Photo courtesy Arowhon Pines
Updated November 20, 2023 / Commissions may be earned from LuxuryOntario‘s affiliate partner links
Algonquin Provincial Park has much to offer those looking to explore Ontario’s vast network of provincial parks and wilderness areas. And while popular for its backcountry camping experiences and outdoor adventures, Canada’s oldest and largest provincial park also has a gentler side that appeals to those who enjoy a little “rustic luxury” from time to time.
Sure, you’ll forgo the 5-star room service and the pampering you might expect to find at some of the best luxury resorts in Ontario, but the trade-off is well worth it. Peace and quiet? Check. Proximity to nature and wildlife? Yup. Great lake views? Naturally!
Read through our list of the best resorts in Algonquin Park (plus a few popular places to stay that are close by!) to find the perfect place to enjoy a little back-to-nature, rustic luxury of your own.
The Best Resorts in Algonquin Park
Arowhon Pines
Navigating what must be one of the longest driveways in Ontario is, in all honesty, a small price to pay for the fun in store for you when you stay at Arowhon Pines. One of just three resorts situated deep within the park along the Hwy 60 Corridor, this expansive resort property consists of a combination of spacious lodge accommodations and individual cabins.
Scattered along the lakeshore, the resort’s log cabins are adorned with pine furnishings and rustic Canadian décor. Options include intimate one-bedroom cabins with stone fireplaces to larger cabins with communal living areas.
Popular with tourists from across the globe, a stay at Arowhon guarantees a taste of Ontario wilderness without compromising on comfort. Set on the edge of scenic Joe Lake, the resort is an idyllic backdrop for wildlife watching and outdoor adventures, with a generous sprinkle of indulgence and home-like comforts along the way.
A highlight of a stay is this all-inclusive resort’s world-class dining. Three meals are included with your stay and are served in a spacious hexagonal dining room at the resort’s core and, quite honestly, are among the best I’ve ever eaten at a resort. (I do live relatively close by and regularly take advantage of the resort’s generous public dining program for day-trippers.)
Booking directly through the resort, you can opt for a themed vacation package designed to suit your needs and tastes. Examples include the yoga retreat featuring a blend of yoga, meditation, canoeing, and hiking. Enjoy a little stargazing? An astronomical highlight is the Perseids Meteor Shower event in mid-August, where guests can witness up to 60 meteors per hour and enjoy an evening with a professional astronomer, courtesy of the resort’s own telescope.
Overnight camping excursions are also available, including both guided and self-guided options. Day trips tracing the inspirational landscapes of artist Tom Thomson are also available.
To find out more about one of the very best resorts in Algonquin Park, visit www.arowhonpines.ca.
Bartlett Lodge
Set on Cache Lake roughly halfway between Algonquin Park’s East and West Gates, Bartlett Lodge makes for a truly authentic Ontario wilderness getaway. This rustic resort offers not just plenty of peace and tranquility, but also boasts superb dining and a friendly staff.
Established in 1917, this Algonquin resort features a number of cozy yet spacious cabins, each featuring king beds, coffeemakers, and bar fridges. The screened-in porches offer a bug-free retreat with charming views over that alluring Algonquin wilderness.
If it’s available, ask for the Sunrise cabin. Named after a painting by famed Canadian artist Tom Thomson, this off-grid cabin uses solar power for everything from its lights to its hot water, with heat provided by a wood stove. Entirely eco-friendly, it’s the perfect getaway for those interested in sustainable travel.
On-site amenities include the use of canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats, while small motorboats are available for rent. There’s also swimming and sailing on the lake, plus hiking the park’s many nature trails, and mountain bikes are also available for guest use.
For more information, visit https://bartlettlodge.com.
Killarney Lodge
Killarney Lodge is another Algonquin Park resort that presents itself as a comfortable alternative to having to rough it at a campsite. Popular with visitors to Algonquin since it opened in 1935, Killarney features secluded log cabin accommodations nestled amidst the trees, each boasting excellent lake views.
Your private lakeside log cabin comes furnished in an inviting rustic Muskoka style and even includes its very own canoe so you can get out and explore Algonquin.
A highlight of your stay at this all-inclusive resort will be the quality (and quantity!) of food on offer. In addition to a steady supply of snacks, you’ll be treated to three sumptuous, home-cooked meals served daily.
Find out more at www.killarneylodge.com.
Almost Algonquin… Resorts Near Algonquin Park
Couples Resort
Just a few minutes’ drive away from Algonquin Park’s East Gate, Couples Resort has earned itself a reputation for being one of Ontario’s best adults-only vacation destinations. Open all year round, the resort enforces a strict “no children allowed” policy, ensuring it’s always a quiet, intimate experience.
Accommodations range from spacious luxury suites, some spanning up to 1400 sq ft, to stand-alone cabins furnished with king-sized beds, marble bathrooms equipped with bidets, and double steam showerheads. Each accommodation boasts a sauna, walk-in steam room, and an in-room Jacuzzi tub, as well as a cozy wood-burning fireplace. Another perk is the inclusion of a hot tub on your private screened-in deck.
A highlight of a stay here is the food. The resort offers personalized five-course gourmet dining experiences, served either in the charming dining room with its elegant crystal and silver service (no casual wear permitted), or privately in the comfort of your room.
When not indulging in, uhm, “romantic” activities, guests can choose from an exhaustive list of nature-oriented and sporting activities. These include canoeing and nature hiking in the summer, and dogsledding and snowshoeing during the winter.
Find out more at www.couplesresort.ca.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: Enjoy an Algonquin Park Getaway
Looking for other great places to stay near Algonquin Provincial Park? Be sure to read these stories for ideas and inspiration of great Ontario resorts and hotels located within easy striking distance of Canada’s oldest provincial park:
Cottage Country Class: The Best Luxury Hotels in Huntsville ON
Deerhurst Resort: Huntsville’s Top Destination
The Best Luxury Muskoka Resorts & Hotels for 2023
Cottage Calm: The Best Muskoka Spa Resorts for 2023
Cottage Country Class: The Best Luxury Hotels in Muskoka
Prefer your accommodations on the “rustic” side? Check out this content for details of authentic cottage experiences in Muskoka and the Algonquin area:
Enjoy Authentic Muskoka @ The Best Cottage Resorts in Huntsville
The Top Luxury Muskoka Cottage Rentals for 2023
A Chic Twist to Luxury Lake of Bays Cottage Rentals
For more ideas and inspiration regarding fun things to do in Algonquin Provincial Park, check out the official Ontario Parks website here.
Interested in learning about other unique luxury experiences in Algonquin? Read our story, The Luxury Guide to Wilderness Camping in Algonquin Park, for ideas and inspiration.
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Editor-in-chief Bryan Dearsley is a luxury lifestyle and travel writer. He’s also a Co-Founder of Riley.
