From time to time, my husband and I sit down and have a frank discussion about the life we want to live. What should we do? Where should we travel? How have we grown – as a family, as a couple, as individuals? And, what is the best way to maximize our income, while balancing life and leisure?
Lately, we’ve been thinking about investments – ones that make sense for us financially, but also make sense for our family. And at the top of the list: a weekend escape.
If you grew up in Ontario, chances are that you, or someone you know, has a summer cottage. Escaping the city has long been a summer tradition, with tens of thousands of commuters making the trek up north every Friday from May to September. And the options for cottages are limitless; traditional or modern, big and small. However, I’m *not exactly* the cottage type. While I love the lake, small town vibe and the opportunity to get away from the city, I still prefer the amenities of resort living – the luxe details, urban atmosphere, and most importantly, the ability to get away all year round.
Introducing Friday Harbour, Lake Simcoe’s most successful All Seasons community.
At Friday Harbour, you’ll discover a four-season 600-acre waterfront resort with an ever-changing selection of recreation, entertainment and activities to enjoy, just 45 minutes outside the Greater Toronto Area. Now taking shape on the shores of Lake Simcoe just south of Barrie, Friday Harbour is accessible along major highways and by GO Train from Toronto.
Four Seasons of Lakeside Vacations: Today at Friday Harbour, the marina is being excavated to accommodate 1,000 boat slips – from runabouts to 100-foot cruisers. From here, boaters may choose to cruise the Trent-Severn Waterway, catch a few hours of fishing or practice their sailing techniques. Kayaks and canoes will skim along the shoreline; jet skis and wind-surfers will share the waves. In winter, this same body of water offers skating, cross-country skiing and ice fishing.
Urban-Style Amenities: The vibrant Marina Village will be the hub of the community where shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes will hug the harbour, stretching along 4 kilometres of waterfront. The centre for live entertainment will be at the Pier featuring music and theatre, festivals, celebrations and a farmer’s market.
From Golf and Tennis to Swimming and Hiking: Now taking shape, the 18-hole championship golf course by Carrick Design is being sculpted with material excavated from the marina, changing a relatively flat landscape into a terrain of dips and ridges with holes suited to players of all abilities. Beach volleyball and tennis will vie for attention in the hot summer months where spectators will find shelter under umbrellas set-up along the sand. The lake is the place to cool off; swim, boat and paddle in the designated no-boat area.
“There is nowhere else like this in Southern Ontario,” says Earl Rumm, spokesperson for the resort and President of Geranium Corporation. “It’s perfect for anyone seeking a year-round place they can easily reach and enjoy to its fullest from the moment they arrive.”
“Whichever style of resort home you buy in Friday Harbour, you’ll be able to walk to onsite amenities – golf, beach, boat, nature preserve – within 5 to 15 minutes of your front door,” says Rumm.
Boardwalk Condos, set in the heart of the marina village, offer designs ranging from studios to two-storey penthouses. Generous patios, balconies and terraces are included, some as large as 900 sq.ft. The stylish Harbour Flats are steps from the waterfront and available in one-bedroom through three-bedroom plans, all with a large balcony. And, for those seeking a spacious resort townhome with private garage and boat slip, the spectacular Marina and Island Towns are the perfect option. Click here to view prices, floorplans, features and finishes.
Family travel is the perfect way to strengthen bonds, renew relationships and make memories that will last a lifetime. We’re looking to create those experiences – on a weekly basis – with Friday Harbour All Seasons Resort. If you’re in the market for a northern getaway, visit their Experience Centre in Eagles Nest Golf Course, Vaughan. The Experience Centre features a full model suite with decor and furniture package options, so you can get a taste of the quality of construction and finishes you can expect to enjoy when you move to Friday Harbour.
Love what you see? Bookmark www.fridayharbourresort.com – you never know, we could be neighbours!
cottage country = awesome
Me = totally agree!
so Luxurious.
Isn’t it amazing? Perfect for cottage country dwellers!
i’ve heard their commercials quite often on the radio. sounds interesting.
Really? I hadn’t heard about it until recently – that’s so great that you already knew about it!
Looks like a beautiful place to live in
I need this to be my weekend escape :)
I love waterfront properties and this sounds like an awesome place to get away for a mini vacation! Thanks for the tip Lena!
You’re welcome Marissa, check it out!
Looks like an amazing place
I think so too, Athena :)
This is the first I have heard of this place, it looks like it is going to be really nice. However, we would prefer the cottage on the lake if we were going to do anything.
I understand – there are definitely varying tastes when it comes to getaways up north!
This place looks gorgeous and perfect really! I’d be happy in a wee log cabin on the ocean somewhere!
Ha! Me too… as long as it was a resort-style log cabin, hahaha!
looks so relaxing
I agree… check out the website Chandra, you’ll be floored.
I wondered why all the construction trucks were heading down there for ! This is like a stone’s throw away from where I live in Barrie ! We really COULD be neighbours :)
Oh that is so cool! And you’ll have to keep us updated on the progress!
I sure will – now I have an excuse to follow the trucks and see the site ;)
I went to Friday Harbour several years ago…due for a return because we had such a wonderful time there. Obviously a lot of changes since my last visit.
Yes, I can’t wait to check it out for myself!
the boat dock looks like year round fun
I agree. Nice that there’s ice skating in the winter!
Sounds amazing and looks so beautiful!
Completely agree, Jodi!
I could retire here when I win the lottery! #dreaming
Dreams often become reality Tricha!!
looks lovely – would love to go there someday :-)
If I can’t spend my weekends here, at least I must visit!
wow beautiful spot :)
It’s stunning, isn’t it?
This place looks beautiful!
It’s like a slice of cottage country heaven!
Wow. Looks like a nice retirement spot.
It would be the perfect retirement spot!
I would love to live in a beautiful place like this!
Me too! It’s so lovely!
Gorgeous living surrounded by nature as well as modern conveniences with tennis (a major bonus for a tennis family).
Absolutely! Love that it caters to all families – even sporty ones!
My Aunt lives in cottage country. We go yearly for a family reunion, she lives off the lake. It is the most enthralling yet relaxing environment ever… I could spend hours just walking through the forests or watching the fish swim… chilling in her paddle boat while the kids jump from the cliff/waterfall, cuz you know, I’m too cool for that nonsense <3 I soak up the sun, their laughter & nature.
That sounds like a dream, Darlene :)
That’s gorgeous! I never would have guessed that it was in ON!
Exactly! But it is!
this looks great and makes me wish I was closer!
Me too… thankfully I’m just close enough to make this a weekend getaway!
I cannot believe how much the Lake Simcoe community has changed! Yes we went up to my grandparents cottage every summer, they lived on Lake Driveway!! Special memories indeed. Maybe we should think about this for our vacay home, just lovely! Thanks!
Lake Driveway!! WOW!! Would love to hear about those memories!
Looks so relaxing
I can just imagine…
Who would think, all of this within several hours of driving.
Exactly Betty! It’s like an oasis!
I bought a condo here – I can’t wait till it opens!
Amazing Bobby!! Enjoy!
It’s been years since I visited Lake Simcoe when my grandmother had an old rambling cottage which has since been torn down for a mansion of some kind. Really should head back that way to see the changes.
Definitely – although sad your grandmother’s cottage is no longer there!
Had yet to hear about Friday Harbour. Nice location for an all season community.
Yes, I think that’s its main selling feature!
so pretty, makes it look like you have gone some place luxurious
EXACTLY :)
Thank you for listing some very important conversations that couples should have from time to time. Life can get so busy that we forget our overall goals.
You’re welcome Elaine :)
I need this to be my weekend getaway,looks wonderful
So beautiful. ..can I live there year round?
Well as nice as this place seems I wasn’t born with a silver spoon or unlimited credit, so I’ll have to stick with the cottage my mother inherited on a beautiful lake. The cottage isn’t very nice but when it comes the lake and everything else, it’s Paradise!
What a beautiful harbor,i could live there!