurst Inn & Spa has several head-to-toe treatments that are sure to send you into a Zen state of mind. Enjoy the best of Oxford County by booking their Cheese Trail Package. Experience unlimited luxury at the JW Marriott – The Rosseau Muskoka Resort, where, in addition to an array of treatments, self-serve spa options include HydroSpa, massage beds, foot massagers, an oxygen bar and oxygen facials. In Port Carling, healing hands at the Sherwood Inn’s True North MVMNT provide everything from incredible relaxation massages to injury treatments and rehabilitation. Looking for something a little livelier? For something completely different, may we suggest the Muskoka Beer Spa in Torrance? Be treated like a queen at the Ste. Anne’s Spa, which is housed in an 1800s fieldstone country castle located on a quiet country road in Grafton. The tempting “Walk in the Clouds” package and “Red Wine and Wild Game” menu at Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa make you want to jump on your Harley for a country spin to Eagle Lake. The Lakeside Spa at the Oakwood Resort in Grand Bend is the perfect place to work out any kinks after a round of golf. Get spoiled by a combination of ancient modalities and modern science at the tranquil LakeHouse Spa at Rawley Resort and Spa in Port Severn.

Where might your heart lead you? There’s likely a Resorts of Ontario property nearby.