Arowhon Pines

Arowhon Pines Algonquin Park, Box 10001 Huntsville, Ontario

1-705 633 5661 fax 1-705 633 5795

A gem hidden in the woods of Algonquin Park. The vista is spiritual. The view is magnificent. As soon as I head off the highway into the park my heart beats harder. Guests stay in log cabins with a spectacular view. Each cabin has a central lounge area with a large wood burning fireplace. Some cabins have a few bedrooms. Others have 3-4 bedrooms. A honeymoon cabin is also available. Every bedroom has an ensuite.

The place is quiet. Don’t expect radios or TV’s in your room. It is so soothing to sit on the large veranda and listen to the sound of the loons. Sometimes you can spot a moose in the water.

You can laze away your days reading in your cabin or at the dock. You can be a true sportsperson or make it a leisure holiday. The hiking trails are well marked. Tennis is available. The recreation cabin shows videos each evening or you can play ping pong or other games. In the past we visited the interesting museum in the grounds of the park.

Each year at this time my sister and I head to this famous lodge for a few days of scenic view and outstanding food.

I love hearing the history dating back to 1938 when pioneer Lillian Kates began the plans for the construction of this unique resort. It was intended as a place for parents to stay who were visiting the nearby children’s’ camp. At that time there was no road. You had to come by boat and train. It took two years for local woodsmen working with a team of horses on the site, to collect and hew the logs. Lillian Kates was still the proprietor when she was 80 years old. Son Eugene and Helen Kates continued the excellent tradition. Make sure you say hello to Theresa and Adam who manage and look after the daily affairs.

Everybody is made to feel so welcome. Your bags are taken from your car and placed in your cabin. Canoes, sailboats are available to scout the many lakes of the park. Many lounge chairs sit on the brand new dock just waiting for you to leisurely enjoy the water and the scenery. The trails are well marked and you can hike for hours in the enormous park. Picnic lunches are offered to those who want to make it a lengthy adventure.

I diet for a week before I head north. Three full course meals are available daily. The food was so outstanding. Dining is a celebration here and the food is all prepared on the premises. The bread, scones and muffins are amazing. The yogurt is made in the kitchen. The ice cream is prepared here. Each meal is several courses. In the evening a large harvest table is covered with such a variety of pastries, puddings, cakes, pies and puddings. I can never stop until I have tasted several. The freshest of ingredients are used and a healthy approach presents satisfying, tasty, delicious food. Make sure you bring your own wine as Algonquin Park is not permitted to sell liquor. There is no corkage charge and you can store your wine in the fridge in your cabin.

The dining area is an architectural wonder. It is enormous and built in the round. Everybody has a view of the water. In the centre of the room is the most enormous round open fireplace. Classical music plays and the fire crackles while you dine and wine away your time.

In the last few years Arowhon has become a spot for yoga retreats and weddings. Do check it all out. In September a group of International photographers is heading to Arowhon Pines for a picture takings session. Are they ever in for a treat.