Restaurant/Hotel Review: Arowhon Pines

Box 10 001, Huntsville, Ontario PIH 2G5
Fax 705.633.5795 Tel: 705.633.5661

My friends all know I am basically a city person. I love the hustle and bustle of a walk down Yonge St. However, once in a while my soul needs refreshing. I need to take a deep breath of pure northern air and commune with nature. My sister and I opted for a few days away from the city pollution and annoying telephone calls. We headed to Arowhon Pines on Little Joe Lake in Algonquin Park, a 3 hour trip north of Toronto by car.
Just driving along the highway and viewing the majesty of the greenery and the lakes started the process of relaxation. The minute you arrive your worries are over. Your bags are promptly delivered from your car to your cabin. The log cabins are nestled amongst the trees and widely spaced. Our cabin had 6 rooms with a central lounging area. It was furnished with cozy couches facing a large fireplace. The view is spectacular. You just want to sit on your little porch and stare into the magnificence of the water and the lush greenery. The only sounds come from nature; the loons, the bullfrogs and the rustling of leaves in a breeze.
I couldn’t help but wonder how this wonderful resort came to be in the midst of an enormous track of wilderness. It seems that in 1934 Lillian Kates started a wilderness camp for children in this area. The camp still is successfully operated today. Lillian (she was always known then as Mrs. Kates) built the original Arowhon Pines in 1938 as a recreational spot for visiting parents of the camp. Can you imagine constructing a large dining facility and several cabins in the midst of the forest? There was no electricity and no roads. Everything came by train. What a gutsy lady. I have such admiration for her courage and stamina. The resort became known for its high quality food, good service and the sheer beauty of Algonquin Park. Eventually Lillian’s son Eugene and his amazing wife, Helen took over the resort. They added cabins to the property and under Helen’s watchful eye the food became a gourmet experience. Helen still has that ability to see all with a glance and to make sure the clients are happy. Today the resort can be appreciative of the skills and efficiency of the beautiful Theresa. She is constantly running around and supervising to make sure that the resort maintains the highest standards. She is an absolute delight. Her managerial talent will maintain the high standards of this resort.
Your itinerary is up to you. Canoeing is most popular on these secluded lakes. Hiking through the wilderness is available. Tennis or table tennis is available if you wish a more athletic activity. The fresh cool water beckons to all. Don’t forget to try the sauna. I was happy to sit on the lounges on the dock and watch everyone else do their thing. Make sure you find time to relax because this is what it is all about. The cabins are spread about the property so you are guaranteed privacy and quiet. The rooms are homey and tastefully decorated.
This is an all inclusive resort. That means you better starve yourself before coming here. Three hearty, delicious gourmet meals are provided in the magnificent round wooden dining hall. A giant fireplace is in the centre of this round facility. All the dishes served have been tested and tried many times by the staff and careful watching of the management. All meals begin with a buffet selection. A main course offering options is served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Please leave room for the desserts. I have to use the plural term here. They are plentiful and so good. You can’t stop at one. The eye is feasting. The stomach is feasting. You can have it all here.


No doubt you want to know more about the food. Some of the breakfast main entrée selections include eggs, pancakes, kippers and cod. I enjoyed the best Scrambled Eggs. It was served with a potato rosti. The day before the eggs were presented with smoked salmon. The resort is famous for their home made granola. It was divine on a thick creamy yogurt. Fruit, pastries and juices are plentiful. The coffee is of very high quality.
One day for lunch my sister opted for the Seafood Crepes. They were plump and filled with a variety of seafood. I enjoyed a large selection from the buffet table knowing I was going to have dessert. The baking is done on the premises. You cannot stop with one. The cookies are so delicious. The cakes and pies are worth forgetting about your diet. Dinner offers three main courses as well as the buffet options. In addition a vegetarian plate is available. One evening I ordered a Vegetarian Torte. Grilled vegetables were encased in a phyllo pastry. My sister was salivating over her Grilled Chicken Special. She enjoyed the Lamb Special the evening before. There is always a fish option. The menu offers variety and is served in a gourmet style. It is memorable.
In the spring the charge is $189.00 per person in the. 3, 4, 8 or 12 room cabins all offering private bathrooms, shared lounge with a fireplace. For private luxurious bedrooms each with a bathroom, shared lounge and fireplace the cost is $244.00 per person. A private cabin is available including a luxury suite, bathroom, sitting room, stone fireplace and private deck for $312.00 per person. Weekly rates are available. During high season the cost is more. Fall prices also vary.
This resort has been popular as a wedding destination. I saw many pictures of brides on the dock or arriving for the ceremony in a sailboat. I can’t think of a better location for a family celebration.
This high quality resort has remained a prize in the vast expanse of the Algonquin Park. The park covers 3,000 square miles and boasts 6 major rivers. Once you are visiting Arowhon Pines take the time to drive up the road to visit the Information Centre Museum. The architecture and displays are superb. They relate the history of the area.
I can’t wait to go back.