We want to start off this update by wishing everyone a safe and wonderful holiday season, and a happy New Year. To those that observe Hanukkah, we hope your celebration and/or get-togethers were fun and warm. And of course, for all of you that are looking forward to Christmas, we wish you the merriest of times, and hope Santa brings you all of your wishes this year!
In this update, we wanted to cover just a few of the changes and additions, both big and small, coming to the Lodge in the new year.
Restaurant Re-Opening, New Menu Items and Hours
As we take a few weeks off to rest and refocus, we're also preparing for the excitement of Snowmobile Season. As you may have already seen, the #OFSC has actually made a new official trail branch that leads right off the popular D104, directly to our Lodge. It's called the NV503, and will be professionally groomed and maintained by the wonderful folks who run the Nipissing Veuve Snowmobile Club for the OFSC.
This means that there is no more need for "road-rashing" 500 meters down the highway to get here; the trail runs right to our RV area, where sledders can park their machines and walk a few feet to our Restaurant entrance. And of course, our regular vehicle parking lot is open for anyone that wants to dine-in or pick up #takeout as always.
We're pleased to offer new lunch menu options, including Chef Matt's homemade chili and daily soup offerings, most likely a chicken noodle, and a feature soup that will change weekly. Along with our Handhelds (you have to try the new Chicken Parm Sandwich!), a limited version of our Pasta, and our Salad menus, we'll be open for a delicious warm lunch on the weekends. Current proposed hours are Fridays for dinner from 4pm-8pm, Saturday lunch from 11am-3pm and dinner from 4pm-8pm, and Sunday lunch from 11am-3pm. We may adjust these hours as we go, so for now, be sure to visit our Restaurant page to see the latest up-to-date hours.
Winterized Cottages for Winter Stays
We have two fully winterized cottages available for stays as of Jan. 7, 2022. Both feature fully- heated rooms, our 7-step filtered water system and all of the other features our cottages are known for.
Our Pine cottage is a two-bedroom unit that sleeps up to six Guests on the two single and two double beds.
The huge windows overlook the water directly for a great view. A fully equipped kitchen, full bathroom and comfy couches make the Pine as inviting as always. There's even a propane grill outside for anyone that wants to get the winter grilling skills on! A stay here makes for a wonderful winter getaway, and parking is available for snowmobile trailers, etc. The Pine is the only cottage that we allow single-night stays for those sledding to our Lodge during the winter months (for all other cottages/seasons, there is a two-night minimum). Although our website will not allow you to book a single night, please email or call to check availability and/or make a reservation instead.
The Oak cottage is our largest of all, with up to 5 bedrooms available for your family or group stay. Along with a massive living room/dining room area, a full kitchen, two full bathrooms, two propane grills outside, and loads of space to stretch out and relax await you in the Oak.
There is parking available for a vehicle or two and sled trailers, and it is literally within view of the Restaurant. The Oak is a great base for your group's snowmobile trip: come check in, unload, relax and hit the amazing trails in the area. Start your sled virtually right at your door, and in seconds you are on the trail that runs right to our property, and moments later, you are on the D104, one of the best trails in Ontario.
Guest Feedback Survey
If you have stayed with us over the last year or so, please keep an eye out for an invitation to our Guest Survey, coming your way in the next month. We want to know what you liked, what you thought needed improvement, and what you'd like to see in the future when staying with us. We value all the feedback and constructive criticism we get, so please, if you can, take a few minutes to fill it out when it arrives in January in your email inbox.
Booking for Spring/Summer 2022
Right now is the right time to book your spring or summer vacations here at the Lodge. We are already 40% booked out, and this time if year, reservations skyrocket. We still have some room left for the prime weeks in the summer, but not a lot.
To check your dates, see what's available, etc., be sure to head to our website, enter your dates and number of Guests in your party, and the system will only show you what is available for those dates. If you don't see it, sadly it means it is booked out for those dates. As always, we are available via email or phone to help out should there be any confusion or difficulty. If you call and don't reach us, and we'll do our best to get back to you in a timely manner.
Conclusion
Please enjoy the holidays safely, and in the best of health. The road through the pandemic has been a difficult one, and may not be over quite yet. But if we all take the right precautions and do our parts, we will get through it together. We're excited for what the future holds, and can't wait to meet you for the first time, or greet you again on your return to the Lodge. We are looking forward to the New Year, and want to wish everyone a safe, happy and prosperous 2022!
The White Family
The West Arm Lodge and Restaurant