One thing that COVID-19 has stimulated is a collective craving for a change of scenery. It helps if this change in scenery involves something completely different from the home you know and love, but have grown inevitably stir crazy in after months of pandemic-inspired isolation measures. If you’re looking for a local escape, grab your bubble and book a weekend away (or – better yet – longer, if everyone’s working or learning remotely) at one of these 11 epic Ontario Airbnb rentals.
Word of advice: book these beauties now while there are still some dates available in the foreseeable future.
11 Epic Airbnbs To Rent In Ontario This Winter
1. The Model 1900 Chalet
For a unique escape close to Ottawa, pack your bags and hit the Model 1900 Chalet, an ultra modern escape in the woods. The unique chalet is a passive solar house surrounded by pristine woods, with easy access to the nation’s capital and its numerous winter offerings. The cozy but editorial-worthy escape cuts no corners in the detail and design departments, and features things like a 14-foot-high wall of windows, a large great room, luxury bathrooms, a sleek and spacious kitchen, a fireplace, and a large private deck. With two bedrooms and two bathrooms, the chalet comfortably accommodates four guests.
2. South Pond Farms Cottage
For a tiny and minimalist – yet, completely refined – escape from the city, book the countryside South Pond Farms Cottage in the Kawartha Lakes. Here, you can wake to the sounds of roosters and hand-delivered homemade treats, enjoy a tranquil rainfall shower, explore Ontario’s farmland, relax in a private sauna, and unwind with wine and a custom charcuterie board by the fire. With space for up to four guests (but it makes the ideal romantic escape for two), the farm cabin features one bedroom with a queen size bed; the living room sofa converts into another queen bed. ***This spot does not have a full kitchen with a stove and oven, but (delicious) homemade meals are available for order.
3. Modern Muskoka Retreat
For a complete splurge, you can drop (many) dollars on this stunning modern Lake Muskoka retreat this holiday season. Perfect for a large family bubble with a soft spot for entertaining, this ultra modern and design-forward, nine-bedroom Muskoka compound features five-star perks like large dining and entertaining spaces, a Muskoka Room with a bar, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, an infusion of tech throughout, a games room (with pool, ping-pong, and shuffleboard), a hot tub, a Himalayan salt brick sauna, and a granite steam room with rain showers.
4. Manila Church House
For a change of scenery that you’ll want to document on social media, book a stay at the Manila Church House in the Kawarthas. This place is ideal for those with a soft spot for historic spaces and a unique design. Built in 1869, the Gothic Revival-style Manila Church has been converted from a place of worship to a luxurious loft-style escape. Many elements of the original church remain – like stunning stained glass windows and exposed brick – while an innovative design and a childlike swing in the living room(!) modernize the mood.
5. Cressy House
Owned by well-known chef, Grant van Gameron (owner of hotspots Bar Isabel and Bar Raval) and his wife Sunny Stone, Prince Edward County’s luxurious Cressy House, naturally, caters to the foodie. The stylish, six-bedroom property sits on 500 feet of private waterfront and features a vineyard. Keeping guests cozy in the winter, the property features nine fireplaces and outdoor fire pits. Perhaps the best perk for guests looking to completely relax during their stay is the ability to staff a private chef from Toronto to cover the cooking (and, likely, better than anyone else would).
6. Aux Box Muskoka
If your idea of a Muskoka getaway doesn’t involve a multi-million dollar mansion – rather, the opposite – book the teeny tiny Aux Box. Get back to basics in this compact, cube-shaped cabin. Located just an eight-minute drive to the restaurants and shops of Huntsville, this charming spot offers a mini (in the most literal sense) and modern breathe of fresh air. Perks of this property include ample natural light, an outdoor deck with a hot tub, and a campfire. With zero running water (aside from an outdoor shower), a composting toilet, and a hot plate for cooking, this pint-sized retreat admittedly isn’t for everyone, especially in the winter months (there is, however, hydro to keep you toasty).
7. Modern Blue Mountain Chalet
Unwind from a day on the slopes this winter at this large, custom-built Blue Mountain chalet. Siting just steps from the ski resort’s North Side chair lift, it shines in the location department. At this impressive, eight-bedroom, 5.5 bathroom property, your bubble (this spot is perfect for large families) can enjoy an elegant open-concept, widow-filled living room with soaring ceilings, a double-sided fireplace, an over-sized kitchen to accommodate as many cooks as needed, and a large tiered deck with a covered gas grill and a hot tub.
8. Muskoka Log Cottage
Summertime staple, Muskoka, is just as dreamy in the winter months, especially when you can stay in a classic Scandinavian scribe Muskoka cottage. This easy-on-the-eyes, four-bedroom escape offers all the essentials for quality bonding with your bubble: an open-concept design, fireplace, spacious kitchen, year-round hot tub, outdoor fire pit, an assortment of games (including jumbo Jenga), air hockey, and even a karaoke machine. The secluded log cottage sits on seven acres of prime Ontario land, seemingly world’s away from the density and lights of the city.
9. The Fitzroy Field House
If you’re looking for convenience and Instagram-worthy décor during your next visit to Prince Edward County, book a stay at The Fitzroy Field House. The mid-century-inspired bungalow sits on a quiet street less than two kilometres from the regions most popular wineries, like Rosehall, Norm Hardie, and Hinterand. Aside from its thoughtful décor (including an indoor swing), perks of this place include things like a well-curated vinyl collection, satellite TV and Internet, an outdoor campfire, and – perfect for winter – a huge soaker tub.
10. The Wolegib Retreat
Located on the Muskoka River, just minutes to downtown Huntsville, The Wolegib retreat redefines the modest waterfront cottage experience with an ultra modern twist. The cottage sits on a three-acre private lot and offers a cozy retreat in the winter despite its floor-to-ceiling windows, thanks to a fireplace, a large l-shaped sofa, an outdoor fire pit, and a rec room that provides hours of indoor entertainment with ping-pong, foosball, and sir hockey. Meanwhile, the cooks of the house will appreciate a large, open kitchen.
11. Cabin on the 9
This cozy cabin in the woods feels worlds away from the city, despite its being less than one hour from downtown Toronto. Set on 15 acres – including a gorgeous half-acre pond right outside its front door – and located just minutes from Orangeville, this cabin offers a refreshing and relaxing socially distanced escape. The nature-surrounded spot encourages guests to disconnect, and features a wood burning stove, kitchenette with a small fridge, and a romantic loft with a queen-sized bed. A private washroom and showering facilities are located in a nearby main house, where you can also connect to Wi-Fi. Sleds and snowshoes are available for guests to take full advantage of the pristine snow-covered surroundings this winter.
***COVID-19-inspired changes may affect the ability to travel within the province or to book short-term rentals. Please check with your local government.
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