Ontario New Year’s travel resolutions
Dimensions Algonquin Highlands | Destination Ontario
The tradition of New Year’s resolutions, personal commitments made at the start of a new year, is far from new. Ancient Babylonians are believed to have pledged good behaviour each year, as did the Romans with the adoption of the modern-day Gregorian calendar.
New Year’s resolutions are made globally, often focusing on wellness and achievements. Research proves travel therapy is very real. Meaningful travel experiences can contribute to health and happiness. So, include travel in your resolutions for 2025.
Get inspired with this list of travel goals in Ontario.
Explore new places
Visit a place you’ve never been to before. Check out new hotels, attractions and restaurants and experience unique local culture, stories and history. Suggestions include:
Collingwood and Creemore
Once considered solely a ski community, Collingwood and the surrounding area have experienced a renaissance in the last few years with new, year-round appeal.
A pedestrian waterfront promenade, exceptional dining, including The Pine, a MICHELIN-recognized restaurant in Creemore, and trendy boutique lodgings are putting this destination on the map. What remains consistent are the excellent trail network, gorgeous Georgian Bay views, fine craft breweries and, of course, great skiing nearby.
Check into a refined suite at The VanderMarck, enjoy the thermal cycle cold plunge and sauna at cozy Somewhere Inn or book a stay and spa package with The Dorchester Hotel and Scandinave Spa.
Amherstburg and Kingsville
Located on the shores of the Detroit River, Amherstburg is a border town steeped in history.
Established as a British and Loyalist garrison in 1796, it served as a vital terminal during the Underground Railroad in the early 1800s and a key player during the prohibition era in the following century. The area is also one of Canada’s oldest wine-making regions.
Historic architecture, curated museums, exceptional bird watching, picturesque vineyards and new accommodations and wellness experiences from Amherstburg to Kingsville make this spot one to add to your list.
Stay at Hotel Stry in Amherstburg’s Anchor District, The Grove Motel in Colchester or in glamping domes at Lungovita Beach Retreat. Experience a private cold plunge and sauna at Wilderness Retreat and Nordic Spa or sound bathing, reiki and meditation at Estate of Health.
North Bay and Timmins
Perched on the shores of Lake Nipissing, the waterfront district is one of the flagship attractions in North Bay. Just a short stroll from downtown, visitors and locals gravitate to Shabogesic Beach year-round. In addition to summer sun and surf, winter on the lake is equally exciting with ice-fishing, Nordic skiing and the biennial Ice Follies, a February festival of outdoor art and installations.
Discover more nature-based activities within the city. Hit the slopes at Laurentian Ski Hill, explore the trails and boardwalks at Laurier Woods Conservation Area and hike to scenic Duchesnay Falls.
Soak in views of Lake Nipissing from the lakeside barrel sauna at The Finch Beach Resort and savour authentic wood-fired pizza at Aruglua Restaurant. Comfort Inn Lakeside is another great waterfront accommodation. Extend your adventure on a road trip north to Cedar Meadows Resort and Spa in Timmins to sleep with the wolves under the stars.
Bala and Torrance
Bala and Torrance are neighbouring communities nestled in the idyllic Muskoka Lakes. Famous for the annual fall Bala Cranberry Festival, there’s much more to discover in and around this area.
Located across the street from Clear Lake Brewing, Muskoka Beer Spa offers a refreshingly fun twist to the traditional spa experience. Building on the longstanding fame of the Kee to Bala concert venue, the area’s cranberry culture, great trails at Hardy Lake Provincial Park and outstanding sky viewing at Torrance Barrens, the Bala Bay Inn offers a getaway you’ll want to experience. Just a few minutes from Bala, The Dudley Inn is another cozy accommodation option.
Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
The southeastern most reaches of Ontario is a timeless place with unique cultural, agricultural and natural heritage.
Inspired by European hospitality, the Auberge Glengarry Inn in Alexandria is surrounded by local vineyards, breweries, gastropubs, farms and one of the oldest cheesemakers in Canada. Check out unique summer festivals. The Glengarry Highland Games is one of the largest outside of Scotland. Enjoy craft beer and local music at Lost and Found Fest at Lost Villages Brewery.
For a more rustic stay close to nature trails, Hammond Hill offers cozy pioneer cabins, tiny homes and yurts.
Uxbridge and Newmarket
“Canada’s trail capital” got a major boost of trail cred with the opening of Ontario’s newest park, Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park. Situated within the Oak Ridges Moraine, hiking trails connect historic villages with forests, meadows and wetlands. Or opt for a different journey along the beer and cider trail.
Round out your visit with an enchanting evening at uplå aglow and a stay at the recently opened Postmark Hotel in neighbouring Newmarket.
Prioritize wellness
Embrace a healthier you this year. Spend time in nature, reboot with Nordic-style hydrotherapy, explore sober travel or spend a day under the bed covers, known as “hurkle-durkle” in Scotland.
Take a wellness break
From transformative programs at Dimensions Algonquin Highlands to wilderness experiences at Northern Edge Algonquin, restorative wellness retreats and healing sanctuaries help reset mind and spirit with meditation, yoga and other therapeutic practices.
Book a spa getaway
Nourish, refresh and rejuvenate at one of Ontario’s best overnight spa destinations.
Visit a day spa
Offering everything from saunas, thermal pools and cold plunges to salt scrubs, rock therapy and massage, include some “me time” into a busy schedule.
Go forest bathing
Experience the healing quality of nature in Ontario’s parks, trails and forests.
Wake up in nature
From luxurious resorts to rustic cabins, these unique places to stay in Ontario offer nature at your doorstep.
Set outdoor adventure goals
Reach beyond your comfort zone and do something different this year. From fly fishing to rockhounding, try your hand at one of these outdoor adventures.
Go winter camping
With great adventure comes great reward. Book a guided excursion, or ease into the idea with winter glamping.
Experience brag-worthy snow and ice adventures
Set the bar high this year, from ice climbing and ice out paddling to epic skate trails, snowshoeing and viewing an ice cave.
Learn the art of fly fishing
Discover why interest in fly fishing is on the rise. Luckily, learning to fly fish is easier than many think and there are endless opportunities to enjoy the sport in Ontario.
See the Aurora Borealis
Find the best places for stargazing in Ontario and learn about the prime conditions for seeing the Northern Lights. Maximize your chances on a star bathing getaway.
Become a rockhounder
Unearth rock, gemstone or mineral specimens at Ontario’s rockhounding hotspots and learn about the province’s geological past.
Treat yourself
Follow your passion and treat your best friends, someone special or just you to an unforgettable experience this year.
Dine at a MICHELIN restaurant
Toronto was the first Canadian city recognized in the MICHELIN Guide as a top culinary destination. In 2024, the guide expanded to recognize more dining experiences in Toronto and beyond.
Enjoy live theatre
Make this the year to enjoy a theatre event. Ontario is home to internationally recognized theatre events like the Stratford and Shaw Festivals; however, there are many more productions throughout the year. Make it an overnight getaway.
Dress for a fancy afternoon or high tea
Elevate teatime with an assortment of savoury and sweet treats at one of Ontario’s delightful tea rooms, tea houses and tea shops.
Indulge your chocolate craving
Meet some of the best chocolatiers, bakers and confectioners in the province.
Take a cooking or baking class
Step up your kitchen game and learn new skills with a hands-on cooking or baking workshop. Make it an overnight foodie-themed getaway.
Book a vineyard vacation
Take a wine tour to the next level and stay the night at one of these gorgeous Ontario wineries.
Celebrity-inspired accommodations
Live like a superstar, even if only for a night or two.
Last updated: December 20, 2024