We have received an amazing amount of snow already in Port Loring. The conditions are perfect for those who like to snowshoe. The Local snowmobile trails are being groomed and soon the sledding season will be in full swing!  The Farmhouse and Chalet are both on or close to the local OFSC trails, with easy access to Hwy 522 and a 10 minute drive from the town of Port Loring.

The local ice rink at the Argyle Community Centre has free skating and they also have groomed snowshoe & cross-country ski trails for you to enjoy.

Book a 2 night stay at the farm, or 3 nights or more at the Chalet  this winter and receive a 10% discount off our regular rates.

Hilary has some availability at her Bed & Breakfast The Lost Fox located in the town of Port Loring and welcomes stays of 1 night or more, advanced reservations required. www.thelostfox.ca

Our region is known for having one of the largest herds of white tailed deer in the province, this year they are everywhere and create wonderful opportunities for those who love wildlife and those who enjoy photography.

There is so much to be grateful for this year, we are always so thankful to spend our days in the Great Canadian Wilderness. 
This is one of the best times to vacation in Northern Ontario as the crisp fall days are perfect for hiking in the woods and taking in the ballet of Fall colour. In the evening, sitting in front of a roaring fire warms the body and soul.
Thanksgiving is a bust time at Pine Grove with many people getting together with friends and family to celebrate the season and kinship. 

After Thanksgiving the SunDog Gallery packs up and Hilary will have a couple pop up shops in time for the holidays as well as attending a Christmas event at the Port Loring Legion.  At this time we also start winding down for the season and begin to close the cottages. This time of year is bittersweet, as we look forward to a winter break, but miss seeing the many new faces every week at The Grove.

If you are interested in booking for the 2019 season, it is best to contact us early. This year many guests have already booked their vacation with us for the summer & into next fall and we are humbled by that. To secure your cabin we require a $300 deposit. info@pinegroveresort.com to inquire.

Those of you who have come to Pine Grove over the past 13 years probably have a fondness for our Wire Fox Terrier Martha, who is Bill Chambers sidekick. Martha had a strange thing happen to her, where a tumour encapsulated her eye over Christmas. It turns out she has cancer...so we are doing all we can to make her remaining days enjoyable. We have had her eye removed and hoping that she bounces back from surgery and does not have another occurance. 

​We have a new dog at Pine Grove! Hilary was helping to re-home a litter of Northern Dogs, one of the homes fell through, and Sema Hilary's rescue dog fell in love with the puppy.
His name is Bookaboo, named after a children's TV show. This is the most relaxed and laid back dog we have ever owned..."Booky is a true couch potato. We look forward to introducing him to customers at Woofstock, and at the resort during the season.

Loring-Restoule is region known for its prolific white-tailed deer population. This winter has been very active with lots of deer sightings! Its thrilling to have wildlife come so close. Hilary is living in Port Loring at her B&B,  The Lost Fox and the deer have been draining her bird feeders.

There is nothing quite like hooking a large Northern and staring into the eye of one of our waterways top predators.  We actively promote catch & release at Pine Grove, but LOVE to receive photos of you and your catch from the Pickerel River, no matter what the size.  If Northern Pike are what thrills you...following these tips will help you reel in your own river monster.

1. Location
There are many locations along the Pickerel River that are exceptional habitat for Northern Pike. Drop off's or a shelf are key spots when searching for underwater predators. Large pike tend to hang out in deeper water near the shallows where they can wait for prey fish to move in and out of the shallow parts before they strike.

Pike are often found near weed beds or areas with logs and or driftwood where they can camouflage themselves or hide in a darkened area before propelling themselves forward to engulf prey within striking distance.

2. Prey
​When fishing for Northern Pike...the most logical place to start is to go where the fish are!  As a predatory fish, pike are found where their prey fish are. Finding prey fish depends on temperature of the water & time of year, but you can be fairly certain they will be near the rockbass, sunfish and other tasty sportfish.  When the water is warmer the prey fish spread out through shallower areas, which means the Pike can be hiding close. When the weather and water temperature cools in the fall, pike can be found in deeper water near shallows and this is where you need to find the location of the drop offs. Maps/depth finders are an asset here.

3.  Lures
a: The Dardevle spoon also called the Red Devil by some, is an iconic item for the tackle box, and one of the most famous lures of all time!  The wiggling wobbly action, combined with the colouring is hard for Northern Pike to resist.
b: Mepps Black Fury- The spinning blade and flash of colour makes this a very enticing lure for every type of fish, be it bait or sportfish.
c: The Pikie Minnow-This might be a vintage style lure, but it is one that has lasted through the ages.  Few lures are as synonymous with big lunkers as this old standby.  Northern Pike & Muskie simply cannot resist this gem.  Lure was introduced in 1919, and still carries the iconic design.  A battle scarred lure of this type is a prize possession in an anglers tackle box.
d: Buzzbait- This gurgling surface bait may have been designed for bass, but not many Northern Pike can resist the action of this lure. 

Live bait are also a very popular way to lure this predator.​

4. The Strike
Some speak of letting the bites develop as pike test your lure, while others are firmly in the camp of setting the hook firmly as soon as you get a bite.  The challenge is that you do not want the pike to actively swallow your lure as it makes it far more difficult to remove treble hooks that have gone deeper than the pikes throat.

5. Handling/Release
Fish gloves & long needle nose pliers, are essential for your angling kit.  Northern Pike can have a slimy feel and you do not want them hurt if they are thrashing around.  Minimal handling, and removing lures in the water make it less stressful for catch & release. Be mindful that pike have very sharp teeth and can easily cause damage to fingers.  If taking a photo of your big catch it is best to hold them up, rather than string them up, and get them back in the water asap to fight another day.

Its that time of year again...our final trade show of the season!  Pine Grove Resort will be at Wooftstock again this year. Woofstock® is the largest outdoor festival for dogs in North America.
Woofstock is located at Woodbine Park in Toronto Saturday May 28 & Sunday May 29 from 10am-6pm

If you are in the GTA & love dogs...this is a festival you do not want to miss!  Drop by our booth & say Hello!

Pine Grove Resort has a booth at these two shows.  Drop by and say "hello" if you are in the area...we are running some great show only specials!