TRAVEL FEATURE: MATTAWA RIVER RESORT When I heard the news that the most recent lockdown in Ontario to combat COVID-19 was lifted - at least partially - I hit the road. Destination: Mattawa. Why? Where the heck is Mattawa...I mean it sounds familiar. On the recommendation of a friend, I decided to head to Ontario Near North to get a change of scenery and to document the experience in podcast form to share with other people who want to escape the COVID-19 malaise. I was connected with Nicole, the owner of a Resort on Mattawa River at a point where it widens into a calm, bucolic area of water known as Lake Champlain, named after the famous voyager and discoverer of this majestic land. In fact, this river has been a pivotal highway for the discovery of Canada with almost every major historic figure who traversed our country made their way along this beautiful river route. Cartier, Champlain, Fraser... and the list goes on. Nicole and her husband Adrian, and actually their entire family have been restoring and renovating this stunning resort, now called Mattawa River Resort; an incredible series of cabins and a remarkable restaurant called The Cardinal all nestled into a brilliant, untouched, wooded waterfront that has been drawing Anglers, Snowmobilers, Kayakers and vacationing families the whole time garnering amazing reviews. Nicole was kind enough to co-host a series of podcasts that mainly talked about getting back to nature, getting in touch with ourselves, getting back to society and how connecting with this incredible place would make all of these a much easier journey. Her pride in making people feel
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relaxed and welcome shone through with every interaction. Adrian was always ready to accommodate a boat ride, tubing, or even just a stroll up the river to a brilliant waterfall that glides down the edge of the Laurentians with the coldest spring water I have ever felt. Mattawa is the hidden gem up against the
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
