The definition of a vacation or vacationing is an extended period of leisure and recreation, especially one spent away from home or in traveling.  What if there was a place or places where you can spend quality time with your family, where your kids will be entertained for hours and you will be able to relax pool side or lake side knowing that the kids are having the time of their life…better yet, you don’t have to stress about cooking meals, cleaning or anything like that.  Or maybe you’re looking for some much needed one on one time with your significant other.  If that doesn’t sound like a true relaxing vacation, we don’t know what is!

This week we expose stunning all-inclusive getaways right here in Ontario!

We begin our journey at Fern Resort located in Ramara, right on the shores of Lake Couchiching….two kilometers of waterfront to be exact!  This four season resort has been welcoming families for more than 123 years. From the first owners in the late 1800s to the Downings today, the Fern Resort name is synonymous with customer service.  “The fun, fine food and hospitality you’ll experience at Fern have been developed into a solid tradition by four generations of our family (and there’s a fifth generation now growing up at the resort.) We, the Downings and Nelsons, have a genuine concern for the comfort and well-being of our guests. We hope you’ll truly enjoy your stay.” They pride themselves on being a family generational resort.  In 1918 ancestors and founders, Jim & Mimi Pettapiece, coined the slogan “The Home of Rolls & Honey.” Today, rolls made from Jim’s recipe and honey from the same apiary continue to grace the tables at Fern.

There are so much activities available for kids of all ages to keep them entertained for hours….that means more R&R for you, maybe even a trip to the spa!  Fern Resort has developed and continues to enhance their activities.  Their recreation team have several daily age-appropriate activity programs planned for the kids. The sports directors are experts in having fun and will lead you through a range of activities, fun tournaments and crafts. And the fun doesn’t stop there.  Each evening head to Bergwen’s Theatre where a range of professional entertainers will have the entire family laughing, entertained and amazed. 

With close to two kilometers of Fern waterfront, there lots of exploring you can do on Lake Couchiching.  Picture yourself water skiing, enjoying a sunset cruise, fishing from the docks, venturing on a paddle board.  Every been on a banana boat or every wanted to try wakeboarding?  Fern will make that a reality!  That’s not all, there are two outdoor pools, one indoor pool, hot tubs, a splash pad and a steam room. 

Once summer is over, doesn’t mean the activities stop.  Fern Resort has a 1.5 km natural ice surface skating loop that winds majestically through the woods.  To make it even more magical, they offer skating on the trail in the evening.  The trail is lit by dozens of torches!  That’s not all for the winter.  Good ol’classic Canadian pond hockey is an option.  Last winter, they invited Olympic Gold Medalist – Jayna Hefford to come play a couple games of shinny.   You never know who will show up!  That’s not all, they have tons of other winter activities for the kids to enjoy – snow shoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and so much more!

The historic charm of Fern Resort is evident in their 105 spacious and tastefully appointed rooms and suites, each offering unique characteristics and varied layouts. You’ll find a style to suit your personal preferences, family dynamic and budget. All offer fireplaces and most have decks or balconies overlooking the lake.  You can stay in a traditional hotel room, Lakeview units or cottages.  Something for everyone, whatever your desire is!

Your stay at Fern will be one that you look back on with fond memories for years to come.  There is so much to see and do there you might have to make it an annual trip.  You will leave truly relaxed, rejuvenated and refreshed.  Your kids will have had the time of their life and telling people about it all the time.  They will be asking you “when can we go back?”

 

Other All-inclusive Hidden Gems

Lumina Resort has been providing wonderful family Muskoka vacations since 1921.  Celebrating their 95th season, the largest cottage resort on Lake of Bays with over a mile of beautiful shoreline and 350 feet of safe sandy beach. Lumina is kid-friendly and caters to all ages with a dynamic choice of activities. Their traditional, child friendly family vacations include chef-prepared meals and a fully supervised children’s program. Families return year after year to enjoy the beautiful waterfront, the outstanding food, great companionship and the friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Killarney Lodge has been offering a unique wilderness experiences in the heart of Algonquin Park. Set amongst towering pines on a private peninsula, makes the perfect location for some much needed R&R.  Paddle a canoe from your own log cabin onto a crystal clear lake or explore some of the Park's many walking trails.  Savour the warmth and comfort of their lakeside cabins and enjoy fine country dining in their intimate log dining lodge.

For over 60 years, Heather Lodge has offered couples of all ages a rejuvenating escape from the stresses of life.  The beauty of the Haliburton Highlands and breathtaking views of scenic Twelve Mile Lake make Heather Lodge a vacationer’s paradise.  Heather Lodge offers boat rentals, canoeing and on-site dining. In-room massages are available at this adults-only resort.  Some rooms offer private balconies, fireplaces and full satellite tv.  It’s your home away from home on the beautiful waterfront taking in the natural surroundings and wildlife.