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Trip note · winter
A winter weekend at Rama, planned around the weather
This is the season the suites were made for. The fireplace earns its place, the pool is indoors and the hall has a full December. The one thing to plan carefully is the road.
The road
Highway 11 north of Barrie gets lake-effect snow, and conditions can change between Toronto and Orillia. Our rule is simple: drive in daylight, check Ontario 511 before you leave, and leave an hour of slack. If a squall is forecast for Friday evening, leave on Saturday morning instead. The suite will still be there.
The room
Every Deluxe Suite has a gas fireplace. On a January night it matters more than the view, which the resort does not publish anyway. Ask for a higher floor in the notes if you like, and accept that nobody can promise it.
The water
The saltwater pool on the third floor is heated, indoors and lit by daylight through its windows. It opens at 7 AM. A winter morning swim with snow outside the glass is the best hour of the weekend. The spa downstairs opens at 10.
The shows
December is busy. The calendar lists The Righteous Brothers, Colin James, an Elvis Christmas special and The Celtic Tenors in the first half of the month. January has Terry Fator, then Trooper with The Northern Pikes. Confirm on the resort's page, because dates move.
A winter plan
- Saturday, 10 AM: leave Toronto in daylight.
- Noon: lunch in Orillia, then the short drive to the resort.
- 4 PM: check in, light the fire, and nap if you need it.
- 5:30 PM: an early dinner.
- 8 PM: the show.
- Sunday, 8 AM: swim, then breakfast at The Weirs.
- 11 AM: check out and drive home in daylight.
Pack
Proper winter boots for the car park, a scraper and washer fluid in the car, sandals for the pool and spa, and photo ID for the show and the floor.