Lost in Southwestern Ontario: A Weekend at Long Point Eco-Adventures
Fall is in the air and this past weekend, I basked in all of its glory. Rikki and I headed to Turkey Point, Southwestern Ontario for a fun filled weekend filled with relaxation, outdoor activities and delicious food.
Long Point Eco-Adventures is a glamping resort that offers unique overnight stays, an on onsite restaurant and a selection of fun outdoor activities that cater to all fitness levels. As they mention on their website, “We aim to provide all of our guests with the opportunity to embrace nature & its natural elements” - and they do just that.
It shouldn't come as a surprise to anybody that nature is my happy place. It's when I'm in my element. To me, nature is an important part of my mental health that allows me stay grounded, both literally and figuratively. It reminds me that outside the confinements of our day-to-day grind, lies a world that's incredibly beautiful, and worth exploring. And while some of you may not necessarily be as nature inclined as me, the resort offers the perfect introduction to anyone that may shy away from the more strenuous sides of nature, but still want to experience it in a more comfortable way. It's the perfect balance of 'off the grid' while still remaining within its boundaries. However if you're like me and like to flirt with all parts of nature, the resort offers an array of activities that will still give you that nature fix without the additional planning (or prepping) that often comes with immersive nature experiences like camping.
Here's my weekend recap!
Location:
1730 Front Rd. St Williams, ON, N0E 1P0
Long Point Eco-Adventures is located in Turkey Point, Southwestern Ontario and about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Toronto. It's nestled in a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve overlooking Turkey Point Marsh with a diverse landscape that offers incredible flora and fauna.
Where we stayed: The Elite Pod
While there are several options for types of places to book depending on whether you're a duo, or travelling as a family, we stayed in one of the Elite Pods. This pod came equipped with a queen bed, mini fridge, shower, toilet and sink. They also provide linens and towels, making it the perfect glamping experience for anyone that wants to immerse themselves in nature but still do it comfortably. The cabins are small and cozy, and perfect to unwind in after a day spent outdoors.
Activities:
While there are several activities to enjoy including ziplining and axe throwing, we chose to mountain bike as well as the seasonal Fall Fungi Foraging activity.
Fall Fungi Foraging:
I’m not entirely sure where my fascination for fungi stemmed from, but it’s definitely there. Whether they’re used for medical and healing purposes, to compliment a nice meal (shout out to truffles!), or to enhance the the mind in a psychedelic way, fungi are truly incredible. And despite all we know about them, there's so much we don't know.
Our guide Leanne was super knowledgeable about fungi. She offered incredible resources after the experience as well.
Foraging for mushrooms has always been a bucket list item for me but I never really knew where to begin. Surprisingly, there aren’t that many supervised foraging treks in Ontario. Trust me, I’ve looked.
This activity was a lot of fun. We started inside a pavillion where our guide Leanne taught us the fundamentals of fungi, how we're more related to them than we may think (they have a similar DNA to humans), and how to this day, new uses are still being discovered.
We took a van to a nearby conservation area and began our hike. Within minutes, we spotted our first fungi and it was incredible how they kept popping up everywhere. We learned how to identify them and which ones were edibles and which ones were not. I wouldn't necessarily feel confident identifying them on my own, but it was a great place to start. Leanne also gave us lots of incredible resources so that we can continue to learn about fungi.
All in all, it was an incredible experience and I can't recommend it enough.
Mountain Biking
At Long Point Eco-Adventures, there are over 96km of trails from beginner and intermediate, to advanced. Rikki and I had an absolute blast enjoying a beautiful fall day on our mountain bikes. I have biked a fair amount of trails in my life, but I've never biked through a forest trail and it was incredible. There's nothing like enjoying the towering trees and the fresh smell of pine needles while whipping through the forest on a bike. It’s exhilarating and therapeutic at the same time.
Where to Eat
Of course with all of the activities offered, it's important to fuel up on some delicious food.
Marshview Patio
Long Point Eco-Adventures has an onsite restaurant that offers delicious food options. On our first night, we enjoyed a charcuterie board with drinks overlooking the marsh. We had breakfast here on both mornings before we set off for our adventures which was super convenient. On our second night, we ordered takeout to enjoy in the comfort of our pod along with a movie.
Burning Kiln Winery - Canned Heat Restaurant
Across the street from Long Point Eco-Adventures, there's a winery with an onsite restaurant. We enjoyed a delicious lunch that consisted of Lake Erie Popcorn Perch and a burrata bowl. We also enjoyed their delicious wine flights which was the perfect way to try out a few different wines. Highly recommend visiting here if you’re ever in the area.
My weekend getaway at Long Point Eco-Adventures was so much fun. It was the perfect mix of nature, glamping, and great food! I loved exploring this region and can't recommend it enough. If you’re planning a trip, make sure to check out Long Point Eco-Adventures to learn more about all of the incredible activities they offer.
