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Gorgeous Canadian weekend getaways for safe fall travelling
Travel expert Heather Greenwood-Davis shares beautiful destinations to visit in our own backyard!
October 12, 2020 2:05 p.m. EST
October 15, 2020 3:20 p.m. EST
Au Diable Vert[/caption]
AU DIABLE VERT - QUEBEC
You can’t get much more socially distant than climbing up into the trees, right? Au Diable Vert has, among other options, a selection of treehouses that you can stay in. The property is located in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec. We’ve talked about those before - it's an absolutely stunning, quaint area of the province that is about an hour from Montreal. Along with the treehouses, they have super cute Pods – think of little Hobbit houses, airstream trailers and other options for you to stay in.A few things to keep in mind depending on what you pick - you may be dealing with an outhouse or shared shower situation, but many of the options also have self-contained kitchens, fire pits, etc.Treehouses can house from 2-8 people, so depending on your bubble you can find an option that is right for you!When you aren’t hanging out in your cozy cocoon of a nest, there’s a wine trail to explore and a canopy cycle – basically an in-air bicycle through the trees - to try out. Treehouses start at $119/night; pods start at $99.[caption id="attachment_4951785" align="alignleft" width="1920"]
Kisik Ridge cuisine[/caption]
KISIK RIDGE - NOVA SCOTIA
One of the areas that has really grown in the last little while is Indigenous Tourism. Experiences across the country range from incredible restaurants to full lodging experiences. In Nova Scotia Kisik Ridge is a stunning mountaintop home with an ocean view. You can settle in for farm-to-table dinners at the property on the Bay of Fundy. It’s owned by Chefs Ray Bear and Saronn Pov, who bought it with a goal of giving guests an experience that brought them closer to the land.The property only has two suites. One can handle two guests, the other up to 8, so it’s a great choice if you’re travelling with a handful of family.[caption id="attachment_4951787" align="alignleft" width="1920"]
Cape Anguille Lighthouse Inn[/caption]
THE CAPE ANGUILLE LIGHTHOUSE INN - NEWFOUNDLAND
What could be more socially distant than a room in a lighthouse? The Cape Anguille Lighthouse Inn is a restored light-keeper’s home in Western Newfoundland. It’s actually a registered heritage structure and sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. There are no TVs or telephones - it’s meant to be an escape! - but with a 4-star rating you’re still going to be really comfortable.Birdwatchers and whale spotters will love it, but it’s also a great pick for hikers. A cool thing they offer is a Torngats tour that takes you to the land of Polar Bears, fjords and the Labrador home of the Inuit. It’s about 45 minutes from Port Aux Basques, and rooms start at $130 per night.[video_embed id='2040561']RELATED: Do you miss planning vacations?[/video_embed][caption id="attachment_4951791" align="alignleft" width="1920"]
Whiteshell Provincial Park[/caption]
THE BARRIER BAY RESORT - MANITOBA
If you’ve leaned into the social distancing over the last few months, a little more isolation might be just what you’re looking for. The Barrier Bay Resort in Manitoba could be exactly what we are after. The property in Whiteshell Provincial Park is adults only and most of the cottages are meant for two. It’s a simple stay where you’re going to find the best things about it outside your door and included with your stay. Kayaking, canoeing, Stand Up Paddleboards, swimming (there’s a heated outdoor pool if lake swimming isn’t your thing). Private fireplaces, jacuzzi tubs…you get the drift.[caption id="attachment_4951795" align="alignleft" width="1920"]
Mount Logan Lodge[/caption]
MOUNT LOGAN LODGE - YUKON
The Yukon is home to nature’s most coveted light show. The aurora borealis are visible from mid-August to mid-April. Ideal viewing conditions consist of dark and clear nights (preferably moonless) with a magic window between 10 pm and 3 am. But with temperatures that are less than “warm” taking them in can require a lot of layers, unless…you do it from a hot tub.Book a stay at Mount Logan Lodge about 2 hours from Whitehorse and you can do exactly that. The hot tubs are open 24 hours so you can hop in and watch the show whenever it happens. And for that real Canadian experience, take a dip in the little creek/natural pool (beside the outdoor hot tub) to cool off; or roll in the snow in winter and pop back in.[caption id="attachment_4951796" align="alignleft" width="1920"]
Seaside Cottage at Wild Renfrew[/caption]
SEASIDE COTTAGES AT WILD RENFREW - BRITISH COLUMBIA
If you’re looking for something a little more pampered in BC, head to Port Renfrew. The Seaside Cottages at Wild Renfrew are stunning and the perfect mix of that rustic charm but all the trappings of a 5-star experience. It’s less than a 2-hour drive from Victoria. You could also book a Beachfront 2-bedroom cottage. It comes with a private fire pit and seating area that overlooks the beach and the ocean, as well as a full kitchen and mountain views. It’s got Wi-Fi and cozy communal spaces so cranking up some tunes for an impromptu bubble-safe beach party can be a part of your plans. It’s about $350 per night based on 4-person occupancy and you can ask for a pet-friendly room.[caption id="attachment_4951797" align="alignleft" width="2560"]
Manitoulin Island[/caption]
