10 Unique Northern Ontario Stays You’ll Want to Book Immediately

Northern Ontario is one of Canada’s most inspiring regions for winter travellers searching for unique accommodations, scenic road trips, and unforgettable cabin getaways. 

Every time I travel through Northern Ontario, I’m reminded how incredible this area is. As you drive further North, you're driving through towns with charm, the lakes grow wider, and the trees stretch higher. Tucked between the forests, shorelines, and roads that lead you off the beaten path are some of the most unique stays you’ll ever come across. From cozy cabins and domes to historic lodges and dreamy lakefront stays, each spot up here offers a unique experience. Here are 10 of the most interesting places to stay this winter in Northern Ontario!

Unique Stays in Northeastern Ontario

The Highland Bunkie in Powassan: Cozy Cabin Featuring Highland Cows

What if you didn’t have to travel all the way to Scotland to see Highland Cows? The Highland Bunkie on Shaggy Horns farm in Powassan is a cozy all-seasons tiny cabin, and is the absolute cutest choice for a unique winter escape. The Highland Bunkie is a comfortable and cozy with an electric fireplace, coffee corner, sheltered BBQ, and a fire pit under the stars. It’s perfect for travellers craving a winter escape, as you can enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort indoors. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see the northern lights!

The Finch in North Bay: Retro-Chic Beachfront Cottage 

Located in North Bay is this beachfront, retro-chic Instagram-worthy cottage. The Finch cottages include a sauna, access to a private beach, and cozy fireplaces. These cottages are the perfect excuse to book in a fun girls' weekend or romantic getaway. Picture a snowy beach where you can snowshoe along the frozen shoreline. Enjoy evenings around the fire pit with hot cocoa under starry skies, and warm up in a barrel sauna after your outdoor adventures. Each cottage features fully equipped kitchens, vibrant decor, and small, thoughtful touches that make it feel like a luxurious home away from home.  

Sportsman’s Lodge near Sudbury: Classic Northern Ontario Winter Adventure Base

This Northern Ontario lodge is a winter wonderland playground for adventurous couples who love the outdoors and cozy comfort in one epic weekend getaway. Plan a weekend at the Sportsman’s Lodge on Kukagami Lake, with endless outdoor adventure options such as cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. After a day spent outside, you’ll have warm accommodations, hearty meals, and lakeside views waiting for you.

Cozy Accommodations in Algoma Country

Laurentian Lodge in Elliot Lake: Rustic Lakeside Cabins for an Off-Grid Escape

(Seasonal Note: Open spring–fall, perfect for paddle trips and unplugged getaways.)

Everyone needs a reason to ditch their phone and actually unplug from time to time. Laurentian Lodge is the perfect choice, and it’s just a short drive from Elliot Lake. This rustic lodge on the shores of Flack Lake offers cozy and comfortable cabins with limited-to-no cell service, making it the perfect excuse to turn off your phone. Spend your days exploring trails, go for a paddle or just relax and read a book. They also offer an on-site restaurant that serves up delicious meals in a beautiful log cabin.

Northern Skies Resort in Thessalon: Family-Friendly Cabins on Chubb Lake

If you are planning a family trip this winter, Northern Skies Resort, located on Highway 129 North of Thessalon, offers three winter-ready cabins (and the sweet A-frame backcountry cabin, available June to October). Cozy up with hot chocolate by the fire after a day of ice-fishing, snowshoeing, or exploring the trails in the area. Each cabin is located on Chubb Lake and provides all the comforts you need for your stay. They have a fully equipped kitchen, as well as propane or wood-burning fireplaces, comfortable beds, a deck with a barbecue and complimentary propane, and a private fire pit with Adirondack chairs.

Sunnd Eco Resort in Batchawana Bay: Lakeside Dome Stay with Hot Tub and Fire Pit

Imagine cozying up in a four-season dome with all the comforts you need inside, including complimentary coffee, pancakes, and eggs for breakfast and then stepping outside to your very own private lake with a fire pit and a wood-fired hot tub.  Sunnd Eco Resort is perfect for couples wanting a romantic winter weekend getaway in Batchawana Bay. With lots to do in the area, you can explore, and then watch the sunset over the water and stargaze from bed. It’s the kind of stay that will make you forget about schedules, screens, and city life. 

Historic, Luxury Vacation Spots in Superior Country

Dreamscapes Inn in Marathon: Bed & Breakfast Along Lake Superior’s North Shore

Follow the Group of Seven Touring Route along Lake Superior's North Shore and stay at Dreamscapes Inn, a charming bed and breakfast located in Marathon. The Inn provides a welcoming atmosphere and a thoughtful host who makes you feel instantly at home. Each booking includes a delicious breakfast to start your day, and guests have access to shared amenities, including a fully equipped kitchen, outdoor oasis, and cozy living room. 

The Lodge at Red Rock in Nipigon: Historic 1937 Log Lodge with Boreal Views

(Seasonal Note: For spring–fall travellers seeking historic Northern escapes.)

Experience a historic northern retreat at Red Rock Lodge. This stunning 1937 log cabin was built from the surrounding boreal forest. Perched above Nipigon Bay, The Lodge was first constructed by the Lake Sulphite Pulp and Paper Company. It was initially meant to be a wilderness vacation playground for mill executives. Years later, adventurous travellers seeking world-class fishing and outdoor activities can stay in one of the seven rustic bedrooms and relax in the spacious great room with a large stone fireplace that invites guests to enjoy cozy evenings. The Lodge offers a unique experience filled with rustic charm, history, and genuine Northern Ontario character. 

Rose Valley Lodge & Restaurant in Gillies: Northern Ontario’s Culinary Cabin Retreat

Food lovers, this stay is for you! Rose Valley Lodge offers a full-on culinary experience in Northern Ontario. Owners Markus and Deborah Hofmann create an intimate European-inspired, slow-food dining experience with a five-course meal in their cozy dining room. You can stay in one of four rustic log cabins, with comfort and ambiance that are second to none. Each cabin offers a wood-burning fireplace and a spacious jacuzzi. During the day, explore hiking trails, spot wildlife, or go snowshoeing in the winter. 

Winter Getaway in Sunset Country

Yellowbird Lodge Resort in Sioux Narrows: Luxury Lake of the Woods Ice Fishing Stay

Ice fishing enthusiasts and sledders will find the Yellowbird Lodge in Lake of the Woods perfect for their next winter adventure. Book a custom ice fishing package suitable for either expert anglers or beginners, or rent an ice castle for a day of ice fishing. Enjoy a weekend or longer at a luxurious 5-star resort that features a sports bar with multiple pool tables, an indoor golf simulator, as well as a large indoor hot tub, sauna, and gym. 

Snowmobilers will also love Yellowbird Lodge as a base for winter riding. Lake of the Woods is known for its wide network of groomed trails, including the NWOSTA Wilderness Loop, frozen bays, and long scenic routes that stretch between small northern communities. With warm accommodations, easy lake access, and plenty of space to warm up after a day on the trails, Yellowbird makes it effortless to turn a snowmobile trip into a full weekend getaway.

Northern Ontario is full of distinctive places to stay, each offering its own mix of landscape, comfort, and adventure. From lakeside cabins to historic lodges and cozy domes, it's easy to plan a getaway that feels personal and memorable. Now that your next Northern Ontario getaway is pretty much planned, the only question is: which one are you booking first?

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