Cottage weekends are a coveted getaway, especially in Ontario. But what to do if you don’t have a cottage, nor friends with cottages, and don’t have the coin to rent one in Muskoka? There are lots of options to get outdoors and enjoy the great weather we are blessed with in the summer and fall, and you can get your dose of nature without having to go all out with portaging, for example. Three fantastic get-outside options less than three hours drive from Toronto — one of which is surely suit your desired level of semi-ruggedness.
Stay at Viamede Resort
Cottaging rentals made simple: the cute and well equipped cottages at Viamede Resort in the Kawarthas on Stoney Lake are complete with kitchens and a BBQ on the deck. You get to enjoy knowing there are other guests at the resort (so you’re not out in the spooky country darkness solo) but there also a blessed amount of space so that you can nab a quiet spot by the lake and snap up a SUP or kayak to go out for a paddle. With a small farm, hiking trails and activities like ice cream socials, there’s enough to keep both adults and kids alike entertained. Bonus: the cottages are dog-friendly so you can bring along your favourite four-legged pal to enjoy Mother Nature.
Glamping at Long Point Eco Adventures
Drive about two-and-a-half hours west of Toronto to Long Point Eco Adventures in St. Williams, ON, where non-campers will love camping thanks to the decked-out Wilderness Suites. These modern tents feature an outdoor shower, king-size bed, and if you’re city folk who aren’t used to leaving your things unattended, the door to these glamping tents lock up so you can feel secure. A complete hot breakfast is included with your stay; for lunch, get some gourmet fare (such as a scrumptious steak salad) from the on-site food truck. When you’re hungry for dinner, just wander across the road to Burning Kiln Winery for a bite (and pick up a bottle or two of this local wine, natch). Adrenaline junkies will love the on-site ziplining, and you’ll be able to get a good look at the stars as there’s also an observatory on the property as well.
Glamping at Whispering Springs
Head east to Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat in Grafton, ON for a glamping getaway with a tent that’ll make you feel like you’ve escaped on a luxe African Safari. These fully furnished tents feature a king-size bed, soaker tub, toilet and mini-fridge. Breakfast is delivered each morning to your tent, and for your meals, cook them on your BBQ (pick up supplies from the nearby farmers market or simply place an order with Whispering Springs for a BBQ basket to save yourself the task of going into town for ingredients). And if you’ve got pampering and getting zen on your mind, then be sure to book a massage or yoga class when making your reservation.
