Wander the Resort — Hotel in Ontario

Wander the Resort has been on our radar since the summer of 2020 when we first learned the former Sunrise Cottage Resort was to be redeveloped. We have been following the renovations at Wander since and we were thrilled to finally have the opportunity to book a night to stay and dine in early March.

As professionals in the wedding industry, we make it a point each year to spend a night or two in the County for some relaxation before our busy season begins. It also gives us the chance to sample venues and accommodations on behalf of future clients so we can provide personalized feedback on where to stay and dine. We have enjoyed stays in many County gems.

WTR has undergone an immense transformation. With experience renovating residential properties, we can appreciate the amount of effort that has gone into upgrading the property while still maintaining the charm of the cabin community. However, there was sticker shock at what was offered while construction is still on-going. While we are supporters of planning for the future and making improvements, we believe guests that decide to visit a resort under construction and in the off-season should enjoy reduced rates as a consideration.

With the aim of providing an optimal guest experience, we prefer a remarkable entrance. At least it should be clear how to navigate reception. Although the WTR logo is clearly (and well) displayed on the plywood hoarding surrounding the future spa foundation, there were no wayfinding instructions to guide guests upon arrival. Thankfully, the front desk staff are so friendly and helpful, they offered to greet us outside- even in the rain. Granted, instructions were provided in one of the numerous emails we received, but in the excitement of arrival, locating them proved problematic.

We stayed in the Hawthorn. Parking was convenient and dedicated right outside the cabin. Proceeding inside, it was beautifully decorated with many thoughtful details and appointments. The unique open truss design with gable-end windows provides lots of natural light and an open and airy feel. There is ample room in the kitchen/ dining/ living areas. Perhaps not a necessity, but we noted the absence of a microwave yet there are sleek Miele appliances including a dishwasher.

The layout of the bedrooms and bathroom is restrictive as the sleeping arrangements are rather small and they are separated by the dark bathroom. Some may find it inconvenient to pass through a bedroom to access the bathroom, especially since the space is narrow and lacks sufficient storage for clothing and personal items. While it seems the common spaces of the cabins meet accessibility standards, the bedrooms and bathroom do not.

Moving back outside, the grounds are well designed and maintained with well-lit, clearly marked pathways and nice touches of fire pits in key places. Each cabin has a spacious semi-private deck and it was from here that we noticed the painted roof starting to peel and expose its original blue tint, the same for several of the cabins. Nevertheless, we thoroughly enjoyed watching the sunset from the beach while sitting by the firepit.

When it was time for dinner, we made our way back to the main building, Gather, where we were greeted by even more friendly and inviting staff. The fare had the signature locally-sourced offerings which are especially comforting in the cooler seasons, a County specialty. Chef's kiss.

Overall, we enjoyed our experience at WTR and Gather. Our earnest and sincere assessment is that, in it's current state, the resort is overpriced for what it offers. There are several other alternatives within close proximity that offer more value and more...

We booked this resort for a two night getaway at the recommendation of a friend who said that it was amazing. They did not overstate their recommendation.||We had some special health needs which necessitated speaking to Fazeen at the main desk prior to booking our stay. Not only did he immediately agree to accommodating the needs, but he did so in a way that was exceedingly kind, caring and sensitive. I had the privilege of meeting him in person when we checked in. His kindness continued. Jane at the main desk was also very helpful when we arrived.||Our “cabin“ was gorgeous. Technically it is a cabin, but it is one that is designed with careful attention to detail and definitely not what one typically thinks of when you think of “cabin”. Please see the photos on their website to get a sense of how beautifully designed/appointed the cabins are. ||The bed was very comfortable, and the choice of pillows, linens and throws was perfect. The in-floor heating felt extra cosy under foot. The gas fireplace added a real sense of ambience. The cathedral ceiling with skylights made the cabin feel even larger and allowed for lots of sunlight. ||The appliances in the cabin were high-end. There was no microwave to quickly heat food. This very much reflected the theme of the resort that encourages guests to slow down and use the convection oven to prepare any meals that they may have brought. ||This was not a problem in the least. It was a reminder to stop rushing and savour the experience of meal preparation and meal sharing.||Even the dishes, pottery mugs, and serving pieces along with the cutlery were unique and added to the overall atmosphere. ||There was an outdoor gas fire that was lit by staff each evening. With the seating that surrounded the fireplace It would be a perfect setting for roasting marshmallows and creating s’mores.||There was no television, which was another reminder to disengage from busy lives and connect with one another. We spent time in conversation, reading, and playing games that we had brought from home as we knew this in advance. Having no television felt like one of the perks of the resort not a drawback.||One evening, we needed some mechanical assistance and maintenance staff Sawyer and Matt came to our rescue. Both young men were helpful, efficient and friendly. They solved our problem quickly and wished us a comfortable stay.||Both mornings we had breakfast in the dining room. Haley and Erika were our hostess and server. Like all of the other staff that we had met, they were personable, helpful and made us feel like we were special guests.||I ordered the classic breakfast. It was the best breakfast I have ever had anywhere. All aspects of the breakfast were perfectly prepared, beautifully seasoned and plated in a visually appealing way. The portions were large therefore, the breakfast was an excellent value.||We did not use any of the spa services, but saw the large outdoor multi section pool where other guests were lounging. It looked very appealing, especially to be open and of a comfortable temperature on March 18 and 19.||The property itself is beautiful with natural grasses, lovely views, including of the lake and comfortable areas for strolling on nearby nature trails.||For a truly relaxing getaway, this resort ticks all of the boxes that one would think of and an abundance of boxes that would never occur to guests in advance. The owners and staff just know what you need and provided it before you even know you needed it. I would strongly recommend staying at this resort.||Thank you to all of the staff who made our time away exceptional, and helped create memories that will be...

2024: We chose Wander to celebrate a special birthday, drawn by its reputation and stunning property. While the experience was overall enjoyable, it fell short of expectations in a few key areas. The property itself is undeniably beautiful, and most of the staff were welcoming and helpful. However, not every interaction matched the high standards one would expect from a luxury resort.

A standout exception was Grace, our server and bartender, who provided exceptional service and truly elevated our experience. Unfortunately, our initial server (a different team member) neglected to inform us about the off-menu dinner special, which we only learned about when it was offered to a table seated after us. By that point, we had already ordered, missing the opportunity to try something unique—a disappointing oversight.

We also mentioned during booking that we were celebrating a birthday, yet there was no acknowledgment or gesture to mark the occasion. This felt particularly disheartening given the premium pricing at Wander, where such thoughtful touches are typically expected.

Additionally, we were not informed in advance of ongoing construction at the property. This led to several inconveniences, including restricted access to the front of the resort and a 40-minute delay upon arrival while waiting for construction crews to clear the electric vehicle chargers. This lack of communication detracted from the seamless experience we had anticipated.

While Wander is undoubtedly a beautiful retreat with much to offer, I would recommend planning a stay after construction is fully completed to avoid disruptions. Additionally, guests celebrating special occasions should temper their expectations, as gestures to mark these moments may not be guaranteed. With some improvements in communication and attentiveness, Wander has the potential to fully live up to its reputation.

2025: We recently stayed at Wander the Resort in the Waterleaf Cabin, and overall, our experience was positive. While the resort was nearly empty, the service stood out—attentive and responsive staff ensured we had everything we needed, which we appreciated despite the low occupancy.

The cabins remain a highlight—spacious, well-maintained, and beautifully styled, making for some truly aesthetic photos. The complimentary Polaroids and dark chocolate cookies were a thoughtful touch, although the cookies we received were slightly charred on the underside.

The food was a bit of a mixed experience: some dishes, like the grilled cheese, burger, and seared tuna, were outstanding, while others, such as the grazing boards, were just okay. Unfortunately, the espresso machine wasn’t working, so we had to settle for drip coffee.

One major drawback was the intermittent banging noise that disrupted our sleep. It was loud and persistent, which was disappointing for a luxury resort. We informed the front desk upon checkout, as this is an issue that needs addressing.

On the plus side, the resort has made some improvements since our last visit. Construction on the spa is ongoing, but this time, we were able to use the main entrance instead of the back detour required last year.

Finally, a note for management: while we were grateful for the complimentary cabin upgrade, it might be worth offering lower rates during the low season and being more flexible with one-night stays. We had inquired in late November and were told there was a two-night minimum, which may deter potential guests during quieter times.

Despite these minor issues, Wander continues to be a fantastic getaway destination. We’d recommend it for those looking for a peaceful,...