If you've put off your annual trip south and are missing the chance to unwind and disconnect, we have news for you: you don't need to travel outside Ontario to have a fabulous getaway with friends or family. Whether you’re looking to cozy up lakeside, or to hide away, nestled in the woods, relaxing adventures for two are speckled across Ontario’s Highlands.

Check out one of these cozy cabin settings for a getaway that trades in jet setting for a road trip, beaches for hot tubs, sand for snow, piña coladas for local craft brews, and a la carte for fine dining. You won’t be disappointed.

Ogopogo Resort

One drawback of winter is its shorter days, but you can celebrate the season even as darkness falls during a stay in one of the adorable cabins at Ogopogo Resort. Watch sunlight sparkle off of frozen Mountain Lake, strap on snowshoes or cross-country skis to explore the powdery white wonderland by day, then lace up your skates and glide beneath the stars on the flood-lit rink onsite by night. For a little added luxury, tuck into the cozy Studio Cottage at night and choose your favourite way to warm up – soaking away any worries in the jacuzzi tub or snuggled up by the fireplace.

Insider's Tip:

Make some new furry friends by booking a dog sledding tour with Winterdance. The huskies’ enthusiasm for the season will have you glad you skipped the beach, and these friendly working dogs are some of the best guides around to show you the true beauty of the winter wilderness.

Hush Lodge and Cottages

Let the warm hospitality of your hosts make you forget about the chill outside during a stay in one of the comfy cottages at Hush Lodge and Cottages, or even in the lodge itself. Pack your cross-country skis or snowshoes to leisurely explore the local trails, or bring your snowmobile and put a little speed behind your exploration as you zip along the trails accessible from the resort’s doorstep.

Insider's Tip:

Sometimes winter has a way of seeping right down to my bones, but that shouldn't keep you from enjoying the sparkling snow and natural beauty surrounding the resort. Thankfully, with a sauna onsite, it’s easy to warm up after a day exploring the trails or skating on the lake.

Heather Lodge

Ok, as the name suggests, Heather Lodge is technically a lodge as opposed to a stand-alone cabin, but with wooden accents, lakeview suites, and in-room fireplaces available (not to mention the incredible meals onsite), we couldn't leave it out. Located on the banks of Twelve Mile Lake, Heather Lodge is an adult-only resort, with a quiet and serene escape and is perfect for anyone looking for a romantic getaway with that special someone.

Insider's Tip:

Grab a pair of snowshoes from the main office and explore the natural beauty along the trails surrounding the lodge. Dine on hearty fare prepared by Chef James in the in-house lakeside sunroom.

Black River Retreat

You really leave the world behind when spending a weekend at Black River Retreat. This secluded oasis only accommodates one booking at a time; so it’s just you, that special someone, and nature. Oh, and a personal chef (because we all need one of those). The log home, hiking trails, waterfront property, fire pit and hot tub are all yours to enjoy at your pleasure!

Insider's Tip:

Customize your experience! Call ahead and chat with Trevor about setting up a yoga session or couple’s massage, and don’t forget your iPod at home. With speakers hidden throughout the retreat, you can plug in and play your very own tunes both inside and outside to set the mood.

Cabinscape

Perfect for a truly private wilderness escape, the tiny cabins at Cabinscape are tucked away on beautiful rugged landscapes, yet still close to trails and parks so you can explore the surrounding environment at your leisure. Spend the days wandering the woods by snowshoe, then cozy up for the night in one of these tiny off-the-grid spaces with a good book, a warm drink, and that special someone, and be amazed by how big of an escape this adventure actually is.

Insider's Tip:

Cabinscape has cabins located across Ontario's Highlands, in Haliburton Highlands, Frontenac County, and Lanark County. These cabins are super popular, so plan well ahead to book your cabin retreat.

Haliburton Forest

Haliburton Forest is the perfect balance between an escape away from the world and into the woods, and one that still offers the necessary amenities at your fingertips. Located about half an hour outside of the Village of Haliburton, the forest is far enough out that you feel a world away from any hustle and bustle, while still having easy access to the mouth-watering dining experiences, unique workshops, incredible winter fun, and refreshing craft breweries across Haliburton County.

If you’re not looking to stray too far from your cabin to explore the County, you don’t have to! There’s a restaurant, activities, a shop, and gas available onsite. Leave the car keys in the cabin and wander the property to marvel at the beauty of hand-crafted wooden products, learn about majestic wolves, rev your engine on snowmobile trails, and warm up with a meal at Truss Foodworks.

Insider's Tip:

If the thought of winter in Canada conjures up images of snowy woods and iconic Canadian animals, you’re in luck! Make a reservation to visit The Wolf Centre to learn more about these glorious creatures and witness the dynamics of the resident wolf pack.

BONUS:

Pine Brae Wilderness Escape

Imagine a retreat tucked deep in the woods and overlooking a seven-acre pond. Simple, elegant, and minimalist, you will feel your stress lift with each day you stay here. Located near Perth, these cabins are tucked away on a 100-acre parcel of land and are powered by solar power and propane, so you won't need to think about your impact on the environment. The Pine Brae cabins are rented between May and October so this retreat is one to dream about and plan for ahead of time.

Insider's Tip:

The town of Perth is the perfect detour for a daytrip, and is only a few minutes' drive from your cabin. Pick up a meal from Michael's Table in Perth, or do some shopping and then indulge in a decadent caffeinated beverage from North Folk Cafe.

Forget the beach. All you need to do for these winter staycations is grab your overnight bag and your beloved, hop in the car, and cozy up. Is there anything better? Discover more cozy spots to rest your head for romantic getaways, historic adventures, or rustic experiences here.

Anupaya Cabin Co.

Located in Deep River, Anupaya's beautiful cabins are so cozy and peaceful you may not want to head outdoors during your stay here.  Anupaya Cabin Co. uses natural materials to bring the small pieces of the wild into your room. Inside you will be snug as a bus in a rug as you gaze out over the winter wonderland outdoors.

Insider's Tip:

If you really don't want to leave your cocoon, you can snuggle up indoors and order from Plan B Restaurant, also in deep River. Try their Vegan Burger or Mexican Power Bowl for something hearty to warm you from the inside.