Ontario’s Hidden Gems Exposed: Living Water Resorts

This week we take a journey to an area that is a very popular four season destination in Ontario that attracts people from all over the world due to the popularity of Ontario’s best skiing,  the world’s largest fresh water beach and for the last 25 years has attracted fans near and far the for the illustrious Elvis Festival!  Welcome to the Collingwood and Blue Mountain region!

Just a short 90 minute trip north of the city, you will be in paradise.  Some have referred to is as a destination vacation that is right here in your own backyard, so close to home.  A visit to Collingwood’s Living Water Resorts is more than a visit to a hotel on the Bay. They are uniquely different. It’s “Your destination vacation within reach”, spanning over 700+ acres of open space for you to create new memories.  They’ll serve your vacation wishes in special ways to create lasting experiences, serve your business meeting to inspire innovation, serve the bride and groom to create their perfect wedding day and serve families and their guests to create inspiring experiences.

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Their focus is constantly on serving inspiring experiences to guests, staff and the local community.

When you stay at Living Water Resorts, you’ll quickly realize the condo suites and hotel rooms offer comfortable and spacious accommodations – an escape with a touch of home.  They offer family suites that provide generous space for you and your family to relax, rejuvenate and connect, year after year, season after season.

Image of a family in a hotel room

Living Water Resorts has award-winning onsite dining options for your culinary enjoyment.  Patio, indoor, in-room or take out.

 

Located in Living Water Resort & Spa, award-winning Lakeside Seafood & Grill, Collingwood’s only waterfront restaurant features stunning, breath taking views of the Collingwood waterfront and a perfect shot of the famous grain elevators.  Open daily for breakfast (Saturday & Sunday only), lunch, and dinner all year long.  Serving Chef Emily Mallen’s inspired land to sea menus with only the freshest seasonal ingredients. Come savour a diverse choice of sustainable seafood, mouthwatering steaks and chops, a sophisticated wine list, local craft beers, and unique refreshing cocktails. Celebrate with friends and family in an inviting atmosphere with exquisite service and stunning views of Georgian Bay.  Lakeside Seafood & Grill offers a Culinary Theatre that is available for private events, business dinners, team building gatherings, or cooking classes. Private dining is also available in the elegant George Collins.

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Play, Eat and Raise a Glass at Station on the Green located at Cranberry Golf Course Collingwood’s largest patio features unparalleled views of Blue Mountain and the first fairway. Featuring quality food, delicious drinks and great entertainment at the no-reservations required pub-style eatery.  Serving lunch and dinner seasonally during the golf season, with indoor and outdoor seating.  Local musicians perform live music every Tuesday!  Whether you’re stopping by after a round of golf, or meeting friends and family or enjoying fantastic weather, Station on the Green is the perfect location to share a casual lunch, dinner or beverage with friends.

Image of a restaurant patio on the golf course

Cranberry Golf Course is a unique match of challenge and relaxation.  It’s picturesque unparalleled views of Blue Mountain and surrounding natural beauty.  It’s a 30-year tradition of inviting and inspiring.  It’s about inspiring experiences and inspiring golf days in a semi-private golf club environment.  The 6,600 yard course offers spectacular natural scenery, expansive fairways and meticulously manicured greens, along with strategically placed bunkers and water hazards. Players of all skill levels will find enjoyment and challenge playing on a course that tests even the most seasoned veteran of the sport.  Hotel guests can sign up for a complimentary golf clinic at Cranberry Golf Course. After your lesson, practice with a complimentary bucket of balls.

Image of a man golfing

When you arrive at Living Water Resorts, you are invited to unplug and share quality time with your loved ones. Embrace the views, the natural setting and indulge in the abundant nearby activities and amenities. Disconnect from everyday devices and share in family time, while connecting with the natural beauty that the playground of Blue Mountain offers.

Meet and beat your fitness goals.  Use the two onsite fitness facilities to expand your endurance limit, find your favourite new past time or challenge yourself at our onsite recreational facility.  Plus enjoy weekly classes, Yoga, Family Aqua Jam, All Ages Aqua Zumba classes and so much more!   With three onsite pools – two indoor pools and one outdoor pool – swimming lasts all year long.  For intimate or relaxing moments or warming up on cold nights, enjoy indoor or outdoor hot tubs.  During the winter months, find adventure on nearby trails or with our snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals.

Image of a mother and daughter in the pool

Adventure awaits on the waters of the Georgian Bay! Bring the whole family to get out on the water and explore Georgian Bay in a kayak, pedal boat or stand up paddleboard right on site! Hotel guests receive a free 1/2 hour Pedal Boat rental at the Living Water Marina!

Image of a couple pedal boating

Amenities like this will have the whole family asking, “are we there yet?”.  For a complete list of onsite and offsite experiences visit our Resort Guide:

Serene Wellness, Holistic Care, Spiritual Rejuvenation is something that should be on everyone’s list when visiting –  relax, refresh, and revive at Living Shore Spa.  Choose from traditional spa treatments such as massages, manicures and pedicures.  Be pampered in one of the six massage rooms or intimate couple’s massage rooms.  Experience Ontario’s only AquapathTM treatment, a refreshing hydro therapy experience transformation journey designed for perfect rejuvenation to exceed your expectations.

Image of ladies in the spa

After an exhilarating day outdoors enjoying a scenic walk, or a challenging round of golf, slip into a soothing oasis of calm.  Indulge in an unforgettable and unique therapeutic journey.

Living Shore Spa is the proud recipient of the Travelers’ Choice Award 2020 which recognizes their Spa as one of the top 10% attractions worldwide that deliver great service consistently as reflected in guest reviews.

Image of a bathtub overlooking the water

Between a grain of sand on Georgian Bay and the apex of Blue Mountain lays every activity you and your family could imagine, 365 days of the year.  This is the spot. Adventure awaits. Get lost in the trails, hiking, biking, nature watching.  Every aspect of Living Water Resorts exists to enrich your visit.  You are invited to indulge equally in pure relaxation and thrilling seasonal activities.  Embrace time spent with yourself and your loved ones.  Living Water Resorts is more than a visit to a hotel on the Bay, they are the destination vacation that you can reach.

 

Other Hidden Gems Exposed

 

Georgian Bay Hotel & Conference Centre is situated in one of Canada’s most spectacular natural landscapes, this all-season retreat puts you in a great position to explore everything the Georgian Bay area has to offer—from the scenic sands of Wasaga Beach to skiing and snowboarding. While you’re visiting, enjoy extras such as an on-site restaurant and bar, full-service spa, an 18-hole real grass putting course and more!

 

Royal Harbour Resort is located on the shore of Georgian Bay, with views of the crystal clear blue water from every suite, a true waterfront resort in The Blue Mountains.  Relax and have a comfortable stay in either a cozy open concept studio or a spacious 2 bedroom suite overlooking the Marina and Georgian Bay.  Through the perfect combination of on-site services, amenities and a prime waterfront location, they make the process of unwinding a pleasant experience. From the heated indoor salt water pool to the second floor deck overlooking the Bay, the resort facilities are designed to make your experience unforgettable.  Amenities also include and exercise room, sauna, hot tub, lighted tennis court and pickle ball court, a games room with professional pool table, barbecues and bicycles.

 

Blue Mountain Resort is always in season. Each winter the slopes come alive featuring Ontario’s Best Skiing –  34 trails across 251 acres of ski terrain. Warm weather visitors are welcomed with an incredible list of recreation and relaxation activities including golf, private beach, open-air gondola, hiking, biking, spa and more! The lively pedestrial Village is alive with shopping, dining and events year round and Resort accommodation encompasses over 800 units from cozy hotel rooms to boutique-style Village suites.

Last Minute Getaways at Ontario Resorts

It’s noon at the office on a Friday and a friend just texted you saying they feel adventurous. You can see the heat radiate from the pavement on your commute home. You feel spontaneous and think back to your younger years when travel was more straightforward and unplanned. Last-minute travel works when you’re not set on particular comforts or destinations and maybe you can make it a road trip? Or take the train? No matter how you get there, it’s time to escape to the cooling lakes, wide open fields and star-filled skies of Ontario resorts. Just pack your toothbrush and load Google Maps on your phone.

Bayview Wildwood

An all-inclusive resort like Bayview Wildwood is an ideal destination for spontaneous get-up-and-go adventures. Just pack a change of clothes and head for the shores of Sparrow Lake. If you arrive early enough you can enjoy dinner on arrival and the resort will take care of the next morning’s breakfast too, no need to worry about meal planning or the dishes. While there’s plenty to do for the whole family on the resort grounds, its location between the lake and the Canadian Shield affords visitors a number of local opportunities for exploration.

After you’ve had a good night’s sleep in your large comfortable Bayview Wildwood bed you can use the resort as home base as you trek around the surrounding Ontario wilderness. The Muskoka Wharf and Trail in Gravenhurst has 2km of mulch-based pathway extending along the peninsula that also happens to be stroller-friendly.  Over 3000 acres of wetlands full of raptors and reptiles await you at the Wye Marsh Nature Centre. Get a buzz on with beekeeping lessons and visit the observation tower.

The world’s first dark sky preserve is located a short distance from the resort in the Torrance Barrens Conservation Area. Marked by an absence of light pollution, this remarkable spot is perfect for enjoying the view of the natural surroundings and appreciating the intricacies of a starry sky. Surrounded by protected and undeveloped land, the preserve offers unobscured views of celestial lights in all their radiance. Maybe you can time your next quick trip in conjunction with a meteor shower and gaze at falling stars from one of the most idyllic stargazing destinations in Canada. If you remembered to pack your camera and a tripod, you can even try your hand at night photography.

 

Bayview

Blue Mountain Resort

So many summer nights are best enjoyed out on a patio with a glass of wine and a salty snack within arm’s reach. But maybe it’s time to switch up the old routine and make a quick trip to Blue Mountain resort where you can explore the local wine scene by way of kayak, canoe, bike, or even helicopter. Visitors can relax in the world-class amenities of the resort and explore the local wineries or if you prefer, breweries.

Instead of your back deck you can paddle down the Beaver River like a pioneer in search of fermented treasures until you arrive at Georgian Hills winery. A Georgian Hills wine tasting experience will feature wines exclusive to the region including Baked Apple Dessert Wine, Frozen to the Core Dessert Wine and yes, cheese.

A European-style cycling journey, the Pedal Paddle Adventure is a self-guided 40km quest that transports your bike by gondola to the lush rolling hills of apple orchards. After traversing the winding hills by bike you’ll rest your legs on the one hour paddle portion on the Beaver River in your choice of watercraft.

After kayaking, hiking, biking, and drinking your way through the surrounding landscape you’ll retire to Blue Mountain’s private beach on the shores of Georgian Bay. Change rooms and towel service mean you only have to bring your bathing suit.

You can also use Blue Mountain as home base as you explore Ontario’s hidden treasures with a mountaintop Segway tour. A trained guide will school you on the finer points of operating the two-wheeled Segway as you explore the wooded terrain on this off-road survey of the Niagara Escarpment and take in views of Georgian Bay. The Escarpment is also home to many glacier-carved caves and guided tours provide directions, helmets and headlamps.

Blue Mountain

Fern Resort

If you’ve ever been in traffic staring at the back of the car ahead, fantasizing about riding a jet ski and seeing the froth of a motor boat in front of you, Fern Resort has the perfect waterfront to fulfill your summer escape  fantasies. Another all-inclusive getaway, the resort will look after everything on your spontaneous last-minute trip. Quick getaways don’t always have to be action-packed and this family-friendly resort offers plenty of frills that don’t require you to break a sweat. Grab some putters and go for the next hole-in-one playing mini-putt with the kids or grab the latest in guilty pleasure reading (romance? thriller?) and find a comfortable beach chair in the shade as the kids are supervised in the resort’s Playvillage activity program. Since all meals and activities are included, you don’t have to reach for your wallet or think about your credit card balance. Fern Resort will let you escape in every way.

If your last minute trip does include a craving for adrenaline, challenge your travel companions to a spirited game of paintball. You’ll get fresh air and exercise on the rainbow-splattered battlefield of Fern Resort’s paintball range. Alternately scale the heights of the climbing wall or practice your aim at the archery range.

If rest, relaxation and a little incense are more your style, the spa at Fern has skilled practitioners of Reiki, head massage and reflexology ready to melt the stress away. If it’s warm enough all these services will be offered lakeside.

Fern Resort

Algonquin Log Cabin

Why not go camping on your last minute adventure? The Algonquin Log Cabin is even better than that, offering guided canoe treks and wilderness hikes with your own dedicated guide. Whether you want a calm canoe trip through the morning mist or to traverse white rapids, you can end your day in front of the lodge fireplace or sipping a beer on the dock. And while camping is great, the lodge beds are definitely softer and more cozy than any sleeping bag.

Elmhirst’s Resort

Elmhirst’s Resort lets you escape to the shores of Rice Lake and its sprawling, scenic grounds. Get back to nature in this environmentally sustainable resort which has enough space on the property to raise chickens, cows, ducks and turkeys as well as plenty of herbs and veggies in their vibrant gardens. Wine and dine in the Hearthside Dining Room or rejuvenate sore and tired muscles in the full-service spa surrounded by the ambiance of the natural agrarian surroundings.

Millcroft Inn

Whether you’re looking to play or unwind, the Millcroft Inn has got you covered. Located near Caledon, Ontario’s horse country, you can cheer on Olympic hopefuls at the Equestrian Park or take a trail ride by renting a horse from one of the stables. Hike the Bruce Trail or bike the Cataract Trailway then return to the resort in the evening where he Headwaters Restaurant provides a feast for the senses. There are two bonfire pits and the resort staff will be happy to start the fire for you and provide blankets to help you stay cozy.

Millcroft

Sherwood Inn

Whether you’re roaring through the forest on your own ATV with a Bear Claw Tour, sightseeing from up above with Georgian Bay Airways, or cruising on the Idyllwood yacht taking in an unforgettable Muskoka sunset, the historic Sherwood Inn will be your temporary home in between adventures. Enjoy a unique culinary experience and fresh local produce in the Vintages Dining Room and sample their creative collection of wines from around the world.

Sherwood Inn

Westwind Inn

This rustic lodge in the midst of Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park will serve as your last minute holiday oasis. The park is the second-largest in Ontario and the inn is located along a quarter mile of scenic shoreline, featuring  a private sandy beach and an inground pool for the swimmers. Nearby villages like Lakefield and Tragically Hip-inspiring Bobcaygeon are paradise for antiques, country stores and fairs.  Traverse the white water rapids of Burleigh Falls with a rented kayak or simply take in the manicured grounds and extensive perennial gardens at your own pace.

Sometimes the city is loud and muggy and you can’t remember the last time you saw the stars. You might not have the time or money to fly to a faraway destination but there’s no reason you can’t enjoy summer to the fullest with a last minute getaway or weekend trek off the beaten path in an Ontario resort. There are weekends and summer nights just begging for a spontaneous journey. These last minute trips will help you make the most of summer before it’s over.

Incredible Family Getaways in Ontario

It’s maybe the best of family traditions. Taking a nice relaxing vacation together—away from the hectic schedules of work and school—and making family memories that last a lifetime. Swimming, hiking, fishing, lounging—doing it as a family that one special time of year. The good news is that you don’t need to give up the comforts of home to get away from it all and keep that tradition alive. Most Ontario resorts go out of their way to make sure your family has everything it needs to inspire those special memories. Believe me, we’ve checked. And even made a list to prove our point. The resorts listed here cater to the specific needs of families—they offer joint activities for all family members as well as individual activities for toddlers, children, preteens and young adults. Parents who want to put their feet up and take in the beautiful scenery will have plenty of loungers and scenic sunsets and active families will find a variety of sports and recreational activities to encourage quality time together.

 

Family Water Sports, Adventure and Art Camp at Bayview Wildwood

Tucked between the wilderness of the Canadian Shield and the shores of Sparrow Lake, Bayview Wildwood is an all-inclusive resort that is perfect for family getaways. Explore Sparrow Lake with the Resorts of Sparrow Lake Cruise, wherein a friendly and knowledgeable staff member will introduce you and your family to the hidden treasures of Sparrow Lake’s scenic shores. Morning Pontoon Boat Rides to Lauderdale offer an invigorating morning trip on the calm, clear lake and sunset cruises take families around the resort to experience stunning summer sunsets from all of the best spots. Families can also make good use of the water bikes, kayaks and paddle boards to create summer memories while staying active in the great outdoors.

Bayview Wildwood also features two separate kids’ camps: the art camp will keep your young Picassos busy with improv, drama skits, craft time, talent shows, mask-making workshops, and messy art projects (bring clothes that can get dirty!). These activities are interspersed with outdoor adventures so that the artsy young ones still get the most out of the beautiful natural surroundings.

The adventure camp will teach kids valuable survival skills in an outdoor setting. Activities include a compass workshop, scavenger hunt, soccer baseball, canoe and kayak lessons, banana boating, sand castle competitions, knot-tying workshops, nature hikes, and ecology lessons in a wilderness setting where they’ll make friends for many summers to come.

And what if your kids are on the young side? A 3-to-6 program combines the age-appropriate crafts and adventures of the two  kids’ camps and delivers them in a secure and supervised setting.

bayview kids camp

Group Scuba Diving, Rock Climbing, and Ultimate Frisbee at Fern Resort

 The Fern Resort on Lake Couchiching has over 120 years of experience providing quality family vacations for guests of all ages. Allowing family members to spend time together as well as explore personal interests, the resort’s engaging staff, scenic location, and all-inclusive format will let everyone enjoy their summer, both together and on their own terms.

Family-oriented activities include Yoga, Zumba, and dance classes lead by the resort’s qualified teachers in their fitness centre. Scuba diving lessons will inspire adventurous types to live out their Jacques Cousteau fantasies and conquer the depths of Lake Couchiching. Families can also challenge themselves with the rope course and take out their frustrations in a spirited game of paintball. The resort also organizes a family scavenger hunt, allowing you and your loved ones to share an adventure in the great outdoors.

Fern Resort also offers age-specific activities. Teens (13 to 17 years) can challenge themselves by scaling the resort’s climbing wall with qualified instructors, participate in paintball battles, learn scuba diving, and relax with a game of Ultimate Frisbee. Youth (10 to 12 years) can improve their serve and backhand with tennis lessons, and learn how to bait a hook or untangle a line with fishing lessons. The Playvillage program lets younger children explore the resort under direct supervision and parents can feel secure with the sign-in-and-out structure. Younger children are supervised while they enjoy craft time, horse and carriage rides, or bounce around on the trampolines. Even nap time is supervised.

  Fern Resort

Explore the Lake of Bays with Loved Ones at Lumina Resort

Lumina Resort manages to be kid friendly while also catering to the recreational needs of parents. A mile of shoreline on the Lake of Bays will be the setting for your traditional, child-friendly family vacation, which includes full maid service, chef-prepared meals (customized for the pickiest of eaters!) and an array of supervised children’s activities. Some cottages can comfortably accommodate up to two families and others are large enough for couples and smaller groups.

Families can take advantage of Lumina Resort’s boat rentals to explore the unique shoreline and surrounding wilderness of the Lake of Bays. Rent boats by day or week and discover the sheltered coves and bays that make up this pristine body of water. There are islands to explore and the villages of Dorset, Baysville and Dwight are accessible by water for additional sightseeing. The kids can learn to fish on one of the best trout fishing lakes in Canada—after the pictures are taken and the high-fives are given out, the chef will happily prepare your family’s catch of the day upon request. Speaking of meals, the resort’s beam, glass, and stone dining room features panoramic views of the lake as well as a daily kid’s main course and dessert option, in case they don’t like the adult menu. The resort’s skilled chefs are flexible and accommodating with regards to food allergies and dietary restrictions.

Lumina Resort’s fully supervised children’s program is run twice daily and additional supervision is provided on some evenings. The resort organizes daily sports tournaments for kids and preteens and the evening social program is intended for the whole family. There is also water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing and, if you prefer to stay closer to shore, beach volleyball, ping pong, basketball, and an arcade room for those rainy days. Lumina’s Petticoat Junction offers fully supervised programming for younger children (3 to 10 years) and includes arts and crafts lessons, wilderness hikes, organized sports tournaments, and other outdoor adventures.

 

lumina sunsets

The Comforts of Home in a Wilderness Setting at Pine Vista Resort

Your family will have plenty of space to roam in Pine Vista Resort’s 200 acres of natural woodland terrain and 1000 feet of waterfront. The resort offers the natural beauty of Stoney Lake and your family can enjoy a wide variety of activities on the private sandy beach. Pine Vista’s accommodations include four-star waterfront cottages or a resort townhouse equipped with full kitchen, four-piece bathroom, living room with TV/DVD/VCR, a deck with a BBQ as well as a whirlpool and air conditioning.

The pristine Stoney Lake reaches ideal swimming temperatures in the summer and on colder days, families can take advantage of the resort’s heated swimming pool or hot tub under the stars. Canoes, kayaks, and boats are available to explore Stoney Lake or teach the little ones how to catch their first fish. Those who prefer to stay on dry land will appreciate a hike along the lake’s shoreline or cast their line off one of the docks.

Families can enjoy nightly campfires, pool and volleyball tournaments, organized canoe trips and other exciting activities for teens and adults. Children 4 years and up can take part in supervised crafts, theme days, nature hikes, as well as water sports. Organized children’s activities run Monday through Friday in the summer season for four hours per day. Experienced and certified recreation staff provide secure supervision in a fun environment. In addition to the jam-packed activity schedule, the resort also features an indoor playroom and a preschool play area beside the beach for toddlers. This fenced-in, secure area is partially shaded and includes climbers, a sandbox, a playhouse, and a teeter-totter—everything the little tykes need to enjoy the summer.

Pine Vista

A Quiet Getaway on the Scenic Waterfront of Severn Lodge

Owned and operated by multiple generations of the Breckbill family since 1936, the staff of Severn Lodge has decades of experience providing family vacations in this historic Muskoka resort. The current generation of Breckbills upholds the resort traditions of providing fun and relaxing getaways in a secluded setting on the Gloucester Pool waterway.

Parents will appreciate the lake view accommodations and variety of options for their stay at the lodge. Choose an inclusive family package and get daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, use of recreational facilities, supervised kids’ activities and evening entertainment for the whole family. Private cottages and suites with full kitchens or kitchenettes are also available, allowing your family to decide how to best enjoy the lush natural surroundings and scenic shores of Gloucester Pool.

The all-inclusive packages will take care of all the meal prep and clean up, leaving maximum time for fun and enjoyment in the Muskoka wilderness. Organized group activity options will let you enjoy each other’s company while venturing into the surrounding natural terrain on hikes and adventures with other families. The Severn Lodge dining area allows families to socialize and kids to make new friends. A robust kid’s menu will appeal to the pickiest eater, combining healthy fresh ingredients with familiar options like pizza, homemade soup, chicken fingers, and mac and cheese.

Severn from water

Blue Mountain Resort

Blue Mountain Resort has a choose-your-own-adventure philosophy for family getaways. Whether your clan is active, sporty, sun-seeking, or in need of some laidback beach lounging, this resort has an activity or comfortable lounge chair for everyone’s choosing. Children and parents can explore the two climbing walls, the Plunge! Aquatic Centre, zip lining, the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, cross-country biking, paddle boats, kayaks, and putting course, just to start.

Lakeside Cottages

An award-winning resort on the beautiful Katchewanooka Lake, the sandy beach at Lakeside Cottages resort lets families enjoy kayak lessons, canoes, and paddle boats. Rent a boat and motor or bring your own and take advantage of Lakeside Cottages’ resident fishing guide, Mike. There’s plenty of fun on shore as well, with a playground, baby swings, tree house, and beach toy box for the little ones. Sun loungers line the beach letting parents sit back and enjoy the scenery. Library books are available for beach readers or you can just sit back and watch the picturesque sunset.

Sunny Point Resort

For families who truly want to get away from it all, Sunny Point Resort on the edge of Muskoka offers the ultimate in lakefront privacy with only seven total suites in its waterfront inn. Additionally, fully equipped three to seven-bedroom cottages offer a family vacation experience off the beaten path. The resort is located on over 2,600 feet of waterfront and the clean and well-maintained cottages are pet-friendly. Families can enjoy canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, rowboats, a water slide, a water trampoline, as well as secure swimming areas, extensive docks, boat rentals, laundry service, WiFi, a video library, as well as the sauna.

This summer, nurture your family’s vacation tradition—or start one up. Experience the refreshing breezes and cooling waterways of the countryside. Try a new outdoor activity or just sit down in a lounger by the lake and enjoy the sunsets. And do it together, as a family. Because Ontario resorts let everyone, young and old, experience relaxation and recreation on their own terms with a wide range of resorts that will facilitate quality time in a beautiful natural setting.