By Ben Martin
The Opinicon Pines Resort recently offered Outdoor Action Ontario a great base of operations during a visit to the Rideau Lakes and surrounding area. A family business run by husband and wife team Laurier and Deb Viau, it offered a great chance to get away from life in the fast lane and unwind amidst an incredible display of nature. To say time spent at Opinicon Pines Resort was peaceful is an understatement. Tucked into the back of Brooks Bay on Opinicon Lake, it seemed at times the only denisens of the lake were the turtles, frogs, herons and other animals that call this region home.
Located halfway between Kingston and Smith’s Falls, Ontario, is an exquisitely picturesque region. Small hamlets and villages comprise the greater Rideau Lakes Township, lining the Rideau Canal group of waterways that form the Rideau Lakes with numerous lakes, rivers and creeks here. Although much attention is given to Big Rideau and Lower Beverly, smaller lakes such as Opinicon offer visitors a unique glimpse into the wild and unspoiled waterways of Ontario – in some areas very similar to the original routes taken hundreds of years before by fur traders, and for thousands of years by First Nations.
A previous visit to the Opinicon Pines resort had shown the incredible potential offered by a filming expedition to the region. A paddle around a large island showed no less than 15 different large bird species; otters, muskrats, beavers and loons plied the sunset and sunrise waters causing a stir when they felt threatened by near-by paddlers; with waters so clear and clean that you easily see to the bottom in 20 feet of water on a good day. It is not without coincidence that Queen’s University has a renowned research facility on this body of water – it is bursting with life!
Opinicon Pines Resort is found at the back reach of Brooks Bay, with largemouth and smallmouth bass, panfish and pike all abundantly found here.
The cozy cottage known as “Jack Pine”, had views of the lake from around the Property. Lodgings at the Opinicon Pines Resort were enjoyable, and provided all the amenities you would find at home. It was a comfortable experience and offered a great way to enjoy the outdoors.
Although the primary focus was on experiencing the outdoors, the author was also impressed by the amenities offered on site at the resort during down time, including: badminton, horseshoes, volley ball, Ping-Pong, a Children’s playground, a swimming pool, and pontoon & aluminum boat rentals. The swimming pool was kept very clean and offered a great break from the extreme heat of the summer days during the visit. This allowed for quality downtime with loved ones in between various outdoor expeditions around the area.
Numerous wildlife encounters were up close and personal.
Some of the experiences with wildlife were sudden and unexpected – like a sudden splash of something in the water; a fawn with no other deer in sight had swum across a lake and up onto a island right in front of the author. The frazzled fawn was very disoriented upon reaching land, frantically running around in the bush – so in an effort to not spook it anymore, the author simply drifted onward in his kayak. It was a reminder of the brutal, fragile reality of nature. Although disappointed he could not help the animal, the author drifted away thinking of the impressive feat that this deer had swam such a great distance across the lake to reach the island in question… Perhaps there was hope for this fawn yet, given its resilient nature.
Another succesful day on the water: author Ben Martin explored Opinicon Lake in-depth, kayaking and angling amidst the beauty of Ontario wilderness. A key to being able to fully rejuvenate in between expeditions was having a comfortable place to stay – Opinicon Pines Resort.
On 2 occasions driving on the narrow roads in and out of the cottage on Brooks Point road produced close calls: once with a doe and another with a prickly yet cute Porcupine. A quick pullover to see if a photograph was possible seemed easy enough. That was, until the porcupine turned his little behind around to reveal his quills, ready to put an end to any spontaneous photo shoots the author envisioned in the moment. Turkey, pheasant and grouse were also frequently seen.
These specific experiences while driving served as an important reminder for any traveller – take your time when driving on roads you don’t know, and even if you do know them you simply can’t predict wildlife patterns. Remember, always drive carefully and be alert when you are in Ontario’s wilderness.
Opinicon Pines Resort is located at 162 Brooks Point Road, just outside of Elgin, Ontario.
Considering the experiences enjoyed by the author over the few days spent visiting Opinicon Pines Resort, Outdoor Action Ontario would recommend a stay with them for you and your family in the future. You can contact owners/operators Deb and Laurier Viau through their website for any rental inquiries: http://www.opiniconpines.com/bookings.html