Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat

ONTARIO, CANADA

THE PERSONALITIES

Couples looking for a country-perfect wedding. Water connoisseurs. Hikers. Yogis. Astronomy enthusiasts.

MOMENTS

Morning yoga by the pond. Lazy afternoons in Muskoka chairs. Stories around the campfire. Falling asleep to the cool Ontario breeze. Waking up to horses wandering the meadow. Serenity and peace. Canadian wilderness at its best.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Whispering Springs welcomes guests from May through October. Spring brings the property to life with vibrant blooms and abundant wildlife—keep an eye out for resident geese with their goslings, wild turkeys, and even the occasional river otter or fox. As summer arrives, warm, balmy nights are perfect for gathering around the campfire, where fireflies dance over the spring-fed pond and the Milky Way stretches across the sky. Late summer and fall hold a special charm as the landscape transforms with vivid autumn colors. Nestled in the heart of Ontario’s apple country, Whispering Springs becomes the perfect base for exploring nearby orchards, attending local fall fairs, and enjoying the season's apple festivities.

COST

WHY STAY

Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat is a luxury glamping experience surrounded by the beauty of the Canadian nature in Northumberland County, Ontario. The retreat’s signature safari tents are inspired by Canada's historical prospector tents, featuring custom-made furnishings, plush king-sized beds, stand-alone soaker tubs, and electric fireplaces for a cozy ambiance. Each tent is thoughtfully designed to offer views of the spring-fed ponds and surrounding forests.

Beyond the luxurious tents, Whispering Springs offers an array of amenities that elevate the wilderness experience. Guests can relax by the saltwater pool, soak in the hot tub, or embrace the benefits of the cold plunge and sauna. A highlight of Whispering Springs is its Forest Chapel, nestled within an ancient grove of towering cedars and pines. This enchanting space is perfect for intimate weddings and elopements, offering a fairytale setting for unforgettable ceremonies.

Whether it’s morning yoga by the pond, evenings spent by the crackling fire, or simply relaxing in your private tent surrounded by nature, Whispering Springs allows guests to experience the best of the Canadian wilderness with a conscious approach to sustainability. By thoughtfully protecting the surrounding environment and minimizing their ecological footprint, the retreat ensures that guests can feel good about their stay while fully embracing the serene beauty of the outdoors.

WHY WANDER

Nestled in the picturesque rolling hills of Northumberland County, Whispering Springs is just a 10-minute drive from the scenic shores of Lake Ontario. The charming, historic towns of Cobourg, Port Hope, Warkworth, and Brighton are all nearby, offering guests a taste of local culture and history. Within a 20-minute drive, you can explore the pristine beaches of Presqu’ile Provincial Park and Cobourg’s Victoria Beach. Just 30 minutes away lies Prince Edward County, a renowned destination for wine enthusiasts, with its many beautiful wineries and exceptional culinary experiences.

At Whispering Springs, the surrounding wilderness offers over 4 km of biking, hiking, and walking trails that wind through dense woods. Guests can fish, paddle out on a serene sunrise canoe ride over the spring-fed waters, or simply soak in the abundant wildlife. Those seeking a deeper connection to the land can enjoy equine therapy or sound healing. As the day winds down, there’s nothing like gathering around a campfire under a starlit sky to complete a day of adventure and relaxation.

INDULGE IN

For breakfast, guests can pre-order a Traditional or Mimosa Breakfast Basket delivered directly to their tent. These baskets include homemade granola, yogurt, fresh berries, a baked good, and fresh orange juice for a perfect start to the day.

For dining, guests can enjoy wood-fired pizzas prepared in the outdoor pizza oven or indulge in comfort food favorites like campfire mac ‘n cheese. Additionally, Whispering Springs offers cook-your-own BBQ dinner kits, featuring options such as freshly caught bass or trout and locally sourced meats and vegetables.

The Watering Hole Guest Lounge & Bar offers signature cocktails, such as the s’mortini and cedar-smoked old fashioned, elevated with fresh herbs from the property’s gardens and locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms. The bar also features a wide array of artisanal mocktails, coolers, ciders, and local craft beers, complemented by a curated wine list that highlights house wines from Prince Edward County alongside international selections.

GETTING THERE

Whispering Springs is situated just 90 minutes east of Toronto. Traveling by car is recommended to fully enjoy the charming nearby towns and scenic country roads along the shores of Lake Ontario. For those using public transportation, guests can take a train to Cobourg, ON, followed by a 25-minute taxi ride from the Cobourg VIA station to reach Whispering Springs.

WILD INITIATIVES

Whispering Springs is nestled around a natural spring and underground aquifer, with its entire design focused on preserving the water source and protecting the surrounding landscape and wildlife. The resort’s tented accommodations are thoughtfully crafted to minimize ecological impact, blending harmoniously into the environment with a light footprint.

Sustainability is at the heart of the operation, incorporating regenerative practices such as growing herbs and ingredients for signature cocktails and meals at the Watering Hole, eliminating single-use plastics, utilizing on-demand hot water systems, and maintaining robust recycling and composting programs.

The resort is equally committed to accessibility, ensuring that the wilderness experience is available to everyone, including those with physical disabilities. In line with this mission, Whispering Springs hosted its first Camp Moonlight event, offering children with physical disabilities and their families a complimentary two-night stay. For many participants, it was their first opportunity to enjoy camping in nature, overcoming barriers often presented by traditional setups. Future plans include the construction of a fully wheelchair-accessible tent, further enhancing the ability for all guests to experience the serenity and beauty of the natural surroundings.

*Images property of Whispering Springs

 Drake Devonshire + Drake Motor Inn

Prince Edward County, Canada

THE PERSONALITIES

Lovers of art and design. Natural wine enthusiasts. Foodies. Teams looking for an intimate corporate retreat.

MOMENTS

Lakeside views. Original artwork. Watching geese fly overhead from a private beach. Bike rides to vineyards. Walks through lavender fields. S’mores and outdoor fires. Live music sunset sessions.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

All year! Winter promises cozy nights by the fire, while summer is perfect to experience everything Prince Edward County has to offer.

COST

WHY STAY

Drake Devonshire is a charming boutique hotel, residing lakeside in the scenic Wellington, Prince Edward County. The all-season Canadian retreat offers art installations throughout the property, weekly cultural programs, and a restaurant that proudly showcases the region's local flavors. The design seamlessly combines contemporary and traditional, rural and urban elements, creating a haven where travelers, artists, and locals converge.

Devonshire's 13 rooms and suites are thoughtfully designed, each featuring custom furniture, original artwork, and personalized amenities. From the intimate Stargazer Crash Pad with its picturesque skylight to the Creekside Balcony rooms providing a view of Lane Creek, the accommodations offer a diverse range of experiences. The Foundry Guestrooms, housed in the original part of the inn, showcase playful rustic Canadiana with modern touches. The Loft, a two-bedroom suite, is ideal for families or groups seeking spacious and stylish comfort. The award-winning Owner's Suite stands out with its breathtaking views of Lake Ontario, wood-paneled peaked ceiling, fireplace, and bespoke furniture, offering an expansive and luxurious escape. Guests can enjoy nightly turn-down service, complimentary morning scones, and curated amenities that enhance their County stay.

Just down the street is Drake Motor Inn, Devonshire’s pet-friendly sister property. The Inn is charming blend of classic roadside motel nostalgia and modern boutique accommodations. With 12 playful guest rooms, Drake Motor Inn features contemporary art and photography installations and a keyless, digital self-check-in for convenient arrivals. The pet-friendly lodge even provides 'Woof' beds and treats for furry family members. The world's only Drake vending machine, available 24/7/365, offers a unique selection of Canadiana-themed shoppables and edibles. Additionally, guests can document their holiday memories with complimentary vintage Polaroids. After a day of exploration, visitors can unwind in the communal living room, outdoor terrace, and around the firepit.

The exclusive lakeside amenities accessible by both properties include a beach bar, an outdoor sauna near the water's edge, beachfront decks with loungers, and full access to lakeside swimming, all providing a perfect retreat by the lake. The Creekside area boasts a variety of garden games, including boules and pickleball on brand-new courts, as well as ping-pong, oversized Jenga, and other lawn games. Abundant wellness programs offer activities such as yoga and lakefront workouts in the summer, and snowshoeing in the winter months.

WHY WANDER

Prince Edward County is a perfect destination for those seeking a balance of nature, culture and gastronomy. Explore the beauty of Sandbanks Provincial Park, considered one of Canada's best beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, water sports, and fishing. Visit a Lavender farm in the summer. Go snowshoeing in the winter. In the town of Wellington, the thriving arts scene beckons with galleries and artists' studios showcasing a diverse range of works, from naturalist landscapes to abstract art.

The County is renowned for its wineries. Noteworthy mentions are Rosehall Run, known for its sparkling rosé, Karlo Estates accessible via the Millennium Trail, Closson Chase, owned by prominent figures in Canadian arts and media, Trainor Family Vineyard and Trail Estate Winery known for their natural wine.

Drake Devonshire boasts a prime location within walking distance of local restaurants, galleries, stores, the farmers market, Wellington Beach, and the scenic Millennium Trail. Guests can enjoy bespoke tours and tastings at County farms, vineyards, cideries, distilleries, studios, historic sites, and parks, ensuring a unique and immersive experience.

INDULGE IN

Cocktails and cuisine that celebrate the location, featuring Chef Pop Ups with local, national, and international chefs. Contemporary lake and farm-to-table cuisine at Devonshire’s waterfront restaurant. Fresh-baked blueberries scones in the morning and chocolate chip cookies at turndown. Natural wine. Craft beer. Weekly theme nights.

GETTING THERE

Prince Edward County is a scenic 2 hour drive from Toronto.

Photos property of Drake Devonshire and Drake Motor Inn

 GLEN Oro Farm

Canada

THE PERSONALITIES

Equestrians. Stargazers. Writers. Lovers and friends looking for a country venue for weddings and celebrations.

MOMENTS

A blanket of stars. Riding through the forest. Cold plunge in the wild. Food made over the fire. Creativity and silence. Living in the moment.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

All year. Summers offer views of lush green foliage, while the winter months promise cozy nights by the fire.

COST

WHY STAY

Glen Oro, originally settled in 1841 and purchased by the Saila family in 1967, has operated as a premier equestrian facility for over 50 years. The farm breeds, boards, trains, and competes with horses, hosting various events annually. Recently, Glen Oro expanded its offerings to include weddings, glamping farm stays, and trail rides, inviting guests to explore its scenic valley in Oro-Medonte, Ontario, Canada.

Nestled between Oro Mountain and a protected wetland, Glen Oro boasts ancient trees and abundant wildlife. The farm holds historical significance, with ties to Sir Samuel Steele of the Northwest Mounted Police. Guests can enjoy unique accommodations like the Explorer’s Tent and Stargazer Dome, featuring modern amenities and eco-friendly designs. The Explorer’s Tent offers immersive forest experiences with ensuite bathrooms, showers, and essential kitchenettes. The Stargazer Dome provides a loft bed under a skylight, ensuring breathtaking night sky views. Both accommodations focus on sustainability with composting toilets and UV-filtered water from the Oro-Moraine Aquifer. The Galaxygazer Dome, the largest luxury accommodation, includes a full kitchen, custom bathroom, and two king-sized beds, with designer furniture and large windows for landscape views. Guests can also experience a wood-fired sauna and cold plunge in the wild, which offer numerous health benefits such as detoxification, improved cardiovascular function, and stress relief.

By seamlessly integrating luxury, nature, and sustainability, Glen Oro redefines the retreat experience, providing opportunities for personal growth and new adventures.

WHY WANDER

Life at Glen Oro is about embracing nature, finding peace in the countryside, and connecting with animals, friends, and family. Oro-Medonte features tall forests, lakes, rivers, and numerous trails, and the Farm provides a platform for guests to learn about the environment, agriculture, and livestock.

Glen Oro hosts Ontario Horse Trials Association competitions, showcasing their passion for horses. Trail rides take guests through fields, forests, and stunning vistas, offering opportunities to see wildlife like deer, foxes, and turkeys. These rides emphasize the bond between horse and rider, covering grooming, saddling, and safety.

Nearby attractions include Vettä Nordic Spa in Horseshoe Valley, offering a wellness experience in nature, and Quayle’s Brewery, known for its craft beer made with spring water and farm-fresh hops.

INDULGE IN

Glen Oro Farm offers exceptional dining experiences, including a private chef service and gourmet meal deliveries. Guests can indulge in a fireside dinner with Chef Paul of Laforet Catering, who prepares custom menus using locally sourced ingredients. Additionally, "Chopped Canada" Champion Chef Melanie Robinson, owner of The Eclectic Cafe, offers a variety of brunch boxes, charcuterie platters, and dinner options. These delicious, locally sourced meals are delivered directly to guests' glamping sites.

Additional dining recommendations in the area:

• The Common Stove

• Picnic | Old World Tapas & Wine Bar | Old Town Grocer

• The Hog And Penny Pub

• Rustica|Pizza|Vino

• The Eclectic Cafe

GETTING THERE

Glen Oro Farm is 90 minutes north of Toronto, near Orillia in the Township of Oro-Medonte.

WILD INITIATIVES

"Marion's Garden" at Glen Oro Farm started with rhubarb plants brought from England in the 19th century and has since expanded into a large vegetable garden. This garden not only supplies food for farm guests but also serves as an educational platform, sharing generations of sustainable farming knowledge. By teaching optimal planting times, crop rotation, and climate-specific gardening practices, Glen Oro helps visitors understand local food sources and apply sustainable food production techniques in their daily lives, aiming to combat climate change and optimize diets according to the growing season.

Photos property of Glen Oro, Destination Ontario, Room and Wild, Peter Lusztyk, Video by Andy Huckle

Wander the Resort

Prince Edward County, Canada

THE PERSONALITIES

Travellers looking for a weekend escape. Families with a taste for luxury. Wine lovers. Wellness aficionados. 

MOMENTS

Scandinavian luxury meets lakefront living. S’mores by the fireplace. Stargazing from an outdoor jacuzzi. Watching the sun go down from a private lakeside sauna. Biking through vineyards, fields of lavender and alpaca farms.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

All year! Winter promises cozy nights by the fireplace, while summer is perfect for active guests who’d like to experience everything Prince Edward County has to offer.

COST

WHY STAY

Wander is a first-of-its-kind luxury cabin resort in the heart of Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada. The modern retreat consists of 10 Lakeside and Poolside Cabins, the Wander Haus (perfect for a large family or group of friends), and the soon-to-launch treehouse-style Treeside Cabins. The contemporary spaces are complete with Nordic design, European-style kitchens, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, heated floors, private outdoor showers, and organic linens. Come for the long private beachfront. Stay for the warm hospitality and luxury in every detail.

WHY WANDER

A coffee table book is waiting for you inside your cabin with curated recommendations of where to eat, play and wander in Prince Edward County. Summer activities include relaxing at Wander's Beach Club or by the pool & hot tub; spending the day at the sand dunes, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs of the Sandbanks Provincial Park; biking through vineyards and breweries, while tasting samples along the way; and alpaca farm visits to name a few. Winters offer a true “hygge” vibe. (Hygge is a word in Danish and Norwegian that describes a mood of coziness) Snowshoe and sleds are available at the resort should you choose to go for an outdoor adventure.

INDULGE IN

Really good local coffee (Cherry Bomb) and a s’mores kit waiting for you in the cabin. Orange wine. Some of the best croissants you’ll ever have. Upon request, Wander will stock your kitchen with groceries from local vendors should you choose to cook or barbecue. Venture out for wood-fired pizza at the Terracello Winery or peach cider at the County Cider Company.

GETTING THERE

Wander is located on West Lake and Prince Edward County is a scenic 2 hour drive from Toronto.

Photos property of Wander the Resort; Patrick Biller and Denis Lipman.

COMPASS ROSE SUITES

PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, CANADA

THE PERSONALITIES

Winos. Weekend Warriors. Landscape design lovers. Couples looking for a country-perfect wedding.

MOMENTS

Waking up to birds. The scent of wild roses. Biking through vineyards, fields of lavender and alpaca farms. Stargazing from your private terrace. 

BEST VISITING MONTHS

May to September

COST

WHY STAY

Compass Rose Suites is a boutique bed and breakfast in a stunning countryside that is Prince Edward County, Canada. Surrounded by gardens of wild flowers, meadows, and a mixed hardwood forest, the hotel is a perfect getaway for anyone looking to reconnect to their surroundings.

The converted farmhouse combines traditional design of early Prince Edward County architecture with modern accents and is complimented by a beautifully landscaped garden. There are 3 spacious suites, a large kitchen, a dinning room, and a living room with a fireplace. The house comes with full access to the rustic barn and a glass greenhouse, perfect for private events and is also available to be rented as a whole.

Choose the Mistral Suite in the North West wing of the house, opening up to the garden and overlooking the front meadow; the Sirocco Suite, a more spacious option with an oversized bathtub, and an herb garden right outside the door; or the luxurious Zephyr Suite, built as a multi-level loft, and complete with a private terrace

WHY WANDER

Compass Rose is surrounded by wineries, beaches, lakes and islands. Visit the sand dunes and towering limestone cliffs of the Sandbanks Provincial Park. Bike through vineyards and breweries, tasting samples along the way. Simply relax in your private garden or hike the surrounding 100 acres of deciduous forest with its hidden meadows and charming farmland. 

INDULGE IN

Very special breakfast. Wine from more than 20 local wineries. Visit Norman Hardie Winery and Terracello Winery for wood-fired pizza or County Cider Company for their peach cider. Private chef dinners are available at Compass Rose Suites upon request. 

GETTING THERE

Compass Rose Suites is a 2 hour drive from Toronto.

*Images property of Compass Rose Suites and Room + Wild