Gray Rocks Inn & Resort – making new happy memories

For more than a century vacationers from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Toronto and Montreal have enjoyed all-inclusive vacations while learning to play tennis, golf, and ski in award-winning sports academies. Today, an enthusiastic management group and staff are on hand to continue the tradition of ensuring that guests enjoy their Gray Rocks holiday. As with any holiday experience, it is the people who make the difference, and we had a warm welcome from the ladies at the front desk, the dining room staff, and the sports animators.

Owner Phil Robinson has invested millions in renovations and refurbishment, and our recent return to Gray Rocks was very pleasant. The common areas are comfortable and decorated with some stunning antiques. Rooms have been enlarged, bay windows installed, bathrooms re-done, and new furnishings have brought the venerable resort up to current all-inclusive resort standards.

Early morning waterfront tranquility

Our room (formerly the space occupied by two rooms) had enough space for a king–sized bed, a couch, and a table and chairs. The oversize bathroom was finished in Italian terrazzo tile; featured a glass-walled shower separate from the pedestal whirlpool bath, and his ‘n’ her sinks.

In addition to the sports facilities that include two 18-hole golf courses, tennis courts, an indoor swimming pool, a picturesque lakefront swimming area and non-motorized boat marina; Gray Rocks also has a Riding Academy, where guests have the option of one or two hour trail rides. If you’ve never been on a horse – Bernard Delisle and his staff will look after you.

In the summer months, the gardens on the Gray Rocks property are lovely, with every inch if soil used for planting; creating a contrast of brilliantly coloured flower beds against the backdrop of granite rock outcrops that gave the hotel its name. Greenhouse and garden tours are available during the summer months. La Belle is the original 18-hole course and it is indeed famous for the beautiful mountain scenery as you play. La Bête is the newer course; built along the banks of Le Diable River and has been designed to be more challenging. Guy Ouimet manages the courses and the golf academy, and he explained that the courses have 200 members, in addition to the hotel guests – a testament to the quality of the facility.

Guy Ouimet is in charge of the golf courses and Golf Academy in the summer and the Snow Eagle Ski School in the winter

La Belle has two driving ranges for teaching, plus a Par 3 course for students to put their lessons into practice. 
 
During our tour of the teaching facility Guy commented, “I’m really pleased to see a renewed interest in the classic sports like golf and tennis. We have many youth enrolled in our programs this summer. We also have people in their 50’s and 60’s taking up the game."

John Albers has been involved with the tennis program at Gray Rocks since 1980.

He teaches, maintains the courts, and has a hand in keeping the 22 outdoor courts in fine condition for the 100 permanent members from the area. (Gray Rocks has the largest outdoor tennis facility in Canada.) “Some of our players live in the area, others own country properties nearby, and of course we enjoy hosting the hotel guests. Whether they’re seasoned players or new to the game – we’ll look after them.”

Upon arrival, guests receive a warm welcome from Nicole, Lina and Julie at the Front Desk

During the winter months, the acclaimed Snow Eagle Ski School is available for lessons for skiers of all ages and abilities. X-Country skiing and snow shoeing enthusiasts will find plenty of terrain to cover on the Gray Rocks property or in the nearby Aerobic Corridor. Mont Tremblant, the largest downhill ski operation in Eastern Canada is just a ten minute drive away, and some of the advanced ski classes are held there. 

All this fresh air and activity helps to create an appetite. White linen table clothes and huge picture windows overlooking Lac Ouimet and Mont Tremblant in the distance combine to create a warm ambiance with a wonderful view. Our dinners were excellent. Beverley said that the sea bass was probably the best she’s ever had. My filet mignon that evening was tasty and tender. Desserts are all made on site and there is a wide variety of cakes, pies, pastries, and fresh fruit served buffet-style. In addition to fine food, the service was friendly, courteous and unhurried.

John Albers has been involved in the Gray Rocks tennis program since 1980

The outdoor deck was popular for dining on a warm summer evening, and just in case, there are heaters to keep any evening chill at bay once the sun sets.

The breakfast buffet is varied and plentiful, with fresh omelettes or fried eggs available, hot and cold cereals, a good choice of fruit and enough bacon, sausage, ham, French toast hash browns, and freshly baked rolls to set you up for a full day of activity.

Our fellow guests were an interesting mix of people with school-age children and older “Boomer” types. The daily activity programs for the children as still as popular with the kids (and their parents) as they were a decade ago when we visited Gray Rocks with our then young children.

Daniel Boivin, Francine Robert and Laurent Cloutier are representative of the friendly dining room staff

During the day guests of all ages were off golfing, playing tennis, out on the lake in a variety of boats, riding, walking – or just lounging with a good book in the warm August sun.

The fall colours will soon be showing themselves in all their splendour, followed shortly thereafter by a winter wonderland, and the folks at Gray Rocks are on hand to ensure that you enjoy your stay, whether its for a few days or for a full week all-inclusive package – which can also include special rates for golf, tennis or skiing.

Bernard Delisle is teaching 4 year old Olivia to ride on gentle Cleo

Gray Rocks is ideal for a multi-generational family reunion; and is also fully equipped for business meetings and conventions. It’s also a fine romantic destination for just the two of you…

Travel Planner: The return trip from Montreal will use less than a tank of gas – but you’ll be in a world apart. For information and reservations, please call: 1-800-567-6767 or visit the website at: www.grayrocks.com