Northern Edge Algonquin
Save
Share
Algonquin Park Access Point #1, Kawawaymog Lake, Ontario P0A 1X0 Canada
Full view
View all photos (148)148
Room & Suite (20)
Dining (13)
About
#1 of 3 Speciality lodging in Kawawaymog Lake
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
GreenLeaders Platinum level
Northern Edge Algonquin co-creates and hosts all-inclusive transformational retreats for groups of 8 to 30. We invite you to unplug in nature for our bespoke, multi-day experiences that reconnect and inspire the leader within, nourishing deep connections in our communities. Our guests sleep comfortably in private or semi-private cozy ecoluxe cabins designed in harmony with our forest home, enjoy nourishing meals crafted with care from locally-sourced ingredients, and participate in specially curated experiences hosted by local guides, facilitators, and storytellers which make use of our lakeside studio and natural gathering spaces. Groups and individuals experience a variety of experiences led by special guests, guided nature excursions (exploring by stand-up paddleboard, canoe, cross-country ski, snowshoe, bike, or hike); yoga classes, sound meditations, art experiences, and more. We might align with the pace of nature and rise with the sun to paddle a misty river in search of moose and other wildlife, or unwind in our wood-fired sauna before jumping in the lake or rolling in the snow. At night, share stories and music in the warmth of a fire circle under a festival of stars. Guests leave the Edge feeling renewed and transformed, ready to live their extraordinary life.
Read more
Full view
Property amenities
Free parking
Free breakfast
Restaurant
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Conference facilities
Meeting rooms
Non-smoking hotel
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Hidden Gem
Location
Full view
Contact
Algonquin Park Access Point #1, Kawawaymog Lake, Ontario P0A 1X0 Canada
Getting there
See all nearby hotels
153Reviews2Q+A42Room tips
Reviews
Traveller rating
- 135
- 11
- 2
- 3
- 2
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Second time at Northern Edge and definitely not the last! First was a few years ago as part of a team building weekend getaway. It was such a great experience that I knew one day I'd return - and I'm so happy I did. This second time it was as a guest over the August long weekend at one of the retreats. The location is amazing, serene, calm, eco friendly with tons to do. Want to paddle board (stand or sit!), canoe, bike, hike? All of those are options, among other activities. Food was in-credible! Every meal was a thoughtfully planned experience pulled together using ingredients sourced from local farmers, Chef Gregor's garden or right from the Edge property. All of our hosts - Tim, Lindsay and Arlene - were attentive and friendly. Facilities were super clean and comfy. There were many great moments over the weekend - sipping morning coffee on the patio while staring at the lake and beautiful garden buzzing with honey bees and hummingbirds, roasting s'mores around the campfire, gliding along the water on a paddle board or hearing the loons and waves crashing along the shore during a restorative yoga session. Northern Edge is a truly special place, one that I will continue to return to. Thanks to everyone at Northern Edge for a wonderful escape in gorgeous Algonquin!…
Read more
Date of stay: August 2019
Value
Rooms
Service
Helpful
Response from toddlesbycanoe, Owner at Northern Edge Algonquin
Responded Aug. 21, 2019
Welcome back! It is always special when guests return after many years to experience the transformations that we have undergone. Our Executive Retreats are one way of experiencing this place, along with yoga retreats and custom group programs, but from time to time we offer programs like Quest for Balance for individuals and friends to share with us. Thank you for coming back to share your long weekend with us! Best regards, Todd
Read more
+1
Amazing experience, great friendly staff, better food! Favourite parts: - lots of free time to use the property and amenities as you wish with assistance from staff - flexibility and group decision making for activities and itinerary - exploring areas around the lake on the paddle boards (bringing paints, snacks, iced tea etc) -fresh peaches and apples out all day all weekend
Read more
Date of stay: August 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
Helpful
Response from toddlesbycanoe, Owner at Northern Edge Algonquin
Responded Aug. 21, 2019
Thank you for taking the time to share appreciation for how we present programs and experiences in the Way of the Circle. I will share your kind reflections with the team.
Read more
I attended the Quest for Balance retreat in Aug 2019 along with two good friends and approximately ten other participants, with age ranges between early-20s and late-50s. My friends and I stayed in a well-built, clean cabin with three beds and a bathroom with a composting toilet and sink with potable water. The facilities were amazing, and the family has obviously built up the retreat amenities at significant expense over the years. The main building where we ate meals and did indoor yoga, the “Points North” building where the showers, common area, and “café” were located, and sauna were lovely. Outdoors was even better. A gorgeous lake with soft, sandy bottom, beautiful dock, plenty of Muskoka chairs, comfortable outdoor furniture, and sports equipment including stand-up paddle (SUP) boards, canoes, and kayaks. However, my friends and I were disappointed to discover that this was a dry weekend. The website indicated that local beer and wine would be served at meal times. The food prepared by chef Gregor was incredible, and we were expecting wine and beer to be paired to compliment his dishes. But unfortunately this was not the case. A limited amount of very inexpensive wine was served with one meal only, and only for one hour. It was very odd, and the staff seemed extremely uncomfortable discussing and serving alcohol. In my opinion, to better manage expectations, the owners should consider advertising this retreat as completely alcohol-free. We also ran into issues with regards to hot beverages. Carafes of coffee and hot water were provided in Points North at approximately 7:30 am each morning. A kettle and cups, coffee, filters, tea bags, etc. was also present in the common area, however there was a sign indicating “staff only” were to use this kettle. When asked for hot beverages outside of the early morning, staff would state that afternoon was too hot, evening was too late, etc. Also, guests were scolded for bringing ceramic mugs outside, or for not immediately washing their own cups, spoons, etc. I was scolded like a child in front of other guests for using the kettle early one morning. When I attempted to discuss the issue to determine if it was a safety or electricity concern, the facilitator stated “the [--] family is very strict about these things” and stormed out of Points North. Guests were also scolded for borrowing towels for the sauna (“the [--] family does not appreciate people using their towels”), for attempting to borrow water glasses from the main house (“the [--] family insists that glassware stay in the main house and not be used outside or in cabins”), etc. It became a running gag for the weekend to see who had gotten in trouble that day from “teacher”. It was embarrassing for grown women to be treated in this manner. As these incidents increased, I retreated. Retreated away from group meditation and yoga, away from common areas. I did my best to enjoy the company of my friends and the other guests, and appreciate the nature around me, but I was happy to leave and return to the relaxation and ease of my home in Toronto. I have a few recommendations in these areas. Firstly, I would ask that the owners remove things from common areas that bring them anxiety. If you are worried about a broken mug, or towels being used, it would be best to leave those items in areas in accessible to your guests. Also, retreat facilitators should use respectful, mature language with guests. Issues are best dealt with as they arise. Attempts to discuss any of the issues listed above during the weekend were met with silence, or limited responses with no resolution. On the last day, I spoke with the owner about a few of my concerns and, while he acknowledged that we had been “policed” during our stay, and that was not his intention, in other areas he simply said “well, we do things a little differently around here”. I sincerely hope that the owners do some soul-searching, and take time to reflect on what hospitality means and what kind of experience they want people to have on their property.…
Read more
Date of stay: August 2019
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Recommend choosing a cabin with a toilet
See more room tips
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from toddlesbycanoe, Owner at Northern Edge Algonquin
Responded Aug. 10, 2019
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me on the final morning of your experience at the end of Quest for Balance and for sharing your story about your disappointments. Indeed we do quite a bit of soul searching as a regular practice in ensuring our programs, promotions and facilitation of guest experiences is what we and our guests dream it to be. We also provide guests with an in-room guide book that explains how and why things are different here. I invite you to read ‘The story of the Edge’ on our website or in our guide book to gain a fuller appreciation for the magic we create here. Indeed, prior to and upon guest arrival we invite guests to help shape our programs based on your desires. As I mentioned to you, our guest orientation on arrival day is a big part of understanding how we co-create meaningful, memorable experiences with our guests. When we spoke we agreed that your late arrival and failure to understand the reasons behind some of our procedures created problems for you. As you indicated hot water, and complimentary tea and coffee are available to guests all day, every day and that there is no need for guests to operate burners we use to provide this service. As I explained to you the gas burner that was in use in the cafe was dangerous to operate because it does not have a proper safety switch. Our gas service technician advised us to not allow guests to operate it - our host facilitators did the same. (The burner is scheduled to be replaced.) That you repeatedly chose to turn this burner on despite this instruction from our host staff caused considerable undo stress. Guests are invited to use any and all mugs for personal use during their stay. We do ask guests to clean and return mugs after use and to not leave them unattended. Like most retreats or outdoor restaurants we prefer glassware remains indoors for the safety of all. Broken glass and bare feet do not mix. As part of our sharing and caring culture, we invite guests to share with cleanup after meal time. While we take great care in providing delicious group meals with special considerations (such as providing you with gluten-free options at every meal) we live on solar power. We do not have commercial dishwashers. Many guests remark that this intimate sharing and caring for others and chatting with others over a basin of warm suds hearkens back to a time when everyone gathered in the kitchen at grandma’s house. It is a warm and vital part of our culture. You will have read our policy on alcohol (which you agreed to as apart of the registration process) and come to understand how we serve complimentary/free locally crafted ales and wine from Viewpointe Estates Winery as a celebratory accent to many of our programs like Quest for Balance. You will have noted that our solar powered facility is dark at night and trails can be uneven. We also occasionally present guest experiences at all times of the day and some of those experiences are unsafe if guests are not fully present or their senses are compromised. Complimentary alcohol is served at times and places it is safe to do so and doesn’t interfere with delivering our transformational retreats. Our wood-fired sauna is unlike any most guests have ever experienced providing seating for up to twenty around a central Finnish sauna stove. We provide extra towels for guests who need them, but we provide a packing list that invites our guests to bring a personal towel from home. Because we live on solar-power we do not have commercial laundry service on site so we appreciate guests reusing towels or using their own from home. Our host facilitators do their best to help guests have a special stay while minimizing their impact on energy resources. You found yourself retreating. Indeed, you created quite a wonderful painting of the lakefront as part of your experience. I hope the blue water, trees, but especially the little duck bums bring you much joy as it hangs in your bathroom over the coming years. Once again, thank your for taking the time to write, providing me an opportunity to explain why things are different here. The best is yet to come.
Read more
Courtney Sinclair wrote a review May 2019
Mansfield-et-Pontefract, Canada5 contributions4 helpful votes
Northern Edge Algonquin is a beautiful and powerful Eco-resort which provides wilderness opportunities for creation, adventure, and rejuvenation. It is a truly special place where dreaming is encouraged and everything is possible. Your group may dream of painting from a canoe, sleeping on the dock under the stars, walking a labyrinth of candles, or making music in a sauna... Overall the past several years I have felt the pull to the Edge over and over for various roles and experiences. Each time my heart and eyes are opened wider and I see the world with more understanding and beauty. The Edge has shown me how to support a deeper level of connection and unity within groups and to listen deeply for the threads being woven and the ways in which we might invite them forward during an experience. I enjoy working with the Edge team in planning and unifying the pieces we all contribute to the overall experience. The team is supportive to work with as you move through regular discussions on guest dreams, creating a schedule which supports the unique elements of an Edge experience, and holding check-ins throughout the retreat for real time review of the experience, ensuring you may adjust and align as needed. Leaders, here's how you'll know the Edge is calling you.. - you're seeking to explore and move through your points of growth - you're craving deep nourishing breaths to support play and rest - your mouth is watering for a delicious culinary experience - you're called to bring people together in community - you're looking to learn new ways of leadership and of being - you're ready to ignite transformation - you believe in living in harmony with the earth - you wonder what it would like to be supported by the elements of nature - you dream of co-creating an experience where everyone's gifts and contributions are welcome…
Read more
Date of stay: August 2018Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Lots of availability for different cabin types! Some with washrooms available in them.
See more room tips
Helpful
Response from Tim Lucier, Other at Northern Edge Algonquin
Responded Nov. 4, 2020
Thank you Courtney for sharing what you've experienced at the Edge! :)
Read more
Northern Edge is a secluded spot on the edge of a beautiful lake in one of the most beautiful areas of Ontario. The staff is attentive, passionate about creating a restful experience for you and have thought of everything. The buildings are spotless and cozy and the facilities are beautiful, well laid out and fit into the natural environment. And the food -- the best, most plentiful, creative, delicious, organic local food imaginable. The equipment is fantastic, for paddle boarding and canoeing. Hiking trails nearby are spectacular. The sauna was the highlight for me, dipping into the lake and back into the sauna all afternoon meant my body was fully renewed. The yoga studio overlooking the lake and the meditation room are peaceful and lay the groundwork for a wonderful transformative retreat. It was also compact enough and well lit with very safe trails so my elderly mother could enjoy the weekend. I hope to be back!…
Read more
Date of stay: October 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
Cleanliness
Sleep Quality
Helpful
Response from Todd L, Owner at Northern Edge Algonquin
Responded Dec. 14, 2018
Hi Anna, Thank you so much for taking the time to tell your story. We hope to host you and your mother again soon. Todd
Read more
LOCATION
CanadaOntarioNortheastern OntarioKawawaymog Lake
NUMBER OF ROOMS
20
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Northern Edge Algonquin
What are some of the property amenities at Northern Edge Algonquin?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Northern Edge Algonquin?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Is parking available at Northern Edge Algonquin?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Is Northern Edge Algonquin located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.6 km away from the centre of Kawawaymog Lake.
Does Northern Edge Algonquin offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to meeting rooms and conference facilities during their stay.
Does Northern Edge Algonquin have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the lake view available here.