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