Tour operator product managers agree on one thing: the Canadian province of Ontario is a perfect outdoor destination. Hiking, canoeing and disconnecting directly on the lake are top priorities for professionals. They reveal their favorite accommodations and insider tips for Ontario for this themed week.
Simone Laux, Product Manager North America at DER Touristik, has a clear favorite in Ontario. “My favorite place to stay in the land of a thousand lakes is Arowhon Pines. The lodge, made of typical Canadian log houses, is located in Algonquin Provincial Park right on Little Joe Lake ”. It is located approximately 300 kilometers north of Toronto. Laux insider tip is also “a bit out of the way”, but still easy to reach. This refers to the Isle of Manitoulin in Lake Huron. “The island is characterized by lakes, forests and rocks and invites to long hikes. Local First Nations have an exciting culture that they are happy to share with visitors, ”Laux reports.
Angela Gaza, Product Manager in North America at FTI, it tastes the same. Arrowhon Pines Resort is also his favorite place to stay in Ontario. “The rooms are in typical Canadian log cabins and each has a sitting area with comfortable sofas and fireplaces, books and games.” On-site activities are included, such as canoe and kayak rentals or tennis, as are all meals. Gaza’s inside information is the Miminiska Lodge in Northern Ontario. “This is a unique lakeside lodge accessible only by seaplane, a two hour flight from Thunder Bay.” The cabins are right on the lake.
Dirk Büttner, head of Argus Reisen, names Stone Cove Waterfront as his favorite place to stay. In the beautiful Tobermory B&B there are small beaches, great water, nice people and great sunsets. Büttner’s insider tip is Killarney Mountain Lodge, a “little secluded hideaway to really relax”. There, a kayaking tour around George Island is a must for the expert and he adds, “Canada’s capital Ottawa isn’t really insider tip, but it’s definitely worth a visit.”
Caroline Behrends, Canadian expert at TUI, is drawn to the Bruce Peninsula National Park in Ontario. It is a nature lover’s paradise. “The Grotto with the turquoise pool and intricate rock structures is simply fascinating,” enthuses Behrends. “Take a glass boat from Tobermory to the uninhabited Flowerpot Island with its unusual rock formations on the shore,” advises the Canadian expert. Or take the ferry to Manitoulin Island, which is “spiritual and mysterious”. But Behrends also recommends the metropolis. “Toronto is a must when traveling through Ontario. The lakeside city has a special touch, is multicultural and has trendy neighborhoods ”.
Annica Grosche, Senior Product Manager of America Unlimited, moves to family-owned Elmhirst’s Resort on Rice Like, just 90 minutes from Toronto. “Here you have the perfect holiday”, enthuses Grosche. “Typical cottage life right on the lake, just like you imagine it in eastern Canada.” The catering is excellent, everything is served according to a farm to table concept of the region. Manitoulin Island and nearby Killarney Provincial Park are also a Grosche council, guests can expect interesting First Nations culture on the world’s largest freshwater island.
Anna Metzner, Product Manager at CRD, enthusiastic about Bartlett Lodge, a small historic property in Algonquin Provincial Park. “The lodge can only be reached by water taxi, the location directly on the lake is unique and the activities on offer attract every guest.” “A magical place in northwestern Ontario. There is a lot to experience here and great campsites, “says Metzner.
Arlett Walleck, Senior Travel Product Manager North America von Tourlane, has two suggestions: the Hondoo Island Chalet and the Algonquin Park Private Island Retreat on Lake Kawawaymog. “Both accommodations are located on private islands, which you then owe to yourself. The landscape with the lake, the surrounding forests and the activities are exactly what many imagine when it comes to Canadian nature ”. However, you can get there from Toronto in half a day. Walleck’s secret tip is Prince Edward County on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario. “There are fantastic sand dunes, wineries and pretty towns. Very popular with the Torontonians, the locals. “
Sarina Keil, Product Manager von Canusa, can hardly decide. “There are so many great places to stay in Ontario.” The Boathouse Country Inn in the 1,000 Island Region is one of them. “Idyllic right on the St. Lawrence River, right outside the door, the excursion boats leave for the tours. The Sheraton Fallsview in Niagara Falls is also one of their favorites. “A modern hotel with a great view of the cascading water masses.” Keil advises nature lovers to take a detour to Bon Echo Provincial Park, “ideal for hiking and canoeing, the perfect time to travel is in the fall when the leaves change color.”
You can find out more about Canada’s diverse province with our Ontario themed week on Counter vor9: news, background and tips for travel agency advice.
