History

The Story of Elmhirst’s Resort: A Legacy Rooted in Family & Heritage

200 Years of Family Tradition

Elmhirst’s Resort isn’t just a lakeside retreat—it’s a family tradition spanning over 200 years.

The family’s connection to the land dates back to 1819, when Phillip James Elmhirst, a lieutenant in the Royal Navy, arrived in Canada.

In 1818, King George IV granted Phillip 1,000 acres of Crown Land on the north shore of Rice Lake.
This was a reward for his efforts against Napoleon at the Battle of Trafalgar.
Leaving his farm in Lincolnshire, England, Phillip settled in Port Hope before establishing his homestead just north of the resort’s present location.

The Birth of the Resort

Fast forward nearly a century, and the Elmhirst family was still deeply connected to the Rice Lake region.

In 1906, Frank Elmhirst, grandfather of current owner Peter Elmhirst, purchased 340 acres of prime lakeside property, known as the Walker Farm.
This land, with one mile of scenic shoreline, became the foundation of what is now Elmhirst’s Resort.
Frank initially rented small cabins along the lakeshore to visiting fishermen, blending hospitality with farming. But one of his sons, Arthur Elmhirst, had a vision that took the resort to new heights—literally.

Elmhirst’s Vacation Air Service Operating on Rice Lake

1976

Flying High: The Aviation Connection

In the 1930s, Arthur earned his pilot’s license and started taking guests on sightseeing flights over Rice Lake.
This passion for flying expanded into a full-fledged business, offering charter flights and aerial tours.
Arthur later served as a test pilot in WWII before returning home to take over the family’s growing resort.
As a pilot himself, Peter Elmhirst expanded the flying business, offering sightseeing and charter flights.
Today, Elmhirst’s Resort is still listed in the Canada Flight Supplement, featuring both a land runway and seaplane base, attracting pilots from across the country.

Expansion & Growth: A Year-Round Retreat

Arthur and his wife Mary Belle modernized the resort by replacing cabins with fully equipped cottages. Their son, Peter Elmhirst, took the vision even further.

The 1960s & 70s: A Resort for All Seasons

After graduating from Ryerson’s Hotel & Resort Administration program in 1965, Peter took over and expanded the business.
In 1968, the resort opened year-round, welcoming guests in every season.
The addition of the Hearthside Dining Room in 1981 introduced farm-to-table dining with a stunning lake view.

The 1980s & 90s: Expanding the Experience

The Resort continued to evolve, introducing new amenities and activities to enhance the guest experience:

Conference facilities and a new main building with an indoor pool (1980s)
Outdoor pool & riding stables (1996)
Health club (1997)
Wine cellar (1999) – Now a must-visit for guests wanting to taste Ontario’s finest vintages

Today, four generations of Elmhirsts still live and work at the resort, carrying on the legacy of hospitality, adventure, and sustainability that has defined Elmhirst’s Resort for over a century.