9 Best Hotels in Ontario, Canada

The stuff of local legend, Arowhon is a family-run wilderness retreat deep in Algonquin Provincial Park known for an unpretentious rustic atmosphere and superb dining. One to 12-bedroom log cabins are decorated with antique pine furnishings. Every room has a private bath—walk-in tubs in some—and there is a fireplace in every cabin to cozy up in front of, but living room space is shared among other lodgers unless you book a private cabin. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at scheduled times are included with room rate, as is access to sports equipment.

A magnificent 1,000-acre landscape of rocky outcrops and evergreen trees typical of the region surrounds this alpine lodge--style resort. All kinds of activities are available, from a top-rated golf course to mountain biking. The resort borders Lake Muskoka, so you can enjoy boat rentals from canoes and kayaks to small powerboats. Every room has a private balcony, most with forest and lake views, and more than half have a gas or wood fireplace. Grab a Tex-Mex treat and a margarita at Bar 19 at the Upper Deck and enjoy the view or enjoy the breeze while dining alfresco at the Boathouse Restaurant.

The largest ski resort in Ontario, and only getting bigger, this huge property near Collingwood revolves around its brightly painted Scandinavian-style alpine "village" with several blocks of shops, restaurants, bars, a grocery, and a plaza with live music. Aside from the slopes, it has an outstanding 18-hole golf course, mountain biking, a lakeside beach, an aquatic park, and even a coaster ride that winds down the mountain. Myriad lodging choices include the modestly priced (but somewhat shabby) Blue Mountain Inn, the pristine Swiss chalet–style Westin Trillium House, and the studios and one- or two-bedroom suites of the Village Suites or Mosaïc complex. One- to four-bedroom townhouses are also available in the Historic Snowbridge Mountain Homes complex near the golf course. From condos to four bedroom houses, many with kitchens, and access to outdoor hot tubs, there is something for everybody all year round; fun, relaxation, and fine foods are all at your fingertips. The more than 15 restaurants include fine dining, pizzerias, pubs, and sandwich shops; there's also an espresso bar and martini lounge.

Smack in the center of Algonquin Provincial Park, this impressive 1917 resort is reached by a short boat ride across Cache Lake. The immaculate one- to three-bedroom private log cabins, each with its own canoe and a screened porch facing the lake, have gleaming hardwood floors and king-size beds piled with patchwork quilts. Quiet reigns here; no waterskiing, Jet Skiing, or motors over 10 horsepower are allowed on the lake, and you won't find phones or TVs in the cabins. Platform tents have two single beds or a king and include breakfast only. The restaurant is excellent, but does not serve lunch, though preordered picnic lunches are available.

A 20-minute drive south of Gravenhurst, this all-inclusive lakeside resort dates to 1898 and is particularly geared to outdoor types and active families. Perhaps more suitably called a lodge, as it lacks the sophisticated touches you might expect, it is nevertheless well-equipped and comfortable. It's the kind of casual place where guests chat into the evening, lounging in Muskoka chairs around a fire pit. Canoeing and kayaking are popular, as are pontoon boat excursions. In winter, gear up for tobogganing, sleigh rides, and snowshoeing. Most rooms have fireplaces, and some have whirlpool baths; all but a few have views over Sparrow Lake.

This golf-focused resort along Peninsula Lake is a 780-acre, self-contained community with restaurants and lodgings to fit every budget and occasion, from weddings to corporate events. The flavor is largely contemporary, although the main lodge, with huge flagstone pillars, dates from 1896. The resort is home to beautiful golf courses studded with pines and lakes, including the prestigious Deerhurst Highlands and Deerhurst Lakeside, and an on-site spa, Amba. Four year-round restaurants cover your dining bases from casual pub fare at the Compass to the upscale Eclipse buffet, serving Canadian specialties made with maple syrup, mushrooms, and other treats grown on the property.

Instead of the usual casino-and-slot-machine ambience you find in other area hotels, you'll find a spectacular water park of 12 slides, seven pools, outdoor hot tubs, and other family-friendly amenities. This destination hotel offers nine different types of suites to suit different tastes. The whimsical KidKamp suite features kids' bunk beds and tents. For food options, there's the Barnwood, a classic steak house, The Antler Shanty that's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and cafés in and around the water park for lighter bites.

Modern accommodations at this lodge on a 1,600-acre property come in a variety of shapes and sizes: choose from two-level lofts, spacious hotel rooms, or condos. Many suites have sunken living rooms, electric fireplaces, and whirlpool baths. In winter, non-ski activities include dogsledding and snow tubing. In the summer season, the focus is most decidedly golf, but the resort also has 35 km (22 miles) of trails for hiking, biking, and four-wheeling. There's also an adventure park with a zipline course, bungee jumping, and more. Dining options include gastro-grub at Eleven01 Taphouse + Kitchen with a menu of local and seasonal dishes, and casual offerings at the pub-style Crazy Horse Restaurant.

Rustic two- and three-bedroom furnished cottages overlook Walker Lake at this resort, and many come with whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. There are plenty of outdoor activities close at hand, including canoeing, fishing, and even a sandy beach and water trampoline for kids.