Drive east of the the town of Seven Sisters Falls in Manitoba, and you’ll notice the log structures of Pinewood Lodge rising up alongside Dorothy Lake. On one side of the highway are two large lodge-type buildings. On the other, a row of lakefront chalets.
It’s an impressive property nestled into the rugged wilderness setting of Whiteshell Provincial Park. The kind of place you’d expect to see in a mountain resort town. Located in Manitoba’s cottage country.
Pinewood Lodge was purchased by Raquel and Jeff Lincoln in 1994. To them, it meant much more than simply running a resort: “We were a young couple with no children in pursuit of a dream. Our hope was to own our own business and raise our family in a place we truly love,” says Raquel.
Expanding the dream
The Lincolns recognized that most accommodations in their area were cottage-style. Because they believed there would be demand for rental options and meeting space, they committed to meeting the need. Consequently, as their family grew to include three children, Pinewood also grew.
After adding the main lodge when they first purchased Pinewood, the next phase of renovation added the adjoining conference centre in 2004 with indoor swimming pool and guest suites. They’re proud of unique features like hand-carved staircases and log railings, and the spacious grand entrance with vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace in the main lodge.
“Building Pinewood was a labour of love. We poured our heart and soul into it, and that’s what people are seeing now,” says Raquel. “The design and craftsmanship are all our own. It was our vision, and it came from us, so you won’t find it anywhere else.”
Today, Pinewood Lodge is a popular location for corporate retreats, and an excellent alternative for companies wanting to gather outside of urban settings. It’s quiet and relaxing, and the right atmosphere for allowing staff to focus on tasks at hand.
Ideal for company retreats
Corporate stays are both peaceful and productive. Massive windows that span from floor to vaulted ceiling are perfect portals for blue sky inspiration during the day and stargazing at night. There are three meeting rooms with hi-tech capabilities, full catering, and optional bar service. The recreation area has an indoor salt-water swimming pool, exercise room, steam room, and multi-person hot-tub.
Groups as large as 125 can be accommodated and as many as 56 can stay overnight. Guestrooms are equipped with highspeed wifi and satellite television, and come with daily self-serve breakfast.
Each of the five lakefront chalets showcase a stunning view. In addition, you’ll find a loft bedroom with whirlpool tub, gas fireplace, sauna or Swedish steam, outdoor deck with barbeque, and private lakeside fire pit.
Whiteshell Provincial Park’s spectacular surroundings give way to an abundance of outdoor activity. After a day of brainstorming and strategizing, guests can get out to explore the region’s many trails, go for a swim or paddle, try boating and fishing, or play a round at Pinawa’s golf course.
