25 Awesome Places to Stay this Summer

25 Awesome Places to Stay this Summer Listicle

You don’t need to get on a plane to relax on a sandy beach, be pampered at a spa, or experience a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure in all four seasons. From luxury accommodations to rustic retreats, and minimalist getaways, Ontario’s Highlands has your dream staycation spot waiting for you.

If you are keen to book a staycation where you can savour the best that nature and small town living has to offer, we have some great ideas for you. Why not plan your spring, summer, or fall vacation and stay close to home?

Read our suggestions below or read these stories for even more inspiration:

Embrace Minimalism

A getaway in a cabin or room that’s unencumbered, minimalist, and totally Zen is one way you can disconnect to reconnect to nature, your loved ones, and yourself. Dedicate your staycation to just chilling and looking after yourself at one of these serenely unfussy destinations.

Anupaya Cabin Co. – Deep River

These cabins take feng shui to the next level. Minimalist, beautiful, and serene, you won’t miss the hustle and bustle of the city here. Spread your blanket on the 1,200 foot white sand beach and drink in the view of the Laurentian Hills across the Ottawa River.

Pine Brae - Lanark

Imagine a retreat tucked deep in the woods and overlooking a seven-acre pond. Located near Perth, the Pine Brae property tucked away on a 100-acre parcel of land and powered by solar power and propane. These tiny cabins are rented between May and October so this retreat is one to dream about and plan for ahead of time.

Somewhere Inn Calabogie - Calabogie

There are no TVs in this cool and hip renovated motel in the heart of Calabogie, but you won’t miss them even one bit. Spend your days skiing downhill at Calabogie Peaks in winter or hiking or cycling the rugged terrain or swimming in the lake by summer and then head back to the inn to chat with your fellow guests around a roaring bonfire.

Cabinscape – Various locations across Ontario's Highlands

Perfect for a truly private wilderness escape, the tiny cabins at Cabinscape are tucked away on beautiful rugged landscapes. Spend your days wandering the woods, then snuggle up for the night in a tiny off-the-grid spaces with a good book and a special someone.

Lakeside & Rustic Retreats

These cozy cabins and cottages may not be set in the Catskills like the one from Dirty Dancing, but the homey feel and old-fashioned cottage like experience is the same. Lounge on the beach in summer, go snowmobiling or ice fishing in winter (or more) at one of these Ontario’s Highlands resorts.

Bonnie View Inn - Haliburton

Check into one of Bonnie View Inn’s 28 rooms available in the “big house” and use the inn as your homebase for any number of activities at the resort, including swimming in Kashagawigamog Lake, hiking, tobogganing, ice fishing and more.

Ogopogo Resort - Minden

If you love to swim, pedal boat, canoe, kayak, or SUP in summer and ice fish, skate, toboggan or snowmobile in winter, this resort is for you. Perfect for families, Ogopogo Resort’s cottages are modern and refurbished with everything you need for your getaway.

Spectacle Lake Lodge – Barry’s Bay

Choose from a comfortable room in the main lodge or one of their nine lakeside cottages that come complete with their own private campfire pit. This place has everything you need for a relaxing staycation, all year long.

Winterdance Cabins – Haliburton

Winterdance's cute as a button cabins are only accessible in summer, but the hike in will be worth the effort. Sleep in a tiny cabin at night and then explore hundreds of acres of wilderness by day. Breakfast is served to you at your cabin, and a chef prepared meal will hit the spot at the end of a long day in the wild.

Luxury, Luxury, and More Luxury

We all can use a little pampering now and again. Book a getaway to a historic inn or bed and breakfast where they take care of you like royalty, or to a deluxe hotel with an on-site spa. Either way your staycation will leave you refreshed and ready for whatever comes next.

Perth Parkside Inn & Spa - Perth

This boutique inn in downtown Perth has an extensive on-site spa, including a mineral pool, steam room, treatment rooms and more. Select one of their fun packages like their Spa Escape or throw in some golf with their Stay & Play.

Clyde Hall Bed & Breakfast – Lanark

If you love the idea of spending the night in a stunning stone inn tucked away on a working sugarbush, Clyde Hall will fit the bill on both counts. This bed and breakfast is a popular wedding and vacation spot so book early!

Riverside Inn - Almonte

Situated overlooking the Mississippi River in the town of Almonte, this historic inn has an on-site restaurant and luxurious, stately rooms to relax in. The on-site restaurant, Loom Bistro, is where you'll want to head at the end of the day for a cocktail while overlooking the Mississippi River.

Grey Gables Inn - Pembroke

It’s the little touches that make this spot so popular, like the wood-burning fireplace in the lobby and the onsite dining room. This stately inn’s rooms are fully updated without sacrificing the heritage touches we all love, and Pembroke has plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa – Eagle Lake

Check in to Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa and give yourself permission to unwind and take a deep stress-free breath. Curl up in front of the in-room fireplace, experience the thermal circuit, and dine at the on-site Twin Fires restaurant.

Black River Retreat - Tweed

It’s couples only at this romantic retreat in Hastings County. Indulge in a chef-prepared meal for just you and your love, and then wander hand in hand on the property that is fully at your disposal. Take a dip in the hot tub and relax by the in-room fireplace.

Grail Springs Retreat Centre for Wellbeing

If you are feeling stressed, Grail Springs Retreat Centre is the retreat you've been waiting for. Select one of their many experience packages that will take care of your every need from the moment you step over the threshold, including luxurious accommodations, guided nature experiences, plant-based meals, yoga, meditation and more.

Resort Life

Pinestone Resort – Haliburton

Stay and play on 160-acres in beautiful Haliburton Highlands, and choose from more than 100 rooms, suites, villas and chalets for the perfect place to lay your head and snuggle up. Spend your day at the spa, then sit back and enjoy the propane fireplace in the one or two-bedroom villas.

Calabogie Peaks Resort - Calabogie

Here you can pair cozy accommodations with outdoor activities – skiing in winter, hiking, swimming or cycling in summer – all just steps away from the picture-perfect small town of Calabogie.

Outdoor Getaway

A staycation doesn’t necessarily need to include four walls and a roof – you can have a fantastic getaway where the only ceiling above your head at night is the starry sky. These campgrounds are the perfect spot to dig into nature and the outdoors.

Thompson’s Black Rock Park - Clayton

Located on beautiful Clayton Lake, Thompson’s Black Rock Park has six cottages and 80 seasonal and 10 overnight campsites, all tucked on hundreds of acres of farmland, trails, and lakefront property. While you’re at the park, purchase some maple syrup from the sugarbush that’s located on the same property.

Ontario Provincial Parks

When it comes to phenomenal outdoor getaways, Ontario's provincial parks are unparalleled. You can book a campsite beginning five months before your planned date of arrival, Here are the provincial parks located in Ontario's Highlands: