I think I’ve found the perfect lake side vacation for families looking for one of the all inclusive resorts. There are of course all the water activities by the beach, fun filled programs that have so much thought put into them to captivate every age group of children and even adults, depending on what you feel like doing that day. Americans get the best of both worlds, getting a very good exchange on the dollar from U.S. to Canadian. Ontario is as hot as any location in the summer, unless you are heading to northern Ontario, which we are not.
Fern Resort is located in Orillia, Ontario just above Lake Simcoe. From Toronto, youd be taking Hwy 400 to Hwy 11 at Barrie, to Hwy 12 at Orillia, and then to Rama Road and Fern Resort Road. The lakeshore stretches 1.5 miles long for your access. The cottages and lodges are almost all in total view of and steps away from the water outside their door or across the lawn from their door.
Programs for children, teens and adults ” Ive counted ten different age and activity classifications of organized programs and that doesnt count the art, dance and fitness classes. This is a huge deal for those families wondering if their teens, preteens and younger children will have things to do or whether parents will be exhausted by the end of their vacation.
One of the really nice things about this resort is there are extensive recreational activities that are varied and always available if you decide to leave the beach. To give you an example, there is golfing, miniature golf, batting cage, extreme sports challenge course, low ropes challenge course, tennis clinic, archery, fitness room, rec centre, yoga classes, running track, spa day by the pool. Adults can escape from the sun and children by heading to Bertyl’s Lobby Bar to lounge in front of two fireplaces and televisions.
All the meals, accommodation, activities, programs, entertainment, and most sports and recreational activities are included with the price. There is a professional water ski show, comedians in the evening, mad science programs with highly skilled instructors, wildlife presentations including up-close encounters with species, Indian River Reptile Zoo which is one of the most specialized animal centers in the world and will give you your fill of snakes, lizards, reptiles, turtles, alligators, etc. They come to the resort to enable you to experience their extensive exhibit. Musical entertainment at night, comedians, this place continues with a lot of choose from into the evening as well.
Interested in what you will be eating? Everything of course is prepared for you. At dinner, there are eight selections to choose from plus a childrens buffet. For lunch there are eight choices to choose from or the poolside barbeque available for five days per week. Breakfast can be Continental brougt to your room, or you can go to the dining room for an extensive array of selections to choose from. The childrens buffet is from 5:30 to 7:30 and this allows you to have the kids fed first, and then they can go to the playroom or nursery where they are supervised, allowing you to relax for a meal. There is baby food supplied for those very young children. The site provides meals and menu samples to browse through easily to satisfy your curiosity and need. Modest coverup is mandatory in the dining room, so show some class by following the rules of no bare feet, no swim suits, no hats, no muscle shirts.
Accommodations ” there are 105 rooms and all have fireplaces, most have decks, some are suited to a couple, others are suited to families of various sizes. Checking out the Bayshore cottage style, which is one up from the lowest priced one, there is a five-piece bathroom, a bedroom, and a bedroom-sitting area with another queen size bed/pullout couch, tv/dvd/vcr, small fridge and coffee maker, fireplace, air conditioning, parking at the cottage.
I priced out a Bayshore cottage from July 12 ” 17, 2009. I would pay $2728.00 Canadian for five nights all inclusive for one adult and two teen/preteens. That would include all food, recreation, accommodation, supervised programs for my children, entertainment and lakefront activities, skilled instruction and use of all facilities. Definitely worth checking out and the ratings for this place are very very good.
Fernresort.com can also be called at 1-800-567-3376. Their website by the way is one of the best Ive seen for layout and user-friendly access.
Tags: beach, Lake Simcoe, family, golf
