16 GO RESORTING GUIDE 2017 Basked in history, Ontario’s Resorts, Inns and Lodges capture the imagination as you see a horse-drawn carriage pull up to the front doors or a steamship glide past, just as would have been commonplace in years past - such resorts exist in every re- gion in Ontario, each with a unique story to immerse yourself in. Does the thought of spending a few nights in one-time woolen mill, a former fruit cannery, a wil- derness park, or a two-hundred year old English style estate fire your imagination? You can, right here in Ontario. With the rise of culinary travel there is a surprising range of terroir within our prov- ince —from the fresh fish, cranberries and wild blueberries of the north to fresh fruits and award-winning wines of Prince Ed- ward County and Niagara - elevated to new heights by a generation of ambitious and skilled chefs the envy of anywhere in the world. Seasonal menus take advantage of the best produce the locality provides. You won’t just experience a destination and its region; you’ll taste it. After a couple of days of behavior that can only be described as languid, idling be- tween a sun-drenched patio, the spa and the hotel restaurant, perhaps interrupted by a casual game of tennis or a lazy lap in the pool, you will probably decide you should, perhaps, like to do something. - venture off-property to track down some of the local sights and sounds. Thank- fully, Ontario’s resorts find themselves nestled comfortably in some of the most entrancing regions in the province - the bucolic Niagara Peninsula with its rich heritage and delightful vineyards; - the rugged shores Georgian Bay with its windswept pines and crystalline waters that stretch out beyond the horizon; - the famed wilderness, lakes and small- town charms of Cottage Country; - the unique blend of scenery and sports of the Blue Mountains. By all means, enjoy all the resort has to offer, with the option to explore the local region it calls home. This wide range of re- sorting options is what makes Ontario so interesting and exciting; there is such vast range in the types of areas you can explore and experiences you can enjoy within the province’s borders. Every reason and sea- son for travel is different and within On- tario there’s a property to satisfy the travel needs of any potential guest. Ontario’s resorts tick the vacation hit-list, with first-rate spas, fabulous dining, conge- nial staff and proximity to some of the most happening communities and excit- ing natural locations in the country. But the real stars here are the memories you’ll take with you when you leave. That’s a real vacation, the kind that makes you go ‘aahhh’. Andrew Hind is a freelance writer specializing in travel and history. Together with Maria Da Silva, he has authored 17 books, including Muskoka Resorts; Then and Now and Sherwood Inn: 75 Years of Tradition. DISCOVER EXPLORE SAVOUR • Diverse settings – natural locations for relaxing, adventure and more • Indulge in Resort pampering • Comes in all shapes and sizes – some elegant, rustic, some casual, informal • A plethora of amenities and activities to entertain • Diverse accommodation choices