Staying at Kilmory Resort in Swift Current, NL

Turn off the Trans-Canada Highway by the giant moose at the Goobies Big Stop and head west to Swift Current. Drive past the chip truck that serves up a deadly chips, gravy, and dressing. Continue on past Vernon’s Antique Toy Shop where you can gawk at 60 of the finest antique cars in North America. 25km from that big moose you’ll come across a place where the cell service is spotty but the magic is guaranteed. You’ve arrived at Kilmory Resort.

Located in the Piper’s Hole River Valley, Kilmory Resort is a collection of 21 one and two-bedroom chalets, each with their own full kitchen and a spectacular water view. Surrounded by mountains and flowing water, the resort has been crafted to fit seamlessly into its natural surroundings.

Your gateway between the rest of the world and your private chalet is a long tree-lined lane. You’ll soon notice that every lot is designed to provide privacy from your neighbours so that you can pretend you’re alone in the woods.

I recently spent two weeks in chalet #4 at Kilmory Resort and discovered that they make a perfect self-contained getaway all year ‘round when you want to relax, recharge, and commune with nature. During my time there I got to know the flock of ducks that would hang out near the shore in front of my chalet. A few other birds stopped by to check out the new girl. There were also two rabbits, whose presence never failed to thrill me. I didn’t see a moose but I kept an eye out across the water during dusk, with the hope that one might amble out of the woods.

My chalet was designed with a good quality vinyl floor that looked like tile and was easy to keep clean. The walls and ceiling were wood which increased the cozy factor – like you’re a squirrel with a warm nest inside a tree. The two extra-large windows in the living space really brought the outdoors in. I loved to sit at the kitchen table and watch the rhythm of the tides coming in and out of Placentia Bay.

During summer you can explore the beach or go for a dip in the outdoor pool. There’s a nearby hiking trail the skirts along Piper’s Hole River. If you like cycling, the road through Swift Current and beyond is relatively flat, which is a rarity in Newfoundland. Kilmory Resort also has a horseshoe pit available if you’d like to challenge someone to a game.

On a rainy day, drop into Vernon’s Antique Toy Shop and inspect the 1908 Buick Model 10 or choose your favourite Cadillac. Mine’s the 1957 Eldorado. I’m a sucker for teal.

Or you can just as easily stay cozy as a bug in a rug in your chalet and while away the hours playing games of cards, watching movies, reading by the woodstove, or sipping wine and watching the weather.

Open year-round, Kilmory is also a great option in the winter. Book one of their deluxe chalets and you can soak away any muscle aches in the jacuzzi tub after a day of skiing at White Hills Ski Resort, just 45 minutes away.

My one tip is to make sure that you bring everything you’ll need for groceries with you since there are no shops in Swift Current itself and the nearest grocery store is a half-hour drive away. However, the kitchen is stocked with pots, pans, cooking utensils, dish towels, and soap. The chalets seem to be a mix of coil-top and gas stoves, which can be a bit of a cooking adventure if you’re not used to them.

There are plenty of perks of staying at Kilmory Resort but one of the hidden bonuses are the kind and thoughtful owners who will look after you during your stay. They live nearby and are known to go above and beyond to make each stay comfortable and memorable.