What comes to mind when thinking of the ideal relaxing Canadian getaway? A peaceful spot on the shore, watching the sun glimmer across the water, listening to rippling waves? A secluded place enveloped in nature, breathing in the fresh air? A night sky chock-full of stars, dancing Northern Lights? A cozy, crowd-free escape that allows you to just appreciate the moment?
In Northern Ontario, many historic small towns offer all of this and so much more.
Here are 8 quaint communities to consider for your next holiday.
Rainy River is a beautiful community that borders on the Minnesota/Ontario border along the town's namesake, Rainy River. Being a border town, tourism has long been a big part of the community, welcoming visitors to share in the natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and rich history. Rainy River empties into the famed Lake of Woods and is part of the Boundary Waterways, providing an ideal destination for boating, paddling, and fishing. On top of the excellent water recreation, the area around Rainy River provides the perfect conditions for bird watching and is home to more than 100 species of birds.
A couple of notable attractions include the Railroad 4008 Heritage Museum within an actual rail car and the terminus for Yonge Street, which is the longest street in the world that begins in Toronto. After a day of exploring, Rainy River has some great options to relax at, whether it's a lodge, cabin, campground, or motel. Harris Hill Resort is one option that offers lakeview cabins and deluxe boat packages.
Pickle Lake is known as Ontario's Last Frontier, being the most northern Ontario community that is accessible by road year-round. If you are on a Northern Lights quest, this is the place to go for an incredible light show being so far north. Pickle Lake is also known as an unforgettable fishing destination with a variety of accommodations, including lodges, fly-in outpost cabins, and hotels. Stay at places like Oz Lake Lodge & Motel that has cabins, RV and tenting campsites, and hotel rooms or fly-in destinations like the remote Old Post Lodge or the deluxe outpost at North Caribou Lake
This remote town offers a sense of peace and seclusion that’s hard to find elsewhere. Pickle Lake provides the ultimate setting to disconnect and recharge.
Red Rock is a charming, tucked-away lakeside town along the shore of Lake Superior. It is a peaceful retreat where the beauty of Northern Ontario takes center stage. The jewel of the town is the marina, with a boardwalk, boat launch, boat slips, interpretive centre, coffee shop, and campground. Hiking will lead you to breathtaking panoramic views on the Red Rock Mountain Trail or the Nipigon River Recreational Trail to Lloyd's Lookout.
The community's history can be felt in its accommodations. The Lodge at Red Rock, built in 1937, is a 4,000 square foot lakeside log structure that offers the perfect place to unwind. The Red Rock Inn, built in the same year, offers a glimpse at the town's past with cozy rooms and incredible sunrise views.
Terrace Bay is a scenic community that beckons visitors to stop, slow down, and embrace the natural beauty that surrounds them. Situated on the shores of Lake Superior, Terrace Bay’s sandy beach provides a calming retreat. Take a stroll along the beach’s boardwalk to a set of Parks Canada Red Chairs and sit and soak in the view while listening to the waves roll in. The iconic Terrace Bay Lighthouse provides a scenic overlook, while nearby trails lead to spectacular spots like Aguasabon Falls and Gorge, where cascading water and lush forest create a serene atmosphere.
If your idea of a relaxing getaway is golfing at a scenic course then the Aguasabon Golf Course is a must. Drifters Motel & Restaurant makes for a relaxing home away from home with beautifully appointed rooms and great cuisine in a cozy, moody atmosphere.
Elliot Lake is a tranquil retreat surrounded by pristine wilderness, between two inland lakes—Elliot Lake and Horne Lake. It is the perfect escape for those looking to experience the great outdoors and unwind in nature. It is home to extensive and well-maintained paddling and hiking routes. Relax at peaceful waterfront parks or enjoy the calm waters, perfect for paddling or fishing. Whether you want to hit the slopes at Mount Dufour Ski Hill, tee off at Stone Ridge Golf Course, or ride the largest network of ATV trails in the province, Elliot Lake provides year-round experiences.
Visitors will find plenty of options to stay at here, from comfortable hotels and relaxing lodges to beautiful campgrounds. Ten Mile Lake Lodge is a great place to relax and renew with two canoe routes, excellent lake trout fishing, and secluded cabins on the lake.
Bruce Mines is situated on the North Channel of Lake Huron with a scenic waterfront where visitors can stroll along the marina and take in the stunning lake views. Besides the scenery, the town is brimming with historic charm and has a rich mining history, being the country's first ever copper mine. The Bruce Mines Museum and Simpson Mine Shaft showcase this history, where over 7,000 artifacts can be seen there.
You can also experience firsthand the town's maritime history and stay at Bruce Bay Cottages & Lighthouse and fall asleep to the lull of Lake Huron’s waves by night and watch freighters go through the channel by day.
Killarney is situated along the rugged shores of Lake Huron's Georgian Bay and surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Killarney Provincial Park. The park’s stunning La Cloche Mountains, with their white quartzite peaks, provide breathtaking hiking opportunities, including the iconic Crack Trail, which rewards visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Killarney was once known as Shebahonaning, an Ojibwe word meaning canoe passage. Visitors can explore the calm, clear waters by kayak or canoe, soaking in the tranquility of the shoreline, or casting a line in one of the region's premier fishing spots.
Killarney has a plethora of exceptional accommodations, from luxurious resorts and lodges to serene campgrounds and everything in between. The Killarney Mountain Lodge is a relaxed, historic resort on the northern shore of Georgian Bay, where rustic simplicity and refined elegance meet.
Temiskaming Shores is a community of 10,000 people with a small-town charm and feel where time slows down and relaxation comes naturally. Situated on the deep blue waters of Lake Temiskaming, the town offers waterfront views, fresh northern air, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes visitors feel right at home. Take a gentle paddle or cast a line, explore the countryside, or enjoy a farm-to-table meal. One of the most stunning natural attractions here is Devil's Rock, a dramatic cliff that rises 90 metres (300 feet) with sweeping views above Lake Temiskaming.
Many accommodations are right on the lake with options from hotels, motels, lodges, cabins, B&Bs, and campgrounds. Les Suites des Presidents offers vacation rentals and glamping experiences on Lake Temiskaming.
Each of these Northern Ontario towns offers a peaceful and picturesque escape for anyone who visits them. Each one with their own unique backdrop and rich history. These hidden gems prove that relaxation can also be a way of life, with stunning scenery, welcoming hospitality, and outdoor experiences like no other. No matter which town you choose, Northern Ontario guarantees a relaxing getaway and the laidback ease of small-town charm.
