Peace and nature at Whispering Springs
As you drive up to this stunning oasis located in the heart of Northumberland County, one of the first things you will notice is the lush green nature spreading in every direction. With 200 acres of pristine nature, whether it’s a short couple’s getaway or a full wedding, the Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat’s tranquil surroundings and relaxing vibe make it the perfect escape from the hectic nature of everyday city life. The spring-fed pond offers a beautiful, serene backdrop to the wonderfully maintained forest trails, with its unique prairie-savanna ecosystem.
Our walk through the forest was definitely a highlight of our stay, and it culminated with a stroll through the magical Forest Chapel, where we truly had our breath taken away. The outdoor chapel hosts weddings at the retreat, with gorgeous nature-inspired decorations that make it feel like you are stepping into a movie scene. For those looking for wedding venues, you would be hard-pressed to find something as inspiring as this. Weddings and private events aside, Whispering Springs is an adults-only destination, ensuring a peaceful stay for its guests.
King-sized beds instead of sleeping bags at Whispering Springs
With mood-setting dim lighting instead of torchlights and sips of wine from a glass instead of a canteen, you most certainly have not experienced camping like this before. A wide variety of lodging is available, including a chalet, cabin, and treetop tents. Our traditional safari tent was just a short stroll away from the amenities, and our morning breakfast, delivery aside, always felt incredibly private and secluded. The breakfast kit included orange juice, fruit, cheese, granola, yoghurt, and croissants. Light, tasty, and just the right amount of food to get us through our day.
The tent was spacious and well-decorated with a luxury, king-sized bed, mini fridge, coffee maker, and unique wood furniture. Just outside of each tent is a barbecue and hammock, providing extra food options and soothing daytime nap opportunities. The highlight for me however, was stepping into the tent after a hike through the gorgeous old-growth forest, drawing a hot bath, and wrapping yourself in a fluffy robe after a long soak in the deep tub will never get old, I assure you.
Communal Activities at Whispering Springs
Anyone who has camped in Canada, knows that group activities are a traditional must-do. Whispering Springs offers so many opportunities to disconnect from the stresses of the outside world and engage in some light-hearted fun, including the complimentary yoga lessons, fireside meditation, and guest pavilion for socializing. The lovely saltwater pool is a great option during hot summer days and the hot tub is a wonderfuI respite during the cooler nights.
If you’re looking for something a bit more competitive, there are also lawn games, beach volleyball, and badminton available. As a former rower who loves being out on the water, I of course took my partner out for a romantic row on the pond, with a stunning Ontarian sunset bathing us with the sun’s final glow of the day.
Food, Drink and The Watering Hole
After all of that, we were looking for something to slake our thirst and The Watering Hole bar had us covered. We were able to choose from several tasty signature cocktails on offer, all made with ingredients from the garden, including a S’mortini, Cedar Smoked Old-Fashion, Caesars; a deliciously salty, savoury Canadian classic, combining vodka, clam & tomato juice, a blend of spices, and typically garnished with celery and a green bean (try it before you knock it!). There was also local craft beer, spritzers, and Prince Edward County Wine.
For dinner, the bar has a simple selection of pizzas, of which we opted for the Prosciutto Honey Truffle, cooked to perfection in their wood-fired outdoor oven. Paired with the Whispering Spring’s Rose wine, it was a delicious meal, made all the better by the talented teenage musician serenading the crowd with his soulful voice and guitar.
After polishing off our last slices of pizza and the bottle of wine, we were invited to gather around the communal fire. There we joined some of the other guests for smores, yet another Canadian campfire tradition, which combines chocolate, graham cracker, and a fire-roasted marshmallow, for a gooey, crunchy decadent dessert. Suitably satisfied and with our new friends’ laughter still echoing in our ears, we made our way back to our tent for one last night in our incredibly comfortable bed.
I still love camping, but I’m not sure I’ll ever look at a sleeping bag the same way ever again.
Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat is open seasonally from June through September.
