Windy Lake Motel & Restaurant

The Windy Lake Motel and Restaurant opened in October 1972. As of September 1997, it was owned and operated by Ralph and Jessica Linton. What started out as a retirement project has now grown well beyond their initial expectations.

Ralph has 43 years of experience working as a long haul driver and underground miner and is therefore knowledgeable of the ins and outs of the local industries.

Jessica on the other hand, has over 40 years of management experience in small businesses across Canada.

Together, with their staff and friendly smiles, they are perfect for understanding their guest’s needs and offering accommodations that are catered to the individual.

Born in rural Englehart, Ralph and Jessica are both familiar with every day challenges and are eager to help customers in any way that they can.

They have been know to assist drivers who’ve gotten their vehicles stuck in the ditch during bad weather and have once driven for as long as 4 hours in order to rescue snowmobilers who had gotten lost during a blizzard.

The phrase “willing to give you the shirt off their back” accurately sums up their generosity. They once parted with one of the motel blankets in order to help a cancer patient.

The two have numerous stories to share, just ask. The motel takes pride in offering first name basis service that will make your stay all the more comfortable.

The Windy Lake Motel and Restaurant is also proud to have hosted the Annual Ice Fishing Derbies, Polaris Demo Events, Boart Ice Drill Projects, X Country NOSSA, Skiing Championships and the Summer Fishing Derbies.

We are going through many changes here this year.

Our son Oscar and his wife Amanda are taking over the business and we  are semi-retiring.

Oscar brings to the business 21 years of food/hospitality experience.  From Timmins to Kingston and  Ottawa to Sudbury area, he has managed and opened various franchise outlets.  This extensive background has enabled him to apply these skills to the operation at Windy Lake Motel and Restaurant. 

For the past 6 years he has been part of the business, taking over more responsibility as the time has progressed.  

Amanda has experience in retail, and franchise hospitality.  She is a certified PSW, so brings that into the business  to round out the circle of qualifications.

Along with Oscar and Amanda come 2 energetic sons, Jono and Thomas.

With both having work at Windy Lake before taking it over, they have seen the impact of personal service and daring to care.