The Opinicon

I have had many fine meals at the Opinicon, and admit to a serious addiction to their charcuterie. This past weekend I had the opportunity to experience the full hospitality of the resort as a guest, at a family wedding. The accommodation is really first rate, large comfortable beds, in cozy tastefully decorated cabins. The grounds of the resort are a delight to walk, and the friendly staff more than willing to give golf cart rides to guests who have mobility issues to allow them access to every part of the resort. I am just sorry that I was not able to organize my time to take advantage of the kayaks and canoes and spend more time at the ice cream shop. Some people have remarked that the service can be slow and the restaurant and pub seem understaffed. If not for the “Slow” lunch service by the always friendly and helpful staff at the pub we would never have met and engaged with a lovely couple from the other side of our now joined family. The lively Friday night discussion with the group of visiting boaters at the next table on the merits of Bread Pudding would never have occurred in a more “Efficient” fine dining establishment. It’s my view the Opinicon is the ideal place to slow down and enjoy a leisurely meal. Perhaps the biggest challenge to any kitchen and staff is to prepare and serve their full dining capacity of meals to a room full of banquet guests simultaneously. Especially after a full day of servicing breakfast, lunch, pub snacks and appetizers. In this regard, on Saturday evening, the Opinicon staff excelled. The meal and service was excellent. Walking back to our little cabin under a perfectly star lit sky at the end of the festivities we could not imagine a more perfect setting for a fall wedding. In conclusion it’s well worth a trip to this grand old resort on the Rideau. Lovingly restored with new features still to come, do yourself a favor and add the Opinicon to your bucket list.

We did a little trip to Chaffey's Locks for the first time in about ten years. What an amazing difference. The grounds and buildings are lovely! We enjoyed a fabulous lunch on the patio. Thank you for all the gluten free options as my partner is celiac. I was delighted to see the little ice cream parlour still has the green formica panel and green stools. I did miss the black cherry ice cream but many others to choose from :-)