The Briars Resort in Ontario is a family-run resort one hour north of Toronto. The attention to detail and hands-on management skill of the Sibbalds -- descendants of Dr. Frank Sibbald, who bought the property in the 1870s -- trickles down to every aspect of The Briars, from beautifully manicured gardens to professional and polite staff.
Perched on the banks of Lake Simcoe, The Briars offers a range of accomodation and activities to suit families, couples, solo and business travelers.
See pictures of The Briars
Perched on the banks of Lake Simcoe, The Briars offers a range of accomodation and activities to suit families, couples, solo and business travelers.
See pictures of The Briars
Briars Resort Perks
- The Briars is a sprawling resort that accomodates hundreds of guests, yet never feels crowded. The inn and the grounds are large but feature many nooks and crannies giving guests the chance for privacy and solitude.
- The food at The Briars is out of this world.
- Daily itineraries outline what's going on at The Briars.
- Private lodges let guests socialize in a common area yet retain privacy by having their own guestroom with private bathroom.
- Summer and holiday kids programs keep kids occupied and parents feeling like they really are on vacation.
- The Briars is just one hour north of Toronto and easily reached by the 407 toll highway.
Rooms at the Briars Resort
Photo: Jane McLean
Accommodation is available in the Inn, lakeside or in a private cottage.
Accommodation can be booked as part of a spa or golf package.
Rooms in the Inn range from heritage guest rooms with antiques and lake views to small standard rooms with balconies or patios; some face the parking lot.
Cottage accommodation includes:
Accommodation can be booked as part of a spa or golf package.
Rooms in the Inn range from heritage guest rooms with antiques and lake views to small standard rooms with balconies or patios; some face the parking lot.
Cottage accommodation includes:
- Lakeside rooms have private entrance, lake view and deck and/or garden overlooking Lake Simcoe.
- Private cottages overlook the 18th green and are near the outdoor pool and summer dining hall.
- Private two-bedroom cottages with fireplace and either lake, garden or woods view.
- Private lodges feature 4, 7, or 10 private bedrooms with TV and private bathroom, plus large common room, wet bar and deck or verandah. These are ideal for family gatherings and golf, girlfriend or business getaways, where people want to socialize yet retain some privacy.
More about Rooms at The Briars
Visiting The Briars with Kids
- High-chairs are available in the dining room.
- The Briars offers a kids camp in the summer for children 3 - 10.
- Morning and evening programs are provided during March Break and the days between Christmas and New Year's.
- Throughout the year, The Briars can usually provide trained babysitters at reasonable rates.
Dining at the Briars Resort
As meals are included in accommodation prices, guests generally choose to eat The Briars meals which are for the most part served in the dining room. The dining room is in the main Inn and though an addition to the original manor, features classic heritage detailing and furnishings.
Seating is roomy in that you're not butted up to the next table, yet the atmosphere is intimate and guests have their own table for the length of their stay.
Tables are accented with linens and fresh flowers. Dress code is no jeans, bathing suits or shorts.
On Saturdays, a DJ mixes tunes as dinner turns into dancing at about 9pm. If you don't love loud music at dinner, be sure to book an earlier seating. At other times the music in the dining room is smooth jazz -- not my cup of tea, as I would rather hear Miles Davis or Beethoven than Kenny G, but probably inoffensive to most.
Groups may also have the option of private dining rooms.
Seating is roomy in that you're not butted up to the next table, yet the atmosphere is intimate and guests have their own table for the length of their stay.
Tables are accented with linens and fresh flowers. Dress code is no jeans, bathing suits or shorts.
On Saturdays, a DJ mixes tunes as dinner turns into dancing at about 9pm. If you don't love loud music at dinner, be sure to book an earlier seating. At other times the music in the dining room is smooth jazz -- not my cup of tea, as I would rather hear Miles Davis or Beethoven than Kenny G, but probably inoffensive to most.
Groups may also have the option of private dining rooms.
Food at the Briars Resort
Photo: Jane McLean
Three meals per day (or a modified no-lunch plan) are included in the price of accomodation at The Briars. Because the food is so good, this ends up being a distinct benefit. Guests receive a buffet breakfast and buffet lunch (or, lunch menu is available) and a dinner menu with extensive appetizer, entree and dessert options plus daily specials.
The food at The Briars is a huge draw. Trevor Ledlie, Executive Chef, has created an enticing menu that will have guests mulling over their next entree choice as soon as they finish dessert. The menu features local and seasonal fare and herbs and vegetables from The Briars own garden. I can personally vouch for the crab cakes, which were the best I've ever tasted.
Vegetarian options are available.
Choose from about 50 international wines, including reds, whites, rose and champagne. Great additions to the menu would be suggested pairings and more Ontario wines.
The food at The Briars is a huge draw. Trevor Ledlie, Executive Chef, has created an enticing menu that will have guests mulling over their next entree choice as soon as they finish dessert. The menu features local and seasonal fare and herbs and vegetables from The Briars own garden. I can personally vouch for the crab cakes, which were the best I've ever tasted.
Vegetarian options are available.
Choose from about 50 international wines, including reds, whites, rose and champagne. Great additions to the menu would be suggested pairings and more Ontario wines.
