Sleeping with the Wolves at Cedar Meadows Wins Prestigious Tourism Awards, Here’s What You Need to Know

Published on December 3, 2025

Recently, Cedar Meadows Resort and Spa in Timmins has gained substantial recognition for its highly innovative tourism experience, “Sleeping with the Wolves.” The owner of this resort, Richard Lafleur, celebrated the winning of two prestigious awards showcasing the brilliance behind the unique sleeping experience of the wolves and further securing the resort’s position as a leader in innovation within the field of tourism. The Northern Ontario Tourism Summit and Ontario Tourism Summit both recognized Lafleur as “Tourism Innovator of the Year” and “Industry Leader in Innovation Excellence,” respectively, at their events held in late 2025.

Celebrating Recognition: Lafleur’s Achievement in Tourism Innovation

Richard Lafleur, the visionary behind Cedar Meadows Resort, received these awards for his groundbreaking “Sleeping with the Wolves” program. This experience offers guests the rare opportunity to sleep in private luxury cabins while watching a pack of wolves roam freely in an enclosed area, through the glass walls of their quarters. The experience has captivated the imagination of tourists, particularly animal lovers and adventure seekers, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that blends nature with luxury.

The “Tourism Innovator of the Year” award, presented by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), was given to Lafleur on October 29, 2025, during the Ontario Tourism Summit in Ottawa. Lacey Rigg from Timmins Tourism accepted the award on Lafleur’s behalf. Later, on November 26, 2025, Lafleur also received the “Industry Leader in Innovation Excellence” award at the Northern Ontario Tourism Summit held in Thunder Bay. Allan Robert, Cedar Meadows’ general manager, and Bailey Whissel, the marketing strategist, accepted the award on Lafleur’s behalf. This recognition underscores Cedar Meadows Resort’s commitment to developing unique and memorable tourism experiences that attract visitors from near and far.

‘Sleeping with the Wolves’: A Unique Experience that Draws Global Interest

The concept of “Sleeping with the Wolves” was born out of a simple interaction with guests who had inquired about the possibility of sleeping near a pack of howling sled dogs. Lafleur, ever the innovator, decided to turn this request into a fully immersive experience. For $600 a night, guests are given the opportunity to stay in one of six luxury cabins equipped with glass walls that overlook a 10-acre forested area and a one-acre pond, where the resort’s wolf pack of 11 animals roam freely.

The wolves, originally born in a zoo in Southern Ontario, have been given a more natural habitat to thrive in at Cedar Meadows, providing an environment that is both enriching for the animals and fascinating for visitors. The experience has become immensely popular, attracting over 6,000 visitors from Southern Ontario alone. International tourists from the U.S., Europe, and Asia have also flocked to Timmins to experience this extraordinary activity, which has not only boosted local tourism but has also increased visitor spending in the region.

Economic and Regional Impact of ‘Sleeping with the Wolves’

The success of “Sleeping with the Wolves” has had a profound impact on the local tourism industry and the surrounding community. With an increasing number of international visitors, Cedar Meadows Resort has helped put Timmins on the map as a must-visit destination for those seeking unique and nature-driven experiences. As more travelers book their stays at the resort, regional tourism has flourished, leading to higher levels of spending in local businesses, including restaurants, shops, and transportation services.

In addition, the experience has fostered repeat visits, with many tourists eager to return for another stay at Cedar Meadows. This is especially important for the region’s tourism economy, as returning visitors contribute significantly to the area’s long-term growth and sustainability. “Sleeping with the Wolves” has thus played a vital role in boosting tourism and improving the financial health of the local community.

Richard Lafleur Reflects on Success: “Being Acknowledged by Your Peers Gives Me Fuel to Go On”

For Lafleur, these awards represent the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to creating memorable, innovative experiences for tourists. He remarked that winning these prestigious awards has given him a renewed sense of energy and motivation to continue developing new and exciting attractions for visitors. “After all the effort that has been put into it, that’s the reward. Being acknowledged by your peers gives me fuel to go on for a few more years,” Lafleur shared.

The success of “Sleeping with the Wolves” is particularly meaningful for Lafleur, as it represents his ability to bring his vision to life while enhancing the tourism offerings in the region. The recognition of his work is a testament to the creativity and perseverance that have shaped Cedar Meadows Resort into a standout destination for both local and international tourists.

A Landmark Achievement for Timmins and Cedar Meadows Resort

Recognition given to Cedar Meadows Resort and Richard Lafleur at the 2025 tourism awards marks a proud milestone for both Timmins and Northern Ontario. The creative “Sleeping with the Wolves” experience has set new standards not only for tourism in the region but has called international attention to natural beauty and unique attractions. Continued investment in new activities and facilities will see Cedar Meadows Resort continue as a leading destination for tourists seeking memorable, immersive experiences in Ontario’s beautiful wilderness.

Looking Ahead: New Attractions and Future Growth for Cedar Meadows Resort

Looking to the future, Cedar Meadows Resort is set to expand its range of attractions and activities. One of the upcoming projects is a new lazy river for winter skating and summer bumper boat rides. The river will be housed within a fenced-off area where visitors will be able to see roaming deer, further enhancing the resort’s unique offerings. This new addition is expected to attract even more visitors to the resort, especially families looking for outdoor activities and adventures in nature.

Additionally, Lafleur is expanding the resort’s hotel reception area to accommodate large tour groups. This will allow Cedar Meadows to welcome an even broader range of visitors, including corporate groups and international tourists looking to explore the region. With these developments, Cedar Meadows Resort is poised for continued success and growth in the coming years.