The good news about staying overnight in Hastings County is that you’ll have a lot more time to explore the wild that makes this place famous. The bad news is that sometimes the accommodation options here sell out early. Which means: you’ll want to get on those bookings sooner rather than later. If you don’t know where to start, check out these seven much-loved Hastings retreats, motels, cottages, and lodges that should still have plenty of room.
Grail Springs Retreat for Wellbeing
2004 Bay Lake Road, Bancroft
Since 1993, this nature-based retreat and spa has been one of the best places to rejuvenate the body and mind in the country. But don’t just take my word for it. The World Spa Awards gave Grail Springs the trophy for Canada’s Best Wellness Retreat five years in a row. Two big reasons for that award-winning consistency are the property’s 100 acres of old-growth forest and its alkaline, spring-fed Chalice Lake. Both are at the heart of the offerings here, which include plant-based meals, an outdoor hot/cold water immersion circuit, yoga, meditation, guided hikes, massage, energy work, and more. There are about a dozen rooms to stay in here, but go for the Lakeview Luxe Room if it’s available. The spacious corner suite comes with stunning lake views, a balcony, a chaise lounge, and a fireplace.
Moira Lake Motel
104888 Trans-Canada Highway, Madoc
Each of the 12 recently renovated rooms at Moira Lake Motel, have been updated with a clean and contemporary design, a new bathroom with sliding barn door, and a kitchenette with stainless steel appliances. The beautiful garden and mountain views are still here, though, as is the famous Iron Rooster Rotisserie and Grill just down the road. This is a solid, affordable option for anyone looking to explore the area in and around Madoc, which includes O’Hara Mill Homestead and Conservation Area, West Highland Golf Course, and great fishing in Moira Lake itself.
fticar.com
Moira Lake Cottages
13200 Highway 62, Madoc
Moira Lake Motel's three quaint cottages have been recently renovated with a fourth cottage on the way. Similar in look and feel to the Moira Lake Motel rooms, the two- and three-bedroom cottages have a clean, contemporary design with stainless steel appliances. The big difference, however — other than the extra room — is big, beautiful Moira Lake right outside your front door. Accessible by two long docks, the eight-kilometre-long lake is famous for its monster muskies, but also has plenty of walleye, pickerel, and large- and small-mouth bass. Not bringing a boat? No worries. The owners have 14-foot aluminum boats with 9.9 horsepower motors available to rent.
https://moiralakecottages.com
Belcast Cottages
1799 North Baptiste Lake Rd, Maynooth
Families have been returning again and again to these five colourful lakefront cottages since the 1960s — and for good reason. Each is located a stone’s throw from 250-feeet of sandy waterfront on the serene Baptiste Lake, which has over 50 kilometres of waterway connecting Elephant and Benoir Lakes. Inside the two- and three-bedroom cottages are full kitchens, open living rooms, and half baths (there is a shared shower house on the property). Outside each are two Muskoka chairs and a picnic table. The property also has a shared firepit for nightly campfires, docks, boat rentals, and a new general store stocked with all of the basics, plus snacks and Kawartha Dairy ice cream. If you need something more substantial, Bancroft is just 20 minutes away.
belcastcottages.ca
York River Cottages
3299 Boulter Road, Boulter
Established in 2018, these four truly off-the-beaten path cottages are nestled on 12.5 acres and 1,300 feet of shoreline along the babbling York River northeast of Bancroft. There’s the fully-equipped, eight-guest York River Cottage; the cozy, six-guest Timber Wolf Hideaway; the newly-renovated, four-guest Quails Nest; and the off-grid, 2-guest River Otter Inn. In other words: something for everyone. There are also kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and a 13-foot water bouncer available, so you probably won’t want to leave. But if you do, Foster Lake Beach and Egan Chutes Provincial Park aren’t far away. At night, roast marshmallows in your private firepit, but don’t forget to look up. Stargazing is out of this world around here.
yorkrivercottages.com
Limerick Lake Lodge and Marina
123 Limerick Lodge Road, Gilmour
For that one-stop fishing destination, you can’t go wrong with the legendary Limerick Lake Lodge and Marina. The lake is about 30 minutes south of Bancroft and is actually connected to five others — all with fantastic small and large mouth bass fishing. The lodge has multiple accommodation options, including a modern, three-bedroom house, a six-room inn, three one-bedroom cabins, and camping and RV sites with and without power and water. The marina has a store for all of your fishing and staying needs, as well as a gas dock, boat rentals (including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards), guides, and a water taxi. It’s not all about fishing around here, though. There are tons of ATV, hiking, biking, and horseback trails nearby, plus a few golf courses too.
Stoco Lake Lodge
15 Trudeau Lane, Tweed
Last, but definitely not least, is this lake resort just outside of Tweed. Stoco Lake Lodge has a little bit of everything — from a big sandy beach and dock, to a great pub with a waterside patio, to a spa, and even a barbershop. That variety extends to the stay options, which include standard lakeside rooms, family suites, a five-bedroom group suite with a kitchen, luxury glamping tents, and RV and tent camping sites. Wherever you stay and whatever you do here, the lake is never far away. If you want to get on it for some fishing or exploring, rent a side by side, jet ski, fishing boat, kayak, or paddleboat. If you need some helping planning your stay, check out the stay-and-play packages. Otherwise, kick back, relax, and let the Stoco times roll.
