Last week, I had some time off from work, and my husband and I wanted to get away for a few days. We didn’t have much time, didn’t want to have to wait for a ferry or leave the Sunshine Coast if we didn’t have to, so I looked online for some options. As most of you know, I am very much a “details” person. There are specific things I look for in a place to stay, and if a website doesn’t have pictures, chances are, I steer clear of it.
After a couple of hours checking out pretty much all the Hotels, Motels and B&B’s on the Sunshine Coast of B.C., I found a place that looked simply lovely. I recognized the signs that are at the side of the road from the online pics – turns out we had driven past it many times on our way to one of our usual hiking spots ( one I haven’t written about quite yet ) I always thought it looked inviting – even just from the signs, as we drove past before.
The Bed and Breakfast we booked is called ” A Lakeside Retreat “, and is located in Egmont, about a 45 minute scenic drive past Sechelt. We were looking for a few days of peace and quiet, relaxation, and sunshine. When we arrived, our gracious host Rob greeted us, gave us a tour, and showed us to our room – the ” Call Of The Loon ” Suite. Continental Breakfast is included in the price, so he asked us what we would like for the next morning, as a lady brings fresh pastries every day – huge muffins, croissants, or Quiche. The room is stocked with a kitchen area and mini fridge so you can have Breakfast at your leisure in the morning – no set times, and no need to get up early if you don’t want to. There was fresh fruit, cheeses, whipped butter and jams etc., milk and juice and yogourt in the fridge, as well. Dishes are supplied, there is a microwave, toaster oven, sink – everything you could need.
The Most Comfortable Bed Ever
One of the things I had noticed on the website which helped me choose which Suite I wanted to book was a picture of the bathroom. I liked the mirror, so took some pics of it myself, as well. The bathroom was bright, clean, and had a wonderful skylight which added even more to it. The shower was a really good size, which I love – no bumping your elbows.
Cool Shell Mirror
After ” checking out ” our room, we quickly changed into our bathing suits, and headed out to our deck, which overlooked North Lake. We had our own patio table and chairs, a BBQ, and a couple of Adirondack chairs for lounging in while enjoying the sun.
Big Deck Overlooking The Water
After a good look around the deck, we headed down the path behind the house to the private dock on the lake. We were happy to see an inviting sight – chairs seemingly just waiting for us to relax in, at the edge of the water.
Chairs On Private Dock Overlooking North Lake
Before I forget, I have to mention that also included with your stay is use of a rowboat, pedal boat, and a canoe. Both of us love being on the and in the water, so this was a huge bonus for us. The ” little girl ” in me wanted to try the pedal boat first, as I have many happy childhood memories of going out in them with my best friend in Ontario. It was so much fun, pedalling around the lake, exploring the sights that were all new to us.
Three Boats To Choose From
After that, we did some swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing, while listening to the birds chirping. It was so incredibly peaceful and relaxing – exactly what we had hoped for. The view from the dock of the lake was beautiful.
View Of North Lake From Private Dock
Rob was just in the process of installing a brand new swim ladder, so we got to be the first ones to try it out while we were there.
Brand New Swim Ladder
After a day in the sun, in and on the water, and trying out the various boats, we headed back up the path to our suite.
Path Back To Our Suite
Before freshening up to go have some Dinner, we stood on the deck just outside our Suite again, and took in the gorgeous view of North Lake.
Our Fabulous Deck - Call Of The Loon Suite
Over the next couple of days, we spent most of our time relaxing, swimming, boating, or just laying in the big chairs up on our deck, soaking up the amazing hot sun.
Adirondack Chairs On Our Deck
There was also a recently added Games Room, which was great for night time, or would also be good if the weather wasn’t cooperating ( or in Off-Season ). There was a Pool Table, a Dart Board, a Poker Table, CD’s to listen to, books to borrow, and movies to watch from a comfy couch, or to take back to your room.
We would definitely go back to A Lakeside Retreat again. Rob was a wonderful host – he made sure we had everything we could possibly need, then left us alone to enjoy the peace and quiet, which is precisely why we went there. There were a lot of personal touches that showed just how much thought he had put into every detail of the place.
I look forward to the next time we are fortunate enough to have a couple of days to sneak away to ” A Lakeside Retreat “.
Thanks again so much for everything, Rob !
