Unique Winter Getaways In Ontario

When the cold sets in, it’s often hard to muster the energy to look for new trips and experiences. When a resort or hotel just isn’t enough to pique your interest, this is when you’ll want to delve deeper in unique winter getaways in Ontario.

What makes a Canadian winter special is not only being able to snuggle close to the warmth of the gentle sizzle of a fireplace but also to explore the epic landscapes of evergreens, the crunch of snow beneath your feet, and the barking of energy-filled huskies.

It’s time to experience winter as it wasn’t meant to with these multi-day winter getaways that will surprise even local Ontario residents.

8 Unique Winter Getaways In Ontario To Go To

Are you getting a little stir-crazy sitting at home? Are you looking for a romantic getaway? Perhaps you just want to experience the best that winter has to offer but be able to do it safely in Ontario, Canada?

The below are 8 curated picks of winter getaways in Ontario that you have to check out. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill weekend trips to a large resort, spa, ski resort, or snowboarding village. Instead, these are unexpected winter activities of at least one overnight or more.

After you go through all of these, you’ll be wondering why you never did these earlier.

1 – Yurt Glamping

There are so many yurts in Ontario to choose from but if you’re looking for a winter getaway in Ontario that is both comfortable and geared towards taking advantage of the season, look no further than Nature’s Harmony.

We had a chance to stay in one of their yurts in the summer. In this review you’ll see all of the facilities and activities they offer but how does this look like as a winter vacation?

One of the biggest differences with the Pacific Yurt versus the Mongolian Yurt is that it is more of a glamping yurt. Built on a raised deck, you have a much larger interior at 800 square feet, woodstove for cooking/warmth and an indoor compost toilet.

The grounds of Nature’s Harmony becomes a winter playground as well with its giant tubing hill, cross-country skiing, hiking, kick sledding, and snowshoeing. To end off your day, there’s a huge bonfire running all day and a wood fired sauna.

2 – Cottages at Boshkung Lake

Boshkung Lake is located in the Haliburton highlands of Ontario with the closest town being Carnarvon. Along the lake are a collection of seven cottages The Pines at Boshkung.

The cottages rest on a ridge with a westerly exposure and range in size that can accommodate from two to seven people. They come fully equipped with a full kitchen, three-piece washroom, BBQ, and most have their own fire pits.

In the winter, Boshkung Lake becomes a beautiful spot for ice fishing to catch trout and walleye/pickerel in special heated huts that are suitable for 2-4 people. Parking and gear transportation via snowmobiles is included and only 10 minutes from the property.

While it isn’t included with your cottage stay, ice fishing is discounted 20% as a guest. This is a great add-on activity whether you’re an ice fishing beginner or pro.

This is an awesome winter weekend getaway that you’ll want to book early in the fall to make sure you secure your reservation. They book out quickly.

3 – Winter Cottage and Dogsledding

Perhaps one of the best places for dogsledding in Ontario is Winterdance Dogsled Tours based in Haliburton.

I’ve done dogsledding in Quebec and I will say that this is easily the best winter activity when you consider the cuteness of the purebred Siberian Huskies, the adrenaline rush of mushing from behind a 5 foot wooden basket-style sled, and the spectacular views of the 60 km of winter wilderness.

Winterdance offers options that range from basic 2 hour experiences to moonlit runs, and heli-dogsledding.

What makes this a great winter getaway in Ontario is that they offer the lesser-known multi-day tour which combines any of their daily runs with overnight accommodation in their own cottage. These packages are custom-built and for private groups.

This is the quintessential Ontario winter getaway that anyone can do!

4 – Backcountry Winter Adventure

Have you ever gone winter camping? Have you ever wanted to experience winter authentically in Ontario’s own backcountry? With the help of Temagami Outfitting Company, you can make this happen without having to do it on your own.

Based in Temagami, Ontario which is north of North Bay and Sudbury, treat yourself to a truly Canadian adventure with this 3 night all-inclusive trip that includes a mix of relaxation and immersion with the outdoors.

While in the Canadian bush, you’ll be snowshoeing, honing your bushcraft skills, and ice fishing. You’ll have hearty home-cooked meals throughout your trip. Your guides will set up the heated canvas dining tent.

For accommodations you’ll have a mix of outdoor winterized tents or indoor cedar and canvas tents with built-in fireplaces.

5 – Algonquin Log Cabin

Nestled in Algonquin Provincial Park is this private stay in a remote lakeside cabin where you can experience a true off-the-grid getaway.

Voyageur Quest offers special 2-night packages in their large cabins that can accommodate up to 12 guests.

Winter is especially magical here as you’ll get to see the snowy wonderland up close. During your stay, you can combine dog sledding, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing.

Think of this as your cottage family vacation except it’s in the winter.

6- Fire & Ice Winter Getaway

This is another Algonquin Provincial Park all-inclusive getaway but with the benefit of this being run by a company that is best known for their transformative retreats.

Slow down to the quiet pace of winter by staying in Northern Edge Algonquin‘s private forest cabin paired with winter adventures and delicious chef-prepared meals.

During the day, you’ll be able to take on snowshoe, cross-country skiing, and kick-sledding or if you’d like to take it easy, there’s plenty of space to cozy up by the wood stove or play games and reconnect.

In the evening, go skating under the moon light, drink a warm cup of cocoa, rejuvenate in the sauna, or watch the Northern Lights if you’re lucky.

There is limited availability for these special retreats so book this winter getaway ASAP.

7- Muskoka Lodge

I did say I wasn’t going to throw in your traditional resort like Hockley Valley Resort or Deerhurst Resort but this cottage resort is pretty special especially when it comes to the winter.

Cedar Grove Lodge is one of those hidden gems on Peninsula Lake in Muskoka you need to know about.

Winter is an incredible time of year to come here because of the thorough list of things you can do here. This includes cross-country skiing, ice fishing, tobogganing, snowshoeing, ice skating, games room, and lounge.

Its location east of Huntsville is also convenient because you can also mix in time at Arrowhead Provincial Park, Hidden Valley, and North Ridge Ranch.

This is by far the largest grounds we’ve featured so far with 19 different cottages to choose from of varying sizes.

8 – Dogsledding Expedition

If you’re looking for the ultimate dogsledding experience, you need to consider doing a multi-day expedition with Snow Forest Adventures.

Even without previous dogsledding or winter camping experience, you’ll embark on an unforgettable journey with your guides who’ll teach you everything you need to know about mushing, how to take care of the dogs, and how to stay warm and dry at night.

There are multiple types of expeditions available ranging from the basic to the more advanced – the difference mainly being how much dog sledding you get to do and how many traditional bush skills you’ll need to employ.

All experiences include meals, snacks, beverages, and tents.

What To Pack For Ontario

Given that these winter getaways in Ontario are all unique, you may need different items based on which route you take. Below is just a broad range of items that would be necessary for a winter trip.

• Base Layer: Start your base layer with merino tights, a wool long sleeve shirt and wool socks. Depending on duration of your stay and what type of getaways you decide to do, you may want to pack several pairs of these. You can never have enough wool socks when it comes to cold, wet snow!
• Mid Layer: These items you could most likely get away with only packing one of each. You’ll want a fleece top like this one. It’s so comfortable, light, highly breathable, velvety soft, and very warm. Pair that with these thicker weight fleece pants and a down jacket. This will easily be one of your favorite pieces of clothing in the winter. In below freezing temperatures, this’ll provide a bulk of the warmth. A Polartec fleece like this Polar BUFF provides the warmth around your neck while the rest of the BUFF gives your face protection which means you don’t need to travel with a neck gaiter.
• Outer Layer: Again, you’ll only need to pack one of each as you’ll be able to reuse. Not only great for skiing or other outdoor winter sports, but also a wonderful rain coat, this shell jacket is superb all-around. Pair it with these shell pants, you’ll be waterproof top to bottom!
• Shoes: Snow boots are a must. The Sorel Glacier XT or Caribou Wool Boot are both good options as they are both waterproof and rated for -32°C (-25.6°F). Crampons are a must when hiking the icy terrain or ice fishing, and here in Canada MEC has MICROspikes.
• Toiletry Bag: This is always a must for me on any trip as I love keeping all my toiletries together and organized. One like the Peak Design Small Wash Pouch is perfect for any kind of trip and is sure to fit all your toiletries. Make sure to watch our video review.
• Sunglasses: You’ll be enjoying the great outdoors often with these Ontario adventures, protect your eyes with some shades from Maui Jim Chee Hoo.
• Sunscreen: Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you don’t need sunscreen!
• Camping Headlamp: The Fenix HM65R Headlamp is perfect for those lodges with no electric or if you plan on doing any sunrises or sunsets, make sure you have one. We did a full review of the best camping headlamp and we were very impressed.