Bayview Park Resort

10/12/2026

10/08/2026

Bayview Park: Throwback Thursday... and sadly, the final one for the 2026 season.

Today's reminiscing isn't about a particular photo, person, or event. Instead, it's about Throwback Thursday itself.

What began as a simple idea to share a few memories from Bayview Park's past quickly grew into something far greater than we ever imagined. Week after week, friends and family from near and far, current campers, former campers, and generations of Bayview Park families joined us on this wonderful walk down memory lane. The comments, stories, emojis, thumbs-up, smiles, and virtual hugs became part of each post, reminding us just how special Bayview Park truly is.

More than once I've excitedly said to Bruce, "You'll never guess who just liked and commented on this week's post!" Names we hadn't seen in years would suddenly appear, bringing with them a flood of memories and a reminder that although time passes, the connections made at Bayview Park never really fade away.

During the off-season, I'll be digging through even more photo albums and ageless snapshots. Once again, we'll prove that a picture really is worth a thousand words. Hidden within those albums are countless stories waiting to be rediscovered, memories waiting to be stirred, and moments waiting to be shared. Even I look forward to uncovering them and bringing them back to life for all of us to enjoy together.

As another season draws to a close, the days are growing shorter, the sun is setting a little earlier, and leaves are gently drifting from the trees. Soon, the first snowflakes will begin decorating the park for winter, quietly transforming the landscape we all know and love.

After Thnaksgiving, Bruce and I will begin preparations for our 5th annual Christmas at the Dump, a mission outreach close to our hearts that takes place each December in Roatán, Honduras. Through this ministry, we have the privilege of sharing hope, joy, and practical support with children and families living in extreme poverty in the dump region. Much like Throwback Thursday, what started as a small idea has grown into something we look forward to each year, and we are continually humbled by the support and encouragement we receive from so many of you.

As we close the book on our 2026 Throwback Thursdays, we simply want to say thank you. Thank you for taking a few moments out of your week to travel back in time with us. We look forward to creating new memories with you and revisiting old ones when Throwback Thursday returns in 2027.

Until then, may the memories of summer keep you warm through the winter ahead.

❤️ Bruce & Ruth ❤️

10/01/2026

Throwback Thursday: Remembering Chris....a young life that ended far too soon. He became not only part of our Park family, but our personal family as well. I carried the honorary title of his 'adopted Mom' after his Mother passed.

When trying to find the right words to honour Chris, it is hard to know where to begin. Chris was a man of deep and unwavering faith, a man of conviction, wisdom, and kindness. His relationship with the Lord shaped every aspect of his life and was evident in the way he treated others, offered encouragement, and approached every conversation with humility and grace.

Chris had a remarkable ability to see the best in people. He was often the first to volunteer, the first to lend a helping hand, and the first to offer a thoughtful perspective when you needed guidance. He generously shared his gifts, talents, and wisdom, simply wanting to make a difference in the lives of those around him.

For so many years, Chris was my "right-hand man" here at Bayview Park until he accepted a position with the Provincial government. From taking on gate office duties in 2011, to helping design and improve our computer systems, to pioneering the much-loved Kidz Klub program, his contributions have left a lasting mark on Bayview Park and on countless lives here as well. His talents seemed endless, but even more valuable was his friendship.

Some of my fondest memories are the countless hours we spent together over coffee, talking about everything and nothing at the gate office. Conversations with Chris were never rushed. They were thoughtful, insightful, and often enlightening. He had a gift for making you feel heard and respected, whether the topic was theological, political, philosophical, faith or family.

There is an old saying that advises people never to discuss religion or politics in certain venues. Chris, however, had the rare ability to do both, and to do so with exceptional grace and respect. He loved talking about his faith, and he loved talking about politics, but he never used either to divide people. Instead, he used both as opportunities to listen, learn, and build meaningful connections. He could engage passionately while remaining kind, stand firmly in his beliefs while showing genuine respect for the beliefs of others. In a world that often feels divided, that was a remarkable gift.

Above all else, Chris lived out his Christian faith. He trusted God, loved people, and sought to reflect Christ in the way he lived. His faith was not just something he spoke about; it was something he demonstrated every day through his actions, his generosity, and his care for others. I know that Chris would want me to share that in love and with respect for all.

Chris will be deeply missed on this side of Heaven. Yet as Christians, our grief is softened with knowing that this is not goodbye forever. We take comfort in the promise of eternal life and the assurance that we will meet again.

Until that day, Chris, I will miss our conversations, your wisdom, your friendship, and your steadfast faith more than words can express. Thank you for the blessing you were to all of us. Well done, good and faithful servant. Until we meet again, enjoy your incredible heavenly eternity in the presence of the Lord.

With much love...Ruth, Bruce & family, and our Bayview Park friends and families everywhere.

09/28/2026

Share Memories of Christopher & Support the Dopking Family

09/26/2026

Good morning ... I'm posting to share some very sad, unexpected and heartbreaking news. Yesterday afternoon our dearest friend Christopher Dopking passed away. He was having a test in the cath lab when he went into cardiac arrest. They tried to bring him back but they were not successful.

Chris was my right hand man at the Park for so many years. He was the one who started Kidz Klub and the park, helped design and create the amazing computer system have, and was part of our family since 2011. I'll miss the hours and hours we would sit, talk, chat, share about everything. Our deep philosophical and theological discussions about life were always incredible. He will be missed by countless people.

Please keep his family in your prayers during this time.

Until we meet again in heaven 🙏❤️🙏

09/24/2026

Bayview Park: another Throwback Thursday to enjoy!

Growing up at Bayview Park, my two siblings and I quickly learned that being part of a family meant being part of a team. Everyone was expected to contribute and "pull their weight." That was simply the Lingertat way. There were no shortcuts, no excuses, and no idle hands. Based on our age and abilities, chores, tasks, and work lists were assigned, and everyone did their part.

Looking back now, those lessons were about much more than work. They were about responsibility, commitment, pride, and learning that something worthwhile is built one day, and one effort, at a time.

The first picture was taken many moons ago and shows my sister and I shoveling out "who knows what" from one of the old dump trucks. Judging by the look on my face, I wasn't exactly thrilled about having my picture taken! Today, I see those moments differently. They were small pieces of a much bigger story, one that was unfolding through the determination and vision of Otto and Pauline.

Dad was incredibly skilled with a chainsaw, and when he was cutting wood, the rest of us were kept busy hauling logs, dragging away branches, splitting firewood, and stacking it for the woodstoves that heated our home. Every load of wood represented another family effort and another lesson in hard work. Those long days in the bush were not only about preparing for winter. They were also helping shape the future of Bayview Park. The same hands that gathered firewood were helping build campsites, roads, and the foundations of a place that generations of families would one day enjoy.

Another important part of developing the park was creating new campsites and trailer lots. Once the trees were cleared and the lots cleaned up, countless loads of fill were needed to level the ground and transform rough bush into welcoming campsites. Mom often rode "sh***un" (that's what we called it) on the Honda four-wheeler ahead of the heavily loaded dump trucks Dad drove into the park. Her job was to make sure the road was clear and safe for the next load to make its way through. Like everything else, it was a family effort. Everyone had a role, and everyone was part of the dream.

One of the old dump trucks Dad rescued and brought back to life appears in these pictures. Looking back, I never would have imagined that one day either Bruce or I would be driving that old clunker ourselves. But if it was mechanical, Otto could fix it. As a brilliant machinist and tool-and-die maker, he had an extraordinary ability to see possibility where others saw problems. More importantly, he taught us that determination and perseverance could solve almost anything.

Traditional gender roles? Not in the Lingertat family. If you had two arms and two legs that worked, you worked. It was as simple as that. I learned to operate a chainsaw and quickly discovered just how physically demanding that job really was. Dad could slice through wood like it was butter. When I handled the saw, it looked more like a butcher job! Over time, Dad taught Bruce to drive the dump trucks, while I learned how to operate the backhoe. One of the photos shows us working side by side, "the digger and the dumper," in what is now the lower field boat storage area, working together on what would eventually become the 'new and improved' Vista Isle.

Of course, not every dump truck run went according to plan. One memorable trip involved Bruce getting a little too close to the soft edge of the road back into the pit, and the photos below tell the rest of the story. I found it hilarious at the time. Bruce, not so much. Despite my best efforts, I could not tow the truck out using the backhoe; its engine was screaming and the hydraulics were strained to the limit, but that dump truck would not budge. Thankfully Drain Bros. were nearby and came to the rescue. Bruce may not appreciate me sharing this story, but enough years have passed that we can all laugh about it now.

These are the stories that come flooding back when I look at these old photographs. They remind me of long days, tired muscles, dirty clothes, family teamwork, and even some laughs along the way. They remind me of parents who led by example and showed us that nothing worth having comes easy. Most of all, they remind me of the legacy Mom and Dad left behind, not only in the campgrounds, roads, and campsites they helped create, but in the values they passed on to their children.

What stands out most today is not just the lots that were created. It is the values behind them and the memories every site would eventually generate when they welcomed the new families. Otto and Pauline built Bayview Park through grit, sacrifice, perseverance, and a belief that hard work mattered. Their example shaped who we became, and those values continue to guide us today.

Bayview Park was built with hard work, determination, and a whole lot of heart. Was it hard work? Absolutely. Was it worth it? Without question. And along the way, there were more than a few laughs, some mistakes, and countless memories that continue to make this place feel like home. And this is what Bayview Park continues to be all about!

09/20/2026

The stunning beauty of raw nature ... went for a little walk and the wildflowers are at their peak. We can do all the planting and gardening we want, and then Mother Nature will show up and dazzle us with her own showcase of bouquets ❤️

Even the caterpillar puts on a show !

09/18/2026

Apples for the children!

Whenever we have apples, Jacqueline takes tons over to the high school where she teaches. These apples feed hungry kids, help the Breakfast program, and provide apples for the Foods classes that she teaches there (no money in the school budgets for this).

Bayview Park is so happy to be able to bless the children in our area this way! Plus we can get creative when it comes to picking apples that are too high to reach ... back hoe apple picking!

09/17/2026

Throwback Thursday!

Today, we're sharing a few treasured memories from two longtime Bayview Park families who have been part of our community for more than 30 years.

When Otto and Pauline first welcomed families to Bayview Park, they dreamed of creating more than just a campground. They created a place where friendships would flourish, traditions would take root, and memories would be passed from one generation to the next. Today, that vision continues to thrive.

At Bayview, it is not uncommon to see second, third, fourth, and even fifth generations of the same families returning year after year. Grandparents become parents, parents become grandparents, and children grow up to bring their own children back to the very same place where their happiest summer memories were made.

The first two photos are from the Johnson family, who are still enjoying the very same lot where their parents camped decades ago. The next two photos belong to the Lombardi family, who also remain on the same site where those cherished pictures were originally taken.

The little children in these photos are now adults, yet they continue to return to Bayview, bringing with them the stories, traditions, and memories that have become part of their family's history. The campfires may be new each season, but the laughter, friendships, and sense of belonging remain wonderfully familiar.

These photos remind us that Bayview Park is more than a destination. It is a place where generations connect, where lifelong friendships are formed, and where family legacies continue to grow.

This is what Bayview is all about. ❤️

09/10/2026

Bayview Park: Throwback Thursday

Today’s Throwback Thursday doesn’t take us quite as far back down memory lane as usual. Instead, in the spirit of the Halloween at the Park celebration we enjoyed last weekend, we wanted to share the story of how this much-loved tradition began.

To be honest, we were never completely sure exactly how it all started. But one thing was certain: both Bruce and his late brother, Brian, absolutely loved Halloween.

Brian’s passion for Halloween was unmatched in the Brampton area where he lived. Year after year, he devoted countless hours to creating elaborate displays that became a destination for trick-or-treaters from both near and far. Preparations would begin weeks, and sometimes months, before October 31st. Unfortunately, Mother Nature wasn’t always cooperative. Rain, sleet, bitter cold, and even snow often arrived just in time to dampen the experience and overshadow much of Brian’s hard work. More Halloweens than he could count were affected by disappointing weather, making all those months of effort challenging and, at times, discouraging.

Then came an idea. What if Halloween could be celebrated in the warmth of summer?

When Bruce proposed hosting a Halloween event at Bayview Park, a new tradition was born. The early displays were modest compared to what we see today, but the creativity, excitement, and enthusiasm were already there. Each year brought new ideas, bigger displays, and more unforgettable memories for everyone who attended.

As the event grew, so did the workload. Creating elaborate scenes at the beach each year, then dismantling, transporting, and storing everything for the winter, became a tremendous undertaking. Today's pictures share some of the earlier years as Halloween in the Park grew. It was Bruce’s mother who suggested finding a permanent location within the park where the displays could remain and continue to grow.

And from that simple idea, Spooky Hollow was born.

Today, Spooky Hollow has become something truly special. The displays are larger, more detailed, and more impressive than ever before. Freed from the challenge of hauling everything back and forth each season, the attraction has been able to grow into an experience that delights visitors of all ages. And it will continue to evolve, creating smiles, excitement, and cherished family memories for years to come.

And then there's the added benefit which has been playfully named, "Senior Moments", for those who simply aren't thrilled about wandering through spooky displays after dark. They can enjoy all the sights, laughs, and surprises the following morning in the comfort of broad daylight, where the only thing jumping out at them is a chipmunk. This way, they can experience all the creativity and detail of the displays in bright daylight, proving that Halloween magic can be just as enjoyable when you can clearly see where you're walking! 😄

As we celebrate this tradition, we also pause to remember someone who helped inspire it.

Last November, Brian passed away after an autoimmune condition caused severe liver failure before a transplant could be completed. While his loss is deeply felt, there is comfort in knowing that he was able to visit Spooky Hollow before he passed. He saw his love for Halloween reflected in the spooky trees, creative displays, and imaginative decorations that now bring joy to so many people at Bayview Park. He was thrilled to see that the passion he poured into Halloween for so many years had found a new home.

And perhaps one of the things Brian would appreciate most is that the weather finally cooperates. No winter jackets, no snow-covered displays, no battling the cold. Just families walking together, children laughing, and visitors enjoying the magic of Halloween under warm summer skies.

Through Spooky Hollow a piece of Brian’s spirit lives on. His creativity, enthusiasm, and love of Halloween continue to bring happiness to others and remind us how one person's passion can leave a lasting impact. Each spooky tree, glowing display, and smiling face is a small tribute to the legacy he leaves behind.

Rest in peace, Brian. Thank you for the memories, the inspiration, and the joy you continue to bring to Bayview Park. You will not be forgotten. Love, Bruce & family, and Bayview Park.