Natural setting: Elk Lake Eco Centre caters to customized retreats.

Northern Ontario Business staff

Located in a natural setting, the Elk Lake Eco Centre is the ideal spot for small retreats. Whether it is a corporate meeting or a family gathering like a wedding, the whole stay is customized according to what is required.

The centre has 35 rooms but there are off-site accommodation providers five minutes away that can handle any overflow of guests.

"It's ideal for team building," said executive director Pamela Hamel. "It's a productive environment with no outside distractions. If there is intense business to take care of, it is ideal."

As part of the retreat, guests can enjoy a pontoon boat ride on the Montreal River, take advantage of a variety of trails accessible in all seasons, culinary classes, guided tours, fishing or book a massage.

The facility has a 7,000-square-foot building that is used for conferences and meetings and includes state-of-the-art multi-media capabilities.

There are indoor and outdoor exhibition areas, lecture rooms and central dining areas.

"We use local food and have an exclusive local menu," said Hamel. "Our proximity to the agricultural base in the region allows us to do that."

All conference rooms and guest chalets offer wireless high-speed Internet.

Each chalet has six bedrooms with a double bed per room. The structures have two floors and two bathrooms, along with an electrical fireplace and a television. Three of the chalets have a deck overlooking the Montreal River.

"When we plan the retreats, everything is customized," she said. "We can also educate the guests if required by arranging a mill tour or to bring in facilitators to talk about topics such as sustainability."

The eco centre uses green cleaning products, composts, buys local and offers green educational programs. It also showcases local wood in its construction and decor, and is an architecturally award-winning facility.

It is in its 11th year and has a staff of 16 to 20.

"It is beautifully decorated and has all the amenities you might require. And our natural surroundings can't be beat," Hamel said.

www.elklakeeco.com

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