An Ontario summer is experienced as much through the senses as through the landscape itself. The scent of pine warming in the sun; the sweetness of berries gathered at the height of their season; the taste of fresh produce pulled from nearby farms and served simply, often within view of the fields or water that define so much of this province.
In this issue, we explore places where Ontario’s summer is felt most vividly: lakeside retreats, culinary destinations, and quiet landscapes that encourage guests to slow down and engage with the season in all its richness.
Imagine cool lake water after a warm afternoon, the textured grain of a weathered dock beneath bare feet, the lingering warmth of sun on skin at the end of a quiet forest walk. Join us at an Ontario resort and let the season leave its impression long after the season has passed.
Kerri Sass
Executive Director, Resorts of Ontario
kerri@resortsofontario.com
Features
What's Included in an
Ontario All-Inclusive?
Go 'all in' at Bayview Wildwood Resort
An all-inclusive getaway might bring to mind tropical resorts and oceanfront buffets. But in Ontario, the concept has evolved in its own way. At long-standing lakeside resorts like Bayview Wildwood, all-inclusive is less about packaged luxury and more about the rhythm of a place where most of the day’s experiences are already part of your stay.
The Perfect Pairing
A Spa & Wine Weekend at Hockley Valley Resort
The idea of a wine-and-spa weekend is fairly straightforward: good food, a glass of wine, and time set aside to slow down. At Hockley Valley Resort, those elements come together within a landscape of rolling hills and vineyards just north of Toronto.
Meet Me At The Cottage
A Year of Joy at Blue Water Acres Resort
For many Ontarians, cottage life is a seasonal tradition. It’s the dock at the edge of the lake, the sound of paddles cutting through still water in the morning, and long evenings spent watching the light fade across the shoreline. At Blue Water Acres on Lake of Bays, that experience takes shape all year long in a setting designed around the water.
Features
What's Included in an Ontario All-Inclusive?
Go 'all in' at Bayview Wildwood Resort
An all-inclusive getaway might bring to mind tropical resorts and oceanfront buffets. But in Ontario, the concept has evolved in its own way. At long-standing lakeside resorts like Bayview Wildwood, all-inclusive is less about packaged luxury and more about the rhythm of a place where most of the day’s experiences are already part of your stay.
The Perfect Pairing
A Spa & Wine Weekend at Hockley Valley Resort
The idea of a wine and spa weekend is fairly straightforward: good food, a glass of wine, and time set aside to slow down. At Hockley Valley Resort, those elements come together within a landscape of rolling hills and vineyards just north of Toronto.
Meet Me At The Cottage
A Guide to Blue Water Acres Resort
For many Ontarians, cottage life is a seasonal tradition. It’s the dock at the edge of the lake, the sound of paddles cutting through still water in the morning, and long evenings spent watching the light fade across the shoreline. At Blue Water Acres on Lake of Bays, that experience takes shape all year long in a setting designed around the water.
5 Elements of Lake Life
It’s woven into almost every Ontario summer memory: the shock of cool, clean lake water on a hot day. With more than 250,000 lakes, you could say Ontarians know how to live lake life well.
Beyond the Ordinary
From float tanks and hydrotherapy to 'flightseeing' and whitewater rafting, discover unique experiences that make Ontario resort stays more memorable than a typical getaway.
Great Canadian Bucket List
Make the most of the season with a list of classic Ontario summer activities — the kind that fill long days with adventure, simple pleasures, and just enough sun and fresh air to remind you why this time of year is so eagerly awaited.
What's Your Resort Type?
From peaceful lakeside hideaways to activity-filled escapes, discover the Ontario resort style that fits your travel personality and how you like to spend your days. With nearly 100 resort properties across the province, Resorts of Ontario has one that's right for you.
Forest Bathing in Ontario
Discover forest bathing in Ontario and learn how mindful time in nature can help you slow down, reduce stress, and reconnect on quiet forest trails.
Unplugged Summer
People often talk about screen-free vacations in the context of children. In reality, most adults could use the break just as much. Summer trips, especially to one of the many resorts in Ontario, make it easier to spend less time on screens and more time outdoors.
Missed an issue of Great Escapes?
Great Escapes Magazine is a publication of Resorts of Ontario, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the resorts, lodges and inns of Ontario's tourism industry.
To be featured in the magazine, please contact us at marketing@resortsofontario.com
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Cover image featuring Lumina Resort; Editor's Note featuring Beachwood Resort
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