|
|
|
|
|
|
One of the best bed and breakfasts in Manitoulin Island Ontario,
as recommended by Janette Higgins.
|
|
Near North and Northern Ontario
| |
|
|
Rockville Inn Bed and Breakfast
|
Carol and Ron Sheppard
R.R.1
Mindemoya, Ontario
Canada, P0P 1S0
|
| Phone: 705-377-4923 |
| Why follow the crowd; come in the off season, stay at this bed and breakfast and have magical Manitoulin to yourselves. |
|
|
|
Review by Janette Higgins
author of The Best Places to B&B in Ontario: A Selective Guide
Six editions of the book were published to critical and popular acclaim. Janette now publishes her B&B
reviews and holiday reports online.
|
Note 1 to reader: Every Ontario bed and breakfast receives my consideration. I travel incognito, pay where I stay and write reviews of the top 5%. Here is one I recommend. Janette Higgins
The Rockville Inn bed and breakfast is one of my two picks of Manitoulin Island’s bed and breakfasts even though it's not as fancy as others on this site and even though hosts Carol and Ron Sheppard don’t actually live in it; they’re in a newer house nearby. It's cosy, clean and comfortable and perfectly suited to laid-back Manitoulin. Turns out it’s Ron’s folks’ old place which stood empty for a few years before they renovated it for bed and breakfast and started adding gardens, verandahs and a lakeside gazebo. In fact, the Sheppard's lovely grounds and gardens draw many compliments from guests. More recently, they've added central air conditioning and high speed internet.
Inside, the rooms are all decorated around different themes. The Navaho is done western style, the Irene Room has country taste, the Lane Gail is a done in a feminine floral and the Maple has maple leaf motifs on its sheets and stencilled walls. Something else you should know – the Navaho and Maple rooms have all bathroom facilities right in the room (tub, sink and toilet). The Irene and Lane Gail have small private en suite bathrooms.
Breakfast the next morning will be taken overlooking the calm waters of Lake Manitou, the largest freshwater lake in the world on an island (fitting since Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island in the world!). Carol starts breakfast off with fresh fruit. Then it's on to something different every day you’re there. Perhaps you'll have French toast, made from Carol's own homemade bread, with warm syrup and fresh fruit. Or buttermilk pancakes with wild blueberry syrup and sausage. Carol’s friendly enthusiasm will get you off to a good start for a day of exploring magical Manitoulin. There are excellent walking trails, easy cycling through pastoral countryside, canoeing on clear inland waters, and some of the best yachting anywhere. Even hydro bikes (!) and western style horse back riding.
And here’s a thought – why not book this bed & breakfast for a group-stay in the off-season. There’s a separate two bedroom apartment Carol and Ron rent out as well, boosting the numbers who can sleep here comfortably. (You can book the apartment anytime of course but it doesn't include breakfast; you make your own.) Hunters and families can book the whole place, get three homemade meals a day and return to cosy fireside chats in the large living room at night. The magic doesn’t leave, just the tourists.
Note 2 to reader: I appreciate your support of the continuation of my research by letting the hosts know you read my review of their bed and breakfast on this bbontario website. Many thanks! Janette Higgins, Travel Writer
|
Reviews of Janette Higgins'
favourite places beyond Ontario
More of Janette Higgins' reviews
of Ontario's best bed and breakfasts
|
|
Rockville Inn Bed and Breakfast, Manitoulin Island, Ontario
|
| Tell your hosts Janette Higgins sent you! |
| E-mail: |
Click Here |
| Website: |
http://www.manitoulin-island.com/rockvilleinn |
| Best to call: |
7 AM-9 PM |
| Season: |
May 1 to Oct 31 (Nov to Apr by reservation only) |
| CDN $ Rates: |
S or D $125 plus 13% HST; Apartment with 2 queen beds (no breakfast) $145/night plus taxes |
Currency converter
|
| Cards: |
cheque or cash |
| Restrictions: |
smoking outside; no guests’ pets |
| Facilities: |
3 bedrooms with queen beds and en suite bathrooms (a fourth is available for groups); 1 separate apartment with equipped kitchen, BBQ overlooking lake, 2 queen beds upstairs and full bath downstairs. Central air conditioning; living room with fireplace for guests; kitchen privileges in off-season; barbeque available; free use of kayak & canoe; high speed internet; telephone in kitchen; high speed internet |
| Parking: |
off-road for 7 cars |
| Breakfast: |
full |
| Location: |
On Manitoulin Island 40 mins from South Baymouth ferry dock, 30 mins from Little Current bridge |
| Directions: |
obtain when booking |
| |
|
|
|
|
