Dreaming of an escape? We may not be able to fly to Cuba anytime soon, but we can drive less than two hours to Elmhirst’s Resort and find an oasis of calm and a vacation that will relax and recharge our weary city bones.

Located in Keene, Ontario, near Peterborough, this 340-acre property on Rice Lake has never been more popular.

“Before COVID-19 hit about a third of our guests were American and there were many Europeans as well,” explained Anne Marshall, whose family owns and operates the resort. “Now, it’s almost 100% local, but we’re busier than ever.”

Ontarians, myself included, are exploring their backyard and discovering its treasures, and Elmhirst’s Resort is one of them.

Stay

There were 30 self-catering cottages along the lakeshore, all equipped with lake-facing decks, BBQs, living areas with fireplaces and complete kitchens. We stayed at the newly renovated Free Spirit unit, which was fully accessible with ramps and extra-large wheel-chair friendly showers. With three bedrooms and three bathrooms, it was as spacious as it was comfortable. Its best feature, though, was the serene view of Rice Lake from the back patio and large living room windows.

Dine

“It’s all about farm-to-table and being as natural as possible,” explained Anne. The farm, which raised beef cattle, chickens and turkeys, was a big part of the property along with a large garden that produced much of the restaurant’s vegetables and herbs. With ingredients this fresh, it wasn’t surprising the food was so tasty, and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal in Hearthside Dining Room.
Tip: save room for their brownies that were well worth every calorie.

Play

Escaping takes on a different meaning when we learned about the resort’s latest activity addition -- Escape the Maze experience. A cross between a scavenger hunt and an escape-room puzzle, it was a clever and fun way to explore the property.

There was some competition involved as well, and the time to beat was posted by the reception. But we navigated the course at a more leisurely pace and found spots we might have missed otherwise as well as a little about the history of the resort.

“After serving as a pilot in WWII, the resort became a full-time occupation for Arthur and his wife MaryBelle,” we read in one clue.

This connection to aviation remained an integral part of the resort, and there was a landing strip and the opportunity to take to the skies on sightseeing flights to view the land of shining lakes from above. Other winter activity options included ice skating, snow kiting, sleigh rides and snow shoeing.

Indulge

German-born Martina Lynde brought European sensibilities and a deep repository of knowledge in herbalism, Chinese medicine, massage and nutrition to the resort’s spa.

“My customers come back,” she said and told us about massages that heal, pedicures that last and their new oxygen facials.

Treatments could be booked a la carte or as part of a spa package that included accommodation and meals.
Tip: book early, as slots fill up quickly especially now with COVID-19 protocols in place. Also be sure to reserve the indoor pool, which now allows only one individual (or one group travelling together) access at one time.

Enjoying the pool to ourselves with its view of Rice Lake was a highlight of our stay and one that every guest should take advantage of.

A true escape.

To plan your experience, visit elmhirst.ca