A lodge perched on the water's edge

Rock Island Lodge| Wawa

Cabins and eco-resorts close to nature

A lodge perched on the water's edge

Rock Island Lodge| Wawa

From luxurious resorts to rustic cabins, here is a small sample of unique places to stay in Ontario with nature at your doorstep.

Note: Many of these accommodations are intimate in size and only operate seasonally so availability is limited. You’ll want to book well in advance.

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

Chiefswood Park

Six Nations of the Grand River invite you to explore a rare Carolinian forest, heritage river and scenic grassland landscapes surrounding Chiefswood Park, an immersive, natural and cultural destination.

A variety of cozy log cabins can accommodate different family and group sizes, including two that are wheelchair accessible.

Learn about Haudenosaunee history and culture through interactive programs, including a guided tour along the Grand River by canoe or kayak.

Operates: year-round

Location: 1037 Brant County Highway 54, Ohsweken

Grey, Bruce and Simcoe

Evergreen Forest

Experience a tranquil forest retreat in one of five unique suites designed to showcase the beauty of nature throughout the day and well into the night.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest from large walkout decks and gaze at the starry skies from a clear roof or skylight. Wake up to the melodic sounds of birds, enjoy breakfast in the guest lounge and hike along nearby trails. Look for wildlife such as beavers, white-tailed deer, river otters and porcupines.

Ask about arranging customized experiences from girlfriends’ getaways to hiking excursions and stargazing nights.

Operates: year-round

Location: 381135 Concession 17, Township Of Georgian Bluffs

Southwestern Ontario

Hide-A-Way Hills

Plan a romantic, couples-only stay in beautiful nature at Hide-A-Way Hills tucked away in a forest in Norfolk County.

This secluded getaway is situated beside a network of beautiful hiking trails and cycling routes, which you can explore with complimentary mountain bikes. Nearby Long Point Biosphere offers spectacular nature and wildlife viewing. If you’re craving some sun and sand, the popular Turkey Point Beach is just a short walk away.

The airy cabin features a glass-walled bedroom, stone fireplace, large sitting room, outdoor shower and spacious decks. Lounge chairs provide a comfortable stargazing experience.

Enjoy a quiet dinner overlooking the tranquil fishpond glowing with lit waterfalls. Wind down for the night with the never-ending s’mores cart and selection of gourmet coffees, teas and hot chocolates.

Operates: seasonally

Location: 23 Mole Side Road, Vittoria

Ottawa Countryside

Hammond Hill

Tucked away on 25 hectares of pristine woodland, Hammond Hill is a family-friendly, eco-minded wilderness retreat.

Choose from environmentally sustainable off-grid cabins and yurts, each with a private deck, firepit and seating area. Special packages offer golf and dining at the Hammond Golf course next door.

Activities include gentle yoga in the forest, guided hiking, volleyball, soccer and swimming. In the winter, enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing along groomed trails, skating on the ice rink and guided snowmobile tours.

Operates: year-round

Location: 861 Du Golf Road, Hammond

Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley

The Baltic Luxury Treehouse

The Baltic is a modern treehouse cabin retreat located in Haliburton Highlands.

Constructed with sustainable materials and tree-safe systems, this minimalist, open-concept tree house does not sacrifice on comfort or luxury.

The main floor includes a propane fireplace, full kitchen and bathroom, with rain-shower and heated floors and wraparound deck. The top floor bedroom boasts expansive windows on all sides, providing scenic views of the surrounding hardwood forests and towering evergreens.

Explore the nearby beaches, lakes and forest trails, then soak in the cedar wood fire hot tub in the woods and warm up by the ground level campfire.

Operates: year-round

Location: Queens Line Road, Minden

Winterdance Dogsled Tours Forest Cabins

Join a few of your friends on a two-night backcountry adventure in Haliburton. It begins with a guided seven kilometre wilderness hike to a forest clearing with four tiny log cabins beside a scenic lake.

Meals are provided in a common pavilion and canoes are available for paddling on Hollow Lake. Keep your camera handy as wildlife viewing opportunities abound.

Operates: seasonally

Location: 1888 Hodgson Road, Eagle Lake

Cabinscape

Great for solo trips or a getaway for couples or friends, Cabinscape offers the perfect escape for those seeking a relaxing nature retreat.

This Canadian-owned company has built solar-powered, ecologically sound and fully equipped tiny cabins in various location in Haliburton, Calabogie, Lanark County and the Kawarthas. Choose how remote and adventurous you’d like to be, some cabins are hike-in only. Each cabin is thoughtfully situated to take full advantage of the surrounding nature, from towering forests to freshwater lakes.

Operates: year-round

Location: Multiple locations across Southeastern Ontario

Pine Brae Wilderness Escape

Just half an hour drive south of Perth and Smith Falls, Pine Brae is a welcome spot for an adult getaway. 

Peaceful relaxation awaits at this exclusive boutique accommodation featuring two private cabins. Aerie Cabin is perched on top of a granite cliff with stunning lakeside views, while Coorie Cabin is surrounded by an idyllic forest. Both cabins have running water, ensuite bathrooms, fully furnished kitchenettes, and a BBQ for outdoor grilling. 

Take to the trails for forest hikes and wildlife viewing opportunities and explore Long Lake by canoe or kayak. Murphy’s Point Provincial Park is a short walk away, and the Perth Area cycling route intersects with the retreat's entrance. In the evenings, relax in the enclosed outdoor porch.

Operates: seasonally, from early May to mid October

Location: 2112 Elm Grove Road, Perth

Anupaya Cabin Co.

From cozy studios to three-bedroom cabins, unwind in nature, solo, with your partner or on a group getaway at Anupaya Cabin Co.

Located close to the eastern border of Algonquin Provincial Park and surrounded by lush trees and pristine waters, this property is the perfect place to slow the pace and enjoy the outdoors. Take long, leisurely strolls along the white sandy beach. Canoes and paddling gear are available to guests, so be sure to ask about paddling route recommendations.

After a relaxing day, spend the evening around a cozy campfire by the beach to admire the night sky. When you need to stock up, a grocery is a short drive away in Deep River.

Operates: seasonally

Location: 1696 Moores Road, Deep River

Muskoka, Parry Sound and Algonquin Park

Voyageur Quest

Located on the shores of Smyth Lake, northwest of Algonquin Park Voyageur Quest offers first-class, guided canoe and lodge-based adventure trips.

Experience outdoor activities such as canoeing, kayaking, hiking, backcountry skiing and torchlit skating. Participate in scheduled events and meet other guests who share your interest or customize an all-inclusive private adventure exclusively for your group.

Look for last-minute and early bird specials and save on bookings during specific summer weekends.

Operates: year-round

Location: Surprise Lake, South River

Killarney Lodge

Situated in the heart of Algonquin Provincial Park, on the peninsula by the Lake of Two Rivers, Killarney Lodge features breathtaking views of nature.

In the quiet of the morning, it’s not unusual to find wildlife like chipmunks, ducks and beavers outside your door. Catch a glimpse of more wildlife while you’re hiking on the forest trails. And look out for sightings of the loons on the lake. Canoes and kayaks are available to go exploring on the water.

Enjoy tasty, home-cooked meals every day in the log dining room or enjoy your meal overlooking the lake from your waterside cabin.

Operates: seasonal, from mid-May to the end of October

Location: ON-60, Algonquin Park

Arowhon Pines

Also located within Algonquin Park on Little Joe Lake, Arowhon Pines offers vast landscapes and unparalleled outdoor adventure right at your fingertips.

Enjoy the quiet comfort of the lakeside log cabins and delicious seasonally crafted meals in the Dining Room. Experience some of the best canoeing and kayaking, hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities in Ontario.

Operates: seasonally from June to mid October

Location: Arowhon Road - Lease 1295, Algonquin Park

Northeastern Ontario

Killarney Mountain Lodge

Situated in the village of Killarney on the rocky north Georgian Bay shoreline, Killarney Mountain Lodge is an upscale wilderness resort that welcomes nature lovers, adventurers and families to experiences the beauty of the Killarney region.

Accommodation options include main lodge rooms, suites or pine-paneled cabins overlooking the Killarney Channel.

Onsite activities include a swimming pool, games pavilion, and complimentary bicycles, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. Guided paddling, sailing, hiking, and fishing excursions can be arranged. To top it off, one of Ontario’s most beloved parks, Killarney Provincial Park, is located a mere ten minute drive away.

Operates: seasonally

Location: 3 Commissioner Street, Killarney

Ojibway Family Lodge

Encircled by ancient granite and enormous pine, birch and cedar trees,

Ojibway Family Lodge is a secluded, off-the-grid resort that can only be reached by boat or float plane. The property sits on Devil’s Island in Lake Temagami, about 200 kilometres northeast of Sudbury.

Each of the one and two-bedroom cabins features full bathrooms with biodegradable toiletries and is stocked with fluffy towels and soft blankets. Propane powered lights are provided, as well as a wood stove or fireplace and screened-in porch. In addition, mini sleeper cabins and glamping tents are cozy accommodation options with bathroom and shower facilities close by.

Swim in the clear waters, go fishing, kayaking, canoeing and hike through the old-growth forest. Look for wildlife and a historic logging camp. And be in awe of the incredible stargazing.

Operates: seasonally

Location: Island 1147 Lake, Temagami

Ten Mile Point

Discover breathtaking views from one of six beautifully designed, contemporary lakeside cabins on Manitoulin Island overlooking Georgian Bay towards the La Cloche Mountains of Killarney.

Bright, minimalist Nordic design, maximum floor-to-ceiling windows and inviting outdoor siting areas blend light and the surrounding landscapes into the living spaces. One, two and three bedroom units accommodate guest groups from one to six looking to unplug and reconnect with nature.

Operates: year-round

Location: Sheguiandah, Manitoulin Island

Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge

If you’re looking for an off-grid outdoor group retreat, Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge offers two spacious log cabins that are perfect for a group of guests.

The secluded Shamayim Cabin accommodates up to six guests, and even larger groups can rent the open-concept Ma’ayan Chalet. The property also has eco showers and private compost toilets.

Seasonal activities range from swimming, paddling, hiking and berry picking to backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. Soak up sensational views in every season, from the breathtaking starry skies to the romantic scenery of the Laurentian Mountains.

Furry companions are welcome as Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge is dog friendly.

Operates: year-round

Location: 574 Snake Creek Road, Mattawa

Sault Ste. Marie – Algoma

Norm’s Cabin

Experience ultimate serenity in nature at Norm’s Cabin, a charming two-storey log cabin overlooking Bone Lake in Algoma Highlands.

Located over 50 kilometres north of Sault Ste. Marie, this all-season cabin sits on the eastern part of the Stokely Creek Lodge ski trail. Years ago, Norm Bourgeois, a local trapper, began welcoming passing cross-country skiers to his cabin for refreshments and stories. For decades, a visit to Norm’s Cabin was an annual tradition for local skiers.

After his passing the Algoma Highlands Conservancy reopened the cabin as a tribute to Norm. Overnight stays in the fully outfitted cabin are now available on a pay-per-use basis for those wishing to explore the scenic rolling hills, wetlands and lakes of Algoma Country. Norm’s Cabin is operated through Blaq Bear Eco Adventures.

Operates: year-round

Location: Algoma

Rock Island Lodge

Open mid-May to late October, Rock Island Resort offers the perfect getaway for those seeking tranquillity and adventure.

Nestled on a rocky 2.5-hectare peninsula where the Michipicoten River flows into mighty Lake Superior, the charming lodge is approximately a 10-minute drive from Wawa.

The B&B-style lodge features four private rooms, each with two cozy beds and a private ensuite bath. Wake up to the sounds of nature and rustic waterfront views, then fuel up with breakfast made from local ingredients.

For those seeking adventure, plan a half-day or full-day paddling trip guided by an expert instructor with Naturally Superior Adventures, or paddle on your own to tour the Michipicoten River. For a slower pace, join an artistic workshop to experience the scenery and solitude that inspired Group of Seven painter A.Y. Jackson and musician Glen Gould, who visited the area.

Operates: seasonally

Location: Wawa

Northwestern Ontario

Voyageur Wilderness

Voyageur Wilderness is a multi-generational family outfitting and guiding company that operates just outside of Atikokan in and around Quetico Provincial Park.

In addition to guided paddling adventures in Quetico Provincial Park, Voyageur Island Lodge invites you to experience warm, comfortable hospitality and unwind in pristine wilderness. Learn about local Indigenous culture and history, go paddling, hiking, swimming and wildlife viewing, enjoy home cooked meals and rest well in rustic lodge rooms or cabins.

Operates: seasonally

Location: Nym Lake, near Atikokan

Last updated: March 25, 2024

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