The story of Pine Lodge began in 1919 when its founder Charles Russell purchased the land for $1,900 at the young age of 19.  “Charlie” as he was commonly known moved a building from the Russell farm to the property shortly after purchase. That log building is now an architectural feature that we proudly display in the tea room.  We even managed to keep a piece of the mortar signed and dated to the early 1930's.

 

In the early years of Pine Lodge vacationers enjoyed a week’s stay, three meals a day and full use of all facilities on the property for a mere $12 per person.  Many of the patrons traveled from the greater Montreal area, they would make the trip to Bristol station by CN rail to be met by Mr. Russell and his staff in a horse and buggy.

 

In 1968, the Lodge was purchased by the Thompson’s who have been at the helm every day since.  Through the years Pine Lodge has been witness to a whole lot of change; from the religious discrimination evident in early advertising printed in the 1930’s to being a “dry” township, to the highs and lows of a booming mining town.  Whether thriving or surviving Pine Lodge has managed to change and adapt its services and facilities while maintaining the original architectural era of its past.

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Mr. Russell put his saw mill and staff to work throughout the early 1920’s to mill the wood required to construct Pine Lodge.  Year after year rooms, kitchens, levels and extensions were added to Pine Lodge with the final addition of the current Charlie’s roadhouse, completed in the 1930’s.  Once finished Pine Lodge was a three story building with a variety of services and amenities for its clientele.  These services included: thirty hotel rooms, a dance hall, a full bakery, approximately 150 small camping cabins, a boat house, nine hole golf course, a two lane bowling alley, riding stables, tennis courts, lawn bowling greens, and seating for 300 hundred in the dining rooms.

 

In the late 1960’s one of those clients was the Thompson family, Chris & Lois with their three young children in tow from Pointe Claire staying in Cabin #43. The Thompson family took the vacation to think about a possible promotion that was offered to Mr. Thompson from the dominion bridge company which had the family moving to Australia. During their stay Mr. Thompson spoke to Mr. Russell at length about the Lodge, family and the future.  He discovered Pine Lodge was for sale and although they had no experience in the customer service, golf, restaurant or retail industry found it to be an interesting option.

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Today, you can experience our family atmosphere, meet our wonderful staff and enjoy our high quality, fresh home cooked food.  We will host your wedding, event or conference and suggest you come and enjoy a relaxing stay in one of our Bed and Breakfast rooms or camping cabins. Don’t forget to try your hand on our challenging 9 hole golf course or spend the season in our family campground.

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