Our Lakeside resort's rich history

The Ripplecove Inn was built by Archie and Elizabeth Stafford in 1945. At the time, there were no roads, electricity, or sewer facilities in the area and all the services had to be brought in by the owners.

During those early years, Ripplecove was run as a summer lakeside resort for outdoorsmen. As one of the first Quebec lakeside resorts, the Inn would quickly become famous as a premier fishing and adventure center. Back then, it was not uncommon for guests to catch their daily limit of lake trout on a regular basis--with some fish weighing in excess of 30 pounds! Visitors to the Inn today can still see some of the old photographs hanging in the lobby--such as the one shown at right--featuring early guests with their prize catches.

The excellent fishing and a reputation for fine food and lodging allowed Ripplecove to build an international reputation as one of the most luxurious lakeside resorts anywhere. By the late 1950s, the Inn was welcoming guests from all over the United States and Europe.

As fishing began its decline in the 1960s, Ripplecove shifted gears and became more of a year-round, upscale lakeside resort focusing on fine dining, comfortable lodging and vacation packages that offered a wide variety of recreational activities. Guests could now enjoy golf, alpine skiing, tennis and horseback riding.

In 1985, Debra and Jeffrey Stafford (photo, below) purchased the Inn and began a five-year capitalization plan aimed at rebuilding and restoring the Inn to its former status as one of the finest lakeside resorts in Quebec. From 1985 to '87, every room in the existing Inn was completely renovated and redecorated with period antiques or reproduction furnishings. The phones, hot water and plumbing systems were all updated, while the kitchen, dining room and public rooms were completely renovated.

In 1987, a major expansion was completed which added an additional 10 rooms, a new lobby and a lakeside pub. In 1994, five very romantic suites with exceptional decor and style were also added; all offer double whirlpool baths, mini bar, TV, air conditioning, fireplace and balcony with a view of the lake.

With this expansion, Ripplecove was again able to provide a full range of services and could compete with any hotel or other lakeside resorts in Canada --regardless of size-- in terms of quality and service. These efforts have paid off as the Inn has won the coveted Four Diamond Award each year since 1989.
In recent years, Ripplecove Inn has gained an envious reputation as one of Canada's most refined and romantic lakeside resorts. Ripplecove's increased popularity and growing base of loyal clientele has resulted in a major 11,000 square foot expansion to the main building which was completed in 2003. This new expansion contains 10 additional luxury rooms, a new spa, exercise room, new banquet and conference facilities and a four season hot tub under the trees overlooking the lake. Every effort was made to make the new addition "seamless" with the existing property thus providing an identical style and sense of history. This goal was so successfully accomplished that several returning guests did not even notice the new addition to the Inn. The owners and staff of Ripplecove Inn are looking forward to the coming years with excitement and confidence in the knowledge that Ripplecove will continue to grow while maintaining its coveted position as one of Canada's premier lakeside resorts.
When compared to other lakeside resorts, spa resorts or Quebec Luxury hotels the Ripplecove Inn has set the standard in luxury.