FAQ
General Resort
Q: Where is Elmhirst’s Resort located?
A: Elmhirst’s Resort is located at 1045 Settlers Line, Keene, Ontario, on the north shore of Rice Lake in the heart of the Kawarthas. The resort is approximately 90 minutes from Toronto and 3 hours from Ottawa.
Q: Is Elmhirst’s Resort open year-round?
A: Yes, Elmhirst’s Resort is open all year round. Each season offers a unique experience, from summer water activities and hiking to winter skating and cozy cottage stays.
Q: Is Elmhirst’s Resort family-friendly?
A: Yes, Elmhirst’s Resort welcomes guests of all ages. The resort offers a wide range of activities suitable for families, including swimming, hiking trails, boat rentals, and farm experiences.
Q: Is Elmhirst’s Resort pet-friendly?
A: Yes, Elmhirst’s Resort has a select number of pet-friendly cottages available. Pet-friendly cottages are subject to availability and an additional fee and must be requested at the time of booking.
Q: How do I contact Elmhirst’s Resort?
A: You can reach us by phone at 1-855-919-0547, by email at elmr@elmhirst.ca, or through the contact form on our website at elmhirst.ca/contact.
Q: Are service animals welcome at Elmhirst’s Resort?
A: Yes, we welcome persons with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals are allowed on all parts of our premises that are open to the public and third parties. A service animal can be easily identified by visual indicators, such as a harness or vest, or by the person’s assistance with certain tasks. When we cannot readily identify that an animal is a service animal, our staff may ask for documentation from a regulated health professional confirming that the person needs the service animal for reasons related to their disability.
Cottages & Accommodation
Q: How many cottages does Elmhirst’s Resort have?
A: Elmhirst’s Resort has 30 waterfront cottages, all nestled along the shores of Rice Lake.
Q: What is included in the cottages?
A: All cottages include a fully equipped kitchen, BBQ, private deck, dock access, fireplace, flat screen TV, and free WiFi. Cottages vary in size and configuration to suit couples, families, and small groups.
Q: How do I check availability and make a reservation?
A: You can check availability and book directly at elmhirst.ca or by calling 1-855-919-0547. Bookings can also be made through our online booking system.
Q: What is the check-in and check-out time?
A: Check-in begins at 4:00 PM, and check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A: Please contact us directly at 1-855-919-0547 or elmr@elmhirst.ca for details on our current cancellation policy, as terms may vary by booking type and season.
Q: How much does it cost to stay at Elmhirst’s Resort?
A: Nightly cottage rates range depending on the cottage, season, and length of stay. We also offer weekly rentals, weekend packages, and specialty weekend retreats. All rates are quoted in Canadian dollars, and HST is additional.
Q: Do you offer any discounts or packages?
A: Yes, we offer several packages, including the Couch Potato Package, the Two Night Spa Package, the Midweek Serenity Spa Package, and a 60 Plus Senior’s Discount of 15% off midweek stays for guests 60 and over. Visit elmhirst.ca/events-and-packages for current offers.
Q: Can large groups be accommodated?
A: Yes, Elmhirst’s Resort is well-suited for group stays. Multiple cottages can be booked together, and some adjoining cottages can be combined into larger units. Please contact us directly to discuss group bookings.
Q: Are the cottages accessible for guests with mobility needs?
A: Yes, we have accessible cottage options available. Please contact us at 1-855-596-2369 when booking to discuss your specific requirements.
Dining
Q: What dining options are available at Elmhirst’s Resort?
A: Elmhirst’s Resort has two dining venues. The Hearthside Dining Room offers fine dining with locally sourced farm-to-table cuisine and scenic views of Rice Lake. The Wild Blue Yonder Pub & Patio is a casual option serving comfort food and local craft beers, with outdoor patio seating available in warmer months.
Q: What are the hours for the Hearthside Dining Room?
A: Monday to Saturday: Breakfast 8:00–11:00 AM, Lunch 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, Dinner 5:00–8:00 PM. Sunday: Brunch 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, Dinner 5:00–8:00 PM. Hours may vary seasonally.
Q: What are the hours for the Wild Blue Yonder Pub & Patio?
A: The Wild Blue Yonder is open daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Hours may vary seasonally.
Q: Do I need a reservation for dining?
A: Reservations are recommended for the Hearthside Dining Room. The Wild Blue Yonder Pub & Patio welcomes walk-ins, though reservations are appreciated during busy periods.
Q: Does Elmhirst’s Resort grow some of its own food?
A: Yes, Elmhirst’s Resort is a working farm. Ingredients grown and raised on the property, known as Elmhirst’s Own, are used exclusively in our restaurant kitchen, making for a truly authentic farm-to-table experience. These products include beef, turkey, vegetables, herbs and honey.
Spa
Q: What services does The Spa @ Elmhirst’s offer?
A: The Spa @ Elmhirst’s offers a full range of treatments, including massages, acupuncture, tui na massage, facials, manicures, pedicures, body treatments, waxing, eye care, day spa packages, and group spa packages.
Q: What are the spa’s hours of operation?
A: The Spa @ Elmhirst’s is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Q: Do I need an appointment for the spa?
A: Yes, all spa services are by appointment only. Please call 1-800-461-1940, contact the front desk or book online.
Q: Can non-resort guests use the spa?
A: Yes, The Spa @ Elmhirst’s is open to both resort guests and non-guests. All treatments are by appointment only. Please call 1-800-461-1940 to book, or visit our website to book online.
Activities
Q: What activities are available at Elmhirst’s Resort?
A: Elmhirst’s Resort offers a wide range of year-round activities, including swimming, hiking trails, boat rentals, bird watching, fishing, kayaking, an escape maze, and waterfront activities in summer. In winter, guests can enjoy skating and cross-country skiing. Elmhirst’s is also a popular base for snowmobilers looking to explore the OFSC trails in the area. There is also easy nearby access to the Trans-Canada Trail, Lang Pioneer Village, golf, horseback riding and many other local offerings. Year-round, guests enjoy wagon rides, wine tastings, an on-site full-service spa, and dining in two on-site restaurants.
Q: Is there swimming at Elmhirst’s Resort?
A: Yes, Elmhirst’s Resort has both an indoor pool and an outdoor pool, as well as direct access to Rice Lake for swimming. There is also a jacuzzi and a sauna in the indoor pool area.
Q: Does Elmhirst’s Resort offer boat rentals?
A: Yes, boat rentals are available at the resort. Please contact us for current availability and pricing.
Q: Is there a fitness centre at Elmhirst’s Resort?
A: Yes, continue your exercise regimen in our renovated gym, which offers free weights and treadmills.
Vacation Air
Q: What is Elmhirst’s Vacation Air Service?
A: Elmhirst’s Vacation Air Service has been operating on Rice Lake since 1976, offering seaplane tours and charter flights from the resort. It is one of the unique experiences that sets Elmhirst’s apart as a destination.
Q: How do I book a seaplane tour or charter flight?
A: Please contact us directly at 1-800-461-1940 for availability, pricing, and bookings for Vacation Air.
Weddings & Events
Q: Does Elmhirst’s Resort host weddings?
A: Yes, Elmhirst’s Resort is a full-service wedding venue featuring stunning waterfront settings, indoor and outdoor spaces, in-house catering with custom menus, and on-site cottage accommodation for wedding guests. Visit elmhirst.ca/weddings for more information.
Q: What is the capacity for weddings and events at Elmhirst’s Resort?
A: Our main event spaces include the Enterprise Room (up to 130 guests) and the Heritage Room (up to 120 guests). Smaller spaces include The Conservatory and the Boardroom for more intimate gatherings.
Q: Does Elmhirst’s Resort host corporate conferences and meetings?
A: Yes, Elmhirst’s Resort is a full-service conference facility with multiple meeting rooms, AV equipment, in-house catering, and on-site accommodation for delegates. Visit elmhirst.ca/conferences for more information.
Conferences & Meetings
Q: What meeting and conference facilities does Elmhirst’s Resort offer?
A: Elmhirst’s Resort offers a full range of meeting and conference spaces, including the Enterprise Room (up to 130 guests), the Heritage Room (up to 120 guests), The Conservatory, and the Boardroom for smaller groups. All spaces are supported by AV equipment, a dedicated event coordinator, and in-house catering.
Q: Does Elmhirst’s Resort have a dedicated event coordinator for conferences?
A: Yes, our dedicated meeting coordinator handles every detail of your event from start to finish, including planning the agenda, arranging catering, and managing audiovisual needs. Our team is there to ensure your event runs seamlessly so you can focus on connecting and collaborating.
Q: What catering options are available for conferences and meetings?
A: Elmhirst’s Resort offers full in-house catering for all events with custom menus available. Dining options range from the fine dining experience of the Hearthside Dining Room to the relaxed atmosphere of the Wild Blue Yonder Pub & Patio. All menus feature locally sourced ingredients, including Elmhirst’s Own farm-raised beef and fresh produce.
Q: Can conference delegates stay on site?
A: Yes, Elmhirst’s Resort offers on-site cottage accommodation for conference delegates. Our 30 waterfront cottages are available for individual guests, couples, or small groups, making it easy to combine your meeting with an overnight or multi-day retreat.
Q: What activities are available for conference groups after hours?
A: Elmhirst’s Resort offers a wide range of activities for groups, including indoor and outdoor pools, boat rentals, walking and biking trails, a workout studio, Vacation Air sightseeing charters, golf at the adjacent Bellmere Winds 18-hole course, the Trans Canada Trail, and riding stables nearby.
Q: Does Elmhirst’s Resort offer team-building experiences?
A: Yes, Elmhirst’s offers a variety of team experiences designed to spark creativity, innovation and productivity. These include farm-to-table culinary experiences, spa treatments at The Spa @ Elmhirst’s, Vacation Air adventures, the Escape the Maze outdoor adventure game, horse-drawn wagon and sleigh rides (weather-dependent), yoga (available on request), and access to the Trans-Canada Trail and indoor and outdoor pools.
Q: Is golf available near Elmhirst’s Resort for conference groups?
A: Yes, Bellmere Winds Golf Club, an 18-hole course, is located right next door to the resort, making it a convenient addition to any corporate retreat or conference program.
Q: Does Elmhirst’s Resort have a wine program for corporate events?
A: Yes, Elmhirst’s Resort features an extensive VQA cellar showcasing Canadian wines, available to complement any corporate dining experience or special event.
Q: How do I get a quote or book a conference at Elmhirst’s Resort?
A: Please contact our event coordinator directly at 1-800-461-1940 or elmr@elmhirst.ca to discuss your requirements, check availability, and receive a customized quote for your event.
Sustainability
Q: Is Elmhirst’s Resort environmentally friendly?
A: Yes, sustainability is a core value at Elmhirst’s Resort. The resort holds a Platinum GreenStep Sustainable Tourism accreditation and is committed to renewable energy, waste reduction, responsible land management, and locally sourced ingredients from its on-site farm.