[caption id="attachment_1126" align="alignnone" ] Enjoy the ride from Bayview Wildwood. Photo: Martin Lortz[/caption]

 

A resort vacation appeals to those who want it all in one place, no planning, mapping or scheduling required. For many people “it all” means relaxing, dining, comfortable accommodations, a beach or pool, and fitness centre. But others want adventure as part of their hard-earned vacation, too. They want relaxation, but also a thrill. Fortunately, Ontario resorts have much more to offer than might be obvious, Ontario resorts have much more to offer than might be obvious, ATVing and PWC adventures among them. Both are popular outdoor activities for the modern adventurer, tourists from within the province and country, and those from across the US border can join in at any experience level. Maybe you’re booking a vacation for yourself, your spouse, and your teenaged children and you all want a bit of adventure? Maybe some of your group is more interested in taking it easy, and some want the option of a rugged ATV trail, or some time speeding along the water on a choice personal watercraft? If your version of “having it all” means thrills and comfort, or the group you’re travelling in—be it a family vacation or company retreat—requires both to balance out everyone’s wants and needs, you’re in luck. Here is a list of some of the resorts in Ontario that offer an endorphin rush, and luxury. (Please note this is not a complete list. For all bookings and the most up-to-date information available, please contact the resorts and/or rental companies directly.)  

Ontario Resorts That Offer It All

[caption id="attachment_media-20" align="alignnone" ] Pinestone offers meeting space of the conventional sort, and for those more interested in meeting on the trails. Photo: Virgil Knapp[/caption]

 

Pinestone Resort & Conference Centre — Haliburton, ON One of the province’s most premiere destinations, the Pinestone may be best known for it’s spa amenities and golf getaways. Offering natural beauty and truly upscale accommodations, it will please thrill-seekers to know there is also opportunity for more hardcore fun in the form of PWC and ATV. The well-reviewed Back Country Tours is the resort’s official provider for off-road ATVs, Sea Doo and Jet Ski rentals (and, in winter, snowmobiles as well). Back Country is an easy 15 minutes away, and right next to a trail. Guided ATV tours are on offer and a popular activity for family fun and corporate bookings and safety and riding lessons are available.   Deerhurst Resort – Huntsville, Ontario Deerhurst is a high-end option for accommodations in Muskoka—so much so that the resort has played host to world leaders. On-site you’ll find golf and a spa, as well as numerous other seasonal activities for families or adults. Among them are fishing charters, an antique boat tour, an inflatable waterpark, tennis, paddleboarding, treetop trekking, indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Personal watercraft rentals are available on site. They’re booked through the resort’s activities desk and run through the ski school company Summer Water Sports (SWS). The company offers one, three and six-hour rentals. Guests can also take part in a Yamaha riding adventure, with the use of brand new 2016 Yamaha ATVs and Viking side-by-sides. The experience includes rider training and a guided tour; mini dirt bikes and youth ATV options are also available.   Ogopogo Resort on Mountain Lake – Minden, Ontario Enjoy the natural beauty of the Haliburton Highlands. This family-friendly resort offers screened lakeside dining in their gazebo, evening campfires and swim rafts off their dock. Summer at Ogopogo includes a heated pool, fishing, a sand beach, canoes, kayaks and paddleboats. Plus, there are five golf courses within a 15-minute drive. Ogopogo is the first on their lake to offer Sea Doo Spark rentals—guests can enjoy these 3-person PWCs, as well as single-person tubes and water skis for towing. Set on Mountain Lake in the Haliburton Highlands, Ogopogo Resort partners with Back Country ATV Tours to offer discounted rates on your accommodations when you book an ATV tour or rental.    [caption id="attachment_media-21" align="alignnone" ] Family-friendly PWC fun awaits at Ontario resorts.[/caption]

Ontario Resorts Offering Personal Watercraft (PWC) Rentals

Viamede Resort - Woodview, Ontario Set on Stoney Lake in the Kawarthas, the Viamede makes it’s fun-friendliness evident from the get-go, with boat-up dining options and trailer parking. With 2,000 feet of shoreline, this full-service conference centre and resort has lots of space and lots to offer any type of traveller staying in their resort rooms or cottages. Mountain-biking, a water trampoline, disc-golf (Frisbee golf, essentially, if the term is new to you) and an on-site farm that grows food for the resort kitchens all set this spot apart. While Viamede doesn’t offer motorized rentals, guests can rent from a third party and have PWCs delivered; often opting for Town & Country Marine in Lakefield.   Severn Lodge – Port Severn, Ontario This premier lakeside resort offers all-inclusive vacations in the Muskoka and Georgian Bay Lake district, about three hours from the Detroit border and only 90 minutes from Toronto. Resort rooms or cottages are available, as are family and corporate packages. Distinguished Executive Chef Hubert Obermeier leaves an impression on resort guests with outstanding fare offered waterfront, often including local specials. Through the summer, supervised activities for children create the right balance between family, couple and solo time. Jet-ski rentals are available on-site for an additional charge.   The Rosseau: A JW Marriott Resort & Spa – Minett, Ontario A gem in the Muskoka area, The Rosseau offers rooms with full-kitchens, excellent fine and casual dining—with craft beers, an extensive wine selection and local “farm-to-fork” options—and a full-service luxury spa, with men’s and women’s facilities, as well as packages catering to couples. There’s a stone fireplace in every room of this, golf courses nearby, and a 24-hour fitness centre. Spend time on the exclusive beach, newspaper, enjoy a horse and carriage ride or Segway tour. And when it’s time for an adrenaline boost, 2-person jet ski rentals are available for one or three hour bookings, with fuel included in rental rates.   Bayview Wildwood Resort – Severn Bridge, ON Choose between suites, resort rooms or waterfront cottages at this stunning resort on Sparrow Lake. Upscale dining and suburb views make this a popular wedding spot for those looking for a rustic and elegant event. Whether it’s a gold trip, meeting destination or family vacation, a trip to Bayview Wildwood promises to be memorable. Though the resort no longer offers ATV rentals, thrill-seekers won’t be left in the dust, as jet ski rentals are made available through Summer Water Sports.   Living Water Resort – Collingwood, ON The Living Water Resort has lots to offer: golfing, spa treatments, and exclusive events amongst them. Theirs is the only waterfront restaurant in the area, and specializes in sustainable seafood. The Marina is one of the amenity landmarks at the resort, allowing you to explore all that Georgian Bay has to offer. Living Water Resort partners with Xtreme Adventures, offered exclusively at this resort in Collingwood, offering many ways to get out on the water: waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, boat tours, and jet ski rentals. To rent jet skis, drivers must be at least 16-years-old; a license is required.

 

Ontario resorts offering ATV rentals:

[caption id="attachment_1127" align="alignnone" ] ATV parking at Bayview Wildwood. Photo: Martin Lortz[/caption]

 

Couples Resort – Algonquin Park, ON Spend a kid-free weekend at this 5-star luxury couples resort in the heart of Algonquin Park. First-class five-course meals, and rooms equipped with Keurig coffee makers, private outdoor hot tubs and wood-burning fireplaces are only some of the perks of this resort. While the resort has stopped offering private ATV rentals onsite, they remain ATV-friendly and suggest Back Country Tours or Highland Wilderness Tours for rentals during your stay.   Lake Herridge Lodge & Resort – Temagami, ON With a tagline like “where adventure meets relaxation,” you know the people operating this resort understand what you’re looking for. Stunning rock formations, vast forests, and plenty of wildlife adorn the area. Fish on the remote lake, hunt game, go out on a kayak or chow down on a locally-sourced meal or baked-from-scratch dessert. When you’re ready for the mud, there are hundreds of miles of trails to explore—with rough terrain for the more experienced rider, or more tame trails for those just starting out. Bring your own gear and go out with a guide or on your own.   Beauview Cottage Resort – Huntsville, ON This down-to-earth lakeside resort will appeal to those looking for a more laid-back vibe. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend away or a longer family trip. Starting May 1^st each year you can ride ATVs from the resort to the Lake of Bays trails, only five minutes away—look out for moose as you ride!   Bonnie View Inn – Haliburton, ON This family-owned and operated resort is situated on a luxurious waterfront with suites, chalets and cottages available. Only two hours from Toronto, you’ll be in awe of your surroundings—the unique countryside offers the best in “big resort” activities and down-to-earth ambience. Expand on your standard resort package at Bonnie View by booking adding on a package from Ski Mazing Watersports, which offers watersports, parasailing, flyboard and jetovator options. ATV and Hummer excursions can be booked through Back Country, and with owners who ride you know you’ll get good advice about local trails.   Cedar Grove Family Resort – Tobermory, ON A family resort with a sense of serenity and adventure! These cottage rentals offer a home away from home; each offer an equipped kitchen and backyard propane BBQ. Boat rentals are available onsite—canoes, solo and tandem kayaks, paddle boats, and motorized fishing boats. In town, you’ll find many quality pubs and restaurants; nearby are unique attractions including The Grotto and Flowerpot Island, and glass bottom boat tours that will take you there. Book your ATV or jet ski rental with Back Country Tours (first) and a discount will be applied to your resort booking.   Horseshoe Resort — Barrie, ON With treetop trekking, Segway tours, rock climbing, zip-lining, cross-country and downhill bike trails and a water ramp that gives high-performance freestyle skier and snowboarders a training facility during the off-season, you’d think you were signing up for an adventure camp, rather than a luxury resort. A man-made lake with wakeboard cable park, upgraded golf facilities, and beach volleyball are all new offerings at the much-loved Ontario staple. Join a Yamaha adventure, with two-hour and half-day options available. Or, opt for motorcycle training and/or riding for two hours, half or full-days (dual-sport options are available for full-days). The website boasts natural trails through rugged forest and a wide range of terrain—“hills and valleys, snow peaks and grassy meadows, mud and gravel pits and much more!” Anyone over the age of six who can ride a bicycle very well is welcome. [caption id="attachment_1136" align="alignnone" ] Horseshoe Resort is popular with many types of thrill-seekers, motorcyclists included. Photo: Virgil Knapp[/caption]