When your company is planning its next team building weekend, corporate retreat, or getaway to impress a visiting client, why not suggest something a little out of the ordinary? Northeastern Ontario has several options for truly getting away from it all. Here, you’ll get your colleagues and clients talking – about great business ideas and later about all the BIG memories created up north.
Northern Spirit Adventures
What was the ultimate expression of teamwork and adventure in early Canadian history? Answer: the voyageur canoe. Join your coworkers in this emblematic 34-foot vessel on an epic day-long paddle on the Abitibi River, a famed “highway” used by fur traders. Spot all manner of beast, from moose to lynx, along the shores of this picturesque river made famous by the 100-ft New Post Falls. This trip is organized by Northern Spirit Adventures, which offers a variety of guided trips including winter snowmobile excursions to James Bay.
Lakeland Airways
Tourists flock to Temagami’s fire tower to get a bird’s-eye view of Temagami’s majestic old-growth forest. Get even higher when you charter a Lakeland Airways flight. The amazing panoramas are just the start to your group adventure. Spend the week at an outpost camp on your private, fly-in-only island. Stocked with the essentials, but still rustic enough to get that backwoods quest feeling, the outpost is the perfect spot to do some bonding . . . and fishing.
Marten River Lodge
Which would you prefer – a view of rush hour gridlock and carbon copy corporate centres or 12 acres of pristine waterfront? For 80 years, Marten River Lodge has catered to those looking for a little R&R with their on-site amenities such as nine cabins, high speed WiFi, excellent cell service, fleet of boats, large dining room, and games room. Marten River Lodge is experienced at hosting corporate groups of up to 65 people from around the world. Just 30 minutes north of North Bay, this easily accessible retreat can help plan team building activities such as guided fishing trips with shore lunches, or simply telling stories around a campfire.
Parker House Suites Sudbury
Unlike your typical business meeting or corporate retreat, a trip to Northeastern Ontario is sure to make significant others jealous. So, why not invite them along? Parker House Suites in Sudbury offers four charming suites (each with work spaces and wireless) suited to a single professional or a couple. Make use of in-suite kitchens and decrease your workload as a trip planner by taking advantage of the Suites’ personalized grocery packages. Sudbury itself offers plenty of off-the-beaten track options for team building and corporate fun, including hot air ballooning, fly-in fishing adventures by Sudbury Aviation, and a boat trip around Lake Ramsey, just steps from Science North, the fantastic interactive science centre.
Presidents’ Suites
Nothing removes inhibitions like a little acting! The Presidents’ Suites in Haileybury offers organized murder mystery style role playing activities to help members of corporate groups get to know each other, learn about the area’s fascinating silver rush heritage, and have a lot of fun. Each team member is assigned a colourful character from Cobalt and Haileybury’s past to bring to life for an evening. The results are always hilarious and talked about for weeks after everyone has returned to their cubicle. The Suites, spread over several architectural beauties in town, offer plenty of common rooms for brainstorming sessions – or many groups elect to take a walking meeting with a stroll along the lakefront for the fresh air and natural advantages that only Northern Ontario can offer.
