Givingtree – eco-B&B

Owner, Chai Gilbert and her partner, Andy Wright, named their B&B after Chai’s favourite childhood story, “The Giving Tree”, by Shel Siverstein: a fable that teaches the importance of giving back to the earth along with the beauty of giving from the heart.

Chai’s eco-friendly B&B, which opened in July this year, was inspired by her days traveling and staying in hostels off the beaten track.  True to her “eco” dream, Givingtree B&B offers exclusive getaways that appeal to a growing number of people living healthy and eco-conscious lifestyles.

Following the wise words of David Suzuki, “eating locally is not a fad, it may be the best thing you can do for the health of the environment.”  Givingtree makes meals with local, organic and fair-trade ingredients.  Breakfast includes a delicious array of wholesome vegetarian foods, beginning with a green smoothie made with organic fruit and their homegrown pea shoots, barley or sunflower sprouts (homegrown in organic soil & sold to a dozen local restaurants).  “They are an artful and nutritious garnish”, says Chai.  Catering not only to vegetarians, but to vegans and gluten-free diets, some of their specialties include oven roasted potatoes with a garden fresh frittata, or locally milled red fife pancakes and homemade apple butter.

The B&B is also chemical free, which means they only clean with homemade and eco-friendly products, and they offer their guests the opportunity to sleep between natural, organic cotton sheets.

Guests and area residents are also welcome to participate in a variety of workshops, including vegetarian cooking, vegan baking and how to grow sprouts.  And Thursday evenings from 6-7 p.m., feel free to drop by and try a “Yoga with Chai” class.

Givingtree is located at 262 Batteaux Road, Collingwood, nestled in a country like setting, quiet and peaceful, with downtown Collingwood and the ski hills a mere 15 minutes away.  The altruistic charm of this century old home and stunning barn is a must see, especially in the summer with its organic perennial gardens, lilac groves and enormous vegetable garden surrounded by a hearty raspberry patch.  To book a getaway at this fabulous eco-B&B: www.bbcanada.com/givingtree or call (705) 441-7114.