Bored of the Boardroom?

From a Cree-run eco resort to a sprawling wilderness hotel with a Nordic spa, these unique conference centres are sure to inspire.

By Caitlin Carpenter Caitlin Carpenter runs Days Out Ontario, a trip planning website and travel blog.

April 12, 2023

Don’t settle for a generic, dated boardroom when you’re trying to impress clients or get important business done. Northeastern Ontario offers meeting venues with every possible amenity, from top-of-the-line catering to modern technological aids, and a few exclusive perks–such as stunning wilderness views, plenty of room for social distancing, and the opportunity for outdoor activities that will inspire and motivate attendees. Plus, there's no traffic up here! We've rounded up a few options to help meeting and event planners find their next destination–with some of the most scenic locations imaginable.

Cree Village Eco Lodge

Your attendees will never forget an event held on the edge of James Bay

What happens when the road ends? You truly escape distractions and get down to business with renewed focus. That’s part of the appeal of Cree Village Eco Lodge in Moose Factory on James Bay, which is accessible by the famous Polar Bear Express from Cochrane.

This is a destination that your clients have likely never considered or possibly even heard of, but will certainly be telling their colleagues about. This sustainably-designed resort has 20 rooms, including a conference suite.

The shaapuhtuwaan restaurant (translates as “long teepee with doors at each end,” which aptly describes its look) features a fireplace built from local limestone rocks. The restaurant seats 56 and offers traditional Aboriginal cuisine. This is the perfect place to indulge in some free-range bison and caribou with organic vegetables from their garden, while discussing important business deals, of course.
Once you’ve finished your business, take time for a sunset boat cruise on the Moose River and learn about the local lore and wildlife.

Cedar Meadows Resort and Spa

Even your most jaded associates will be blown away by the setting of Cedar Meadows. With a prime spot overlooking the mighty Mattagami River, this 175-acre resort is the place for memorable, professional meetings.

There are six rooms equipped with all the necessary technology for a great presentation for 10 to over 400 people. Salon Lower Canada in particular is perfect for a meeting of a couple dozen professionals around its hexagonal table. After you’ve exhausted spreadsheets and Powerpoints, rejuvenate yourself at the spa’s Nordic Baths or head to the Voyageur Dining Room for some hearty fare.

Days Inn Conference Centre, Timmins

Centrally located in the vibrant city of Timmins, the conference centre has all the amenities plus access to the town's many cultural offerings

Also in Timmins, the Days Inn Conference Centre is centrally located near Timmins Square for easy access for all meeting attendees. While the charms of the city may beckon after hours, there’s no need to venture outside the centre during the day. There’s an on-site restaurant and sports bar (as well as catering for conferences) for when you take a break from the modern and tech-equipped conference and meeting facilities. Stay overnight in the executive suites and be pampered by clean, sleek rooms, big screen TVs, and a modern lobby.

Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre

The grand central lobby is a popular place for cocktail receptions or a networking mixer.

This Indigenous-owned lodge in scenic Little Current on Manitoulin Island has become a popular spot for meetings and conferences. With on-site catering from the North 49 Restaurant and seven meetings rooms to choose from, plus free high-speed wifi, free parking, and preferred rates for groups, it's the perfect place for your next event. Book the entire hotel and make use of the stunningly-designed central lobby with its views of the iconic swing brigde that connects the island to the mainland.

Elk Lake Eco Centre

Skylights and large windows overlook the scenery of the provincial park

Elk Lake Eco Centre, located on the north end of Lady Evelyn Smoothwater Park, is known as a place where you can escape it all. The centre boasts an expansive system of trails–from rugged to groomed, and some amazing canoe routes.

Elk Lake Eco Centre can accommodate everything from small meetings to large conferences with their 7000-square-foot facility built to impress. The Centre includes lecture rooms, as well as indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces. Their conference facilities offer all of the state-of-the-art amenities you need to make your meeting a success, including high-speed wireless Internet and quality audio-visual equipment.