This year is the year to keep your vacation in Canada, and celebrate our resources. We’re all looking for something specific from our vacation – and whether it’s a chance to unwind and recharge from our hectic lives, connect with family or loved ones, or really let loose and celebrate the joy of living, you can find it right here.

Find your perfectly curated holiday here, no matter your vacation style.

For Maximum Fun Finders

If you really want to get your heart racing, whitewater rafting or paddling will be your jam. In the Ottawa Valley, there are two world renowned whitewater experiences to choose from, OWL Rafting and Wilderness Tours. Both providers will give you a heart thumping ride down the mighty Ottawa River, and the laughter and soaking wet clothes to remember the day afterwards. Both experiences also offer on-site camping, glamping, or cabin rentals.

Fueling the Rush: Most meals are included with each package but if you’re craving French fries The Chip Pit is only a short drive from the resort and worth the excursion.

More Excitement:

When you’ve dried off from your whitewater adventure, try a different kind of excitement at Calabogie Motorsports Park in Calabogie. Drive your own car around the track or rent a race prepped Mustang to get a feel for the track.

For Nature Lovers

Immersing yourself in nature is one of the best ways to really unwind and maximize your getaway. In Haliburton Highlands you can spend your days hiking trails surrounded by towering trees or paddling on pristine bodies of water at Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve, and your evenings snuggled up by the fire next to your very own Cabinscape tiny cabin. 

Where to Eat: All your meals can be taken care of here! Visit Boshkung Smokehouse for mouth-watering smokehouse fare that will pair perfectly with your forest surroundings. 

Nature immersion:

Book an outdoor experience with Yours Outdoors right on the reserve, or visit the Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre to see wolves in their natural habitat. You can also book one of Finding Your Way Adventures' experiences like their immersive forest bathing or one of their guided canoeing or hiking adventures.

For Lovers

Imagine a quiet, woodland retreat for two where you can rediscover exactly why you fell in love in the first place. At Black River Retreat you and your partner have the property to yourself to wander trails, glide down the Black River in kayaks, soak in the on-site hot tub, and roast gooey marshmallows over a roaring fire. With fires pre-built for you, and your own private chef to whip up a delicious meal for two, you can focus on each other.

 Where to Eat: A chef-prepared breakfast and four-course dinner is included with your stay here, but if you’re still feeling peckish a run into By the Way Cafe in Tweed will fill you up.

Bask in love:

Plan an afternoon visit to Potter Settlement Winery to pick up a bottle of award-winning wine to enjoy back at the retreat. You can also do some sightseeing in Madoc and pick up some sweets for your sweet from Hidden Goldmine Bakery to savour back at the retreat.

For Family Time

You don’t need to stay landlocked for your staycation – consider renting from Le Boat and you’ll have the best of both worlds: a floating cottage that you can navigate from dock to dock along the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal. These boats sleep up to 12 so you can really bring the whole family with you! 

Where to Eat: If you head north on the Rideau Canal, you’ll reach Rideau Ferry in a few hours. Here you can dock and dine at CCs on the Rideau, known for their fabulous outdoor patio.

Play together:

While you're in Smiths Falls, rent canoes and kayaks from Smiths Falls Pedal and Paddle and explore the canal from a more sedate perspective. The "Swale" and Bascule Bridge (which is also a National Historic Site) are in an area teeming with wildlife and perfect for exploring by boat.

For Serenity Seekers

Choose from one of the many relaxation and wellness packages at Grail Springs Health and Wellness Spa in Bancroft and have your every need taken care of from the moment you step over the threshold. You can expect to find luxurious accommodations, guided nature experiences, plant-based meals, yoga, meditation and more.

Where to Eat: Imagine not having to even think about meals for your entire stay? Grail Springs provides all meals, and each is vegan and prepared to maximize nutrition and detoxification.

Wellness bliss:

Choose from the many services like massage therapy, Reiki, or meditations, yoga, or take a leisurely stroll through the property’s hundreds of acres before unwinding in the hot and cold thermal tubs.

For Foodies

If food is your jam, a getaway with The Monte Inn & Lounge in beautiful Almonte as your homebase will exceed your expectations. Their on-site hot tub and sauna complement the historic inn by giving it a wellness component, and their lounge features amazing cocktails that are the perfect way to begin (or end) your evening on the town.

Where to Eat: Experience the difference an award-winning bean to bar artisanal chocolate makes when compared with other chocolates at Hummingbird Chocolate Makers in Almonte. A short drive away in Carleton Place, you will find two breweries, Stalwart Brewing Co. and Braumeister Brewing Co. to find your new favourite Ontario craft beer. For a fine dining experience The Black Tartan Kitchen and Boulton House Restaurant are both great options.

More Food Inspiration:

If you aren't too stuffed full of chocolates, liqueurs and craft beer, plan to stop at a few of the local favourites to grab a bite to eat like Joe's Italian Kitchen, Tea and Cake, or Cafe Postino, an authentic Italian restaurant.

Summer