21 Adventurous Girls’ Getaways and Bachelorette Party Ideas

Escape tradition—plan an unforgettable outdoor experience in Ontario.

Gone are the days when bachelorette parties were limited to spa days and fancy dinners. For women who love the outdoors and crave meaningful connections, adventurous bachelorette parties are becoming the go-to way to celebrate.

Spending a weekend immersed in nature with your closest friends is a chance to truly bond, laugh and create lasting memories. Adventure-filled trips foster a deeper sense of camaraderie, as shared experiences like backpacking scenic trails, paddling serene lakes, or conquering new challenges bring you closer together. Instead of fleeting moments, you’ll have a whole weekend to explore and enjoy each other's company.

In Ontario, adventurous bachelorette parties can range from backcountry camping escapades to adrenaline-pumping rock climbing adventures. Whether your crew prefers the thrill of splashing through whitewater rapids or unwinding under the stars at a lakeside cabin, the province’s diverse landscapes offer something for every outdoorsy bride-to-be and her squad.

Discover Ontario's best destinations for an unforgettable girls’ getaway.

A perfect weekend on the water with your favourite ladies. Credit: Virginia Marshall
A perfect weekend on the water with your favourite ladies. Credit: Virginia Marshall 

Paddle & Glamp Getaways

For a girls’ paddling getaway that’s equal parts adventure and luxury, base your party at a lakefront cabin or glamping accommodation. With spectacular natural settings and loads of special little touches, these unique retreats are perfect for a weekend on the water with your favourite ladies.

Nestled among the granite islands and old-growth pines of Lake Temagami, Chic Shore's luxurious floating glamping dome rentals come adventure-ready with a canoe, paddleboard and solar-powered amenities. Book the Grand Villa to sleep groups up to five comfortably; add a floating wood-fired hot tub for the ultimate post-paddle decadence.

For a more rustic Lake Temagami getaway, settle into the cozy wooden cabins or canvas glamping tents at Ojibway Family Lodge on Devil’s Island. This century-old lodge is only accessible by canoe, boat or floatplane, making it perfect for enjoying Lake Temagami’s breathtaking views and peaceful sounds. Home-cooked meals and an armada of canoes, kayaks and paddleboards make it easy to stay as long as you like.

Just a 20-minute paddle from the vast canoe tripping paradise of Quetico Provincial Park, Voyageur Island Lodge can give your girls’ getaway or bachelorette party a distinct wilderness flair. The lodge’s voyageur-themed rooms and cozy common areas are infused with Canadian canoe culture, and the friendly owners serve hearty traditional feasts on request. Enjoy a lakeside sauna, take a tour in the 36-foot voyageur canoe, or let the lodge outfit your crew with everything you need for a backcountry Quetico canoe trip.

Perched on the wild edge of Lake Superior near Wawa, Rock Island Lodge offers sea kayak, canoe and standup paddleboard guided day trips, instruction and rentals, as well as day hiking and journeys by historic voyageur canoe. Basecamp in the beachfront glamping dome (the view of the mighty lake from its wall of windows is out-of-this-world, I promise) and canvas wall tents to enjoy soul-stirring Superior sunrises and early morning swims.

Embrace your wild side with a camping trip.  Credit: Virginia Marshall
Embrace your wild side with a camping trip. Credit: Virginia Marshall 

Park Adventures

Endless opportunities for adventure and diverse accommodation options make Ontario’s provincial and national parks an ideal destination for a non-traditional bachelorette or girls’ weekend. Embrace your wild side hiking, mountain biking, paddling, beachcombing and swimming. Or plan a winter weekend for adventurous skiing, snowshoeing, stargazing and storytelling—some of my most cherished memories are from just-the-girls cold-season camping adventures.

Ontario’s highest vertical cliffs soar 300 metres above the glistening waters of Lake Superior at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, making for some of the most jaw-dropping views you’ll find anywhere. First, though, your crew will have to earn them; the Top of the Giant Trail is best completed as an epic multi-sport day trip—biking, hiking and climbing the giant steps to this sky-scraping lookout. Reserve a campsite or cabin at the park’s pretty drive-in campground on Marie Louise Lake, or alternatively, plan to backpack or bikepack to sublime backcountry campsites on the shores of Lake Superior.

Another fabulous destination for a weekend beside the world’s largest expanse of freshwater is Pukaskwa National Park. I just can’t get enough of this under-the-radar park on Lake Superior. Much of the park is unspoiled wilderness, with a selection of superb hiking trails easing access from the visitor area and campground at Hattie Cove. Book a bright and spacious oTENTik—a unique hybrid of a rustic cabin and canvas tent that sleeps six—to enjoy the simplicity of camping with the comfort of real beds. Hike to driftwood-tossed beaches, paddle on Hattie Cove, or make the challenging day hike to the spine-tingling White River suspension bridge set high above a roaring waterfall.

There’s a reason paddlers, hikers and campers flock in droves to Killarney Provincial Park. Here, the pink granite shores of Georgian Bay nudge up against the sparkling white ridges of the La Cloche Mountains and graceful pines reach windswept boughs above more than 50 sapphire lakes. Whether you plan a George Lake basecamp or a backcountry hiking or canoe camping mini adventure, be sure to make reservations well in advance.

If you’re celebrating an upcoming winter wedding—or just looking for an excuse to grab a few friends and escape slush season in the city—Ontario Parks are the perfect place for a snowy adventure. Just outside Sudbury, Windy Lake Provincial Park promises deep, fluffy lake-effect powder and meticulously groomed cross-country ski trails right on your doorstep when you book one of the park’s all-season cabins or yurts.

Adventure-filled trips will bring you closer together.  Credit: Virginia Marshall
Adventure-filled trips will bring you closer together. Credit: Virginia Marshall 

Lodge-Based Adventures

Whether your idea of the perfect adventure weekend is lacing up your hiking boots and discovering new trails or slipping a canoe into unfamiliar waters, a lodge stay lets you focus on the fun without worrying about the details. All of these lodges offer easy eat-and-stay packages and are just steps from your favourite activities.

Set on the border of Mississagi Provincial Park north of Elliot Lake, Laurentian Lodge sits nestled in a patch of pristine fir forest overlooking a cascade of pools and small waterfalls that tumble from Flack to Mikel Lake. Choose from private chalets and cottages or cozy lodge rooms, enjoy tasty meals in the lakefront dining room, and explore the outstanding hiking trails (don’t miss the 130-metre-high Helenbar Trail Lookout) and canoeing lakes of Mississagi Provincial Park.

Located just north of the town of Temagami with easy access from Highway 11, Smoothwater Outfitters & Lodge is one of the region’s original canoe outfitters. Besides complete canoe trip outfitting with top-notch gear, Smoothwater offers a variety of cheerful lodging options, a lakeside sauna and great meals—plus expert recommendations on Temagami’s finest paddling and hiking day trips.

With the only waterfront accommodations for over 400 kilometres of rugged and inspiring Lake Superior shoreline, Rock Island Lodge is a no-brainer for water-loving women. All four of this intimate lodge’s comfortable rooms boast lake vistas, freshly prepared meals and ready access to the on-site paddling centre. Rent sea kayaks, standup paddleboards or canoes to spot wildlife and waterfalls on the Michipicoten River or join a guided day trip to paddle to spectacular sand beaches and a historic lighthouse station. When the lake is calm, my favourite escape is sun-kissed paddleboarding along Driftwood Beach with just my soul sisters and the occasional bald eagle for company.

Killarney Mountain Lodge has all the ingredients of a memorable girls’ getaway—from its gorgeous waterfront setting in the charming village of Killarney to its lavish meals and luxurious log cabins and lakefront suites. The lodge is just minutes from the white quartzite mountains and crystalline lakes of Killarney Provincial Park and must-do hikes like The Crack. On-site amenities include a heated pool, pickleball and tennis courts, cozy sauna and fleet of kayaks, canoes and bikes.

Laugh and learn while you paddle downriver.  Credit: Virginia Marshall
Laugh and learn while you paddle downriver. Credit: Virginia Marshall 

Paddling & Learning Getaways

If you and your adventure besties love paddling and learning or refining outdoor skills, consider an all-inclusive women’s weekend with one of Ontario’s exceptional paddling centres or outfitters.

Whether you’re an experienced whitewater paddler or dipping your toes into moving water for the first time, I can’t think of a better place to develop river skills (and have a blast doing it) than the friendly rapids of the Madawaska River. The “Mad” is just the right amount of technical, with challenges to suit every level of whitewater paddler. Plus, it’s home to world-class instructors and the unbeatable riverside location of the Madawaska Kanu Centre. Choose from loads of enticing play-and-stay packages, including canoeing or kayaking Women’s Weekends and Riverside Yoga Retreats.

If your crew is ready to take on the challenge of a whitewater canoeing mini-expedition with lots of support and coaching from guides, check out MHO Adventures’ Spanish River trip for women. Not only is MHO one of Ontario’s most respected whitewater outfitters, the Spanish is also one of my all-time favourite river trips. Incredible, runnable rapids that get more challenging as the trip progresses, amazing wildlife, awesome campsites and a memorable train ride to start your trip—what’s not to love?

Famous for serving fabulous backcountry feasts on all their trips, legendary Canadian adventure company Black Feather offers pampered paddling journeys throughout Ontario. Learn sea kayaking skills on a 3-day Georgian Bay for Women getaway, or practice whitewater canoeing skills while enjoying the most scenic stretch of an iconic river on their 4-day French River for Women trip.

Located at the quiet northwestern corner of Algonquin Park, Northern Edge Algonquin expertly hosts transformational wellness retreats enhanced by cozy, Insta-worthy forest accommodations and mouthwatering, locally sourced meals. Their curated girlfriend getaways include an all-inclusive Quest for Balance yoga and standup paddleboarding retreat.

Think outside the box for your next girls weekend.  Credit: Virginia Marshall
Think outside the box for your next girls' weekend. Credit: Virginia Marshall 

Rocks and Ropes

There’s much to be said about Type II fun—that is, experiences that aren’t always fun in the moment, but are fun (and often meaningful) to reflect on and share stories about afterwards. Trying something new and challenging with your girlfriends can be a great way to deepen your connections and forge a shared sense of accomplishment and pride. Get out of your comfort zone by getting vertical—whether it’s on a rock crag, frozen waterfall, or high in the forest canopy—with Ontario’s expert climbing and treetop trekking outfits.

Thunder Bay climbing experts Outdoor Skills and Thrills invite adventurers of all abilities to experience the region’s renowned rock and ice climbing. Founder Aric Fishman and his team offer custom one- or two-day rock climbing adventures and courses from May to October, and introductory ice climbing and snowshoeing adventures from December through March.

Just three hours north of Toronto, Liv Outside offers guided ice climbing and fat biking experiences for first-timers in the snowy winter woods of Muskoka. Pair a day of frosty fun with a luxurious stay at Bracebridge’s Touchstone Resort on Lake Muskoka. There’s a spa, top-rated restaurant and ice skating on the lake.

With seven locations across central and southern Ontario, Treetop Trekking parks combine heart-pounding ziplines and challenging aerial ropes courses for an unforgettable day in the sky. Head to their Huntsville park for aerial games or after-dark treetop treks in a mature hardwood forest canopy, then relax at Deerhurst Resort (guests get a 15 percent discount) with a steam, swim or sunrise paddle on Peninsula Lake.

Thrill Seeking

Looking for even more hair-raising fun to make your get-together a weekend to remember? Whether you prefer water, wheels or winter thrills, Ontario has you covered.

Fat tire enthusiasts can book an exciting backcountry bike-glamping weekend with Red Pine Tours in Sault Ste. Marie. Load up your rides and follow your guides through the rolling hills and sublime singletrack of the Algoma Highlands to a secluded log cabin on Bone Lake. Choose from two-hour, half-day or full-day rides, with options to suit all skill levels and riding intensity. Return to your rustic retreat to raise a toast to gears and gravity.

Expertly introducing water-lovers to the mighty rapids of the Ottawa River for 50 years, Wilderness Tours Raft & Kayak Resort has everything you need for an exhilarating girls’ getaway. The Ottawa River boasts Canada’s best whitewater rafting, with heart-pumping class III-IV rapids, warm water and stunning natural beauty. For maximum thrills and spills, I can’t get enough of sport yakking (braving the rapids in an inflatable, 2-person kayak). This is also the only place where you can guide your own raft—a truly butterfly-inducing experience that I guarantee will leave your crew even tighter friends at day’s end. As if that weren’t enough, the resort’s gorgeous riverfront location also has an après paddle patio and accommodation options ranging from cabins and cottages to camping and glamping tents.

For an unforgettable winter bachelorette party, book a trail tour with one of Ontario’s top dog sledding outfitters. The purebred Siberian huskies at Winterdance Dogsled Tours will melt your heart, but the thrill of careening down Haliburton’s snowy forest trails is guaranteed to get it racing. Choose from two-hour, half-day, moonlit or full-day tours. Nearby, enjoy downhill skiing at Sir Sam’s Ski and Ride and stay in luxury at Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa.

About Virginia Marshall

Virginia Marshall is a freelance outdoor adventure writer, photographer and editor with roots in Muskoka and Lake Superior. Read her work in Adventure Kayak, Canoeroots, Rapid, Paddling Magazine and Backroad Mapbooks.

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