THE GROUNDS
No matter how you choose to spend your time, you’ll love the chance to explore this area together with your family and friends! After you’ve had your fill of adventure, retreat to the resort where you can treat yourself to a delicious meal at the Cardinal Restaurant or unwind in your cozy cottage at the end of the day and enjoy the peace and serenity of this beautiful hideaway. A great destination for family, friends, corporate getaways, family reunions, weddings and more. There is no better place than this for your next secluded escape.
ACTIVITIES & AMENITIES
In the summer, settle in on our sandy beach for fun in the water. Take a swim or go out in a canoe, kayak or paddle board. Cast a line off the dock for some of the best fishing in Northern Ontario or bring your boat to launch from our resort. Cruise the Mattawa River on our pontoon boat or go tubing in the hot sun. Book yourself a horseback ride, or take an ATV tour across our 147 acres of land. In the winter, Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are all the rage. Explore our trails by foot or rent or bring your own snowmobile for a wild and fun adventure. Take to the river for some ice fishing or skate along the Mattawa River. End your day with a hot cup of hot chocolate in your cozy cabin and enjoy the winter views.
***Please note that some services may not be available due to Covid 19.***
THE GRIGOROV STORY
Mattawa River Resort is a family-owned and operated resort. My husband Adrian and I purchased the resort in April 2017, and ever since then, it has become our passion and the focus of everything we do. We love to see the excitement on the faces of children and parents as they see the grounds for the first time. The breathtaking view of the water and all the different things our resort has to offer. We are truly family- owned; everyone in our family plays a big role in what we do. From our four children, to my brother and sister-in-law, even our two dogs and four horses, all play a major role everyday here at the resort.
The most important thing to us as owners of the resort is our guests. We want everyone to come here and feel like they are not just guests at a resort but guests of our family. I do my best to greet each guest when they check in and make sure they know everything they need to know to make the most of their stay. I think “the personal touch” has become a lost art in the hospitality industry, but I take great pride in making sure that our guests are happy and getting the most out of their stay. Whatever it takes, we do what we can to ensure a great experience.
With so much to do here, we have become a destination not only for families and vacations, but also for weddings, family reunions, parties, corporate events and more. If you have an event coming up or just need a getaway from the everyday, I hope you will reach out to us and come share our little piece of heaven.
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
My son was looking for student housing at Nippissing University and we started looking at real estate. We found a beautiful, rustic, very let- go resort instead.
While touring the property, a beautiful cardinal, my mother’s favorite bird, appeared on the roof of a cabin and I knew my mom was guiding me here. Later CTV called on my birthday, the day my mom passed, and asked to film “The Cardinal” here. Another sign I was on the right track.
A third Cardinal appeared in our lodge on the day CTV came to book the resort to film the series “Blackfly” which was unmistakable. This Cardinal was in a painting that was covered up for 20 years and, for the first time, unveiled in its glory. Cardinal Richelieu!!! I knew at that exact moment it was happening, divine intervention we call it, guiding me and I was quick to pay attention.
My mom died in 2010. Prior to her death, she told me she would send me cardinals are her favorite and I was to pay attention!!
I DID!!
My family loved the area and decided to purchase and move five hours North with four kids. We left our home and all our comforts behind to experience a new life in Northern Ontario with hope and excitement in our hearts and all the risk associated with this huge endeavor.
“Let the renovations begin” as the resort was in extreme disrepair and neglect. We began our new journey as a family, together building our new future. Adrian, my husband, is a successful contractor and I’m an entrepreneur. I’ve always loved and respected Northern Ontario. It feels like home! I love people here and hosting guests. We both love to cook and love the hospitality industry.
So, this is my story!!!……. I’ve always loved a challenge and believed there is more out there if you just look. Once again, we are so grateful to be your host.
Thank you for reading our story! I look forward to seeing you soon.
Nicole Grigorov
Owner, Mattawa River Resort