Ontario has a diverse array of destinations for a romantic retreat. You’ll find resorts and hotels all over the province that offer peace and privacy, upscale experiences, and charming local personality to rekindle your romance. No matter the time of year, Ontario has romantic experiences like après-ski in charming villages, horse-drawn carriage or sleigh rides, autumn foliage tours, colourful floral displays, boating and swimming in lakes, and outdoor adventure. Best of all, you can have a short weekend trip or a longer stay to experience the best activities and attractions in many destinations. Whether you want peace and quiet, sightseeing excursions, or fun in nature with your partner, here are the best romantic getaways in Ontario.
Niagara Falls
What could be more romantic than a trip to picturesque waterfalls? Niagara Falls is one of the top vacation destinations in the world, especially for couples. You can visit the falls to see their beauty from above, or you could take the Cave of the Winds tour to walk behind the sheet of water and learn about the falls’ history. In warm months, you can see floral and garden displays throughout the city and spend time in the botanical gardens and butterfly conservatory, which is home to thousands of colourful butterfly species. Niagara Falls is also magical in winter, which brings Christmas trees and garland to the city street, illumination and fireworks over the falls, and holiday-themed events.
Jackson’s Point
Located about an hour from Toronto, Jackson’s Point is a charming resort harbour that offers peace, quiet, and romance. You’ll find a variety of romantic resorts and quaint cabins for accommodation in a private setting, often with amenities like lakefront views and pools. Once an important naval harbour, Jackson’s Point is now a lakeside resort community near Lake Simcoe for camping, boating, and water sports. In town, you’ll find boutique shopping, eclectic street vendors, and live-music venues for nightlife and entertainment.
Ottawa
If you prefer a city break, Ottawa has endless sightseeing opportunities. In winter, you can ice skate on the frozen Rideau Canal and tour city attractions like Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Canada Museum of History. Mount Pakenham, a top-notch ski resort with beginner slopes and après-ski, is also nearby. For more peace and quiet, visit Pink Lake and walk the nature trails in the surrounding forest or take a quiet boating ride around the lake. In the evening, the city comes alive with live music, performances, and other nightlife, especially if you visit the Casino du Lac-Leamy.
Blue Mountain
Home to one of the most popular ski resorts in the country, Blue Mountain is the perfect setting for romance. In winter, the resort has skiing, snowboarding, and other snow activities on the slopes, as well as exciting après-ski activities. In summer, the mountains and forests become a haven for waterfall hikes, mountain biking, and canoeing. Many romantic accommodation options in Blue Mountain also offer amenities for all seasons, such as hot tubs, heated pools, decks, and working fireplaces. In the pedestrian ski village, you’ll find boutiques and restaurants with mountain views for a night out.
Prince Edward County
The epitome of coastal charm, Prince Edward County is filled with quaint villages that are home to boutiques and local eateries for a laid-back retreat. You’ll find plenty of bed and breakfast lodging in the area, perfect for a cozy stay. Go antiquing in town, sample wines and cheeses from local shops, or check out local artwork at upscale art galleries. Prince Edward County hosts events throughout the year, so there’s always something happening. For nightlife, the historic town areas have restaurants and pubs with live music.
Tobermory
Tobermory is a quaint town near Bruce Peninsula National Park that’s perfect for adventurous couples. You can hike in the park to take in the views of the stunning landscape, or you could plan daring activities like climbing or rafting. Tours are available to see Flowerpot Island, a unique island with rock formations that look like flowerpots. You could also dive at Fathom Five National Marine Park, a vast underwater parkland with mysterious shipwrecks. For dining and nightlife, the area around Georgian Bay offers seafood restaurants and local bars with entertainment.