19 of the Best Romantic Ontario Winter Getaways for Couples

Google “winter romantic getaways in Ontario” and you’re bound to see a list of the usual suspects: Spa resorts, expensive restaurants, yoga retreats, and even more spas. But romance doesn’t have to be limited to white cotton robes and massages—it can also be about adventure. After all, what’s a more romantic winter getaway for Ontario couples than escaping to pristine wilderness, with nothing but a fire and each other to keep warm?

From the province’s most northern edges to more accessible romantic winter getaways in southern Ontario, we’ve rounded up 19 of the best romantic weekend Ontario winter getaways for couples.

Best Romantic Ontario Winter Getaways for Couples

Don’t have much time? It doesn’t take more than a weekend to fall in love with your partner all over again—or to travel to one of these destinations for adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures in Ontario.

1. Slate River Valley (near Thunder Bay)

Package: A romantic cutter sleigh ride for two at Gammondale Farm.

Why You’ll Love It: This just might be the sweetest way to spend an afternoon: On Sue and Gerry Gammond’s farm south of Thunder Bay, you can take an old-fashioned sleigh ride around the foot of Candy Mountain with a cup of hot chocolate in hand.

How to Make It Happen: Thirty-minute sleigh rides cost $185 for up to three people, which is room enough for a third wheel. Bookings may be made through Gammondale Farm’s website.

While You’re There: After your ride is over, make sure to pay a visit to the farm’s goats, sheep, rabbits and hens. They deserve a little love, too.

2. Nipigon

Package: Learn to ice climb with Outdoor Skills & Thrills.

Why You’ll Love It: You don’t have to head to the Rockies to learn to ice climb. Since the 1980s, the sport has been thriving in northwestern Ontario, attracting climbers from around the world. During this workshop at Kama Bay or Orient Bay, you’ll learn to confidently climb a frozen sheet of ice using crampons and ice axes.

How to Make It Happen: Outdoor Skills & Thrills offers half-day and full-day courses for all skill levels. Reservations are required. Call 807-472-4742 or email info@outdoorskillsandthrills.com for more information.

While You’re There: Time your visit to coincide with the Nipigon Ice Fest. The annual event includes clinics, gear swaps and snowshoe outings.

3. Huntsville/Algonquin Park

Package: Winter Wildlife Photography Workshop with Michael Bertelsen.

Why You’ll Love It: There’s no better way to bond than by developing a new skill. Starting from Huntsville, wildlife photographer and guide Michael Bertelsen will help you capture images of Algonquin Park’s most famous inhabitants, including moose, pine martens, and wintering birds.

How to Make It Happen: Bertelsen’s two-day workshops are hosted throughout the winter months for $650 (not inclusive of accommodation or meals). The latest dates and booking information can be found on his website.

While You’re There: Review your best shots of the day while trying a locally brewed craft beer at Lake of Bays Brewing Co’s Huntsville Brewhouse.

4. Pinery Provincial Park

Package: Cross-country skiing in Pinery Provincial Park.

Why You’ll Love It: Pinery claims to have the best cross-country skiing trails in Southwestern Ontario. There’s only one way to determine if this claim is true—and that’s by spending a whole weekend exploring the park’s 38 kilometres of trails, designed for beginners and advanced skiers alike.

How to Make It Happen: If you’re staying the weekend, Pinery’s year-round yurts may be booked online for $86 per night through the Ontario Parks Reservations website. A two-night minimum booking applies.

While You’re There: Stop into Refined Fool’s Sports Brewery location in Sarnia. Yes, they have beer. But they also have indoor bocce ball, cornhole and other games that will make you believe it’s patio season in the middle of winter.

5. Uxbridge

Package: Wintertime horseback riding with Pathways on Pleasure Valley.

Why You’ll Love It: You don’t have to travel far from Toronto to take the wintertime romance up a notch. A tour for those ready to take the reins, Pathways on Pleasure Valley’s Romantic Rides follow tranquil trails set on 225 acres of forested land.

How to Make It Happen: A 90-minute trail ride for two costs $361.60 and can be booked online.

While You’re There: After your trail ride, warm up with a hot drink at The Bridge Social, an organic tea and coffee shop in the heart of Uxbridge.

6. Mount Pakenham (near Ottawa)

Package: Downhill skiing and snowboarding at Mount Pakenham Ski Resort.

Why You’ll Love It: Going on a date doesn’t have to mean driving far or even shelling out a ton of money. With 10 runs for all skill levels and night skiing on-offer, Mount Pakenham is the perfect adrenaline-pumping—yet affordable—activity. Best of all, it’s only a short drive from Ottawa.

How to Make It Happen: Lift tickets for adults start at $25. Rental equipment is also available for an additional charge.

While You’re There: Don’t know how to ski? The resort also offers snow tubing for the young and the young at heart.

7. Bruce Peninsula National Park

Package: EcoAdventures – Snowshoe the Grotto Tour.

Why You’ll Love It: During the summertime, Bruce Peninsula National Park’s Grotto is arguably the area’s most popular attraction—which is exactly why a little snow and ice shouldn’t stop you from seeing it during the winter. On this four-hour tour, you’ll explore the icy caves along Georgian Bay’s shores before arriving at the main attraction.

How to Make It Happen: Tours depart on weekends, although midweek departures may be available upon request. It costs $49 per person and may be booked by contacting EcoAdventures.

While You’re There: Bring your toboggan. Rumour has it that Jackson’s Cove Hill offers one heck of a ride down.

Best Romantic Long Weekend Getaways in Ontario

A long weekend doesn’t have to be complicated. Our advice? Instead of spending your time trying to plan one of the most romantic winter getaways in Ontario, surprise your special someone by keeping it simple. Many year-round lodges (including some of those listed below) are all-inclusive and you can skip long drives by flying into regional airports with Porter Airlines, WestJet or Air Canada.

8. South Gillies (near Thunder Bay)

Package: Cozy log cabin getaway at Rose Valley Lodge & Restaurant.

Why You’ll Love It: Explore nature trails, bird and wildlife watching, wilderness skiing and snowshoeing on 400 acres of forests, meadows and ancient mountains. Enjoy a delectable meal of European flare and stay in a rustic log cabin, complete with Jacuzzi bath tub.

How to Make It Happen: Winter getaways start from $290 per night double occupancy. Contact Rose Valley Lodge at 1-807-473-5448 or make online reservation.

While You’re There: Enjoy a romantic skate on the outdoor rink at Prince Arthur’s Landing, Thunder Bay.

9. Kukagami Lake

Package: Ice-fishing at Sportsman’s Lodge Wilderness Resort.

Why You’ll Love It: With over 1,300 feet of waterfront and access to the back lakes Donald, Potvin and Chuggin, you’ll be reeling in the big one at Sportsman's Lodge. Even if you don’t catch anything, you won’t go hungry—breakfast and dinner are included in the all-inclusive rate.

How to Make It Happen: Contact Sportsman's Lodge at 1-877-708 8882 for room rates and availability.

While You’re There: Sportsman’s Lodge has extensive snowshoeing and cross-country skiing loops, including to Donald Lake, where you can find 50-foot-high ice falls.

10. Quetico Provincial Park

Package: Cross country ski or snowshoe from your own winterized cabin.

Why You’ll Love It: In the summer months, Quetico Provincial Park—a two-hour drive west of Thunder Bay—is an internationally recognized wilderness paddling destination. But in the winter, it transforms into a snowy wonderland, with ski and snowshoe trails right on the doorstep of its three affordable cabins: The Log Cabin, the Ojibway Cabin, and the Winter Retreat (the latter of which is only available from October until April).

How to Make It Happen: The rustic cabins cost $86 per night. Bookings must be made through the Ontario Parks Reservations’ site or by phone.

While You’re There: Make a stop at Little Falls, a 50-foot waterfall on the Atikokan River. It can be accessed from the end of Little Falls Rd.

11. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

Package: Romantic getaway in a secluded lakeside log cabin at Beyond the Giant.

Why You’ll Love It: With over 50 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails, the breathtaking terrain of nearby Sleeping Giant makes it one of the best places in Ontario for winter fun. After an active day skiing or snowshoeing, cozy up by the fire in your secluded log cabin at Beyond the Giant. Candles, a gift basket, fresh baked bread and local foods make this getaway extra special.

How to Make It Happen: Contact Brenda and Bruce at Beyond the Giant at 1-807-251-5853 or email btgnatureretreats@tbaytel.net.

While You’re There: Warm up the Finnish way, by making a stop into Thunder Bay’s Kangas Sauna.

12. Bone Lake

Package: Stay in a ski-in access-only remote wilderness cabin.

Why You’ll Love It: Set on the shores of Bone Lake, just 30 minutes north of Sault Ste. Marie, Norm's Cabin is a true wilderness escape—it can only be accessed by skiing or snowshoeing 10 kilometres into the bush. Since the property is owned and managed by the Algoma Highlands Conservancy, your stay will also support conservation of the region’s ecological integrity.

How to Make It Happen: ​A ski trail system to access the cabin is groomed regularly by Stokely Creek Lodge, but you’ll need to be self-supported and well-prepared for this adventure. (The second floor is reserved for paying guests.) Bookings—which cost $35 per person, per night—may be made through outfitter Blaq Bear Tours. However, there is a less-than-romantic catch: Although the second floor is reserved for paying guests, day skiers are welcome to use the ground floor to warm up. On the weekends, you can also expect to share the rental with a ski host.

While You’re There: Want to extend your adventure by a few days? Book a fat biking tour with local outfitter Red Pine Tours to nearby ice caves.

13. Goulais River

Package: Learn to telemark ski at Bellevue Valley Lodge, the only backcountry ski lodge in Ontario.

Why You’ll Love It: A skiing style that combines elements of Alpine and Nordic skiing, telemark technique is the passion of Bellevue Valley Lodge owners Enn Poldmaa and Robin MacIntyre. Since 1984, they have maintained 2,000 acres of backcountry glades just northwest of Sault Ste. Marie.

How to Make It Happen: Accommodations average $75 per night per person, and are inclusive of trail fees, sauna facilities and canopy wifi. The alpine-style chalet behind the main lodge has two private apartments, which include full kitchen facilities and fireplaces. Custom meal plans and R.M.T. massage appointments can be added to your stay. Capacity can extend to integrated family/friend groups of up to 12 individuals, or be cozily arranged for couples. Contact the lodge, call 705-649-2880 or email bellevuevalleylodge@gmail.com

While You’re There: Trail tours begin in January, when Lake Superior begins its usual winter Snowmageddon! Peak snowfall can be expected in late February, which is when Bellevue Valley Lodge hosts its annual Snowflea Telefest, the only backcountry snowshoe and telemark event in Ontario.

 

14. Elk Lake

Package: Elk Lake Wilderness Resort’s Winter Package – It's pet friendly.

Why You’ll Love It: With cottage accommodation, breakfast and a hot dinner included, this package is designed for snowmobilers. But here’s a romantic proposal for two—skip the sledding and spend your day snowshoeing then indulge in the sauna, hot tub and ice fishing hut while everyone else is on the trails. Your pup will love it.

How to Make It Happen: Elk Lake’s winter package costs $155 per person per night. It can be booked by calling (705) 679-4041 or emailing elklakewilderness@outlook.com.

While You’re There: Visit nearby Cobalt to see relics of the area’s mining past, including streetcar tracks hidden in the forest and the Cobalt Mining Museum.

15. Goulais River

Package: Stay at Stokley Creek Lodge, an all-inclusive winter ski and snowshoe resort.

Why You’ll Love It: We would be remiss if we didn’t include the much-loved Stokely Creek Lodge in a round-up of the best romantic winter getaways in Ontario. With 100 kilometres of well-groomed trails that cross valleys, creeks and even peaks, this is the ultimate snowshoeing and cross-country skiing destination.

How to Make It Happen: Rates start at $210 per person per night, and include all meals, trail passes and accommodation. To reserve a room, call 1-866-786-5359 or (705) 649-3421.

While You’re There: Time your visit to coincide with Bon Soo, Sault Ste. Marie’s annual winter festival.

Best 4-day+ Romantic Getaways in Ontario

When it comes to Ontario winter getaways for couples, two or three days never seems like quite enough. The longer your adventure, the more time you’ll have to travel to more remote communities, learn new skills from experienced outfitters, and fully disconnect from the pressures of everyday life. Some might call it a vacation. We call it getting back to basics.

16. Vermilion Bay

Package: Dogsledding with Borealis Dog Sled Adventures.

Why You’ll Love It: Alongside horse-drawn carriages, most people perceive dog sledding as being the ultimate romantic excursion. In reality, it’s a bit closer to the ultimate outdoor adventure. With Borealis Dogsled Adventures’ multi-day treks, you’ll follow routes once used by Ojibwe hunters and trappers, warm up with delicious hot meals, and spend your nights sleeping in cabins and heated rustic tents.

How to Make It Happen: Contact Borealis Dogsled Adventures to begin custom-planning your day trip or multi-night adventure, which includes accommodation and meals for groups of two or more.

While You’re There: Enjoy all things winter has to offer in nearby Thunder Bay. Take a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride at Gammondale Farm. Enjoy a fun winter evening with a skate and dine in the heart of Thunder Bay’s Waterfront District. Try fat biking, skiing or ice climbing.

17. Timmins

Package: Go wild at Cedar Meadows Resort.

Why You’ll Love It: Get up close and personal with bison, elk and deer while riding in a tractor-drawn wagon in the 100-acre wildlife park. Rejuvenate in the Nordic Bath, inspired by nature, enjoy delicious meals and stay is a cozy suite or chalet with fireplace and jacuzzi.

How to Make It Happen: Reserve a special inclusive package by calling 1-877-207-6123 or book a room online.

While You’re There: Try snowshoeing or cross country skiing with the Porcupine Ski Runners, one of the largest Nordic ski clubs in Canada or feel the thrill of downhill skiing, snowboarding or tubing at Kamiskotia Snow Resort. See polar bears at the Canadian Polar Bear Habitat in nearby Cochrane.

18. Minaki

Package: Stay in a cozy yurt at Minaki Yurt Adventures.

Why You’ll Love It: Minaki Yurt Adventures might be named for its unique accommodation, but it’s not the only thing on offer. Located in the boreal forest just outside of Kenora, Minaki also has 20 kilometres of trails, a wood-fired sauna, and even an ice rink during the winter months.

How to Make It Happen: Rates for yurts and tipis start at $135 per night, with a two-night minimum stay. To book your adventure, email minakiyurt@yahoo.com.

While You’re There: Kenora’s Winter Carnival—which includes skating, snow sculpting and curling—is held annually in March.

19. Haliburton

Package: Yours Outdoors Intro to Igloo Building.

Why You’ll Love It: Spend the day having fun working together with your partner, learning how to build an igloo. At the end of the day you can even have the chance to spend a cozy night in the igloo you just built! Or if you are uncertain about spending the night in a shelter made of snow, you can book a one or two-night package with Arching Pines B&B on the shores of Head Lake.

How to Make It Happen: Book your Intro to Igloo Building (starting at $95 per person) via Yours Outdoors’ website. Add another unique package for more winter fun.

While You’re There: After your day playing in the snow is over, enjoy a refreshing beer at Haliburton Highlands Brewing’s nano-brewery, which is part of the Abbey Gardens’ complex.

Plan Your Getaway Now

There is “snow place like this.” Discover some of the best winter romantic adventure getaways in Ontario.

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