Okay, so you can’t afford a trip to Paris but you and your boo can still enjoy a romantic getaway without ever leaving the province. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we’ve rounded up 10 of the most romantic places in Ontario to visit with your significant other this winter. Plus, with all of this cold weather, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend your winter warming up.
Here are 10 of the most romantic getaways to visit in Ontario!
InterContinental Toronto Yorkville
If you can’t make it out of the city and are looking to experience Yorkville living for just a few days, head to the InterContinental Toronto Yorkville. The hotel recently underwent a major reno, so get ready to experience serious luxury with its spacious rooms, fabulous amenities, and premium finishes. If you and your SO are feeling fancy, we recommend springing for an in-room massage!
Hotel X Toronto
Another gem that can be found in our city is Hotel X Toronto. Situated right near Lake Ontario, this hotel has everything you need for the perfect staycation. Of course you could camp out in your room, but there’s also an amazing spa, a gym where you can take spinning, yoga, or pilates, tennis and squash courts, and more for you and your partner to enjoy.
Ste. Anne’s Spa
From couple’s massages and afternoon tea, to morning yoga sessions, Ste. Anne’s Spa is ideal for showing your partner just how much they mean to you. The spa and inn offers a selection of couples packages, like the ‘Romance’ package that boasts chocolate covered strawberries, personal massage oils, and a four-course candlelight dinner. Couples packages start from $369 per person.
The Drake Devonshire
Imagine picking up the uber-cool downtown Drake Hotel and placing it right beside a lake. The Drake Devonshire is the Drake’s version of a lakeside retreat, but with the hip vibes the downtown boutique hotel is so well known for. A James Beard winning restaurant and picturesque views of the lake, as well as the hotel’s signature artistic flare make this a dream destination. If you feel like ever leaving the comfort of your room, head out to one of the few wineries in the area for a DIY wine tour.
Gladstone Hotel
Treat yo’self to a little staycation in one of the utterly unique rooms that the Gladstone Hotel has to offer. From the Canadiana Trading Post room, to the sumptuous Billio Room, there’s a something for every couple. There’s even a Red Room – even though it’s not the one from Fifty Shades of Grey, the intimate red hues will surely start some kind of spark.
Langdon Hall
Langdon Hall is one of 14 properties in Canada recognized by Relais & Châteaux for its luxury and excellence. It’s only located just outside Cambridge and is perfect old-world getaway. The sprawling country mansion is home to one of the best restaurants in the country, complete with a seriously skilled pastry chef. After dinner, head back to your king-sized feather bed and fireplace, or head for a walk around the grounds.
Intimate Port Perry Treehouse
Get your head up in the stars with this very, very adorable treehouse that’s located just an hour from Toronto. The property is set on 300 acres of private land that’s full of hiking trails, fire pits, and swimming ponds. The treehouse itself isn’t the tree house of your childhood – it’s decked out with a kitchen, full heating, and an indoor fireplace.
Romantic Cottage Getaway
If you and your partner are looking to really escape city life and hibernate just the two of you for a few days, this romantic cabin near Golden Lake is the place to go. Disconnect from social media and reconnect with each other while relaxing by the fireplace and snowshoeing.
Innisfil Cabin
Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the waters of Lake Simcoe lies this intimate little cabin. The chic rustic interior is finished off with a wood burning stove and a gorgeous tub that looks like it can fit two. Prices start at $129 per night.
Harbour House
This small luxurious waterfront property in Niagara-on-the-Lake is beautifully designed and totally picture-perfect. With fabulous views of Lake Ontario, it’s the ideal place to get cozy with a cup of coffee and watch the snow fall. There are multiple packages to choose from to create a unique and romantic getaway. You and bae can enjoy luxury king-sized beds, a whirlpool bath, and gas fireplaces in your room.
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While Canada’s rollout of legal pot has been generally accepted as crap – the fact that Toronto has just four legal pot shops open is a testament to that. One thing is for sure though: it can only be up from here, right? Major kudos to the brands who were courageous enough to foray into the world of cannabis in 2019. It’s thanks to them that Toronto, the largest city in Canada and a leader in business and culture, has at least something new and interesting to show for its first year in legal pot.
Here are 9 notable and already-established Toronto brands that made moves in pot this year.
Friendly Stranger
After legalization, the long-standing head shop on Queen West swiftly secured $5 million in investments from 48North Cannabis Corp, VIVO, Green Acre Capitol, and others, to support the company’s growth. We can expect to see Friendly Stranger branch out to 100 stores across the country over the next few years, selling accessories, and cannabis.
The Hot Box Cafe
Kensington Market’s iconic pot cafe has been operating for over 15 years, but this past year, the Hot Box demonstrated thought leadership in a disruptive way. The company’s commentary and journey offered a sobering perspective, and its petition demanding the government open up the application process to private companies allowed others to cast their vote against the ‘insane lottery process.’ The Hot Box may have spent close to half a million dollars getting ready three stores for applications to no avail, in 2019, but it did earn the credit of hosting the first-ever cannabis patio at the Craft Beer Festival at the CNE this past year.
Steamwhistle
The local Pilsner brand caused sparked some buzz when it was revealed that it was in talks with several cannabis producers for a possible investment or joint venture. Ideas on the table were a pot-infused beer, a Steam Whistle brand of cannabis, and a pot shop at the Roundhouse Park building. No plans have been locked down as of yet.
Ste. Annes Spa
For those who can’t make it to the spa in Grafton, just outside of the city, Ste. Anne’s recently debuted a line of CBD-infused skincare products. Those who can make it have the option to splurge on a canna-massage treatment and get rubbed down with hemp-derived CBD oil. St. Anne’s may not be known as the trendiest spa near the city, but its incorporation of pot into its services is certainly forward-thinking.
Evio Beauty
The Toronto-based beauty company teamed up with Aurora Cannabis last fall to launch a vegan, cruelty-free skincare line infused with cannabis-derived ingredients. The use of hemp in the product and packaging helps eliminate animal by-products and reduce the use of plastic. Founder Brandi Leifso was recognized this year for her story and also her success in business and innovation in the beauty industry.
Weedbox
Canada’s only digital-first cannabis retail and lifestyle brand, Weedbox, focused on the 2020 launch of its Palm Springs store while further expanding and building out the success of its media efforts. The brand’s podcast, The Dopist, hit its stride in its second season with the first live broadcast from the 2019 Lift Awards. 2020 will see a series of cannabis and Esports events and multiple CBD brands launched in the States. Stay tuned for what takes shape at Weedbox.
Rosen’s Cinnamon Buns
Cult-followed cinnamon buns dealer Rosen’s Buns lent its signature cinnamon bun spread to a joint product offering with baking company Mom Jeans Provisions – spiked cookies. ‘High Rise’ cookies have caramel chips, sea salt, and 10mg of THC, and ‘Relaxed Fit’ versions have CBD. The buzz-worthy cookies were ‘shared’ at stores like Easy Tiger and Likely General.
Sackville & Co.
This women-founded, design-forward accessories brand made a name for itself this year and was recently acquired by 48North. Keep an eye out for a more robust selection of the stylish high-end ceramic pipes, bongs, and, grinders in the distinct Sackville style. This brand was a major trendsetter as far as paraphernalia was concerned, this past year.
High Noon
High Noon’s handcrafted ceramic pipes received some accolades this year by outlets like VICE, The Kit, Toronto Life, and more. Founder Leah Lavergne’s mission to serve women in the cannabis space with beautiful, simple accessories has been a key driving force of the inclusive ethos of cannabis 2.0.
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Our warm summer days have sadly vanished and we’re mentally and physically preparing for our long haul through winter. This doesn’t mean that we can’t fully embrace this time of year, and get out of the city for some snowy and cozy adventures. We’ve found the perfect places for you to unwind and try new experiences. Whether you’re looking for full tranquility or an action packed getaway because these all offer a variety of options. The best part is they’re all located in Ontario, so you won’t have to travel too far. We suggest booking these winter getaways quickly before everyone does!
Keep reading for 11 winter getaways to go on this winter!
Hockley Valley Resort
Embrace winter at this luxury boutique hotel which is only a short drive from Toronto. The resort is just minutes from the chairlift, so grab your skis or board, and hit the slopes. Take advantage of the alpine air and go skating or snowshoeing. Apres-ski can be spent at their sister property, Adamo Estate Winery where wine touring artists and tasting enthusiasts congregate. Visit Hockley Valley’s fruit and vegetable farm, where the majority of its restaurant menu ingredients come from. There is also a fitness centre, dry sauna, hot-tub, and indoor pool. If you’re looking for a more leisurely stay, choose between an extensive list of beauty and massage services at the spa.
Location: Mono, Ontario
the Millcroft Inn & Spa
Escape to The Millcroft Inn & Spa which is a beautifully restored knitting mill from 1881, featuring rustic Canadian-European antiques. Dine at the iconic Headwaters Restaurant, overlooking a picturesque millpond with fine wine and an award-winning cuisine. The spa features an infrared sauna, indoor whirlpool, outdoor hot springs, herbal steam rooms, and fully licensed café. If it’s not too cold, grab a blanket and sit by the bonfire, and enjoy an authentic Ontario winter. You can even bring your fur baby as small dogs are welcome to stay for an additional cost of $35 CAD in the pet-friendly rooms.
Location: Alton, Ontario
Langdon Hall
Remove yourself from all the stress of the city and spend a romantic weekend away at the stunning Langdon Hall. Find yourself in a winter wonderland during a hike on one of its four walking trails and you may even catch a glimpse of some deer! Foodies will love the gourmet choices of wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and creative food selections. Indulge in true organic produce from Langdon’s very own flower and vegetable garden — whatever you decide to do during your stay will be true luxury. Guests can work on their fitness in the indoor exercise room or lounge out in the sauna, spa, and whirlpool. Bring your pup and stay in a ‘dog friendly’ room for only $30 extra.
Location: Cambridge, Ontario
Explore
Harbour House
This small luxurious waterfront property is beautifully designed and picture-perfect. With an 180 degree view of Lake Ontario, it’s the ideal place to get cozy with a cup of coffee and watch the snow fall. There are multiple packages to choose from to create a unique getaway. Enjoy luxury king-sized beds, a whirlpool bath, and gas fireplaces in your room.
Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Cozy Cottage
Located just 20 minutes east of Peterborough sits this delightfully cozy cottage with stellar views. Tranquil, peaceful, and quiet, this getaway features features abundant wildlife, beautiful sunrises, and just a lovely setting that’s perfect to unwind. Get outside and explore the stunning nature trails while snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, or even go for an ice skate. After enjoying a day outside, cozy on up with a cup of tea, a good book, and get warm by the indoor fireplace.
Ste. Anne’s Spa
In a comfortable old-world atmosphere with modern amenities, this 5-star resort is the perfect winter getaway to sit back and forget it all. Whether you’re looking for wellness classes, yoga, meditation, or even a painting lesson, it’s all here. Go horseback riding at Ste. Anne’s horse stables, go on a hike to view wildlife, or liberate your mind while ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Take some well-deserved time for yourself and meditate in the eucalyptus infused steam room or take a walk through the Tranquility Garden. Should you need even more mind space, there is a special Quiet Room that’s ideal for reading a book, relaxing in the massage chairs, or just taking a nap. Pets are not permitted at the Main Inn but if you stay in certain spa cottages, your dog is welcome to accompany you for an extra fee of $50 CAD.
Location: Grafton, Ontario
Drake Devonshire Inn
Located right in cozy Prince Edward County is Drake Devonshire Inn and it’s one of the province’s top getaways regardless of the time of year. Enjoy prime lakeside views that are stunning especially during the snowy winter months. Treat yourself to a wine tour of The County and make sure you stay for a meal because we all know food at all the Drake properties is top notch.
Location: Wellington, Ontario
the Scandinave Spa
Stay at the Blue Mountain Resort and you’ll be minutes away from the award-winning Scandinave Spa. Bathe in the tranquil and calm baths surrounded by serene natural forests. Unwind in the Finnish Sauna, Eucalyptus Steam Room, Thermal & Nordic Waterfalls, Hot Baths, Cold Plunges and relaxation areas. Pick between a variety of massages for complete and total relaxation. In addition, there are wellness classes, fitness facilities, and walking trails on the property.
Location: The Blue Mountains, Ontario
Deerhurst Resort
At Deerhurst there are loads of ways to spend your time. You can hang out indoors getting cozy or embrace the outdoors doing activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, skating, and snowboarding. After a long day, the Amba Spa is the perfect wellness escape for massages, body treatments, manicures, and pedicures. If that’s not enough, there’s also an indoor rock climbing wall, games room, dance classes, and even more to choose from.
Location: Muskoka, Ontario
Couples Resort
Located on the shores of Galeairy Lake, surrounded by the beauty that is the Canadian shield, this romantic resort is seriously a must visit winter getaway. Guests can be as active as they wish, with walking trails nearby, cross-country skiing, ice skating, horseback riding, wildlife watching, ice fishing all available. Check out the rec-room that’s filled with games for a bit of friendly competition or de-stress at the spa. Live in the lap of luxury and pour some bubbly while you plunge into your private hot tub.
Location: Whitney, Ontario
Yurt Experience
For those who are looking for a rustic and one-of-a-kind type of winter getaway, tuck away out of sight in a 23 foot custom built Yurt. It’s an ideal place for photographers, hikers, and nature lovers who want an eco-friendly experience. Wake up and take your morning coffee to the river cabana to watch the sun come up over the lazy river. Or feel free to cuddle up inside with a book and warm apple cider by the fire pit. If you’re in the mood to get active, there are 10 kilometres of trails for hiking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and skiing. Animal lovers can enjoy a tour at the horse sanctuary or check out the bisons. Even better — pets are also more than welcome to come and stay with you!
Location: Mattawa, Ontario
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Whether you’re in the mood to unwind on your own, catch up with a close friend, or escape the city with a loved one, sometimes a weekend (or an afternoon away) to relax is just what you need. And what could be a better way to recharge than a blissful afternoon at the spa? When it comes to finding an idyllic spot to find peace and quiet in Ontario, we’re pretty spoiled as there are countless award-winning spas that are safe havens from the chaos of the city. And better yet, many of these spas are just a road trip away from Toronto. Each of these spas offers a little something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for the ultimate facial, a life-changing massage, or a relaxing soak in a grotto.
We’ve rounded up 7 spas that are under eight hours away from Toronto that you need to check out sooner rather than later.
White Oaks Resort
Instagram/@white_oaks
Distance from Toronto: Approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes from Toronto
Tucked away in the cozy town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is White Oaks Resort and its easily one of Ontario’s best-kept spa secrets. Here you’ll descend into a cozy atmosphere that features an equally moody space with 17 treatment rooms including luxurious couples suites. Complete with enticing treatments like massages, aromatherapy, body wraps and glows, skin fitness, nail therapy, and more. It’s safe to say your visit to the Niagara Regions will be nothing short of amazing.
JW Marriott Muskoka
Instagram/@jwmuskoka
Distance from Toronto: Approx. 2 hours and 34 minutes from Toronto
Whether you’re heading to the cottage or looking for a city escape, Muskoka is always a good idea. Walking into this bright and friendly Muskoka haven will instantly leave you forgetting that you’re in Ontario’s popular cottage country. At the JW Mariott Muskoka spa, you’ll find not only breathtaking views but also amazing treatments from body scrubs and wraps, to couples massages, and even waxing options for those seeking last-minute lake-side appointments.
Ste. Anne’s
Instagram/@steannesspa
Distance from Toronto: Approx. 1 hour and 40 minutes by car
As soon as you slip on one of Ste. Anne’s incredibly cozy robes you’ll instantly feel your worries melt away. We recommend opting for the spa’s seasonal treatment, the Citrus Sun, which includes a foot soak, full-body exfoliation, a hydrotherapy bath, and a massage, which are all infused with citrus. Or if you want to go take the more traditional route, the Contouring Mud Wrap is always a crowd favourite or even a visit to the Fieldstone Grotto. Whatever your preference is, a trip to Ste. Anne’s will leave you feeling like a million bucks.
Nordik Spa Nature
Instagram/@nordikspanature_chelsea
Distance from Toronto: Approx. 4 hours 49 minutes from Toronto
When you really need some R&R and you’re up for a mini road trip, the Nordik Spa Nature will be your best bet. Equipped with treatments like the Urban Detox Face Care, Himalayan Salt Treatments, and full-body treatments, get ready to leave feeling more relaxed and with skin feeling more glowier than you’ve ever been before. Plus, there’s 10 exterior baths, multiple saunas, a saltwater pool, and a yoga and meditation room to enjoy.
Scandinave Spa Vieux-Montréal
Instagram/@scandinavemtl
Distance from Toronto: Approx. 5 hours and 37 minutes from Toronto
Located in heart of Old Montreal you’ll find the Scandinave Spa Vieux-Montréal. A relaxing gem where you’ll discover the power of baths, water therapy, and relaxation. Visitors will enjoy the eucalyptus steam baths, saunas, and Scandinavian hot baths, which will easily make the treck from Toronto feel incredibly worth it.
Bota Bota
Instagram/@thuymi
Distance from Toronto: Approx. 5 hours and 37 minutes from Toronto
The Bota Bota spa is a spa that takes floating a little more seriously, as you’re quite literally on a boat. If unwinding on an old converted boat isn’t enough to whisk you away into bliss, the on-board services most definitely will. Here you’ll find treatments like eucalyptus steam baths, saunas, outdoor whirlpools, hot saunas, a cold dip pool, and a whirlpool. Cap your visit off with a stop in the onboard restaurant where you can enjoy a seasonally prepared menu that’s prepared with fresh ingredients from the Quebec region.
William Grey
Instagram/@la_wandereuse
Distance from Toronto: Approx. 5 hours and 36 minutes from Toronto
Another popular relaxation getaway is the William Grey Spa, an urban getaway tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Old Montreal. Here you’ll find a Himalayan Salt room, a Finnish sauna, and a steam room. Or, if you need to relax your muscles, there’s a cold room and an herbal sauna. But let’s not forget the seasonal outdoor pool, which is perfect for the guests that want to pad around in their robes and lounge poolside.
Featured Image: Instagram/@summerfridays
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