Lodge at Pine Cove is one of many Ontario resorts and inns that put a premium on peace and quiet.
Say goodbye to work's pressures and hello to tranquility in nature
An early morning mist swirls as dawn illuminates your view of forest and lakes beyond your cottage deck. Suddenly, you hear it: the haunting song of a loon. And so today's decision is this: Will you push your canoe out into the lake's stillness, pad back inside and grab another coffee, or return to bed?
Sound too good to be true? It isn't, really, because Ontario's scenic, relaxing resorts await. You can find one to call your holiday home through sites such as resortsofontario.com. Here are five places which can help you reclaim your inner peace.
Lodge at Pine Cove
Want to holiday in a Group of Seven painting? That's the ambiance here, where ancient, water-smoothed Canadian Shield rocks slip into the French River. Located about 370 kilometres north of Toronto, Lodge at Pine Cove has 17 cottages with splendid river views. Meanwhile, the lodge's two dining rooms, library and lounge encourage relaxation amid comfort.
Want to get into the wilderness? French River Adventures gives guided trips such as full-moon paddles and playtime on the Five Finger Rapids. Special annual events include writers' retreats and the annual Paddle to the Cranberry Bog, where guests canoe to the bog, then pick fruit for the Thanksgiving meal.
Come here to: experience wilderness and a fascinating heritage river.
Lake Herridge Lodge and Resort
Want rustic comfort in the Temagami wilderness? Lake Herridge awaits. Its 10 cottages, tucked into the woods, offer creature comforts plus pretty lake views.
A hunting and fishing lodge, this resort specializes in angling on remote lakes for pickerel, smallmouth bass, lake trout and northern pike. These lakes are only accessible by boat, but you can walk from one to the other in just 10 minutes. And you don't have to worry about losing your way. During your first fishing outing, guides will help you navigate the lakes and operate the boats. And a bonus – guides prepare shore lunch for you on Lunch Island.
Come here to: experience fabulous fishing, along with tranquility of lakeside cottages, good swimming and boating.
Viamede Resort
Peterborough and the Kawartha Lakes Region are renowned for sparkling waters, relaxed cottage atmosphere and delicious regional cuisine. Viamede Resort, with its scarlet roof and white clapboard façade, is a signature feature of beautiful Stoney Lake. With luxurious cottages as well as suites in the main lodge, you can be as private as you choose.
Viamede's Mount Julien restaurant is the domain of executive chef Kevin McKenna whose dedication to local fare is highly regarded. He forages for wild plants and chooses seasonal vegetables, eggs and meats from the Viamede farm. All are transformed into delectable delights that will make you want to order the multi-course tasting menu. Foodies can also join chef McKenna on foraging expeditions, then return for a cooking class.
Come here to: enjoy special culinary experiences in a glorious lakeside setting.
Killarney Lodge
Serenity awaits in world-famous Algonquin Park. Killarney's 25 private cabins are outfitted with country-inspired decor, lending a special Canadian-inspired feeling to your stay. Each cottage overlooks Lake of Two Rivers, where you can slip your canoe into the water and paddle off. In fact, at night, why not canoe out, look up and admire the inky night sky with millions of twinkling stars?
And this is Algonquin so don't be surprised if you spot a moose or white-tailed deer. At the very least expect the haunting call of loons. Along with park activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing, you can plan a day paddle and take a picnic lunch. Nearby, the park's visitor centre and logging museum are worth seeing.
Come here to: be pampered, lakeside, and discover Algonquin's secrets.
The Waring House
Prince Edward County's pastoral environment and fascinating Loyalist history are compelling reasons to visit. Add Picton's Waring House country inn to the mix, with its proximity to local wineries, artists' studios and galleries, and you have a perfect setting for relaxation as well as discovery.
What's also really fun here are the cooking classes, on-site, where every month features international flavours. For instance, while May celebrates French cuisine, come June you can explore Chinese cooking.
The Inn's pub, the Barley Room, features live music, often from Wednesday to Sunday. Check out the online bookings, then come to Waring House to chill out with music that covers just about every genre, including folk, rock, jazz and blues. The great entertainment is all accompanied by seasonally fresh foods and of course, locally brewed craft beer, cider and wine.
Come here to: brush up on your culinary skills, take in live music or add to your art collection.
This content was produced by The Globe and Mail's advertising department. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.