E’terra Bruce Peninsula eco lodge is LEED gold

By Katherine McIntyre

TOBERMORY, ON—“Look for a small E’terra sign attached to a tree at the juncture of two gravel roads. Take the road to the left,” directed Laurie Adams, owner of this hideaway in the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula. Overlooking a forest of pine and spruce and the blue waters of Georgian Bay it provides a perfect place to retreat and unwind.

A native of the area and an arranger of eco-friendly tours, Laurie explains, “I fantasized about building a luxury lodge that would conform to my exacting ecological principles.”

And she made it happen! E’terra is one of the few inns in Canada with a Gold LEED Certificate signifying the use of sustainable materials and water and energy efficiency that includes hydro from a local wind farm and solar panels on the rooftop.

Made of wood and stone and hugging the slope of the Niagara Escarpment, E’terra resembles a very chic country house. Bordering the entrance, a black infinity swimming pool with its own waterfall spills over a slice of limestone rock. Architecturally designed, the lodge melds aesthetics of high-end comfort with living lightly on the land.

Built around an atrium, it extends from a friendly intake desk down to a dining area, that faces a garden of native flowers on ones side, and the rocky escarpment wall on the other. To minimize the footprint, the building winds up to a library, at the top level. With deep, comfortable couches and a stone fireplace it provides solace for a wintry day; or in summer, a place for quiet contemplation on a deck overlooking Georgian Bay.

Throughout the lodge, pale hued walls harmonize with pine trim. Each room is different. All have high quality easy living ecologically approved furniture, a desk, and bookshelf with a mix of mysteries and classics, a flat screen TV, a heated bathroom floor, and comfortable beds.

Adams describes her search for furniture. “I made sure manufacturers used natural materials like cotton, wool and wood, and no plastics or chemical finishes. I sourced all the Oriental rugs. No children’s little fingers tied the knots.” A fully equipped boardroom is available for corporate meetings.

E’terra is run like a European villa or a private estate. During the summer, rates include a room and a full breakfast cooked to order with either fair trade coffee or a choice of teas. In the off seasons a variety of all-inclusive packages include all meals. “We use local seasonal produce and herbs from our own garden. Because we give personal service, we cater to all allergies, food sensitivities and cultural requirements.” Adams added.

Tour guides are available for hiking, kayaking and scuba diving in the Georgian Bay area. Nature lovers and  photographers don’t need to leave the property. In summer, rare orchids, ferns and wild flowers hide in the woods. On the rocky slopes, thousand-year-old dwarf cedar trees cling to life. Then when winter blizzards rage outside and snow piles up, it is inner peace within E’terra’s walls.