25 Girls Weekend Getaway Ideas Northern Ontario

Let Northern Ontario host your girl’s getaway this summer. Resorts, wilderness charm, fishing, sightseeing, cruises, shopping, antiquing, thrifting, spas, beaches, great restaurants, historical tours- you name it, if you’re game for it, Northern Ontario has it. Gather up your girlfriends and get ready to have a blast. You’ll be talking about your trip until you’re ready to plan your next one.

1. Nordic Spa

If you’re looking for a little, or a lot, of luxury time on your vacation this year, you should consider Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa. Located right in Timmins, the resort is the perfect place to book your stay. The rooms are beautiful, the dining options are delicious, and the spa services are out of this world. Try the incredible Nordic Baths, or treat yourself to a facial or a therapeutic massage. The spa is unique in that it pairs all that pampering with the flare of the rugged wilderness. You can get out and experience all the biking, walking, and hiking trails that the spa has access to.

2. A resort that has it all

Looking for that perfect spot for your girl’s getaway? The Mattawa River Resort has just about everything you could ask for in a vacation destination. The resort combines luxury with the rustic wilderness, giving you the best of both worlds. Stay in one of the many different quaint cabins or cottages. Enjoy the resort’s delicious dining options, or even treat yourself to one of their spa services. You can have the best of the pampered “me time” vacay, but you can also enjoy the wilderness location and all the adventures that come with being remote.
Details

3. Fish and explore

Located in the spectacular Temagami region, Marten River Lodge might not seem like the immediate choice for a girl’s getaway, but hear us out. Not every lady sees shopping or spa time as a relaxing experience. Lots of women enjoy hunting and fishing, reconnecting with nature, and exploring the outdoors. At Marten River Lodge you can do a ton of fun activities. The area is known as a premium sport fishing destination, but you don’t have to fish the entire time. You can explore, hike, or even fly down the lodge’s ATV trails.
Details

4. A cruise for everyone

Parry Sound is one of the most beautiful areas you can explore. If you’re thinking about booking a trip to the area, you should definitely do it! If you’re still hedging, maybe it would excite you to know that you can take several cruises in the area and explore the iconic Georgian Bay. The Island Queen lets you see the gorgeous scenery in an unforgettable way- from the deck of a beautiful cruise ship. The ship is quite an experience. If large ships aren’t really your thing, the same company also offers smaller island adventure tours where you can explore some of the many different islands on Georgian Bay. There are different cruise options for whatever you decide you’d like to plan. You could even come and do them all!

5. Experience the French River

Come and see the French River like you’ve never experienced it before. If this is your first time journeying to the area, let us help you make it the best time! There are a ton of things to do in the French River area. Don’t miss the amazing French River Visitor Centre. It’s spectacular, and the Recollet Falls are only a short hike from there. You can discover and explore the historical area all while staying in style. The Lodge at Pine Cove combines the best of luxury and rustic. Stay in a beautiful cottage, enjoy the lodge’s delicious dining options, and explore all that the French River and area has to offer.

6. Shop the boutiques

If you love combing rustic sightseeing with unique boutique-style shops, then you should definitely plan your next girl’s getaway to Kenora. The shops and boutiques along the downtown part of Kenora right by the harbour and Lake of the Woods are amazing. You can find anything from touristy treasures to art from local artists and artisans. There are some great coffee shops down that road and in the area too. Oh, and don’t forget to book your ticket aboard the M. S. Kenora to see the incredible Lake of the Woods. Kenora has a host of great places to stay, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and resorts, so you can really round out your trip.

7. Sink a putt

Maybe you’ve always wanted to explore Sudbury! Now is the time! Not only does the city have a great arts and culture scene, you can take in all the history too. Plus, there are a ton of fun and exciting things to do, great eats, theatre, and so much more! If you’re coming, be sure to hit up the Dinosaur Valley Mini-Golf. It’s a lot of fun for all ages and features seven different courses. Of course, there are really cool dinosaur sculptures made of steel all over the place that are pretty sweet too!
Details

8. Take the train

If you’re looking for a more refined getaway to a gorgeous area, you should consider the Agawa Canyon Train Tour. You can enjoy the best of the Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park right from the comfort of the train. The park really comes to life in the fall, but is spectacular in the summer to. You can take a train ride for an afternoon or even book a two or three day adventure. Or, if you just want to work the train into your vacation to the park, you can do that too and spend the rest of the time adventuring on your own.
Details

9. Experience the arts

If you’re in the Sault Ste. Marie area, or planning a vacation to the city, you can’t leave without a trip to the incredible and renowned Art Gallery of Algoma. The gallery is actually 10,000 square feet, so you can even plan for a couple days to come and see everything. The exhibits are informative and breathtaking. As a huge bonus, the gallery offers classes and workshops throughout the year, so be sure to check their website for scheduling. Maybe you can book your getaway around making your very own special piece to bring home.
Details

10. Wildlife spotting

If you’re into wildlife sighting or wildlife photography, you can’t miss the Chapeau Crown Game Preserve. With over two million acres, it’s the largest game preserve in the world. Be sure to bring your camera, as you’re bound to see wolves, bears, loons, foxes, fishers, otters, ducks, great blue herons, sandhill cranes, hawks, bald eagles, owls, osprey and so much more. It’s also a great way to just get out and enjoy nature.
Details

11. A road trip to remember

Maybe you have those road trip experiences that you’ve remembered from your childhood. Maybe you’ve always wanted to have that experience. Well, Northern Ontario has something pretty special for you! Algoma Country actually has four designated tours that you can drive. You’ll get to take in all the spectacular views, small towns, and history along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for festivals, markets, and exciting events too! It’s bound to be a great time for you and all your friends.
Details

12. Paddle together

If you and your friends enjoy kayaking and canoeing, you should think about entering the Great Canadian Kayak Challenge Festival. The festival is held in Timmins every single year and draws people from all over the country to compete in the exciting events and workshops. The festival runs in August this year and also features live music, vendors, entertainment, fireworks, and so much more! Get your girls together and challenge each other to see who comes out on top. No matter who wins, you’ll be sure to have a blast!
Details

13. Hike together

Maybe your ideal girl’s getaway is just to get back to the peace and quiet of nature. If you’re an avid hiker, you should consider the Voyager Multi-Use Trail System. Located around Mattawa, there are over 300km of trails to explore. People literally come from all over the country to walk, bike, hike, or even ATV these trails. The scenery is astounding and you might even catch a glimpse of some wildlife along the way.
Details

14. Friends who sip together stay together

Okay, we might have made that part up, but if you enjoy wine and want to see what the entire process is all about, you should check out the Boreal Berry Farm & Winery. Located about an hour from the French River in Warren, the winery is one of the largest ice cider producers in Canada and is the largest organic boreal and artic berry orchard in all of North America! That’s pretty special in and of itself! The winery is also the country’s coldest climate winery. They have an awesome boutique where you can purchase all the delicious products. If you have a large friends group, they also offer tours of the winery for ten or more people. Alternatively, if you don’t enjoy wine, you should check out the many microbreweries. You can find them in just about every city and some of the smaller towns in the region too.
Details

15. Adventure to Manitoulin Island

Manitoulin Island is simply incredible. It’s a great place for you to base your girl’s getaway. Your adventure starts right from the ferry ride to get there and after that, the island is filled with unique things to do. Take one of the tours offered to see and learn all about the area’s history. Stay in a delightful bed & breakfast or book with one of the many outfitters or hotels on the island. See the lighthouses, explore Georgian Bay, and sample the amazing cuisine and beverages. Your trip is sure to be action packed and one you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Details

16. Watch the night skies come alive

If you’re into the more rustic, summery, camping out adventures, don’t miss Gordon’s Park. They have two campgrounds with some really cool options for your stay. You can hammock camp from the trees or tent with all your friends in a tipi. One of the coolest parts of the park is the dark sky preserve, where you can watch the night sky come alive. It’s an experience you’ve probably never truly had. If you thought you’d seen the stars, you haven’t really seen the stars until you’ve seen them like this. It’s a getaway that you and all your friends are bound to have a lot of fun with.
Details

17. Lighthouse spotting

Maybe you’ve always wanted to see some real life, in person lighthouses, but you aren’t going to be able to make it to the east coast anytime soon. Don’t worry! Northern Ontario has some pretty amazing lighthouses too! Manitoulin Island has nine different lighthouses and Killarney and area has quite a few as well. You could book a getaway just around seeing all the different lighthouses. Some of them take some journeying to get to, but that’s part of the adventure and part of the fun!

18. Paddle away

If you and your girlfriends enjoy hitting the water and paddling the day away, you shouldn’t overlook Quetico Provincial Park. Some would say that it’s unrivalled in its beauty. It’s definitely rustic and the natural wonders are sure to astound you. It’s very apparent to see why Northern Ontario is iconic as a wilderness destination. The park is home to and serves as a gateway for over two thousand lakes, which means that you’ll have a blast exploring all those bodies of water. You can even backcountry camp and make a real journey of it along the way.
Details

19. Experience Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay can be really fun and exciting. It might surprise you that you could book a getaway for a week or two weeks and still not see everything. The Fort William Historical Park is a unique historical experience. Kakabeka Falls are incredible. Cascades Conservation Area is gorgeous. Pigeon River Provincial Park is breathtaking. Mount McKay can be seen from the city and that’s just for starters. The museums, art galleries, shopping, antiques, thrift stores, and all the amazing places to stay and eat make the city a must for your Northern Ontario bucket list.

20. Amethysts are a girl’s best friend

Right. We know that’s not how the saying goes, but it might be true after a visit to the Blue Point Amethyst Mine. It’s a pretty unique stop and one that should be on your list of things to do this summer. Located in the Thunder Bay area, the quarry is still active and produces two different types of quartz, hematite, calcite, and barite as well. Take a guided tour to learn all about the mining experience and try your hand at your own mining. You never know just what treasure you might unearth.
Details

21. Getaway to North Bay

Located right on the shores of Lake Nipissing (which is also a must-see in itself), North Bay is that perfect destination area for your next getaway. The city has everything from historical sites to museums, and art galleries, to wilderness escapes. One of the highlights of your trip should definitely be the Chief Commanda II. The incredible cruise ship cruises both Lake Nipissing and the French River. We can guarantee you won’t want to miss out on all the outstanding scenery. The cruise ship is pretty cool too, and even offers live entertainment and dining options.
Details

22. Go gourmet

Looking to tantalize your taste buds in a unique atmosphere? You have to check out 1000 Elements. It’s a great experience, both for making memories and for your mouth. The restaurant is located in Canadore College in North Bay. It’s such a different experience because the students are actually cooking, creating, and serving the meals. They get to learn, being trained by award-winning chefs, and you get to eat all their yummy creations. That sounds like a win-win for sure.
Details

23. Henry’s Fish Restaurant

Parry Sound is a popular tourist destination and for good reason. It’s not only beautiful but there are some really unique places to be found here. Henry’s Fish Restaurant just happens to be world-famous. If you like good eats and you like adventure, you’re in luck. The restaurant is actually located on Frying Pan Island in Georgian Bay. You can boat right up to it or you can take a cruise or a tour to the restaurant. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that make for a great story later. You’ll be bringing it up with your friends for quite a while, we promise!
Details

24. Real maple syrup

Maybe you’ve never tried real maple syrup before. If you haven’t, yes, you’re missing out, but we can fix that! If you’re in the Parry Sound area, be sure to put the town of Huntsville on your radar. The Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm is located there, about an hour from Parry Sound. The farm is amazing! They actually harvest and sell maple syrup. That’s right! The real stuff! You can walk around and take in all the really neat things to see, and of course, you can stock up on delicious maple syrup while you’re there. It’s one of those off-the-beaten-path ideas that you and your friends will love.
Details

25. Blue Lake Provincial Park

If you’re thinking about planning a trip to Sunset Country this summer, why not consider Blue Lake Provincial Park? The park is located about an hour east of Kenora, just a short drive from Vermilion Bay. Not only is the campground great for booking your getaway, but the beach is also absolutely amazing. The lake is also weedless for the most part, especially in the swimming area, which is always a huge bonus. You can kayak or canoe the lake too. Oh, and the park is actually quite close to tons of things to do in the area. Eagle Lake is only about fifteen minutes away, where you can fish for monstrous-sized muskie. Lake of the Woods and Kenora is just an hour down the road and Dryden is half an hour East of the park, for your arts, culture, shopping, and history checklist.
Details