We recently visited converted ski lodge turned boutique stay, Somewhere Inn, nestled ever so perfectly in Calabogie, Ontario. If you haven't already seen it on Instagram then keep reading before adding to your must stay list.
We aren't frequent visitors to the Ottawa Valley, with our trips that way usually stretching beyond to Montreal, but I have a whole list of reasons to change that now. I generally feel like it's hard to get a true idea of a place during winter (at least in Canada) but with it's location, this is a winter paradise.
Surrounded by nature, frozen lakes and mountainous backdrops, this is a big winter sports destination. From skiing and snowboarding to snowmobiling and snowshoeing, you'll find it all here. Although we didn't actually hit the slopes, we were all in for the apres ski vibes come evening, in our family sized suite.
The inn is tucked in amongst the trees, directly across from Calabogie lake with the mountains of the valley playing backdrop to it all. They've made great use of their generous property without taking away from the space by keeping plenty of it open (great for summer hangs) while still adding a communal fire pit and hammock like swings for your enjoyment. The property also offers a lobby just steps away from the fire pit that doubles as a wine bar, offering all your charcuterie needs, merch and even wine tastings. The staff were incredibly friendly - seriously, we could've stayed and chatted all day - but you can also order room service if you're in the mood to just kick back and stay in.
Speaking of rooms, there are 11 rooms ranging from kings, to double queens, to one suite boasting 5 beds (a king, two queens and two twins in bunkbed form). Designed with cabin-like finishes, unique art and Canadian brands, the rooms are intentionally screen-free and entirely set up to cater to the downtime, digital disconnect or reconnecting you might be seeking. Large windows bookend every room offering forest, water and mountain views.
(Since it can be hard to get a real feel for a space through photos alone, I'm working on putting together a room overview reel. It'll be here when it's live, so check back soon.)
We stayed in the Somewhere Suite and while we didn't necessarily require 5 beds, the kids were thrilled by the bunks and the way they had top bed window views to outside. Naturally, my husband and I snagged the king sized bed and our dog, who found several spots throughout the stay, rather fancied sneaking up on the lounge sofa mid-night.
I think this would be such a fun room not only for families with children, but perhaps an adult family getaway, a girls trip or set of close friends (after all, this is totally a ski destination to check out with companions!)
You aren't limited to hanging out in your room during your time on location though. In addition to the fire pit for everyone's enjoyment, there is also the lounge. Another communal spot to spend time with your people and hangout with other guests as well. This space features a large dining table, lounge chairs, a sofa, games and even a screen for showing movies on. I'm told they do host movie nights on occasion but it's otherwise first come, first serve and you're able to stream via the HDMI available.
As mentioned, we did not go skiing on this trip (the kids have yet to learn so maybe next time!) but now it's on my mind for next winter. We didn't let the lack of skiing keep us from indulging in some apres ski-like activities though. We ordered pizza from the local pizzeria - it's 5 minutes down the road and they offered gluten free crusts which is a must as a family with food allergies - snagged two glasses of Prosecco from the lobby and brought out the on brand snacks to indulge in a night of hanging and nibbling with the kids.
The lobby has no shortage of supplies for your post adventure vibes, charcuterie, or just straight wine night. They have an amazing curation of wines as well as all the snacks to accompany from meats and cheeses, to chips and elevated candy options (think fair trade, organic chocolate). They also have goodies for your furry friend, s'mores supplies for the bonfire out front, and of course Calabogie merch. My husband and I keep saying we regret not grabbing the Calabogie vintage style crewneck but you can order from afar, so maybe it's still up for consideration. We did grab some of their little wine glasses (the same as in the room) as a token of our trip because I love, love, love a good souvenir that doesn't scream "gift shop".
In my time chatting with the staff, I learned that they are now hosting events like weddings and beyond as well as continuously thinking of ways to expand the experience offering as well as taking guests feedback into play. I rated my stay 10/10 through the follow up text we received after checking out and will recommend this location to everyone!
We had the very best time and have discussed trying to make a summer visit to see all the warm weather experiences it has to offer. Word on the street is, it's the best time of year there with endless lakes to enjoy and more. I guess we will have to find out for ourselves and highly suggest anyone reading this considers it as well.
See more in my Somewhere Inn highlight and follow them on social here.
x, OM
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