In my case I don't take many vacations but when I do I'm looking for quality. A big part of me is my love for Ontario's northern lake country, the scenery, the swimming, the fishing and the sounds. The Lodge at Pine Cove has it all, set on the French River, like a lake with first class accomodations in new and thoughfully designed and constructed private cabins. Instant relaxation and I totally recharged in my five days there. I even napped in the afternoons, something I just don't do! Great food in lodge, great hospitality, excellent quality and value.; We'll be back next year!

Approximately 20km from the farm Town of Noelville, Ontario, Canada, the Pine Cove Lodge is like the Phoenix risen from the ashes of time. The main lodge has been rebuilt; it was abandoned after being nearly destroyed from a fire in the mid 1960s. The original was built as a fishing lodge in the 1930s. Today, it looks as stately as one would find at the Jasper Park Lodge or the Banff Springs. While a simple Lodge is not the same size, it certainly makes up in comfort, cleanliness and quality.

The "Rooms" are cabins, all a short walk from the Lodge, contain multiple bedrooms and a modern washroom, complete with a full kitchen if one choose to make meals on-site. In addition to a comfortable living room, each cabin has an enclosed porch, walled-in screens to keep the bugs out for city folk! The beds are modern in comfort and size, the modern-yet rustic, furnishings are house-sized, not hotel-sized, and the the scenery is breathtaking.

Where else can you see moose, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, magical spider webs and deer--all in full view in the same day-appear, as if on cue?

Adding to the experience are the amenities: a full breakfast delivered daily to the door of your cabin each morning, complete with fresh-baked croissants, fresh fruit, yogurt, milk, orange juice, jam, granola and butter. This is over & above the daily housekeeping which leaves the room utterly spotless and the friendly Lodge Staff, who are quick to engage eager visitors. Not to mention the ease of walking over to the dock for a fresh dip in the French River. There are also canoes and kayaks for use.

Make no mistake: the shores of the French River, aptly named by Samuel de Champlain in the 1600s as he navigated the waters of Quebec & Ontario, is wilderness living at it's finest. It is what Muskoka used to be. Don't expect your smart phones or 3G networks to be "on" here. It isn't totally remote, but it is pretty far from urban reality. If you want to get away from it all, it is the right place to relax and got lost in the quiet.

This is a jewel located on the French River. The owner has rebuilt the cabins which include studios, one, two and three bedrooms. From the exterior they appear rustic, but inside they have the amenities of a luxury hotel. We had a studio, which included a fridge, coffee maker and was situated in the trees. It felt as though we were sleeping in a treehouse. Breakfast was delivered to your door each morning in a hamper and included homemade granola, fresh cut up fruit, yogurt and the real highlight freshly baked croissants and pain au chocolat. They were scrumptious.

Although the lodge can have up to 40 people there (all staying in the cabins), you hardly notice anyone at all. There is no internet, telephone or wi-fi, but that is what makes it such a special place.

The owner takes pride in the facility and is on site and available. The food was very good. In particular we ordered a barbeque hamper for dinner and it was very plentiful and tasty. We also had dinner in the lodge and the food was quite good and wines reasonable. Overall, we were not disappointed and would return.

Experiencing the Lodge at Pine Cove is a rare opportunity you don’t want to miss. Owner and operator, Alex Strachan, had a dream and brought it to fruition. His dream ... the creation of a haven in the modern day world that not only honors the distinctive qualities of bygone times, but allows one to re-live them in this day and age, in a simple yet grand way! No expense has been spared in creating this idyllic retreat in the pristine wilderness of Northern Ontario, and from the moment one enters the doorway, the warmth and quality of The Lodge and Cottages at Pine Cove is felt.

Nestled along the banks of the French River, the setting could not be more magnificent, with the grand Lodge and each uniquely charming waterside cottage designed to blend into the natural surroundings! Artists, canoeists, hikers, fishermen ... those who simply love nature ... feel they have come home at long last. After an exhilarating day of adventure, guests are welcome to curl up with a good book by the fireplace in the legendary Lodge library!

Such is the ‘food’ for heart and soul ... and yet there is much more to say on the subject of food! From a wholesome continental breakfast (with warm fresh-baked croissants and jam) awaiting you just outside your cabin door each morning, to barbeques ‘to go’, to gourmet dinners in the dining room overlooking the water, the Chefs serve up all the heart could desire.

My suggestion? Come and experience the warm hospitality and the grandeur of The Lodge at Pine Cove. Each of us deserves to experience the more gentle pace of life as it was, and now, through the dedication of Alex Strachan and his welcoming staff, it is possible to at once immerse oneself in the simple and the grand pleasures of life ... a very special combination rarely found! I hope my sharing will encourage you to discover this Treasure at Pine Cove for yourself soon!