The resort and tourism industry is becoming increasingly competitive. As a result, some Ontario resorts have realized the need to offer more than comfortable cottages and good fishing. Many of the resorts throughout Ontario have undergone significant changes since their inception-from rustic fishing camps or cottages to premier cottage resort facilities that cater to an international market year round and boast luxurious amenities, award-winning dining rooms, a health club and spa, riding stables, air strip, and in some instances, even a genuine working farm.

Select Ontario resorts produce much of the food that is prepared in their kitchen. This way, they can ensure that their customers are served only the best quality and freshest foods. Some examples of ways that resorts are bringing the freshest foods to their dining room is include: breeding and raising grain-fed Guaranteed Black Angus Beef cattle in the fields overlooking the resort. Farm fresh eggs, supplied by the resort's free range chickens, are collected daily. On-site gardens and greenhouse provide fresh herbs, vegetables and cut flowers throughout the year, and the resort's orchard provides fresh fruit.

Resorts that grow much of what is served in their dining room are extremely self-sufficient. The fresh home-grown ingredients are used in preparing meals and further enhance the experience that many have in the resort restaurant.

At resorts where food is grown on the premises, guests are able to consume local produce throughout the year including: garden fresh vegetables that are featured in season; herbs and sprouts that are grown year round in the on-site greenhouse; farm fresh eggs that are served for breakfast; and black angus beef that is bred and raised on site are also popular. Guests appreciate the extra effort that these resorts take to provide the finest quality food and beverages.

For today's vacationer, much of the appeal of any resort vacation or holiday accommodation lies in the quality of the food it serves. As well, more than ever before, people are increasingly concerned about the quality and safety of the foods that they consume. Every year, the sales of organic produce and organic meats have risen sharply. When one thinks of fresh food they picture vegetables picked right out of the garden, or products bought from a market and prepared immediately. Select Ontario resorts with working farms and gardens takes freshness and quality a step further.