Winter Romantic Getaways in Ontario

Let your winter escape begin the moment you arrive. Whether you come early to explore Algonquin Park or arrive in time to settle into your room, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Arriving at Couples Resort

Arriving early? Make the most of your afternoon.

Our regular room check-in time is 4:00 PM, but you are welcome to arrive as early as 12:00 noon. If your room is not quite ready, stop at the office to register, collect your complimentary Algonquin Park pass and borrow available winter equipment, including ice crampons, hiking poles and snowshoes. You can then enjoy the resort facilities while we prepare your room.

Before heading out, arrange your dinner and breakfast times, whether you prefer dining in our romantic dining room or having your meals delivered to your room. If you have not already reserved a spa treatment, ask about availability now. Spa appointments are limited, so advance reservations are recommended.

Early Afternoon: Discover Winter in Algonquin Park

With your park pass and winter gear ready, head into the eastern corridor of Algonquin Provincial Park. Snow-covered evergreens, peaceful boardwalks and the chance to spot wildlife tracks make for a memorable afternoon together.

Choose a trail that suits your interests, time and the day's conditions:

• Spruce Bog Boardwalk: A gentle walk through a beautiful northern bog landscape, with a boardwalk that makes it an enjoyable introduction to the winter wilderness.
• Algonquin Logging Museum Trail: Discover the park's logging history along an outdoor trail with informative displays about the ingenuity of the early lumber industry.
• Lookout Trail: For a more challenging outing, use your crampons and hiking poles on this popular trail and enjoy sweeping views over Algonquin's winter landscape. The route includes a steep climb and can be icy, so check current trail and weather conditions before setting out.

Take your time, enjoy the fresh air and capture a few memories together. There is no need to rush; this is your time away.

Late Afternoon: Return to Relaxation

As the afternoon winds down, make your way back to Couples Resort. Whether you have spent the day exploring the park or have just arrived, a little relaxation is waiting for you.

Start with a visit to the resort's public sauna, then retreat to your room. Slip into your private outdoor hot tub, let the warm water melt away the winter chill and enjoy a little time together before dinner.

Evening: Gourmet Dining & Fireside Romance

Get ready for an evening of indulgence with your included five-course gourmet dinner. Enjoy the atmosphere of our dining room or choose the privacy of in-room dining.

After dinner, enjoy a little friendly competition in the recreation room, with pool, darts, shuffleboard and ping pong. The recreation room closes at 10:00 PM.

Then return to your private retreat. Settle in beside your real wood-burning fireplace, enjoy your in-room whirlpool or step outside into your private hot tub beneath the winter sky.

Your first day is complete. No schedules, no responsibilities, just the two of you enjoying a winter getaway together.

Wake up to another beautiful winter morning in Algonquin. Enjoy a leisurely gourmet breakfast before getting ready for a day of fresh air, snowy trails and winter adventures together.

Morning: Into the Winter Wilderness

After breakfast, head into Algonquin Provincial Park and make the most of the winter landscape. Depending on snow conditions, choose a cross-country skiing route at Leaf Lake, conveniently located near the East Gate, or venture farther into the park to explore another ski trail.

If skiing conditions are not suitable, don't let that stop you. IceHiking with crampons and hiking poles is another wonderful way to explore the winter trails and enjoy the peaceful forest surroundings.

Early Afternoon: Snowshoe Through the Forest

Change things up with a snowshoeing adventure. Explore an ungroomed hiking trail or, where conditions permit, venture through the deeper snow into the quiet forest. You may discover a peaceful corner of Algonquin that feels a world away from everyday life.

Remember to stay off groomed and trackset cross-country ski trails, which are reserved for skiers.

If you prefer something a little less strenuous, visit the outdoor skating rink at Mew Lake and enjoy a leisurely skate together. Check whether the rink is open and confirm skating times before visiting. Couples Resort provides skates for guests, so you can simply lace up and enjoy some time on the ice.

Before returning to the resort, consider a stop at the Algonquin Visitor Centre. Its informative exhibits explore the park's natural environment, wildlife, history and culture. Check opening hours before your visit.

Around 3 PM: Back to Your Private Retreat

After a day outdoors, return to Couples Resort and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.

Perhaps begin with a visit to our public sauna, or spend a little time in the fitness room if you feel like keeping up your exercise routine. Then retreat to your accommodation and enjoy the amenities of your own private space. Soak in your whirlpool tub, step into your private outdoor hot tub or simply put on your bathrobes, light the fireplace and relax together. Select accommodations also offer a private sauna or steam room.

A little spa indulgence? If you have reserved a massage or spa treatment, this is a lovely time to enjoy it after your outdoor adventures. Prefer to start your day feeling completely relaxed? You can also arrange a morning appointment before heading into the park. We recommend booking spa treatments well in advance of your arrival so you can plan your day around your appointment.

Evening: Another Night to Savour

As evening approaches, get ready for another delicious five-course gourmet dinner, included with your stay. Enjoy the atmosphere of the dining room or have dinner delivered to your room with complimentary in-room service.

After dinner, perhaps challenge each other to a game of pool, darts, shuffleboard or ping pong in the recreation room, open until 10:00 PM.

Or skip the games tonight. Return to your room, let the fireplace glow, soak in your whirlpool or step into your private outdoor hot tub beneath the winter sky.

Two days away from the everyday, and already so many memories to share.

After two days of exploring Algonquin, enjoy a slower start to the morning. Take your time over a gourmet breakfast at the resort, enjoy another cup of coffee by the fireplace, and get ready for a different kind of winter adventure.

Late Morning: Ice Hiking Through Algonquin's Winter Wilderness

With your resort-provided ice crampons and hiking poles, head into Algonquin Park for a closer look at its winter landscapes. Explore suitable forest trails, rocky terrain and scenic lookout areas where snow and ice transform the familiar landscape into something entirely different.

Crisp winter air, snow-covered evergreens and sparkling ice formations make even a familiar trail feel like a new adventure. Take your time, enjoy the scenery and stop along the way to capture a few photographs together.

Early Afternoon: Discover Algonquin's Winter Wildlife

Winter offers a wonderful opportunity to discover the wildlife that calls Algonquin home. After a fresh snowfall, look closely along the trails for tracks and other signs of animal activity.

Keep an eye out for the footprints of moose, foxes, martens, fishers and other woodland wildlife. You may also spot winter birds such as the Canada Jay or Boreal Chickadee. While seeing the animals themselves is never guaranteed, discovering their tracks can be just as rewarding.

A Special Algonquin Experience: Birds Up Close

One of the most delightful experiences of a winter visit to Algonquin is having its friendly feathered residents come close enough to land on your outstretched hand. With bird seed provided by Couples Resort, you may find curious chickadees, nuthatches and even Canada Jays stopping by for a brief visit.

It's a wonderful opportunity to experience Algonquin's winter birdlife up close, capture some memorable photographs and enjoy a special connection with nature. Keep your camera ready — you never know who might come to visit!

For a little more insight into the park's wildlife, consider stopping at the Algonquin Visitor Centre, if open, to explore its exhibits and learn more about the animals and natural history of the region.

Mid-Afternoon: Back to Your Private Winter Retreat

After a refreshing day outdoors, return to Couples Resort and leave the winter chill behind. Warm up in the public sauna or head straight to your room to enjoy your private outdoor hot tub, whirlpool tub and wood-burning fireplace.

If you would like to make the afternoon even more relaxing, this is a wonderful time for a massage or spa treatment at Algonquin Spa. Remember to reserve your appointment in advance.

Evening: Another Memorable Dinner Together

As evening arrives, enjoy another five-course gourmet dinner, either in our romantic dining room or delivered directly to your room at no additional room-service charge.

Spend the rest of the evening your way. Enjoy a game in the recreation room, unwind in your hot tub beneath the winter sky, or simply settle in beside the fireplace and enjoy having nowhere else to be.

Three days away from the everyday, surrounded by nature, comfort and time together.

Prefer a day without an outing into the park? Make the resort your destination. Enjoy everything Couples Resort has to offer, take your time and spend the day together without a schedule.

Morning: Wake Up to a Morning of Your Own

Sleep in, enjoy a leisurely gourmet breakfast delivered right to your room. There's no need to set an alarm or rush out the door.

Settle in beside your real wood-burning fireplace, soak in your private whirlpool tub or step outside into your private outdoor hot tub. Select accommodations also feature their own private sauna or steam room, giving you even more ways to unwind together.

Late Morning: Discover the Resort

Take a leisurely stroll along the resort's small walking trail and enjoy the natural surroundings of Galeairy Lake. Stop by the office for directions and information about the trail and resort facilities.

You can also explore a little of the resort's history. Visit the recreation room, where photographs tell the story of Couples Resort through the years, almost like looking through a family album.

You'll also find an art gallery featuring paintings by Gertrude Sorensen, the resort's founder. Couples Resort began in 1967 and remains family-run today. Gertrude continues to paint, making the gallery a special part of the resort's story.

Afternoon: Lunch, Leisure & A Little Recreation

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the resort, or have it delivered directly to your room at no additional room-service charge. Lunch is available at an additional cost, making it easy to enjoy a meal in the comfort of your own private retreat without interrupting your day together.

If you feel like getting out of your room, visit the recreation room, which opens at 11:00 AM. With its welcoming pub-like atmosphere and a collection of classic pub games, it's a great place to enjoy a little friendly competition together.

You can also visit the public sauna, spend some time in the fitness room or simply return to your room and enjoy the quiet.

Late Afternoon: Time for a Little Indulgence

Perhaps today is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a massage or spa treatment at Algonquin Spa. Take some time to relax and let the day unfold without a schedule. Spa appointments are best reserved in advance.

Evening: A Romantic Evening, Your Way

As the day draws to a close, enjoy another included five-course gourmet dinner in the dining room or have it delivered to your room with complimentary in-room service.

After dinner, there's no need to go anywhere. Enjoy your fireplace, whirlpool and private outdoor hot tub, or spend a little more time together in the recreation room.

Sometimes the most memorable getaway days are the ones when you have absolutely nothing you need to do.

Your winter getaway may be coming to an end, but there is still time to enjoy a little more romance, relaxation and everything Couples Resort has to offer.

Morning: One Last Morning of Romance

There is no need to rush through your final morning. Enjoy an early gourmet breakfast delivered to your room, then take one last soak in your private outdoor hot tub. Enjoy the warmth of your fireplace, relax together and savour those final moments of your winter getaway.

Check-out time is 11:00 AM, giving you plenty of time to get ready and pack before heading out.

Late Morning & Afternoon: Stay a Little Longer

Your stay in the room may be ending, but your time at Couples Resort doesn't have to. You are welcome to continue enjoying the resort's amenities until 4:00 PM.

There's still time to enjoy a few more hours at Couples Resort. Relax in the public sauna, enjoy a little friendly competition in the recreation room, or head out for one last visit to Algonquin Park. Before you depart, why not enjoy lunch at the resort and make the most of your final day together?

If you borrowed winter equipment or received an Algonquin Park pass, please return everything to the resort before leaving. Park passes may be kept for your final outing but must be returned by the end of the day to avoid a replacement charge.

Until We Meet Again

Three days of winter scenery, cozy evenings, gourmet dining and time together. We hope you leave with wonderful memories of your romantic winter escape at Couples Resort — and a reason to return.