10 Ontario Getaways That Beat Going Stateside
These cabins and boutique hotels make a strong case for keeping your travels local
Canadian travel is on the rise and Ontario’s homegrown hospitality scene has never looked better, with thoughtful architecture, design-forward interiors and curated guest experiences that rival the coveted getaways you’d find abroad. Whether it’s a lakeside inn in Prince Edward County, a mirrored cabin in Muskoka, or a reimagined Victorian flat in Stratford, these 10 getaways offer more than just a place to sleep—they invite you to slow down, soak in your surroundings, and reconnect with what’s close to home. From solo escapes to romantic weekends and group retreats, consider this your cheat sheet to some of the province’s most unforgettable stays.
Photography by Ian Patterson.
Somewhere Inn — Collingwood
Collingwood isn’t just a ski town—it’s also a charming, walkable escape nestled between Georgian Bay and the Blue Mountains. At Somewhere Inn Collingwood, hospitality gets a soulful refresh. Housed in a restored century home that once served as a boarding house, the boutique stay is the vision of husband-and-wife team Joel Greaves and Devoon Valliancourt. They’ve preserved the building’s original character while introducing modern touches: moody ensuites, vintage lounge chairs, bespoke furnishings, and a bar built by Greaves himself. Wellness is central to the experience, with amenities like a cold plunge pool, sauna, and guided meditation sessions. Add to that a community-friendly lobby bar and serene, light-filled rooms, and you’ve got a stay that feels both personal and poetic.
Photography by Julieta Christy.
Photography by Katrina Ramsvik.
Photography by Katrina Ramsvik.
Photography by Katrina Ramsvik.
Photography by Chris Spencer.
Nortehaus — Kawartha Lakes
For those craving quiet luxury in nature, Kawartha Lakes offers an underrated alternative to Muskoka. Nortehaus, a minimalist Nordic- and Japanese-inspired retreat, is set within five acres of forest and riverfront. The architecture blends timber and glass with clean lines and serene proportions, making the experience feel like living inside a meditation. Thoughtful details—from the neutral palette to the outdoor sauna—underscore a slow-living ethos that encourages guests to unplug and reset.
Photography by Lauren Miller.
Photography by Lauren Miller.
Photography by Lauren Miller.
Photography by Lauren Miller.
Photography by Lauren Miller.
Photography by Lauren Miller.
Hotel Julie — Stratford
With its Shakespearean roots and dynamic arts scene, Stratford is more than just a theatre town—it’s a destination for design lovers, too. Located steps from the Stratford Festival, Hotel Julie brings a boutique sensibility to a 19th-century row house. Owners Paula McFarlane and Jake Tayler transformed the nine-suite property with help from Autumn Hachey (Stay Here) and Jillian Smith-Moher (Twenty-Two Twelve), leaning into moody palettes, theatrical touches, and custom flourishes. Each flat is uniquely styled—think velvet snake-print chairs, dramatic drapery, and sculptural headboards—and the self-serve, lobby-free format offers privacy without sacrificing style. Whether you’re in town for a matinee or a moody weekend escape, this stay promises drama in all the right ways.
Photography by Patrick Biller.
Photography by Patrick Biller.
Photography by Patrick Biller.
Photography by Patrick Biller.
Wander — Bloomfield
The County’s gentle pace and wine-soaked weekends have made it a go-to for urbanites looking to decompress. Wander delivers a modern take on the lakeside cabin experience in Bloomfield, where 10 contemporary, light-filled cabins line the shores of West Lake. Designed with family and friend groups in mind, each space features full kitchens, spacious lounges, and a clean-lined, Scandi-inspired aesthetic. There’s a communal pool, fire pits, and even electric watercraft rentals for guests, plus easy access to nearby wineries and restaurants. It’s luxury without pretension—and a great alternative to that trip to the Hamptons you were considering.
Photography by Niamh Barry.
Photography by Niamh Barry.
Photography by Niamh Barry.
Photography by Niamh Barry. Ontario getaways
Photography by Niamh Barry.
Photography by Niamh Barry.
The Beach Motel — Southampton
Tucked along Lake Huron’s eastern shore, Southampton charms with its small-town warmth, sandy beaches, and famously stunning sunsets. The Beach Motel elevates the classic lakeside stay with a design-driven, boutique approach. Built in the 1950s and lovingly revived by local owners Dane and Samantha Buttenaar, the 17-suite retreat blends coastal nostalgia with contemporary comfort. Designed by Common Good Studio, the reimagined interiors feature white oak archways, nautical accents, and serene hues of sand, seafoam, and sky. Sustainable touches abound—from cork flooring to locally made toiletries—while details like radiant floor heating, soaker tubs, and a concierge service deliver understated luxury. Add in a spa, rooftop patio, and the SandBar restaurant, and it’s easy to see why you’ll want to linger long after check-out.
Photography by Brooklynn Leitch.
Photography by Brooklynn Leitch.
Photography by Brooklynn Leitch.
Photography by Brooklynn Leitch.
Photography by Brooklynn Leitch.
Everly Inn — Wellington
The lakeside town of Wellington has become a design-savvy hotspot within Prince Edward County—home to indie shops, sandy beaches, and a flourishing food scene. Everly Inn fits right in. Housed in a modern barn-style structure just steps from the lake, this five-suite guesthouse is adults-only and focused on offering an elevated, restful experience. Rooms feature vaulted ceilings, calming tones, layered textures, and luxe touches like soaking tubs, curated minibars, and in-room massage options. Outside, Adirondack chairs line a private beach area overlooking the lake, while a chic firepit and stargazing deck round out the atmosphere. For those seeking calm, romance, and style in equal measure, Everly delivers.
Photography by Patrick Biller.
Photography by Patrick Biller.
Photography by Patrick Biller.
Photography by Patrick Biller.
Photography by Patrick Biller.
The Eddie — Bloomfield
On 78 acres of bucolic farmland in Prince Edward County, The Eddie offers a vibrant collision of heritage and hospitality. Owners Michael von Teichman and Alex Portman left city life to reimagine this 1860s Loyalist manor into a one-of-a-kind retreat. Inside the main house, rich architectural details—original doors, soaring baseboards—mingle with Canadian art and designer finds from Yabu Pushelberg and Avenue Road. Guests can choose between refined bedrooms, rustic bunkies, and a studio suite, all outfitted with private baths and thoughtful flourishes (like picnic backpacks for day trips). The red gambrel-roofed barn hosts concerts and comedy nights, while the gardens and breakfast room invite slower moments. Come for the design, stay for the hospitality—this Ontario getaway is as charming as it is ambitious.
Photography courtesy of Arcana.
Photography courtesy of Arcana.
Photography courtesy of Arcana. Ontario getaways.
Photography courtesy of Arcana.
Arcana — Muskoka
Muskoka may be synonymous with classic Canadian cottages, but Arcana is rewriting the rules. Conceived by Leckie Studio, this architecturally ambitious retreat introduces 23 mirrored, minimalist cabins set along 3,000 feet of untouched waterfront, just two hours north of Toronto. Clad in stainless steel and marked with wildlife-friendly detailing, each unit reflects its surroundings—literally disappearing into the forest. Inside, guests will find oak-wrapped interiors, heated floors, and spa-like bathrooms, all designed to heighten comfort without distracting from nature. A lakeside hydrotherapy circuit, cold plunge, and sauna add to the wellness-forward appeal, while a rotating menu from Pearl Morissette and Grape Witches makes this a full-sensory experience. Arcana isn’t just a getaway—it’s a reconnection with self, design, and the natural world.
Photography courtesy of The High Acre.
Photography courtesy of The High Acre. Ontario getaways.
Photography courtesy of The High Acre.
Photography courtesy of The High Acre.
Photography courtesy of The High Acre.
The High Acre — Dundas
Set against the backdrop of the Niagara Escarpment, Dundas is a hidden gem for nature lovers, known for its waterfalls, hiking trails, and charming small-town spirit. Just 10 minutes from Hamilton, The High Acre offers a completely immersive wellness escape within a 156-year-old Victorian manor. Each of the inn’s four suites functions as a private spa, complete with an infrared sauna, steam hammam, soaker tub, red light therapy, and custom aromatherapy. Designed by former National Ballet of Canada dancer Brett van Sickle, the interiors balance historic charm with European-inspired elegance, layered textures, and hand-crafted lighting by local artisans. With yoga, meditation, a seasonal pool, and thoughtfully stocked kitchens, The High Acre is a deeply personal retreat for anyone craving rest, ritual, and a bit of romance.
Photography by Graydon Herriott.
Photography by Graydon Herriott.
Photography courtesy of The Royal.
Photography courtesy of The Royal.
The Royal Annex — Picton
Prince Edward County has earned its place as one of Ontario’s top weekend getaways, thanks to its wineries, art galleries, and idyllic lakeside charm. The Royal, located in the heart of Picton, delivers modern luxury within a meticulously restored 19th-century inn. Interiors by Toronto firm Giannone Petricone bring together tactile materials, bold tiling, and custom furnishings to create a boutique hotel experience that’s both polished and cozy. With a spa, stylish lobby café, and a celebrated farm-to-table restaurant, this stay sets the tone for a refined, design-forward escape.
