In May 2024, my family and I had the pleasure of visiting Whispering Pines, one of our Haliburton cottage rentals, for a belated Mother’s Day celebration, and it was a truly fantastic weekend away. Our group included myself, my husband, our two young children (Ryker, aged 5, and Colin, aged 18 months), my mom, my brother, his best friend, and our two-year-old German Shepherd, Mylah. From the moment we arrived, Whispering Pines proved to be the perfect retreat for our diverse family.
We arrived at the cottage on Friday afternoon at varying times, but all between approximately 2pm and dinner time. With ample parking for our three vehicles, it was easy to take turns unloading. Walking into the kitchen, with its stunning view of the Redstone River, set the perfect tone for our stay. The interior areas were thoughtfully designed, making it comfortable for the kids to be up early and go to bed early, while the non-parents of the group could stay up late & sleep in.
The living room quickly became a central hub for our activities. Its big, open, and comfy layout was perfect for games like Twister, Ryker’s favourite, and for catching new or favorite shows on Netflix. We enjoyed several cups of coffee here throughout the weekend, especially when the rain wouldn’t let up. The eat-in kitchen was another highlight; someone could sit and chat while the chef prepared meals. With all the kitchen items organized and stored, it was a breeze to learn our way around and start feeling right at home.
The bedroom configuration worked exceptionally well for us. With a toddler in a pack-n-play needing a room of his own, sleeping arrangements can be tricky, but the four bedrooms provided plenty of space for everyone to have comfortable sleeps both nights. It was such a relief to have the right accommodations to ensure everyone was well-rested and ready to enjoy the day ahead.
The highlight of our stay was spending time outside. The deck overlooking the Redstone River is phenomenal and was used every moment (or, at least every moment it wasn’t raining!). From morning coffees and smoothies on the deck to afternoon appetizers and dinners al fresco, it was the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy the mild May weather and sunshine. The dock was another big outdoor attraction. Colin loved watching the occasional boat go by, gleefully shouting “boat!” while waving frantically to the boaters, who always waved back. Ryker tried his hand at fishing for the first time this year and enjoyed playing in the shallow area beside the dock with Mylah, which is perfect for young kids and pets who want to play in the water without going in for a swim.
We used the firepit the first night we stayed at Whispering Pines. Although it is on the driveway side of the cottage, so, without a water view, it didn’t stop us from enjoying it (and really, it’s dark by the time you have a campfire anyway!). We gathered around, roasted marshmallows, and sang a couple of campfire songs led by Ryker before he headed off to bed. After the campfire, while the kids slept, some of the adults ventured to the lower level for a game of Euchre. The card/game table in the basement is perfect for 2-4 people to gather around and play a competitive round of their favorite game. And, boy, it was competitive, but my brother and his best friend beat us by a landslide!
On Saturday evening, all five adults stayed up to enjoy the various board games offered at the property, opting to use the kitchen table that night. We could stretch out a bit more, and having the kitchen right there to cook late-night snacks was the perfect addition.
On Sunday morning, we enjoyed a delicious BBQ breakfast on the deck in the sunshine before packing up and heading home.
Whispering Pines provided us with the perfect setting for family bonding, relaxation, and adventure. It’s a true gem, and we can’t wait to return for another unforgettable family retreat. If you’re looking for a serene and luxurious getaway that caters to all ages (and even furry friends), I wholeheartedly recommend Whispering Pines. If you’re interested in checking out other beautiful cottage rentals nearby, you can view our portfolio of Haliburton cottage rentals or our full list of cottage rentals in Ontario!
Cottage: Whispering Pines
Region: Haliburton Highlands
Town: Algonquin Highlands, ON
Waterfront: Redstone River
Chat with Kaitlyn
Call us at 1-866-323-6698 to chat with Kaitlyn about her experience at Whispering Pines before you book. You won’t be disappointed!
