Arowhon Pines (Algonquin Park)

This was our first stay at Arowhon as a family, though we’ve come here for lunch many times. The Algonquin Park setting on Little Jo Lake is spectacular. The design of the lodge is timeless and so well maintained. Staff are very professional, friendly, and helpful. Cottages are charming with all the amenities one could want... including lots of firewood! Very tasteful renovations in the rooms. One major highly is the food...inventive, wonderful choice, and presentation. We loved the canoes, sauna and movie nights. Read less

Arowhon Pines is located within Algonquin Provincial Park and is the perfect place to enjoy God’s creation, whether walking through many kilometers of trails or exploring the waterways in a canoe or kayak. The lodging is impeccable and the cuisine like none other. The staff are top notch and the service superb, accommodating any request to make your stay memorable. Their motto is “Inner peace. Outdoors” and that’s exactly what happens at Arowhon Pines. Read less

We came for a quick fall 4 day trip for my 50th bday based on the recommendations by my sister. We were warned the food was outstanding and she was SO RIGHT! From the minute you arrive, you are welcomed into receptions by the warmth of the huge firepit in the massive octagon log-cabin-style dining room. If it's not Annemarie or Jenna, it is someone inviting you in at reception to take a load off and let them get your bags. Have a tea and a slice of some tantalizing cake while they get ready to show you your room. We stayed in a quaint little room with a lovely queen bed, fluffy duvet and comfortable seating for two. What takes a little getting used to is that there is absolutely NO connection to the outside world. No wifi, no computers, no newspapers, no tvs, no radios, no clocks or telephones in your room. What a surprise on our three-hour hike when my cell phone started to 'ping-ping' as we were in a high enough location to get a signal, but don't get excited...in Algonquin, it won't last long. You can certainly make use of the canoes/kayaks which are plenty but to truly enjoy the area, get out on any of the numerous hiking trails that can run anywhere from a leisurely 1 hours up to 1/2 a day. Be sure to wear hiking boots as the trails are hilly, full of rocks and roots which can be steep and rough in parts. Dress in layers and bring a backpack with water, snack and whistle (for safety). They will pack you a lunch if you want - just order the night before. Now on to the food. Meals are 3 times a day and that is just enough time to burn off enough calories to get you to your next meal. Breakfast can be a mix of eggs, toast, bacon, homemade jams, fresh juices to freshly made omelettes, kippers, pancakes and plenty more. Lunch - starting with a bell which becomes the symbol of your day ;-), will always be an array of hot or cold. Tantalizing salads, noodles, fresh cheeses, fruits, homemade soups, sandwiches just to name a few. While you waddle back to your room for a nap and to change into some more 'elasticised' pants, your countdown for the 6:30 bell for dinner starts. All seating is on a first come-first serve basis so go early if you want a window seat. The staff are worldly and friendly and as my husband loved, more than happy to give you two entrees or more helpings if needed. The first night we had a scrumptious meal of venison and vegetables. Thank goodness not huge portions but after the lovely soup and salad, we did not save room for the DESSERT TABLE! OMG! We learned our lessons for the second night. Homemade cookies, pies, butter tarts, crumbles, ice cream, Eton mess, banana cream pie, trifle, brownies....and that is just the beginning. You can tell they use fresh, local ingredients from the area in all their cooking. There should be a sign on the tables saying "made with love' because it certainly feels that way. Although our stay was near the end of the season, you could tell there were regulars that keep coming back. Families together to meet up year after year, friends gathering for yet another trip to Arowhon, couples to slow down and re-connect. Everyone has there own story but they all have some common threads. A love of the peace and tranquillity of nature while enjoying Mother natures bounty. We hope to come back soon. Thanks for the memories. Read less

How do I love Arowhon Pines, let me count the ways: 1) The warmmmth of Theresa, Adam and Edgar is hospitality defined. 2) Easy access to canoeing in one of the wonders of the world, Algonquin Park 3) Healthy, healthy food 4) The quiet is soul-settling 5) The rooms are rustic with bountiful charm 6) The likely surprise of sighting a Blue Heron, Moose, Red Fox or hearing about a Blue Jay win 7) The historic dining room and its fireplace is a work of art. 8) If you can't make it to Paris, this is a grand alternative! Read less

My first stay at Arowhon Pines was over 40 years ago. Since then, I have enjoyed many marvellous and memorable times there including a big family event to celebrate my 60th birthday. For most of the years during which I enjoyed Arowhon, it was superbly managed by Helen and Eugene Kates who ensured an impeccable standard and that all visitors were treated like valued guests. When the Kates era sadly ended some years ago, I wondered what would befall my beloved Arowhon Pines. I am delighted to say, based on several visits to Arowhon since the change in management, that all is well; Arowhon is in good hands, is as exquisite as ever and remains one of my most favourite places in the world. In fact, the new management team even found some ways to enhance the Arowhon experience. When I have visitors from overseas, I always like to take them to Arowhon because it never fails to be the highlight of their time in Ontario. Earlier this month, I took visitors from South Africa to Arowhon and it lived up to my high hopes and expectations. I am grateful to Arowhon management for accommodating a request I made to ensure that my guests' time at Arowhon would be particularly enjoyable and memorable. As always, the accommodation was lovely and the meals were outstanding. I was pleased to find that Scottish kippers continue to be on the breakfast menu as they have been for as long as I can remember. The warm hospitality we received from Adam and Theresa added to the overall enjoyment of our stay. The fact that Arowhon is located off the beaten track (highway 60) and is accessed via a scenic and good gravel road adds to its charm. We were thrilled to come across a moose on this road one morning; it was in no hurry to move on and this enabled us to get some lovely photos. If I had any constructive criticism to include in this review, I would do so. But I don't; other than a light-hearted debate with Theresa about the fate of my favourite Arowhon bridge. Not surprisingly, my children share my love of Arowhon. Read less