The Briars

interesting and quiet place to stay for a couple to 4 days max. if weather is ok.
nice rooms, likely much better during sunny warm spring and summer when you can golf or go swim in the lake.
food is ok, service very inconsistent depending on your server or waiter, and pretty slow on purpose as there is not a lot to do around anyhow. a daily menu item would be great as you will eat there several times and rapidly get bored with the menu.
candlelight pool at night is really a nice idea (at daytime the pool really looks like an old highway style hotel pool…).
book spa way way in advance if you are interested… way way way… a week before minimum!

Decided to take a break from the city, and head north to stay at this Lake Simcoe resort for a couple nights. I recommend booking a room in their historic Manor House, as this is the best part of the rambling hotel (the new additions do not look that nice).
Each morning, it was lovely to get up early, stroll around their lovely gardens, and then go for nice long walks along the lake shore on Hedge Road. There are many historic homes to admire, and the road leads to the charming St. George’s Anglican Church. Just beyond the church lies Sibbald Point Provincial Park, another beautiful spot to walk around the get some fresh air, before walking back to the inn.
As a day trip from the inn, we decided to visited friends at the magical Tinkl Gallery, located just outside the town of Uxbridge. (Depending on the season, one can join the Uxbridge Studio Tour.)
On the way back home, we took a bit of a detour to Sharon, Ontario, in order to visit the impressive Sharon Temple, an architectural masterpiece, and a National Historic Site of Canada.
All in all, this was a wonderful road trip. I recommend using The Briars as your base to explore more of Lake Simcoe, and the surrounding region.

The photos posted on here have a some discrepancy. As the actual place looks better than the photos posted.
Anyways, my first time here and it was a great experience. It’s not too far of a drive and the beautiful weather we had during the Thanksgiving weekend was simply amazing!
We checked in around 530 – 6 and dinner reservations were for 645. once we checked into our room. It was clean and tidy. Beds were good. Room was good size.
Dinner: the food was probably the one thing i took my star off,.not to par in terms of taste, presentation and etc.
Loved the campfire at night… nice to sit around with a hot chocolate…
All in all, we got a good deal for Thanksgiving weekend. will come back if pricing is good again…

I’ve been here about six times over the last ten years with friends.
It’s a nice place to come to relax for the weekend and have some spa treatments (there is a spa onsite).
Your meals are included and they are good.
There is a dance on Saturday nights with DJ Dave spinning the tunes. DJ Dave is an old dude and has been here for years. When I’m here, it’s mostly women so he should be playing lots and lots of fun songs. He kind of does this but then will play a bunch of slow songs in a row for the handful of couples which brings down the energy of the place.
The nature walk with Diana Rowney is interesting as you’ll learn a lot about the property, the area and the owners.
The top of the tower is my favourite spot on the property … check it out!