For many, fall is the most wonderful season. It means sunny skies and cooler, more comfortable temperatures. Vibrant changing leaves on every tree. It’s sweater weather, and a perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors.
If you’re eager to hit the road, escape the city and absorb all the splendour of the season these eight resorts close to Toronto will all make you feel one with nature.
Distance from Toronto: 2 hours
Located along the shores of Stoney Lake and between three picturesque provincial parks, Viamede Resort is the epitome of relaxation, serene surroundings and perfect lake views. This century-old destination resort consists of 165 acres of unspoiled wilderness, including nearly 10 kilometres of hiking trails through lush forest. Rustle through the falling leaves or stroll along the lake, and watch as the colourful foliage reflects off the crystal-clear waters.
Prefer to revel in the landscape from the comfort of your room? No problem. As a historical property, guest rooms, one-bedroom suites and cottages at Viamede come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with comfortable beds and balconies with lake or garden views. Wake up refreshed and start your day with a big, buffet-style breakfast that includes everything from pancakes and eggs to vegetarian and low-fat options.
Distance from Toronto: 1 hour
Originally built as a knitting mill in 1881, the Millcroft Inn and Spa has been renovated yet preserved to showcase its original architectural beauty. Each of the 52 guest rooms feature European and Canadian antiques and offer a rustic and sophisticated look that’s perfect for everyone looking for a country retreat just an hour away from the big-city hustle and bustle.
Rolling hills surround this pristine oasis and mesmerizing autumn vistas await you at every turn. The Woodlands Lounge offers fireside seating with amazing views of the 100 acres of protected woodlands, while outdoor hot spring pools offer ultimate relaxation surrounded by nature. Explore your surroundings by taking a long walk, weaving between the vibrant coloured trees. Start your days right and finish strong with a country breakfast buffet in the morning and an elegant dinner in the evening, overlooking the millpond and Shaw’s Creek Falls as they reflect the hints of red, orange and yellow coming from the nearby ivy.
Distance from Toronto: 2.5 hours
Located in the heart of rugged Muskoka, along picturesque Lake Rosseau in the middle of 30,000 islands and within Georgian Bay’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the JW Marriott in Minett is sure to exhilarate and renew you. Take a cruise and island-hop as you feel the cool, crisp autumn breeze hit your face and enjoy gorgeous vistas from the water. See it all from above as you strap in and zip-line across boreal forest, or pack a few snacks and hike the Huckleberry Rock Lookout trail, which contains not only the oldest surface rocks on the planet but rewarding autumn landscape views as well.
Start your day with a buffet or continental breakfast, and enjoy dinner and a drink at any one of six cafes and restaurants located within the resort. Book a spa treatment, enjoy a couples’ massage or enjoy views from a private outdoor pool before winding down. Studio, deluxe, one and two-bedroom suites offer an in-room fireplace and kitchenette, marble bathrooms and, of course, unforgettable scenic views of the distant lakes, islands and landscape.
Distance from Toronto: 2.5 hours
Known the world over for providing an unparalleled Canadian experience, Deerhurst is an ideal place to enjoy the beauty of the land and the season. Wine, dine, enjoy a spa treatment or even squeeze in a round of golf all while the cool, comfortable autumn breeze gently caresses your sun-soaked skin. Or, hop in the car and take a drive in any direction. Before long, a simple road trip will become a memorable and epic adventure as winding roads lead to stunning vistas filled with colours from the brightest spots of the spectrum.
Deerhurst Resort never compromises on quality, comfort and hospitality. Pavilion rooms are cozy and spacious, located only 10 minutes from the lake, and feature a balcony or terrace while Bayshore rooms are next to the beach and offer excellent views of the lake and Muskoka landscape. Elevate your stay even more by staying at the stylish, immaculately decorated and fully equipped Hillside condos located within a peaceful wooded enclave, minutes from the lake. Alternatively, try Lakeside Lodge, complete with rustic interiors, beach and waterfront access and views of the lake, bay or resort landscape.
Distance from Toronto: 2 hours
Autumn in Ontario’s new and ever-evolving wine country? Yes, please! Here, the magical, changing fall colours act as a perfect backdrop to the rows upon rows of grape vines. Bronze sand dune beaches and turquoise water from Lake Ontario have hints of autumn’s brilliance dancing and reflecting off their surfaces. And thanks to Newsroom Suites, located in picturesque and charming Prince Edward County, you can experience all of natures’ beauty first-hand.
This three-bedroom, character-filled boutique inn is steps away from both casual and fine dining, charming boutiques and cafes, farmers markets and stunning provincial parks, making it not just a weekend getaway but a relaxing retreat. Kathleen and Rick are exceptional hosts who have perfected both the art of hospitality and attention to detail. Ideal for both families and couples, the King, Deluxe King and Garden Suite are all very spacious with comfortable king-sized beds, separate sitting and living areas, pristine in-room bathrooms and a fully stocked kitchenette.
Distance from Toronto: 3 hours
A one-of-a-kind, 30-room, 19th-century Victorian mansion conveniently positioned just steps from the historic St. Lawrence River and infamous Thousand Islands, The Bulloch House is a true gem. Owned and operated by antique dealers Michele and Robert, this character bed and breakfast is decorated to perfectly reflect the aesthetic and vibe of both the home and each of the four guest suites.
The Kroeg Room features a queen-size, four-poster bed, while the Godfrey, Gananoque and Bulloch Suites all come with an in-room fireplace and a private, wraparound balcony. Each room is adorned with antique paintings, rugs, furniture and art pieces that happen to be available for purchase.
Fully refreshed, enjoy a gourmet breakfast before boarding a Thousand Islands cruise and getting a close-up view of the bright autumn colours as they reflect off the graceful river. If you prefer heights, take a Thousand Island helicopter tour and gaze over the horizon as a peaceful calm soothes your soul and energizes your spirit. Make your way back to The Bulloch House in time for afternoon English Cream Tea complete with sparkling wine and sweet and savoury delights and wrap up the day with a glass of vino while you feel the warmth coming from the evening fire pit.
Distance from Toronto: 45 minutes
Built in 1848, this Victorian masterpiece in Dundas eventually became the childhood home of Sir William Osler, considered to be the father of modern medicine. Each of the three rooms reflect both the rich history of the man, his family and the home itself. The Sir Edmund Boyd Room, Britton Bath Osler Room and of course, the Sir William Osler Room are each decorated with historic furnishings, antiques and period reproductions and each have access to the front parlour, garden room, dining room and billiards room.
The Osler House is a perfect boutique home away from home. Hosts Gary and Sara ensure that you fill up on their epicurean and delicious multi-course breakfast by candlelight before you embark on a full day of exploration. Surrounded by the Niagara Escarpment, Dundas Valley Conservation Area, Bruce Trail, Royal Botanical Gardens and over 100 waterfalls, you are guaranteed to find a hiking trail, lookout point and waterfall with splashes of rich, natural colour everywhere.
Distance from Toronto: 1.5 hours
When you’ve been offering fine hospitality and simultaneously exceeding expectations for nearly 200 years, you must be doing something right. The Oban Inn is a historical landmark and boutique hotel located along the shores of Lake Ontario, minutes away from Niagara Falls and nearly 30 wineries. Private, intimate and old-world elegant, it also features an outdoor hot spring and pool, a spa and a culinary experience that features classic dishes prepared with the region’s freshest ingredients and paired with local wines by the in-house sommelier.
Enjoy a continental breakfast in the sunroom overlooking the sprawling, English-style gardens before walking and shopping along the colourful, tree-lined streets of quaint Niagara-on-the-Lake. Get perfect views of the changing foliage by sipping Chardonnay at a nearby winery or cycling the cliffside trail overlooking the raging Niagara River before returning to your heavenly sanctuary for a beautiful nights’ rest.
Deluxe rooms overlook the gardens and offer walkout balconies, Premium rooms come with a fireplace and separate sunroom, and the Oban suite features a four-piece bathroom and private library sitting area complete with fireplace. All suites are spacious havens that have offered the best in world class quality since 1824.