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If Europe feels too crowded (and too expensive) this summer—or if a road trip to the States doesn’t feel quite right giving our political climate (hello, tariffs) consider keeping your travels closer to home. Canada’s own boutique hotels, Nordic spa retreats, and off-the-grid cabins have quietly leveled up, offering design-forward stays that rival anything abroad. Plus, you’ll skip the airport chaos and keep your dollars circulating locally. From lakeside motels to moody manors and floating chalets, these destinations stretch coast to coast and suit whatever pace you’re after—whether that’s a quick weekend recharge or an extended summer escape. Scroll on for standout Canadian stays that make a strong case for skipping the passport and checking into something uniquely local instead.
Courtesy of Rosemead House
Rosemead House | Esquimalt, B.C.
THE SPOT: On the southern tip of Vancouver Island, just minutes from downtown Victoria, Rosemead House offers a moody, romantic counterpoint to the island’s rugged coastline. The 28-room boutique hotel is tucked within a restored 1906 Tudor Revival manor—once known as the Old English Inn—and reimagined with thoughtful restraint. Rich with history and heritage gardens, the property pairs creaky charm with quiet, yet sometimes quirky, luxury. Think stained glass, dark wood, playful patterns and layered textiles with moments of stillness everywhere. From a slow coffee in the solarium to an evening aperitif by the fireplace, this is the kind of stay where time slows down on purpose. THINGS TO DO: Spend the morning wandering the property’s storybook grounds or take a short drive into Victoria for oceanfront strolls. Back at the hotel, Janevca Kitchen is the soulful heart of the house, led by Chef Andrea Alridge, the menu draws on family recipes and open-fire cooking techniques, with locally sourced ingredients. 
Friday Harbour | Innisfil, Ont.
THE SPOT: Tucked along the shores of Lake Simcoe, just an hour’s drive North from Toronto, Friday Harbour is an all-season luxury resort community perfect for those seeking an elevated cottage experience. Whether you desire a cozy one-bedroom condo suite or a spacious multi-room townhome, this destination has it all. Both the accommodations and communal spaces seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living, creating a refined yet relaxed atmosphere for families and individuals alike. THINGS TO DO: The resort offers an array of activities: visitors can explore the scenic 200-acre Nature Preserve, lounge by Lake Simcoe or hit the greens at The Nest, an 18-hole golf course. For some serious R & R, though, indulge in a day trip to nearby Vettä Nordic Spa in Horseshoe Valley. This Finnish-inspired thermal spa emphasizes hot, cold and chill cycles. For ultimate relaxation, book a massage.
Courtesy of The Pearle Spa & Hotel
The Pearle Hotel| Burlington, Ont.
THE VIBE An hour west of Toronto but worlds away in mood, the hotel and spa, which opened in 2021, brings contemporary elegance to the heart of Burlington. Hugging the edge of Lake Ontario, next to Spencer Smith Park, it offers guests panoramic views of the water. The design-driven retreat blends coastal calm design elements leaning on Mediterranean minimalism—think blond wood, gauzy drapery and natural stone—while the property’s walkable location makes it ideal for weekend wanderers. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, planning a girls’ trip or slipping away for a solo recharge, this gem offers the kind of quiet sophistication that lingers long after checkout.
THINGS TO DO Start the day with a sunrise stroll or ride (guests can borrow bikes) along the lakefront before heading to the spa for a steam in the marble-clad Hammam or indulge in a full-body treatment or skin pampering facial. Seriously, don’t skip a visit to the spa, the staff, expertise and services on offer are first in class. Then slip into the serene indoor pool after a workout at the sleek fitness centre. Come evening, grab a table at Isabelle Restaurant + Lounge, where seasonal pastas, wines and lake breezes set the tone. If you want to go off property for a bite, Spencer’s on the Waterfront is a local favourite.
Courtesy of Bora Boréal
Bora Boréal Minibora Floating Chalets | Bury, Que.
THE SPOT: Drifting between Nordic minimalism and Quebecois charm, these eight floating Minibora chalets are the definition of off-the-grid romance in the heart of the Eastern Townships. Set on Lake Batley (a two-hour drive from Montreal) these intimate, design-forward eco-retreats are made for slow living, stargazing, and soaking in the silence. Each 450-square-foot cabin floats gently on the water, anchored just far enough from shore (and each other) to feel like your own private space. The showstopper? The glass-panelled garage door that opens directly onto the lake, plus rooftop terraces and netted lounge lofts where you can gaze out at the stars or lose track of time watching the water ripple below. THINGS TO DO: Wake with the sunrise and a cup of locally roasted coffee (on the house, naturellement) as morning mist drifts across the lake. Your day might start with a paddle—kayaks, paddleboards and even fishing gear are all complimentary—before a leisurely return to your floating chalet for a sun-soaked nap in the rooftop net hammock. As dusk settles, rotate between three Nordic baths on the property and the lakeside relaxation pavilion. Stargazers, take note: the nearby Mont-Mégantic Dark Sky Reserve offers some of the clearest celestial views on the continent.
Courtesy of South Beach Motel
South Beach Motel | Southampton, Ont.
THE SPOT: Nestled near Lake Huron’s shoreline in quaint Southampton, this newly redesigned motel (originally built in the ‘50s) serves vintage summer fantasy with throwback touches, roomy suites and the energy of a retro beach party flick. Think equal parts Miami nostalgia and Ontario cottage-country charm. A bold departure from its serene sister property, The Beach Motel, this 12-suite retreat is all about laid-back luxury with room to spread out. The aesthetic? Playful, punchy and unapologetically kitchy. Suites are generous in size (some with two bedrooms and a living room) and kitted out with full kitchenettes, making them ideal for families, friend groups or anyone staying longer than a weekend. Beyond the vibrant interiors, a central courtyard invites guests to gather for barbecues and play lawn games. THINGS TO DO: Spend the day beachside (just a five-minute stroll away), then unwind back at the property with a restorative sauna session and invigorating cold plunge before curling up fireside beneath the stars. A 15-minute walk brings you to Southampton’s charming main street, where you can sip a craft pint at Outlaw Brew Co. or cool off with a cone from Fun In The Sun Ice Cream Parlour. Come evening, head to Mirasol, a sultry Spanish-inspired restaurant at The Beach Hotel, serving refined tapas and coastal wines on a breezy, candlelit rooftop. Pro tip: Don’t miss the sunsets in Southampton, they offer some of the best in Canada.
Courtesy of Moxy Banff
Moxy Banff | Banff, Alta.
THE SPOT: Across North America, restored motels have gone from kitsch to cutting edge, and the Moxy Banff is a perfect example of this. Opened in 2024, this respite transformed The Voyager Inn—originally constructed in 1964—into a hip hotel featuring 109 rooms with smart layouts, blending modern comforts with the charm of its retro roots. The $30-million renovation was carried out with intentional sustainability, preserving an important piece of Banff’s architectural heritage. Guests can unwind in the nostalgic Voyager Room, equipped with a vinyl collection of more than 200 records and a vintage sound system with high-fidelity equipment from the 1970s. THINGS TO DO: Already known for its world-class skiing, Banff thrives in the summer, too, offering myriad outdoor activities in the Rocky Mountains. Rent a canoe and paddle on glacier-fed waters for breathtaking views at Bow River or Vermilion Lakes. For a different perspective, take a ride on the Banff Gondola to explore the summit of Sulphur Mountain. After a day of adventure, return to the Moxy Banff and visit Bar Moxy, the heartbeat of the hotel. This groovy space is the perfect spot to hang out with friends over handcrafted cocktails and small plates.
Courtesy of the Liberty Inn
Liberty Inn | Caledon, Ont.
THE SPOT: Tucked into the rolling hills of Caledon—just a 45-minute drive North West of Toronto—and perched on the edge of Forks of the Credit Provincial Park (there’s a trailhead across the stree), Liberty Inn is Caledon’s premier Nordic spa hotel, offering a boutique stay that’s entirely in a league of its own. Opened in early 2025 by husband-and-wife team Jacqui Liberty and Bruno Roldan, the heritage property (originally built in 1855) pairs historic charm with contemporary restraint across just five artfully designed suites. Every detail is considered: from the original stone walls and quietly luxurious finishes to the nearly 10,000 handcrafted ceramic tiles found throughout the suites, created over two years by co-founder and ceramicist Jacqui Liberty. Even the stoneware—plates, mugs, and more—was made by hand. Add in a bespoke scent distilled in-house and spa amenities designed for full-body relaxation, and you have the ultimate setting for a romantic getaway or a low-key escape with friends. THINGS TO DO: Guests can book exclusive hour-long access to the inn’s woodland spa, a private, al fresco circuit of sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge, set among the trees for a moment of Nordic-inspired calm. Each suite reservation includes spa access at a preferred guest rate of $35/hour, and use is entirely private and per group. Outside the inn, take a morning hike through Forks of the Credit or Cheltenham Badlands, book a tee time at nearby TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, or stop by the adjoining ceramics studio to see Jacqui Liberty’s work up close. 
Courtesy of The Algonquin
The Algonquin | St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, N.B.
THE SPOT: There’s something undeniably cinematic about this historic hotel, perched above the Bay of Fundy in a postcard-perfect town, its grand Tudor-style silhouette feels tailor-made for champagne picnics—or a moonlit ghost tour. Originally opened in 1889, the beloved Maritime landmark is entering a new era thanks to an $11-million transformation. The reimagined 233 guestrooms are airy, soothing and soulful. The property channels the easy elegance of a refined coastal cottage while marrying original heritage oak floors with a spa-like palette, soft nautical nods everywhere. Think “coastal grandma,” but make it elevated: less linen apron, more curated calm with a design pedigree to match. THINGS TO DO: Start your day with a breezy bike ride along the Van Horne Trail, then spend the afternoon in full East Coast mode eating ice cream on the resorts pristine gardens, hitting a round of golf on the resort’s namesake award-winning course (arguably one of Canada’s most scenic back nines) that’s five minutes away, or whale watching off the Bay of Fundy. Come evening, wind down with live music in the Gallery or a ghost tour through the historic grounds before toasting marshmallows under the stars. Want to unwind? Sneak away for a seaside cocktail and take in the breathtaking sunsets.
Courtesy of Somewhere Inn
Somewhere Inn | Collingwood, Ont.
THE SPOT: Found in the heart of historic Collingwood, this location marks the boutique brand’s second property (the first is dubbed Calabogie in the Ottawa Valley). Housed in a century-old home, this inn – which opened earlier this year – was designed with a captivating blend of old-world charm and streamlined accents. The building’s history is honoured in each of its 10 rooms, which merge vintage charm with modern elegance and boast moody ensuites, bespoke furniture and restored original flooring. The inn’s lobby and patio are its vibrant core. At dawn, it’s a contemporary café; by night, a laid-back wine bar where you can sip organic wines and chat with lodgers and locals alike. Plus, your furry companions are welcome here, too! THINGS TO DO: Cyclists can enjoy more than 250 routes in the Collingwood area, while hikers (or wannabes) can get out and explore the trails at Scenic Caves. Climb to the summit and take in the panoramic views or make your way down into the crevices of the caves, dating back hundreds of millions of years. If chill is on your agenda, stay closer to home and visit local breweries (check out Black Bellows Brewing Company) or grab a cocktail at local favourite Low Down. Finish your day at the inn with a few thermal cycles in the sauna and cold plunge, designed to refresh and relax.
Courtesy of Farouche Tremblant
Farouche | Tremblant, Que.
THE SPOT: Opened in 2022, this inviting four-season Nordic farm retreat is set on 100 acres near the banks of the Diable River and at the gateway to Mont-Tremblant National Park. Seven eco-luxury A-frame cabins—each with a two-night minimum stay—offer guests (up to four per unit) a serene haven and access to the region’s pristine lakes, mountains and hiking trails. Each cabin is thoughtfully designed in the Scandi style to provide a cozy space, featuring a king bed, a wood stove and breathtaking views of the verdant forest. Daily breakfast is included, and dogs are welcome in most structures. THINGS TO DO: Those with an adventurous spirit will appreciate the knapsacks in each cabin (as well as the snowshoes for winter guests). You can also rent electric bikes and paddleboards from the main lodge. After a day of exploring, unwind and rejuvenate with a soak in the red cedar Nordic bath. Continue Reading
