Ontario Staycation? Yes, please!
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
With one million square kilometres of land, Ontario offers plenty of opportunity for exploration. From dynamic cities and quaint small towns to rugged wilderness and vast open spaces, Canada’s most populous province has it all. And with the Ontario government introducing a 2022 tax credit for residents who travel within their own province, there’s never been a better time to plan your dream Ontario staycation.
The Ontario Staycation Tax Credit will allow residents to claim accommodation expenses on their Personal Income Tax and receive a credit of 20 per cent. Individuals can claim up to $1,000 (for a credit of $200) and families can claim $2,000 (for a credit of $400). This credit is eligible on 2022 accommodations (such as hotels, motels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, cottages or campgrounds) in Ontario and must be for leisure (not business-related) purposes. Don’t forget to keep your receipts!
With so many amazing options available all across the province, you won’t have trouble planning an amazing vacation — the biggest challenge might be narrowing down where to go first. We’d love to help! Reach out to our team and we will create an amazing itinerary tailored just for you and your group.
Here are a few getaway ideas to get you inspired:
Take advantage of Ontario’s rural landscape & plan a Farm Stay
The majority of Ontarians live and work in urban centres. For something truly different, we recommend a stay on a working farm! Ontario’s agricultural roots are strong and, in recent years, an increasing amount of farms have opened their doors to offer immersive experiences for individuals, couples and families.
A farm stay is an excellent way to disconnect from devices and reconnect with the land that provides our food. Try our Hands-On Taste of Nature experience where you will gather farm-fresh ingredients and learn how to cook a delicious meal over an open fire.
Or disconnect completely with this glamping experience that allows guests to stay in an off-grid yurt right in the middle of a working organic farm.
If you want wilderness experiences in Ontario, go north!
For warm hospitality and stunning scenery, head north to the exciting towns and beautiful wilderness of Northern Ontario. One of our favourite itineraries includes a stop in Sault Ste. Marie for a ride on the Agawa Canyon Train. This stunning journey takes you deep into the Agawa Canyon that was forged more than a billion years ago. It is beautiful any time of the year, but especially stunning in the fall — this train is popular though so be sure to book well in advance.
If you’re looking for even more incredible views, head up along the shores of Lake Superior from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay for one of Canada’s most stunning scenic drives or try our beautiful Georgian Bay Coastal Route drive.
We also really love the idea of sleeping out in the wilderness but without having to set up all our own gear. This amazing adventure in Wawaitin Falls, deep in Northern Ontario, has the best of both worlds: remote and pristine surroundings with accommodations in a canvas prospectors tent! This is glamping at its best!
Ontario Vacations on the water offer so much choice
Canoe at sunset, Charleston Lake Provincial Park. Photo by Tomoki Onishi c/o Ontario Parks
Ontario is home to 250,000 lakes, including four of the five Great Lakes, and a vast network of rivers. It is no wonder that so much of life in Ontario revolves around the water. For your 2022 staycation, consider trying a new aquatic experience. Perhaps a guided canoe trip into Algonquin Park or a fishing adventure in a wilderness lodge?
For some heart-pounding adventure, try rafting over rapids on the Madawaska River. Or for a more relaxed adventure, rent a yacht and sail on a leisurely cruise along the historic Rideau Canal.
Gas Prices cut into your vacation budget? Explore Ontario close to home
Photo by Ryan Lee
Most Ontarians live in the southern parts of the province and there’s plenty of incredible places to explore not far from home. Discover our innovative and exciting Rail + Roam packages that take you into South Eastern Ontario or discover the beautiful region of Haliburton Highlands, which offers so much adventure just a few hours from the GTA.
Just ask our Canadian travel experts about adventures in Niagara Falls, Ontario’s Southwest and the ever-popular Muskoka region. For more travel inspiration and stories from the people and places around Canada, subscribe to our journal!
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Whether you stay close to home or venture further out into unknown-to-you parts of the province, you’re sure to find some incredible adventure waiting for you in Ontario.
This post was originally posted on December 3, 2021, but we have updated this version to include more exciting ways for Ontarians to staycation in this province!
