Canadians are more determined than ever to spend their hard-earned travel money close to home these days. Which makes it a great time to explore areas close to home.
Great Escapes, the official digital magazine of Resorts of Ontario, has released its Spring/Summer 2026 issue, inviting readers to discover the diverse and unforgettable experiences that await at resort destinations across the province.
The new issue highlights the many ways travellers can enjoy an Ontario resort stay — from lakeside relaxation and family-friendly activities to culinary experiences, outdoor adventure, and wellness escapes. Featuring member resorts from across the province, almost all within a couple hours of the Greater Toronto Area, the magazine serves as both inspiration and a practical guide for planning a summer getaway.
“At Resorts of Ontario, we know that every resort offers its own unique story and sense of place,” said Kerri Sass, Executive Director of Resorts of Ontario. “The Great Escapes Summer 2026 issue brings those stories together, showcasing the incredible variety of experiences available across our member resorts and helping travellers find the getaway that feels just right for them.”
Readers of Great Escapes will find curated stories and features designed to help them explore the full spectrum of Ontario resort experiences. The issue includes guides to different types of resort stays, insights into what makes an Ontario all-inclusive vacation unique, and ideas for memorable summer activities that can be enjoyed during a resort getaway.
It’s a wonderful resource for a terrific group of resorts across southern Ontario, which has a wide array of opportunities for every type of traveller.
Relaxing lakeside at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa. JIM BYERS PHOTO
“Our goal with Great Escapes is to inspire people to explore Ontario’s resort regions and experience the hospitality that our members are known for,” Sass added. “Summer is one of the most magical times to visit, when long days on the lake, great local food, and time outdoors come together to create unforgettable memories.”
Published by Resorts of Ontario, Great Escapes highlights the province’s leading resort destinations and provides readers with ideas and inspiration for planning their next escape. The Spring/Summer 2026 issue is available online at resortsofontario.com.
I’ve had the pleasure of staying overnight at eight or nine of their resorts, and have visited several others.
Here are a few thoughts about my most recent visits.
Elmhirst’s Resort: I’ve stayed here twice in the past few years, and have booked four cottages for a family visit in the early fall of this year. It’s a perfect spot for families, with nicely decorated cottages overlooking Rice Lake. There’s a fine restaurant (with an emphasis on Ontario wines) on site, and a lively pub, and they also have a kids’ playground and free bikes and canoes/kayaks, as well as an indoor and outdoor pool. There are full kitchens and a variety of units, ranging from one to multiple bedrooms.
Cottage 10 at Elmhirst’s Resort. Jim Byers Photo
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa: This is one of the most elegant properties in Ontario; a Muskoka classic with an upscale touch. The food is top-notch, and the setting – high on a hill overlooking Lake Rosseau – is stunning. Rooms are beautifully decorated, and there’s a fantastic waterfront and swimming pool complex. There’s great golf right around the corner, and wonderful boat tours of Lake Rosseau. The amazing views make it a very popular spot for weddings, and there are great snow activities in winter.
Hockley Valley Resort: About an hour northwest of Toronto, Hockley Valley Resort has very good food, spacious units and an excellent golf course. This is the resort that introduced me to one of my favourite cocktails; The Paper Plane. Thank you for that! There’s great skiing in winter, an inviting spa, and a nice outdoor swimming pool for summer. The fall colours here are truly exceptional, as well. Next door is Adamo Estate Winery, which has a sunny, large patio and very good wines.
Other great options I’ve enjoyed over the years include Cedar Grove Lodge, Rawley Resort, Spa and Marina, and Sherwood Inn in Muskoka, Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton (magical for spa lovers) and The Pillar and Post Inn in the beautiful town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Rocky Crest and Cobble Beach resorts have truly magnificent golf courses.
EUROPE VISITS AND SHOULDER SEASON
According to Globus’s 2025/26 Wish List Survey of more than 25,000 North American travellers, Europe continues to lead the pack of desirable destinations.
The company, which runs Globus Tours, Cosmos Tours and Avalon Waterways (I had a fabulous trip on the Danube with Avalon a few years ago), says Europe continues to lead wish lists with Italy, Scotland, Ireland, England and Greece leading the pack, and Alaska remains popular.
Their study also found that 75% of North Americans prefer to travel outside peak summer months, a trend that reinforces the growing appeal of shoulder-season departures.
The regal Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland.
I’ve argued for years that it makes little sense, unless you can’t avoid it, to visit Europe in summer. It’s always been the most crowded time of the year in great European destinations such as France and Italy, as well as in cities like Amsterdam, London and Barcelona. It’s also been increasingly hot in Europe in summer the past few years.
Which is why I advocate for visiting in spring or fall. Spring is great for tulip viewing in Amsterdam, or to stroll the parks of Paris or London. Fall is excellent if you’re headed to Greece, Spain or southern Italy, or even the French Riviera, as the weather is great. Not to mention the fact that the Mediterranean Sea is still warm enough for swimming on a good day.
Travelling to Europe in winter also can be a tremendous experience. As I’ve said before, you don’t go to Ireland or Scotland (or Wales or England or Holland or Germany) to work on your tan, so why not visit when the crowds are nearly completely gone? The museums of Paris will be nearly deserted in January compared to July, and the pubs of Dublin or Edinburgh will likely be filled with locals, not visitors.
PORTER AIRLINES ADDS HAMILTON-OTTAWA FLIGHTS
The Rideau Canal in Ottawa. PHOTO COURTESY VISIT 1000 ISLANDS
There’s good news for folks in the nation’s capital or the Hamilton/Golden Horseshoe region of southern Ontario. Porter Airlines is adding a new link between Hamilton and Ottawa with the launch of nonstop service from YHM Hamilton to YQW Ottawa International Airport.
Service begins June 22, with two daily flights operated by Porter’s 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft. The route gives Hamilton travellers convenient access to Ottawa, while also connecting to 11 destinations through Porter’s YOW hub.
This follows yesterday’s announcement of 14x weekly service between the new Montreal Metropolitan Airport (MET) and Hamilton. Porter now serves 12 year-round and seasonal destinations from YHM, spanning across Canada, and multiple destinations in Florida and Mexico.
CRUISE NEWS AND VIEWS
A painted elephant in Jaipur, India. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Viking has announced new dates for its India river voyages in 2027, 2028 and 2029 are now open for booking. These additional dates include sailings on the Viking Ganges, a new vessel designed specifically for the Brahmaputra River. Currently under construction and scheduled to debut in 2028, the Viking Ganges will join her sister ship, the Viking Brahmaputra, which is set to begin operations in late 2027. I spent a week in India in 2010 and found it to be a magical and beautiful destination, with stunning destinations such as Jaipur and Agra (home of the Taj Mahal) and warm, welcoming people. I also took a Viking cruise on the Danube River in 2013 or so, which was terrific … Royal Caribbean has revealed plans to redeploy the 3,926-passenger Freedom of the Seas from the Bahamas and the Caribbean to Southampton, England for the summer 2027 season. The Freedom-class ship will replace the 3,798-passenger Liberty of the Seas, which sails from Southampton for the 2026 season. The cruise line says the change reflects the continued strength of the UK & Ireland market, which I admit I hadn’t thought about as a cruise destination in the past. But there are tons of great things to see and do in Ireland and the UK, and a cruise would be a great way to get a feel for both countries … Conde Nast Traveler says higher oil prices amid the conflict in iran have already led to some airline raising flight prices. It also says at least one international cruise line has started adding fuel surcharges to some voyages in order to help cover the elevated cost of oil: Malaysia-based StarDream Cruises announced last week that it will add fuel surcharges to new bookings made after March 20 for its voyages through Asia. The extra fees will be about $19 to $26 USD per night for every guest age 2 and older, depending on the itinerary, the cruise line said.
