Outside the main lodge at the Pretty River Valley Country Inn.
The Vibe: Charming and intimate, the Pretty River Valley Country Inn has a rustic, warm atmosphere reminiscent of a cottage cabin or your grandma’s house in the country. Here you can relish in the simpler things in life, take a step back from the hustle and bustle of the city and completely recharge. The staff is extremely warm and welcoming, making it easy to settle in, and feel just at home. Away, but not too far from the more lively Blue Mountain resort area, this is the perfect escape for a romantic getaway for two or friends looking for a quiet weekend to relax.
The Facts: Only an hour-and-a-half drive from Toronto, the inn is tucked away at the foothills of the Blue Mountains, overlooking the Pretty River Provincial Park. There are 11 different types of accommodations to choose from, ranging from studios to multi-level suites. All rooms have a wood-burning fireplace, fridges and ensuite private bathrooms. On property highlights include the complimentary Wi-Fi, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, salt water pool (seasonal) and complimentary beverage centres where you can find tea, coffee and homemade cookies. For activities there’s also a fitness room, hiking trails, complimentary use of snowshoes and seasonal horse-riding.
The Experience: Off the highway and a few backcountry roads later we arrived late Friday evening to the festively lit property, guiding us to the main house. Despite the late hour we were greeted warmly and escorted to our accommodations in nearby the Croft House. Excited to have a wood burning fireplace in the suite, to our delight everything was already set and ready to light a match. Our room was extremely spacious, with a Jacuzzi tub and large seating area. The farmhouse-style decor details gave it a quaint, homey feeling. Getting used to the Tempur-Pedic bed took an adjustment (they’re on the firm side), but it wasn’t hard to fall asleep to the crackling fireplace.
All guests have full breakfast included in their room rate, which is always an added bonus. The Inn raises their own birds and pigs, and produce their own maple syrup and jelly that is served with breakfast. We were the first guests to arrive in the dining room, which was already toasty warm thanks to the nearby fireplace. Breakfast changes daily and on the menu that morning was a vegetarian omelette with toast and a side of meat. Happy to accommodation vegetarians and vegans alike too, they happily swapped regular sausage for chicken bacon. We were also given a glass of their delicious hand-pressed apple juice, which was so tasty.
Before we headed out for the day we took a walk around the property, checking out the reindeer on site and also the barn to see the horses. It’s fun to take a bit of time to explore and if the weather is on your side, a hike or snowshoe can be a fun way to be in nature.
After a full-day out and about in Collingwood (which is a mere 10-minute drive away), we decided to just relax in the lodge. We found the Internet a little spotty and slow at times (so don’t try to come here to do work or stream a movie), so instead decided to turn away from our electronics and snack on some homemade cookies we spotted in the beverage centre. With so few rooms, we hardly ran into anyone during the weekend, aside from breakfast. There is no dinner on site, so you’ll have to plan something nearby. Come evening there’s a bonfire pit for roasting marshmallows or you can choose from their selection of DVD’s found in the main lodge for a movie night in, whatever the case we promise you’ll chill out.
Good to Know: Be sure to bring your own shampoo and conditioner, we found the ones in the room OK, but a bit basic. If you’re visiting in the winter, bring extra layers and warm winter boots (or rainboots in the spring). Even though the fireplace is on, it can get a bit chilly.
The Duntroom Croft suite.
Room to Book: For a girls weekend or family trip, a Croft room in the Home Farm are spacious enough for four and feels extra large thanks to the cathedral ceilings.
Price: $$
Rates start at $160/night and include a full breakfast.
Where to Find:
Pretty River Valley Country Inn
529742 Osprey
Nottawa, ON L0M 1P0
855-445-7598, prettyriverinn.com
