9 Getaway-Worthy Northern Ontario Resorts in the Summer

Seeking an escape from the city and have your sights on booking one of the many Northern Ontario Resorts? Here is a quick guide to the top 5 properties that you should consider booking whether it’s for summer, winter, or any time in between.

Northern Ontario Resorts

If you’re looking for the best Northern Ontario resorts, you’ve come to the right place. These aren’t listed in any particular order and they’re really catered to all styles of getaways, and group sizes.

Killarney Mountain Lodge

Originally designed as a private retreat, its hallmarks have always been the unique Canadian wilderness experience that allows guests to disconnect from the world.

This resort may be the farthest from Toronto (4 hours) but Killarney is always worth it. On the Northern shore of Georgian Bay, you’ll be treated with incredibly views of its rugged landscape, the warm glow of pink granite at sunset, and fresh air.

This is a full service resort that is aimed for exploration and relaxation. Divide your day with your own canoe expedition or hiking through the mountain and spend the rest of the day unwinding in the knitted wood decor of your room and listening to live music.

Bayview Wildwood Resort

Since the late 1880’s, Sparrow Lake and this resort has been welcoming guests to their four-season resort village. They’re great for families with their supervised kids programs, and tons of activities including inflatable water park, pools, and sports.

As part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, they’re in the Choice Hotels family. This means that if you have points, you can redeem them here and you can also accrue points.

In the rooms, expect free wifi, a fridge, coffee maker, and free toiletries. Select rooms also include a balcony or patio.

This resort is great whether you’re here for summer or winter.

Deerhurst Resort

Deerhurst is one of the premiere resort properties in Northern Ontario. In fact the G8 summit in 2010 took place here.

Located near Huntsville and along Peninsula Lake, this resort is renowned for their golf course, four onsite restaurants, live entertainment, and luxurious accommodations.

There are plenty of activities to do here whether in the spring, summer, fall, or winter.

Being near Huntsville also means you’re close to Algonquin Provincial Park which is a nice bonus if you’re looking to do more in the region.

TIP: Heads up that Deerhurst Resort charges a resort fee which is $36.95 CAD per night.

Hidden Valley Resort

Hidden Valley is another resort in Northern Ontario that is part of the Ascend Hotel Collection of Choice Hotels. What’s different about this one is that it’s got a bit more of a hotel vibe to it but that means you get uber modern hotel rooms while having access to a secluded white sand beach and a ton of other water and land activities.

If you take a look on the map below, you’ll also see that Hidden Valley Resort is on the same shores as Deerhurst and just around the corner so you’ll get access to the same sights but at a fraction of a cost.

TIP: Note that they do charge a resort fee on a nightly basis to your room bill. This is a charge of $12.50 per night plus tax.

Hockley Valley Resort

While Hockley Valley Resort is better known for its winter activities because of its snowboard and ski hills but most people don’t know that they are also a fabulous place to stay in the summer.

They don’t offer an all-inclusive option but there are a number of restaurants to choose from and I like that they have unique activities on property such as tree-top trekking (extra cost). They are also one of the few resorts that also have their own golf course so make sure to add clubs to the cottage packing list.

One thing that this Northern Ontario resort is the lack of a waterfront so you won’t find a beach here. That said, there are plenty of activities here to keep you and your family relaxed and in vacation-mode.

JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort

If you’re looking for an even more luxurious and prestigious stay than Deerhurst Resort, I’d consider looking at the JW Marriott in Muskoka.

As Marriott’s flagship brand, you’ll be spoiled in this luxury hotel that surrounded by the unspoiled nature of the tranquil Lake Rosseau.

Set on a granite bluff, you’ll be treated with large and gorgeous lounge spaces, multiple pools, lake access for all the water activities, branching hiking trails, and award-winning restaurants.

On Marriott Bonvoy points, it starts at 40,000-60,000 points per stay as a Category 6 property. If you sign up for the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card you get 50,000 points as a welcome bonus. You can also pair that with the business version of the card for another 50,000 points.

Note that there is a daily resort fee of $49 CAD from May to October and $39 CAD from November to April.

If you’re a fan of Airbnb, make sure to check out the best Muskoka cottages in the region.

Millcroft Inn & Spa

Originally a knitting mill, The Millcroft Inn & Spa is now on the same grounds, preserving its original architectural beauty while also creating the perfect serene getaway for its guests.

Located near Caledon, Ontario, this property is only an hour away from Toronto which makes it an easy getaway.

As a true country inn retreat, you’ll experience the heritage charm, comfort, and hospitality of the rolling countryside of the Hills of Headwaters.

What sets this property apart from the others is their spa. Spa services are at an additional cost but all guests can enjoy their hot springs, sauna, and polar plunge pool.

Arowhon Pines Algonquin Park

This is the quintessential wilderness retreat where the idea of disconnecting is not just a concept but a reality when you stay here.

Located in the center of Algonquin Park and on the shores of Little Joe Lake, this seasonal resort hearkens back to the summer camps of old except it’s built more for families of all shapes and sizes.

All guests are provided full board of 3 meals a day where everything is prepared with local ingredients.

The activities here truly can’t be beat by any of the other Northern Ontario resorts as you have access to not only the grounds of the property that are packed with numerous recreation activities but you also have the rest of the provincial park to do your own mini canoe or kayak trip or serious hiking as well.

There’s also no guarantee but you might also see moose here if you go on one of their wildlife viewing activities.

To maintain a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, no TV’s or telephones in the rooms. There are no motor boats on the lakes and no wifi and cellular signal is sporadic at the property.

A complimentary Algonquin Park vehicle day pass is included with your stay

Severn Lodge

Located in the southern reaches of Muskoka, Severn Lodge is a family lakeside resort that’s a short 90 minute drive from Toronto.

Originally built in the mid 1800’s for a lumber company, it was converted to a vacation retreat and opened to the public in the early 1920’s.

Surrounded by the Georgian Bay countryside and on Gloucester Pool Lake, this family-owned lodge is packed with activities which makes it perfect for kids and adults alike.

When here, make sure to take advantage of their boat cruise aboard a historic 1922 Ditchburn motor launch.

Map of the 9 Northern Ontario Resorts

All of these 9 resorts have been marked on the map.

TIP: To create a copy, maximize the map clicking on the icon on the top right corner. From there, if you’re logged into your Google account, you’ll be able to click on the 3 dots to make a copy of the map. This will allow you to access the map on your phone’s Google Maps app (cellular data required).

Frequently Asked Questions