Once the Christmas gifts are opened, the turkey dinner digested, and Boxing Day sales are over, it’s best to escape to the north to really relax. There’s nothing like taking in the comforts of a rustic lodge set amongst the solace of pine, snow and ice-covered lakes. There’s definitely lots to choose from.
Temagami Shores Old Growth Forest Snowshoe
This lakeside lodge is walking distance to the town of Temagami. Temagami Shores Inn and Resort also has on-site snowshoe and cross-country trails right out the front door of your wood-stove heated cabin. You can head out on your own or book a personal group retreat to view the region’s legendary old-growth pine forests. There’s a licensed restaurant to return to after a long day on the trail.
Northland Paradise Trapline Tours and Fur Sales
All you need is your own snowmobile, and a keen interest in an age old tradition. A professional guide/trapper from the lodge will take you out for a day in the Temagami bush, checking trap lines and enjoying a trail side “boil up.” If you want to experience a true northern institution and discover why trapping is Canada’s oldest commercial enterprise, head out on the trail with Northland Paradise Lodge. You can even go home with your own tanned fur.
Cedar Meadows’ Nordic Spa
Why not pamper yourself for a couple of days? Book a cozy chalet at Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa, minutes from the city of Timmins, and book yourself into the Spa Grande Nature, Timmins’ premier spa. Indulge in their Nordic Baths or schedule a massage and manicure. This is a lot more than your average hotel. Comfortable accommodations, on-site restaurant, and the hotel suites have luxurious jacuzzi tubs and warming fireplaces. Cedar Meadow’s also offers packages.
Sportsman’s Lodge Ski to Donald Lake Ice Falls
Sportsman’s Lodge Wilderness Resort’s backyard is Chiniquichi Provincial Park—a landscape that’s similar to Killarney’s quartzite ridges but without the crowds. Situated just east of Sudbury, this all-season getaway offers a sizeable network of cross-country ski trails that can be easily linked directly from your cabin, and heads north to some of the best scenery in northeastern Ontario. Donald Lake’s ice falls is just one stop over—a 50 foot frozen cascade. This place is amazing.
Saenchiur Flechey Family Getaway on Lake Nipissing
Consider booking your family in for a stay the peaceful and charming Saenchiur Flechey on the West Arm of Lake Nipissing in the French River area. Bring your skates and head out on their lighted skating rink (conditions permitting), or strap on some snowshoes borrowed from the lodge and trek out to your heated ice hut in pursuit of a BIG catch. Whatever combination of activities you choose to do, close out the day by warming up by the fire in your personal, cozy cottage rental. This lodge has a line-up of things to do to suit all budgets.
