In a world where travel can be expensive, stressful, and time-consuming, a staycation is a perfect alternative. Staying close to home while enjoying local attractions and businesses can be just as rewarding as a traditional vacation. Even better, choosing family-run business like Mattawa River Resort, supports the local Mattawa economy promotes sustainability, and provides a more personal and memorable experience for the whole family.

Here are Nicole’s top 10 reasons why a staycation centered around family-owned businesses like Mattawa River Resort is a fantastic idea:

1. Boost Your Local Mattawa Economy

When you choose to staycation and spend money in Mattawa, a local, family-run businesses, you keep money circulating within your small town community. Instead of sending your dollars in other countries or with large corporations, you’re directly supporting our neighbors, keeping jobs, and strengthening the local Mattawa economy.

2. Get Personalized Service

Family-run businesses provides a level of care, love and attention that big chains can never match. Our charming resort and restaurant takes pride in offering a personalized experience for every guest, ensuring that you feel valued and a part of our extended family, rather than just another customer.

3. Reduce Travel Stress

No long airport lines, no flight delays, and no exhausting road trips—staycations eliminate the usual hassles of travel. You can start relaxing right away without the stress.

4. Discover Hidden Gems

Mattawa has incredible attractions for you to explored. VMUT Trails offers thousands of KMs of trails to explore, hiking the Eau Claire Gorge or stay back and enjoy the waterfront at our very own beach at Mattawa River Resort.

5. Strengthen Community Bonds

When you support local, family-owned businesses like ours, you help preserve the character and culture of the Mattawa community. You also build relationships with other business owners who also appreciate your support.

6. Enjoy Delicious Homemade Cuisine At the Cardinal Restaurant

Our family-owned restaurant takes pride in offering homemade food, farm to table meals, and top notch service. We are also surrounded by local restaurants, including Thia and Chinese food, French fry trucks and more!

7. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Stay local, avoid long-distance travel, reducing fuel consumption and overall environmental impact. Supporting small businesses like ours that source locally also means fewer emissions from shipping and transportation, making your staycation a greener choice.

8. Experience Authenticity Over Commercialism

Unlike big-name resorts and corporate-owned attractions, our family-run business offers authentic experiences. Whether it’s a day spent at the beach or a campfire with rich storytelling and music, you’ll find more heart and soul chatting with new friends.

9. Save Money While Still Having Fun

Travel costs can add up quickly—flights, hotels, rental cars, and dining out all take a toll on your budget. Our resort allows you to prepare your own meals in our fully equipped kitchens or choose to indulge in a great meal at our restaurant.

10. Set an Example for Future Generations

Many families return year after year, generations upon generations since the resort was built in 1973. From the Grigorov family to your family, we invite you to come and build a new family tradition to live for generations to come.