With US exchange rates where they are, we’re thinking of trying an Ontario vacation next summer. There are 6 adults (wife, me, our two 20’s kids and their boyfriend/girlfriend). Kids want activities, boating, golf, etc. I’d like something a little upscale rather than the typical cottage experience. Anyone have any reccos? Resort, high-end cottage…

 

depends on budget, but if you're looking for a high-end cottage experience, you're likely looking at ~$30k with boat through something like Jayne's cottages for a week. The Marriott on Lake Rosseau is reasonably nice, although the golf course is not fun, it's ok, and lots of activities/restaurants.

Other ideas: Tremblant (hotel quintessence is ultra nice), 1000 islands area has great golf, Or stay a little closer and do Langdon Hall near Cambridge.

 

Thanks Muskoka. We were looking at the Marriott. Looks like a nice place.

 

It seems to me like 'Ontario' has kind of fallen asleep on the resort front. Whenever I start researching ON resorts I find it a bit shocking that there aren't any new higher end results. We have found some nice spots in New England (and not overly priced) but seem to struggle here at home - for the time being we have access to a family property on Georgian Bay, but that still entails cooking, cleaning etc.

 

Truth be told this is one of the dullest landscapes anywhere. Algonquin park is nice but you're not gonna find high end there. Get on a plane, go Nice for a week and travel up and down the riviera. Likely cheaper too.

 

I agree with this. The options in Ontario (if you want high end) or very lacking. Red Leaves has become tired, Taboo (on Muskoka) is decent, etc. Langdon is amazing but if you are looking for multiple activities, it isn't the place, although the restaurant there is one of the best in Ontario (I'm friends with the chef). Best option in Ontario (in my opinion) would be to just rent a high end cottage somewhere, but if you are looking for an upscale vacation where you are wined and dined, Ontario ain't it.

 

My reco would be to spend some time in Prince Edward County. Here's a few lodging recommendations -I have stayed at all, and they are all quite nice:

https://www.wandertheresort.com/ - love this place and on site restaurant is good - but cabins have a full kitchen, so its an option to sample some county goods and make your own meals if you're up for it
https://www.thedrake.ca/drakedevonshire/ - Drake Motor Lodge is also good as availability is tight - on site restaurant is fantastic IMHO
https://www.theroyalhotel.ca/ - on site restaurant is fantastic IMHO

Ok, so maybe you stay there but what are you going to do?
Tons of wineries and a few breweries.
Here's my 2 faves:
https://www.normanhardie.com/ awesome pizza, pretty solid wine
https://parsonsbrewing.com/ awesome beer and grilled stuff

Or maybe you need some beach time? This is close:
https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/sandbanks

I don't golf, so I can't speak to the course quality, but here's some reviews from Trip Advisor:
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attractio...y_Ontario.html

You are also not far from Mosport, and there's always something going on there:
https://canadiantiremotorsportpark.com/

The Niagara wine region is also nice, but I prefer PEC as it is a bit more of a hidden gem.

Just my 2cents.

 

Thanks for the comments guys...I really appreciate it! Have to agree, not much upscale in Ontario. I did look at some of those cottages on Jayne's...holy crap - $100k per week!!!

 

We have a cottage but sometimes also would like a more pampered experience. We have tried a few of the more popular places in Ontario and were not really impressed. Now, we just end up finding things to do like nicer restaurants or PEC wineries close to the cottage. I have even searched for nice hunting lodges and they are mostly the same. Usually just run of the mill traditional cottage rentals