Greystone on Golden Lake owns multiple properties that overlook the spectacular Golden Lake in Northeastern Ontario, about a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from Toronto (or 2 hours from Ottawa). This was my second visit to the area, and this time I was lucky enough to stay in their newest cabin, the Blueberry Mountain Chalet. With new bedding, towels, and cozy blankets, this lakefront cabin, the ideal retreat in any season, has everything you need for the most comfortable getaway.
It was my second time to the area but I had never seen it when it wasn’t completely frozen over (read The Boathouse on Golden Lake for reference.)
The kitchen is sparkling clean with everything you need for an easy cottage meal. I chose to do a pasta dish one night, which was very easy and used the BBQ the second night to grill some chicken and veggie skewers (skewers are provided!). All the utensils and appliances are in new condition but kept with the aesthetic of the chalet.
With adorable cups and saucers for tea time around the fire and a huge cutting board if you wanted to have a charcuterie evening.
The entire cottage is filled with vintage touches that really make it unique, like this old school telephone lamp. Something new will continue to catch your eye during your stay, as there are so many antique items scattered through the chalet, which was meticulously designed.
The hosts provide you with a booklet of all the best restaurants in the area, the most noteworthy places to see, and the nicest views around. Make sure to fill out the guestbook and let them know how amazing your stay was (I have no doubt it will be exceptional!)
Warm-up by the fireplace in the evenings and play board games, which you can rent out for free from the main house, where there is a huge selection to choose from.
Skim through the book on birds and use the binoculars to see if you can spy any of the ones you read about.
The bedroom couldn’t be more perfectly designed to create the ultimate feel of cabin comfort with a touch of luxury. Expect brand new blankets on the softest bed, with the coziest sheets and the iconic Hudson’s Bay duvet cover to top it off. If it wasn’t so beautiful outside, I would’ve been more than happy cuddling in that bed, reading my book.
The hosts are super accomodating, so if you happen to forget something important, make sure to check the main house and see if they have any extras. They are super thoughtful and usually have extra toiletries.
This view from the bathroom was one of my favourites. How could a washroom window view be so perfect?
Make a cup of coffee or tea and sit outside to capture the beauty of the area. Enjoy the incredible view from the balcony: watch the sunset (above) or wake up for sunrise views (below.)
If you’re staying in any of the properties at Greystone on Golden Lake, you will be provided with firepits to relax during the evenings. Make sure to bring all the supplies for s’ mores! They also have kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, and pedal boats you can take out and float down the Bonnechere River. Life jackets are also provided.
Feel free to bring a fishing rod and try to catch some fresh fish you can cook up for dinner!
There’s an insane amount of beautiful hiking trails and places to visit in the area. There are so many that I would love to come back and spend more time exploring Northeastern Ontario. Most of the great lookout spots are around an hour’s drive, so I chose Gun Mountain which is a great trail, only about 30 minutes from Blueberry Mountain Chalet.
It’s a pretty steep and rugged trail but doesn’t take long to get from top to bottom. I highly recommend it if you’re not looking to drive a long time and want instant beautiful lookout points.
MORE INFORMATION:
Golden Lake apparently got its name from the flecks of “fool’s gold” that sit and glimmer at the bottom of the lake. It’s an ideal spot for fishing smallmouth bass and Northern pike.
Follow on IG: @greystonegoldenlake
Wifi: Yes
Electricity: Yes
What is supplied:
- Ground coffee (coffee machine + mini creamers/milk in the fridge)
- Tea kettle (and tea)
- Body towels and face towels
- Toilet Paper
- Paper Towels
- Mugs
- All kitchen utensils
- Cutting board
- Wine glasses
- Can opener + bottle opener
- Spatula + other BBQ necessities
- Garbage Bin
- Salt & Pepper (and lots of spices)
- Bed Linens
- Blankets
Available upon request:
- Board games
- Puzzles
- Bikes
- Kayaks
- Canoes
- Pedal Boats
- Paddleboards
- Lifejackets
- Guest Pass for Algonquin Provincial Park (to borrow)
Cooking
- Toaster
- Refrigerator
- Oven
- Microwave
What To Bring:
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Boots
- Running shoes
- Toiletries
- Leggings
- T-Shirts
- Cozy pants
- Warm sweaters
- Turtlenecks (and other shirts for layering)
- Socks (always pack an extra pair – or two)
- Undergarments
- Water bottle
- Hand sanitizer
- Bug Spray
- Camera + equipment
- Pajama pants + shirts
- Chargers (and whatever other cables you might need)
- Speakers (to keep on low volume while cooking)
- Snacks (ALWAYS bring snacks)
- Wine (optional but usually makes for an even better time)
Highlights In The Area:
- Bonnechere Provincial Park
- Algonquin Park (Highway 60 Corridor)
- Beaver Pond Trail – 2 km loop trail
- Booth’s Rock Trail – 5.1 km loop trail that visits two lakes and a spectacular lookout, returning via an abandoned railway
- Algonquin Logging Trail – easy-to-walk 1.3 km trail.
- Algonquin Park (East Side / Sand Lake Gate)
- Hiking – The Barron Canyon Trail is a 1.5 km loop trail (or you can also explore by canoe)
- Shaw Woods Adventure Area – Perfect for beautiful hikes through the forest
- Blueberry Mountain – Spectacular views of Bonnechere Valley, Bonnechere River, Round and Golden Lake and the Wilno Hills from the top of the mountain
– The unmarked trailhead is located at the junction of Kilby Rd and Tramore Rd. - Eagle’s Nest Lookout Point – Worth the hour drive from Golden Lake for some scenic views
- Foy Beach – Sandy beach located on Round Lake and is the perfect place for picnics
Things To Do:
- SkyLight Drive-In: Converted into a drive-in movie theatre in 2014 but originally constructed in 1954.
- Old Killaloe: Check out the birthplace of Beavertails, the mouthwatering fried pastry topped with sugar, chocolate sauce, and more.
- Grumblin Granny’s Store: This eclectic gift shop is a must-see in Barry’s Bay. They sell everything from paintings from local artists to blouses from Bali, and lots more.
Dining Options:
- Bonnechere Bakery & Bistro
- Espresso Ur Self
- The Cottage Cup
- BeaverTails & Creekside Grille
- Golden Lake Chinese Restaurant
Disclaimer: All information and prices are accurate as of the time of the posting. All opinions expressed are completely my own. This post is not sponsored.
*All images are copyrighted by Julia Melcher (@adventureontario) or credited to their owners. Please do not use or re-post without written consent and provide credit where applicable