Bear Trails Resort – Couples Only – In Ontario, Canada
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Magical moments happen.at the Bear Trail Couples Resort in Whitney, Ontario, Canada, tucked away in the incredible Algonquin Provincial Park. This cozy and posh get-a-way for "couples-only" allows opportunities to re-connect and celebrate life and love.
I learned very quickly after speaking to a few guests on a weekend in November that the resort caters to the couple that never gets any time alone. The couple that sees each other for five minutes in the morning and maybe just and hour at night. The opportunity to spend 2-3 days alone to rejuvenate, re-energize and rejoice sounds nice, don't you think? Well hang on to your hats, my story gets better.
There are times in everyone's life when you wish you could slow down time or even stop the clock to make a special moment last just a little bit longer. Whether it's sitting in front of a warm crackling fire on a cool Northern Ontario evening or standing on a high and windy lookout point gazing into an ocean of endless colored terrain. Life seems perfect and the thought of being anywhere else on earth unimaginable. It's these short-lived moments that make the harsh realities of day-to-day life worth it all, even if it is only for a brief moment in time.
The ever popular 7,725 square kilometers Algonquin Provincial Park has been enjoyed by travelers, voygeurs, and scouts since the mid-1800's. The park was inhabited by bands of native Indians and later logging pioneers. Today Algonquin is the most important area in Canada for biological research.
The adventurous possibilities are endless: Camping, canoeing, hiking and biking are the few activities that lure both Canadians and non-Canadians to visit this natural wonder. Imagine hearing the sorrowful howl of a wolf, the echoing call of a loon, or the sound of your paddle gently cutting through water during a canoe trip on a quiet, misty morning. Whatever your experience is in Algonquin Park it is guaranteed to be memorable. Please be advised that although Mother Nature can be beautiful, she can also be dangerous. So before setting out for you adventure be certain of the necessary precautions one must take. For more information, visit the park at http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca.
A $10CND/day permit is required to visit any of the park's museums or trails and can be purchased at the park office. The Algonquin visitor center is also a must to appreciate the park's natural and human history—a theatre presentation helps to better understand Algonquin's story, along with many life-like exhibits. The park is a perfect destination to get-a-way, get rejuvenated, and get back to nature.
Thirty-five years ago Fritz Sorensen, a foreman in a manufacturing plant in Toronto, decided upon retirement to follow his dream and open a couples resort with his wife, Gertrude—in beautiful Whitney, Ontario on Galeairy Lake on the East Gate of Algonquin Park. Over the years the whole Sorensen family has become actively involved in the business. Their three sons, John, Mark and Paul, daughter Evelyne and John's wife Annica, have all played roles in making the resort what it is today.
Originally the land was used as a fishing lodge equipped with only seven basic cabins. But over time the resort has emerged from its cocoon and has been transformed into a majestic butterfly, now occupying 48 rooms, suites, and cabins, due to the Sorensen's hard work. Amongst the rooms the resort also offers six villas, three chateaus, and 20 bridal rooms of choice.
All of the suites, chateaus, cabins and rooms offer the following: refrigerator, coffee machine, tea kettle, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fluffy duvet, large stone wood burning fireplace (and wood), cable TV, VCR, free movies, hair dryer, vanity mirror, ironing board, and terry velour bath robes. Prices vary depending on where you choose to stay and the time of year you're booking. Feel free to take a virtual tour by visiting Bear Trail Resort website. The most popular time of year to visit is from mid-July to the end of October. The resort is closed for six weeks from mid-November to December 27th, and the month of April.
Now before I go on I need to express how awe-struck I was by what the resort has to offer. You can only imagine my reaction when I was able to experience it first hand. Allow me to set the scene.
I arrived on a typical cool and sunny Ontario afternoon; the air was crisp and the colored leaves were beginning to fall like clockwork, marking the turn of a new and wonderful season. Already impressed by my scenic drive on winding dirt roads boarding quiet lakes, I couldn't imagine my day becoming any more perfect. Approaching Whitney I spotted a beaver sitting on some barely frozen ice building himself a place to reside. I strategically pulled over and watched him hard at work—in a moment he noticed me and dove under the tissue paper thin ice. It was time for me to find my bed for the night as well, I thought, and continued on my journey.
The resort is tucked away down a hidden gravel road and hugs Galeairy Lake—seven miles of sparkling water and hidden coves disappearing well into Algonquin Park. If you sit quietly by the shoreline you will hear the haunting call of the loons communicating to each other. Beaver, otter, deer, and moose are spotted in the area. Fish of all shapes, colors, and sizes can be caught either off the shore, or on canoe trips in the summer. The resort's Chef, Subie Cybulskie, is happy to cook your cleaned fish for dinner at no extra charge.
Pulling into the resort I instantly felt a sense of comfort. Log cabins were to my left and welcoming forested land to my right, and an inviting main house straight ahead. I understood why the get-a-way was classified as "quaint and cozy". There is more of a feeling of being a guest in a friend's home, rather than a number in a big hotel. Couples of all ages were checking in, one after the other, ready for their weekend of magic to begin. I watched one couple exchange a silent and knowing recognition with each other, while Tonya, the pleasant young clerk at the front desk told them about what facilities the resort has to offer.
In the fall and winter season the Bear Trail Couples Resort offers an abundance of activities, such as: hiking Algonquin Park (a spectacular walk is a 2.7 km trek on Lookout Trail, overlooking the park); mountain biking 35km of mysterious and beautiful terrain located along the fabulous Madawaska River; badminton and tennis on the on-site courts when the weather applies; all-terrain-vehicle tours (1.5 hour trip is $70CND, info can be gathered at
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Joanna Niebler, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com
About the Author
Joanna Niebler, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Leave your email next to the logo for FREE e travel newsletter.