Southern Ontario, we don’t give you enough credit. Sure you lack the West’s breathtaking mountains and the Atlantic’s ocean adventures, but your quiet lakes and scenic woods are the perfect setting for family fun. Below are 12 southern Ontario resorts that are ideal for your summer vacation plans.
Bayview Wildwood Resort
The historic Trent Severn Waterway is the backdrop to the Bayview Wildwood Resort that offers a number of accommodation options including cottages that sleep as many as 14. Kids will love such amenities as inflatable water toys, a playground, and a jam-packed game room, while adults will appreciate the top-notch dining. Pools: 1 outdoor, 1 indoor
1500 Port Stanton Pky, Severn BridgeDeerhurst Resort
No round-up of family-friendly southern Ontario resorts is complete without mentioning this classic destination, Deerhurst Resort. Besides being gorgeous, it’s also packed with ways to entertain your kids, including an indoor rock-climbing wall, treetop trekking and a full-on splash park set up right in Peninsula Lake. There are also more relaxing options available, including nightly campfires in July and August. Pools: 2 outdoor, 1 indoor
1235 Deerhurst Dr., HuntsvilleFern Resort
Stretched along almost 2 km of Lake Couchiching (near Orillia), Fern Resort is the perfect intergenerational vacation destination thanks to its many, many activities. In addition to special kids’ programming, there’s yoga, golf, a trampoline pavilion and so much more. Three meals a day, are included at this all-inclusive resort. Pools: 2 outdoor, 1 indoor
4432 Fern Resort Rd. RamaraGordon’s Park Eco Resort
Sleep in a tipi or cabin, or camp in your own tent, at this eco-retreat on Manitoulin Island, off the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula. Gordon’s Park Eco Resort is known for its dark sky preserve, with world-renowned stargazing opportunities. Special astronomy-themed events happen throughout the summer while mini-putt, hiking and a playground are available all season long. Pools: 1 outdoor (solar-heated)
18777 Highway 6, TehkummahHorseshoe Resort
Are your kids daredevils? Then Horseshoe Resort, just minutes off Highway 400, might be the perfect fit. Kids (and adults) can try out zip lining, treetop trekking and ATV-ing when not biking or hiking. Once they’re tired out, lounge on Horseshoe’s private beach and take a dip in its man-made lake. This resort also offers two accommodation styles: traditional hotel rooms and apartment-like suites. Pools: 1 outdoor, 1 indoor
1101 Horseshoe Valley Rd. W., BarrieIsaiah Tubbs Resort
This small resort, on the warm waters of West Lake in Prince Edward County, is a beach-lovers’ paradise. While Isaiah Tubbs Resort has its own sandy beach, it also offers guests passes to the very popular Sandbanks Provincial Park, just down the road. It also has three children’s play areas and fun activities including beach volleyball, tubing and banana boat rides. A package that includes some meals is also available for adults. Pools: 1 outdoor
1642 County Rd. 12, PictonLong Point Eco Adventures
Go glamping with the family at this unique eco resort just inland from Lake Erie and 20 minutes from Long Point Provincial Park. Accommodations include petite “pod” cabins for two; more luxurious Wilderness Suites that sleep four, with double beds and ensuite bath; and a 4-bedroom log cabin that can accommodate 13 people. On-site activities include zip lining, biking, hiking, wetlands tours, apiary tours, and a night-sky observatory. You can also book off-site fishing, Zodiac tours, mountain biking, and kayaking. No pool.
1730 Front Rd., St. WilliamsNottawasaga Inn Resort
A 45-minute drive north of Toronto gets you to Nottawasaga Inn Resort, home to 6.3 km of trails that are perfect for burning off your little ones’ energy. There’s also plenty to do on rainy days thanks to an arcade, indoor mini-putt, and the rainforest-themed pool, which includes a three-storey slide. Pools: 1 indoor, 1 outdoor
6015 Highway 89, AllistonOakwood Resort
Long stretches of soft sand make Grand Bend one of Ontario’s most popular beach destinations. Oakwood Resort, on Lake Huron with private beach access, is the perfect spot from which to explore Grand Bend and its many activities, including hiking at Pinery Provincial Park, drag races at the Motorplex and fireworks in town. Need a break from the crowds? Check out the resort’s various amenities, including a playground, golf course, and fire pits. Pools: 1 indoor
70671 Bluewater Highway, Grand BendPinestone Resort
The only full-service hotel with a spa and golf course in Haliburton Highlands, Pinestone Resort is an ideal staging spot for families that love a good dose of relaxation alongside their outdoor adventures. The resort offers a range of room options, including spacious villas and chalets that come with their very own propane fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs. Pool: 1 indoor, 1 outdoor
4252 County Rd. 21, HaliburtonFrom $153
Shamrock Lodge
This small, family-run resort on Lake Rousseau is beloved by families that come back year after year. Why is it so popular? Maybe it’s the all-inclusive pricing that includes three meals daily and access to such activities as boat rides and tubing. Then there is the kids’ programming, which is even available to babies and toddlers, and will have your kids asking to come back year, after year. Pools: 1 outdoor
1090 Shamrock Rd, Port CarlingWestin Trillium House, Blue Mountain
Find out firsthand how Blue Mountain isn’t just a winter destination. The Westin Trillium House is the perfect base from which to check out this location’s warmer side. Just a few of the available activities include zip lining, hiking, and taking a ride down Ontario’s only mountain coaster. The Westin also offers child-care programs that give you the chance to slip away and indulge in one of Blue Mountain’s three spas. Pools: 1 indoor, 1 outdoor
220 Gord Canning Dr., Blue Mountains
