Book a cozy, hygge-inspired winter vacation in Ontario

Lanark County

Some of Ontario’s prettiest towns and countryside lie just an hour's drive west of Ottawa in Lanark County. Known as the Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario, Lanark County is home to charming communities, such as Almonte (pronounced Al-mont), Pakenham, Perth and Smith Falls.

Hygge-style stays

The Monte Retreat is a micro-hotel and landmark heritage estate in the heart of Almonte. Take advantage of the outdoor saltwater Arctic Spa hot tub and soothing, cedar-scented barrel sauna.

The restored historical Nevis Estate Boutique Hotel offers the best in country comfort and elegance in Perth.

Cabinscape is a collection of ecologically sound, tiny, off-grid cabins in several southeastern Ontario locations, including Lanark County. Each compact unit is equipped with a mini kitchenette, solar and propane power and large windows designed to take full advantage of lake and forest views. Check the “remoteness grade” to find a cabin that best suits you.

Just north of Lanark County, Somewhere Inn Calabogie provides a nature-inspired getaway with cabin-like guest rooms featuring fireplaces and big soaker tubs.

Locations:

• The Monte Retreat, 1 Queen Street, Almonte
• Nevis Estate Hotel, 61 Drummond Street West, Perth
• Cabinscape, various locations throughout Lanark County
• Somewhere Inn Calabogie, 5254 Calabogie Road, Calabogie

Sip and savour

In Almonte, enjoy the flavour of southern Italy at Café Postino, sample dishes and cocktails that celebrate local makers at The Sterling and taste an award-winning chocolate bar at Hummingbird Chocolate.

Over 40 selections of cheese at Perth’s 1827 Wine & Cheese Lounge make for an exciting array of charcuteries and fondue.

Locations:

• Café Postino, 73 Mill Street, Almonte
• The Sterling, 28 Mill Street, Almonte
• 1827 Wine & Cheese Lounge, 100 Gore Street East, Perth

Discover local culture

Explore historic main streets, boutique shops, fascinating museums and nature trails.

Visit the Mill of Kintail, a 1830s grist mill and museum surrounded by hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails.

Wheelers Maple Heritage Museum is another unique attraction, located on Wheelers Maple Syrup Farm. View the world’s largest collection of artifacts and then pick up premium maple syrup.

Locations:

• Mill of Kintail, 2854 Ramsay Concession 8, Almonte
• Wheelers Maple Farm, 1001 Highland Line, MacDonalds Corners

Wellington County

Wellington County blends rural charm with refined comfort. Anchored by Guelph, the “Royal City,” with gothic limestone architecture and a vibrant culinary scene that invites you to slow down and savour. Wander storybook streets in Elora and Fergus, where heritage stone buildings and the Grand River set the scene for boutique browsing, cozy cafés and riverside walks.

Even Justin and Hailey Bieber retreat here—proof that Wellington County knows how to hygge, Ontario-style.

Relaxing places to stay

From country luxury and spa-side serenity at Elora Mill Hotel and Spa to renovated shipping containers with private hot tubs at Inner Joy Getaways and Scottish-meets-Italian charm of Breadalbane Inn in Fergus to the elegant comforts of Guelph’s Norfolk Guest House, find accommodations to match every hygge mood.

Locations:

• Elora Mill, 77 Mill Street West, Elora
• Breadalbane Inn, 487 St Andrew Street West, Fergus
• Norfolk Guest House, 102 Eramosa Road, Guelph
• Inner Joy Getaways, 7248 Wellington County Road 21, Inverhaugh

Local food and flavour

Experience authentic Danish food and hospitality at The Danish Place just south of Guelph. Nearby, the Aberfoyle Mill Restaurant is an ideal spot for a hearty, country-style winter meal beside the roaring fireplace.

Enjoy The Wild Tart, a European-style patisserie in Elora and visit Miijidaa Café + Bistro in Guelph for a modern take on traditional Canadian cuisine.

If you’re in the mood to wander, follow a Wellington County flavour trail, from butter tarts to craft gin.

Locations:

• The Danish Place, 7150 Concession 1, Puslinch
• Aberfoyle Mill Restaurant, 80 Brock Road Street, Puslinch
• The Wild Tart, 61 Metcalfe Street, Elora
• Miijidaa Café and Bistro, 37 Quebec Street, Guelph

Explore and play

Hike or snowshoe trails in Rockwood Conservation Area or Elora Cataract Trailway. Spend a quiet afternoon exploring the Art Gallery of Guelph or browsing The Bookshelf for your next read.

Locations:

• Rockwood Conservation Area, 161 Fall Street South, Guelph/Eramosa
• Art Gallery of Guelph, 358 Gordon Street, Guelph
• The Bookshelf, 41 Quebec Street, Guelph

Southern Georgian Bay

Grey County and Simcoe County both hug the southern shoreline of Georgian Bay and extend south into fertile farmlands, apple orchards and charming villages. Discover serene and picturesque woodland trails, soul-warming apple-inspired food and drink and inviting accommodations in and around Thornbury, Clarksburg, Collingwood, Creemore and beyond.

Diverse ways to stay

Wake up to a magical winter landscape from the comforts of bed at Craigleith Manor Boutique Bed & Breakfast. Located near the Georgian Trail, accommodation packages include snowshoeing, wine-tasting, Nordic cross-country skiing and delicious homemade meals.

Enjoy the thermal cycle cold plunge and sauna at Somewhere Inn, book a stay and spa package with The Dorchester Hotel and Scandinave Spa or recharge in a charming cabin at Boho Beaver.

Locations:

• Craigleith Manor Boutique Bed & Breakfast, 9 Craigleith Court, Collingwood
• Somewhere Inn Collingwood, 128 St Paul Stret, Collingwood
• The Dorchester Hotel, 172 Hurontario Street, Collingwood
• Boho Beaver, 687139, Side Road 19, Kimberley

Tasty trails, kitchens and breweries

Follow the self-guided Apple Pie Trail to discover local flavours at artisan shops, orchards, bakeries, cideries and restaurants.

The Alphorn is a local landmark Swiss-style restaurant that boasts Canada’s best schnitzel. Serving brunch and dinner, Tremont Café is located in the heart of historic downtown Collingwood, inside the Dorchester Hotel. The Pine, a MICHELIN-recognized restaurant in Creemore, delivers creativity and attention to detail in the menu, the ambiance and the service.

Locations:

• The Alphorn, 209881 Highway 26, The Blue Mountains
• Tremont Café, 172 Hurontario Street, Collingwood
• The Pine, 7535 County Road 9, Creemore

Immersive activities

Join a baking workshop to make breads, bagels and puff pastries at Red Hen Artisanale in Princeville.

Visit Collingwood’s Dags & Willow Fine Cheese and Gourmet Shop, Collingwood Olive Oil Company and The Cheese Gallery in Thornbury for fresh harvest olive oil, balsamic vinegars and artisanal cheese to complement homemade bread and apple pie.

In Collingwood, Serendipity Candles offers candle-making workshops and sells kits with simple instructions for candle-making. And Beaver Valley Gold Honey supplies pure beeswax candles and healing balms.

Enjoy a magical winter hike along The Bruce Trail, Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath, which runs along the Niagara Escarpment through the South Georgian Bay area. Or snowshoe along the trails at Scenic Caves Nature Adventures.

Locations:

• Red Hen Artisanale, 384265 Concession Road 4, Priceville
• The Cheese Gallery, 11 Bruce Street South, Thornbury
• Dags & Willow, 25 Second Street, Collingwood
• Collingwood Olive Oil, 42 Ste Marie Street, Collingwood
• Serendipity Candles, 453 Hume Street, Collingwood
• Beaver Valley Gold Honey, 204 Marsh Street, Clarksburg
• Scenic Caves, 260 Scenic Caves Road, The Blue Mountains

Northumberland County

Nature walks, spa treatments, wellness and meditation programs, relaxing fireside and world-famous butter tarts are all part of a well-deserved, self-care retreat in Northumberland County, just east of Toronto.

Relaxing retreats

Check out the overnight wellness and spa packages at Northumberland Heights Retreat in Cobourg.

Another accommodation option surrounded by nature, Fells Meadows focuses on healing and rejuvenation. Accommodation options range from a large farmhouse for groups to intimate cabins and even a yurt. Relax fireside, enjoy homemade meals and engaging workshops.

Set in the countryside and surrounded by rolling hills and walking trails, Ste. Anne’s Spa invites guests to slow down, recharge and reconnect. Enjoy nourishing, locally inspired meals, hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms and saunas. Browse special winter overnight packages and day escapes.

Locations:

• Northumberland Heights Retreat, 795 Northumberland Heights Road, Cobourg
• Fells Meadows, 2429 County Road 25, Castleton
• St. Anne’s Spa, 1009 Massey Road, Grafton

Get a sweet treat fix

Satisfy your sweet tooth along the famous Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour. Visit one or more of over a dozen participating bakeries and discover your favourite butter tart flavour.

Plug into nature

Hygge and forest bathing go hand-in-hand. Explore over 45 kilometres of hiking trails throughout Northumberland County Forest and take in the awesome panoramic view from the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge in Campbellford.

Locations:

• Northumberland County Forest, Alnwick/Haldimand
• Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge, 15 Trent Drive, Campbellford

Huron County

Located on the shores of Lake Huron, the idyllic summer beach communities and rural small towns of Huron County transform into a snowy wonderland in the winter months.

With its iconic octagonal Courthouse Square at its heart and scenic lakeside vibe, Goderich is often described as one of Canada’s prettiest towns. Nearby, Blyth, is a small community with a big personality, home to a professional theatre house and a destination brewery.

Stay your way

Once a working mill, Benmiller Inn & Spa is now an upscale country inn with uniquely designed guest rooms with a fireplace, spa services, fine dining, an indoor pool, hot tub and sauna.

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, book one of three luxury Blythe Trailway Cabins in the woods, complete with a fireplace, kitchenette, full bathroom and outside sauna. Located on the Goderich-to-Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails are at your doorstep. Or simply watch the snow fall from beside the fire.

Locations:

• Benmiller Inn & Spa, 81175 Benmiller Line RR#4, Goderich
• Blythe Trailway Cabins, 39709 Blyth Road, Auburn

Cafes and restaurants

Cait's Café is an inviting spot for hot coffee and baked goods. And don’t miss the famous Culbert Cream Puff from Culbert’s Bakery.

Enjoy your favourite breakfast or lunch comfort foods at Steve and Mary's On the Square or West Street Willy's Eatery. For an atmospheric brunch or dinner, reserve a table at Cork & Coast.

Locations:

• Cait's Café, 168 Courthouse Square, Goderich
• Culbert’s Bakery, 49 West Street, Goderich
• Steve and Mary's On the Square, 58 Courthouse Square, Goderich
• West Street Willy's Eatery, 42 West Street, Goderich
• Cork & Coast, 80 Hamilton Street, Goderich

Indoor and outdoor fun

Huron County Museum showcases the region’s rural culture and history. Pop into Fincher’s in Courthouse Square to find a good book, puzzle or craft to enjoy by the fire.

Bundle up and hike the three-kilometre Maitland Woods Trail, one of the shorter trails maintained by the Maitland Trail Association.

Locations:

• Huron County Museum, 110 North Street, Goderich
• Fincher’s, 16 Courthouse Square, Goderich

Bay of Quinte and Prince Edward County

Well-loved spots to visit during the summer, Prince Edward County and the Bay of Quinte, also have their own charm during the winter.  

Unique and boutique stays

Angeline’s Inn offers a range of accommodation options in Bloomfield. Stay at one of the inn suites, unique cottages and retro motel rooms that embrace a Swiss heritage or book the beautifully restored House of Falconer in Picton.

Winter packages at The Eddie Hotel and Farm include fondue dinners, campfires with s’mores and hot chocolate and classic snow activities like snowshoeing and ice skating.

Runaway Rooster B&B has four unique overnight spaces, including the retro Boho-chic cottage brimming with light and colour.

A stay at The Wilfrid includes exclusive access to the outdoor Scandinavian spa experience with relaxation room, cooling and hot pools and a barrel cedar sauna.

Another great option, Wander the Resort, embraces the Nordic aesthetic with cozy cabins and a lakefront wellness spa.

Locations:

• Angeline’s Inn, 433 Bloomfield Main Street, Bloomfield
• The Eddie Hotel and Farm, 15786 Loyalist Parkway, Bloomfield
• Runaway Rooster B&B, 76 Bloomfield Main Street, Bloomfield
• The Wilfrid, 1375 Royal Road, Milford
• Wander the Resort, 15841 Loyalist Parkway, Bloomfield

Savour The County

Enjoy a variety of sweet or savoury crepes, including vegan options, at Crepe Escape in Picton. The open-fire cooking method at Flame + Smith in Bloomfield adds to its rustic charm. Pair bold and authentic Mexican cuisine with tequila and mezcal-based cocktails at La Condesa in Wellington. In Belleville, you’ll want to visit The Lark, a local favourite restaurant and cocktail bar.

Locations:

• Crepe Escape, 206 Main Street East #2A, Picton
• Flame + Smith, 106 Bloomfield Main Street, Bloomfield
• La Condesa, 270 Wellington Main Street, Wellington
• The Lark, 199 Front Street #104, Belleville

Winter activities in and around PEC

Indie bookstore Books & Company in Picton has a balance of obscure and popular book titles to keep bibliophiles perusing its shelves. Lily’s Café shares space with the bookstore and offers a variety of desserts and specialty coffees.

Guests are invited to snowshoe or hike the two-kilometre trail at Sugarbush Vineyards in Hillier.

Over 15 kilometres of trails that cross shorelines, meadows and forest offer great winter bird watching and snowshoeing in Presqu’ile Provincial Park.

Locations:

• Books & Company and Lily’s Café, 289 Main Street West, Picton
• Sugarbush Vineyards, 1286 Wilson Road, Hillier
• Presqu’ile Provincial Park, 328 Presqu’ile Parkway, Brighton

Haliburton Highlands

Explore forest and lakeside landscapes blanketed in snow and watch snowflakes shimmering under the moonlight from inside a cozy, remote cabin. Haliburton Highlands delivers pure hygge bliss.

Stay in a forest cabin

Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve offer holiday units available year-round. In addition, Cabinscape also operates over a dozen cabins within Haliburton Forest.

Location: 1095 Redkenn Drive, Dysart

Local food and drink

A short drive north of the village of Haliburton, Abbey Gardens is a community food and nature-based attraction. Stock up on locally grown and produced food, coffee and even craft beer. Snowshoe the hiking trails and meet resident Ojibwe Horses.

Treat yourself to a hardy meal at the Boshkung Smokehouse, located within the Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve.

Locations:

• Abbey Gardens, 1012 Garden Gate Drive, Algonquin Highlands
• Boshkung Smokehouse, 1095 Redkenn Drive, Dysart

Guided and self-guided winter adventures

Guests at Cabinscape have access to the extensive wilderness trails throughout Haliburton Forest. Inquire about snowmobile or snowshoe rentals.

Add some culture and adventure to your getaway with one of the curated Yours Outdoors activities that include ice climbing, glass blowing and a dinner with wolves.

Visit the Wolf Centre to learn about wolf conservation and ecology, and for a chance sighting of the Haliburton Forest wolf pack.

Location: Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve, 1095 Redkenn Drive, Dysart

Headwaters Region

The source of four major rivers (The Grand, Nottawasaga, Humber and Credit), Headwaters is a place of bounty, defined by rolling hills, pastures, parks and artistic communities of Alton, Caledon and Orangeville.

Comfortable accommodations

The Nest Suites in downtown Orangeville provide all the comforts you’d need for a weekend getaway. Book a private hydrotherapy spa session at The Liberty Inn in Caledon, then retreat to one of five lush suites to warm up by the fire. Two-bedroom units with kitchenettes are great for bonding with friends or family.

Millcroft Inn and Spa is a luxury, countryside spa retreat in Alton. In addition to rooms in the main mill or manor house, The Crofts are self-contained, two-storey chalets overlooking the wooded gardens. In-floor heating, a wood-burning fireplace and a private outdoor hot tub deliver ultimate coziness.

Locations:

• The Nest Suites, 100 Broadway Upper Floor, Orangeville
• The Liberty Inn, 1498 Cataract Road, Caledon
• Millcroft Inn and Spa, 55 John Street, Alton

Treat your taste buds

Enjoy warm drinks, wood-fired pizza and good conversation at Gather Café in Alton. Blue Bird Café and Grill is conveniently located below The Nest Suites in Orangeville.

For an upscale, fine-dining treat, The Vista by Chef Denis at Mount Alverno Resort adds a French twist to traditional Canadian cuisine.

Locations:

• Gather Café, 19793 Main Street, Alton
• Blue Bird Café and Grill, 100 Broadway, Orangeville
• The Vista, 20706 Heart Lake Road, Caledon Village

Explore local culture and nature

Art galleries, a heritage museum, unique shops, in-studio artists, workshops and classes make Alton Mill Arts Centre the perfect destination for art lovers.

Look for upcoming authors-on-stage events at BookLore, Orangeville’s independent bookstore.

Plug into nature at Albion Hills Conservation Area, a riverfront park with 50 kilometres of trails and snowshoe rentals.

Locations:

• Alton Mill Arts Centre, 1402 Queen Street West, Alton
• BookLore, 121 First Street, Orangeville
• Albion Hills Conservation Area, 16500 Regional Road 50, Caledon

Whether it’s playing in the snow, enjoying homemade comfort food, or snuggling up with a book beside the fireplace, find your hygge-style holiday in Ontario.