Top 30 Resorts, Wilderness Lodges and Cabin Rentals for Paddlers

You don’t have to rough it to experience Ontario’s best canoeing, sea kayaking, whitewater, and standup paddleboarding. Across the province you’ll find cozy, well-appointed waterfront cottage rentals, wilderness lodges and resorts that are perfect for paddling enthusiasts. Most include use of canoes, kayaks and standup paddleboards. Enjoy delicious meals, saunas, entertainment and more.

Here’s a list of some favourite cool, comfortably wild lodgings throughout Ontario.

NORTHWEST ONTARIO

Wabakimi Canoe Outfitters and Eco-Lodge, Armstrong

Located on the doorstep of massive Wabakimi Provincial Park, Wabakimi Canoe Outfitters and Eco-Lodge is the ideal place to start or finish a wilderness canoe trip. The bed and breakfast hints at the wonderful isolation of Northwest Ontario’s boreal forest—with the luxury of a hot tub, cozy fireplace and gourmet meals.

Learn more about paddling wild Wabakimi.

Miminiska Lake Lodge, Albany River

Wilderness North’s Miminiska Lake Lodge offers a unique take on wilderness paddling. This fly-in luxury lodge is located on the wild Albany River, deep in the backcountry of Northwest Ontario. Get a taste of some of Canada’s most remote boreal forest with the comforts of an all-inclusive waterfront lodge. 

VOYAGEUR ISLAND LODGE, NYM LAKE

Check out Voyageur Wilderness Programme if you’re looking for accommodations on the doorstep of Quetico Provincial Park, one of Ontario’s premier wilderness canoe destinations. Inspired by their Indigenous Métis heritage, VWP offers cultural and educational programs as well as comfortable bed-and-breakfast lodge rooms with easy waterfront access on Nym Lake.

NORTH OF SUPERIOR

Beyond The Giant Nature Retreats, Sibley Peninsula

Beyond The Giant Nature Retreats’ well-appointed cabins on the shore of Lake Superior by Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, just east of Thunder Bay, are the perfect base camp for sea kayakers looking to experience the world’s greatest lake. Facilities include three log cottages with full kitchens and a traditional sauna.

Canadian Lighthouses, Lake Superior

The non-profit Canadian Lighthouses of Lake Superior offers unique accommodations at a remote lighthouse located just east of Thunder Bay. You’ll need advanced sea kayaking skills (or hire a boat shuttle) to access the refurbished historic light station at Porphyry Island. It’s a perfect layover for paddlers exploring the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area.

Serendipity Gardens Guest House, Rossport

Serendipity Gardens Guest House has a well-deserved reputation for offering great accommodations in one of the quaintest communities on Lake Superior. Make it your base camp for sea kayaking the scenic Rossport Islands.

Trapp Cabin, Neys Provincial Park

Ontario Parks operates the family-friendly Trapp Cabin on the edge of the spectacular sand beach at Neys Provincial Park, near Marathon. It’s the perfect place to paddle crystalline waters and experience one of Ontario’s most underrated provincial parks.

oTENTik Cabins, Pukaskwa National Park

Pukaskwa National Park, located on the shore of Lake Superior just south of Marathon, holds the distinction of the finest wilderness sea kayaking on the planet. But you don’t need to venture deep into the backcountry to experience the wild shore. Reserve one of Parks Canada’s oTENTik cabins for a unique camping experience—with easy access to the waterfront.

ALGOMA COUNTRY

Rock Island Lodge, Wawa

You won’t find more dramatic scenery and sunsets anywhere in Ontario than at Rock Island Lodge, located on the shores Lake Superior near Wawa. The four-room lodge is practically surrounded by water, ranging from the placid waters of the Michipicoten River to Lake Superior’s vast horizons. Sea kayak, canoe and SUP guided day trips, instruction, and rentals are available at the lodge through Naturally Superior Adventures. 

Voyageur Lodge, Batchawana Bay

Voyageur Lodge at Batchawana Bay embraces one of the longest beaches on Lake Superior, with comfortable motel-style accommodations and fantastic meals.

Bellevue Valley Lodge, Goulais River

The out-of-the-way, post-and-beam chalet at Goulais River’s Bellevue Valley Lodge, north of Sault Ste. Marie, is within close proximity of canoe day trips and sea kayaking on Lake Superior.

NORTHEASTERN ONTARIO

Cree Village Ecolodge, Moose Factory

The Missinaibi River is a classic pilgrimage for experienced wilderness canoeists, and there’s no better way to finish a river trip than with a stay at the culturally inspired Cree Village Ecolodge, in the Indigenous community of Moose Factory on James Bay.

Melwel Lodge, Thessalon

Melwel Lodge, located on scenic Basswood Lake near Thessalon, Ontario, offers private cottage rentals and a wonderful waterfront, with plenty of paddling options for families and beginners.

Widagawa Lodge, Whitefish Falls

Widgawa Lodge, just south of the Trans-Canada Highway and Espanola, is your gateway to canoeing the spectacular west end of Killarney Provincial Park. Cottage rentals allow you to paddle into the same landscapes that inspired the famous Group of Seven artists, and return to a private hideaway for a comfortable night’s rest.

Read our Guide to Canoe Tripping in Killarney for more ideas.

Sportsman’s Lodge Wilderness Resort, Kukagami Lake

Located on the doorstep of a myriad of lakes east of Sudbury, Sportsman’s Lodge Wilderness Resort is a wilderness resort set amongst old-growth pine on Kukagami Lake. Make this your base camp for day trips by canoe or kayak, or spend a night here before or after a multiday trip in the wilds of Temagami.

Read the Ultimate Guide to the Best Canoeing Routes in Temagami to learn more.

Cabin Falls Eco Lodge, Temagami Region

Cabin Falls Eco Lodge offers luxurious accommodations for paddlers deep in the wilderness of Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park. Make this off-grid backcountry retreat your base for canoeing on the Lady Evelyn River, or sign up for a photography or canoeing skills workshop.

Smoothwater Outfitters and Lodge, Temagami Region

Renown for its cuisine, traditional sauna, and variety of waterfront accommodations, Smoothwater Outfitters and Lodge, just off Highway 11, is a great destination for an overnight stay on the doorstep Temagami’s famous canoe country. Smoothwater offers excellent outfitting services and a variety of canoe trip packages. Start and end your adventure at the lodge. 

Temagami Cabin, Temagami Region

The Temagami Cabin is a private oasis on Lake Temagami, in Finlayson Provincial Park. This timberframe waterfront cottage sleeps six, and features a kitchen and stone fireplace. It’s the perfect base for exploring Lake Temagami by canoe, sea kayak or standup paddleboard.

Elk Lake Eco Centre, Elk Lake

Elk Lake Eco Centre awaits on the north end of Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park. Book a stay at one of their six eco-friendly chalets for a weekend of luxury, education and adventure in the Temagami wilds. You'll get views of the Montreal River right from your deck and enjoy meals made from locally sourced ingredients. Canoes are available onsite.

Killarney Mountain Lodge, Killarney

If you’re looking for luxury in one of Ontario’s quaintest communities, book a waterfront chalet, cabin, or lodge room at Killarney Mountain Lodge, in the village of Killarney on Georgian Bay. You’ll sleep within a stone’s throw of world-class sea kayaking and experience gourmet meals at one of Northern Ontario’s finest resorts.

Yurts, Killarney Provincial Park

Camp in style at Killarney Provincial Park’s George Lake Campground by booking a yurt. These unique, traditional Mongolian accommodations feature plenty of space for families and indoor cooking, with easy waterfront access, in one of Ontario’s most popular parks.

The Lodge at Pine Cove, French River

Looking for remote luxury on a historic waterway? The Lodge at Pine Cove on Central Ontario’s French River scores high points. There are 19 private cottages and a well-appointed lodge featuring gourmet meals and a library of outdoor-inspired titles, all set on the island-sprinkled waters of a historic fur trade route.

Canadian Ecology Centre, Mattawa Voyageur Country

Canadian Ecology Centre is a unique non-profit outdoor education facility on the Mattawa River, within Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park. The facility features 32 cabins and easy water access. Nature-based programs are available for youth and adults.

MUSKOKA, ALGONQUIN, PARRY SOUND AND ALMAGUIN HIGHLANDS

Harmony Outdoor Inn, Parry Sound

Parry Sound’s Harmony Outdoor Inn offers paddler-specific bed-and-breakfast accommodations on the sheltered waters of the Seguin River. It’s a perfect place for relaxing sea kayaking, canoeing or standup paddleboarding. You can also take an introductory paddling course or guided day trip on nearby Georgian Bay with the Ontario Sea Kayak Centre.

Killarney Lodge, Algonquin Park

What better way to experience Ontario’s favourite park than a waterfront cabin at Killarney Lodge, in Algonquin Provincial Park? World-class canoeing on Lake of Two Rivers is at your doorstep while you enjoy a private log cabin and gourmet meals.

Learn more about paddling Algonquin.

Algonquin Log Cabin, South River Region

The Voyageur Quest Algonquin Log Cabin offers prime access to Algonquin Park’s wild west, near the town of South River. This off-grid, six-bedroom cabin is your base for great canoeing—with the benefit of an on-site check. Voyageur Quest also offers unique cottage rentals and canoe trips. 

Historic Ranger Cabins, Algonquin Provincial Park

Here’s a unique way to experience backcountry canoeing in Algonquin Provincial Park: Complement your wilderness canoe trip with a night or two in a historic ranger cabin. Ontario Parks maintains 14 rustic cabins, five with road access.

ONTARIO’S HIGHLANDS

Madawaska Kanu Centre, Barry’s Bay

Some paddling enthusiasts visit Eastern Ontario’s Madawaska Kanu Centre for world-class whitewater instruction. Others, for the gourmet meals and European-style accommodations. Either way, there’s no better way to experience some of Ontario's finest whitewater.

Wilderness Tours Adventure Resort, Foresters Falls

Wilderness Tours’ cabins and beach houses on the Ottawa River provide accommodations for groups of two to 12. Regardless of your experience level, you’ll also have the opportunity for thrilling rafting on Canada’s greatest whitewater river—and great off-water facilities.

OWL BEACHFRONT RESORT, FORESTERS FALLS

Whitewater rafting is only half the experience at OWL Rafting, on the Ottawa River in Eastern Ontario. Adventure packages are available for all experience levels, including families, with comfortable waterfront accommodations in cabins and cabanas.

COOL LODGINGS, COMFORTABLY WILD

Explore by day, then enjoy comfortable accommodation, meals, and entertainment at these outdoor lodges and resorts.

Showing 'Edited Body' is no longer supported.