Postponed international trips = amazing staycation opportunities

Young and old will enjoy the thrill of getting that big one!

Why here? There are plenty of reasons to choose a vacation in Sunset Country. If you're from Manitoba or Saskatchewan and looking to replace your summer road trip (whether you're in an RV or travelling by car) we've got tons of remote spots to go camping, and we have more lakes than people so no matter where you stop it's easy to social distance here! We’re naturally remote!

Sunset meditation. Photo: Steve Hallas

If you come from Northern Ontario, take advantage of your own backyard this summer! Explore one of our thousands of lakes (or a waterfall--if you haven't been to our own Niagara of the North, Kakebeka Falls, now is definitely the time!), explore a new town, or try a different campground! Take that canoe trip to Woodland Caribou, Wabakimi or Quetico Parks that's been on your bucket list for a while. Think of the isolation you'll experience in the the deep wilderness of Ontario's parks. You may not see another canoeist for the majority of your trip! There's never been a better time to explore your own backyard.

Wherever you're coming from, you'll need a place to stay. Most of our lodges and campgrounds in the area are family-run, small businesses. They’d love to share their little slice of heaven with you. 

REMOTE ACCOMMODATIONS = Easy Social Distancing

All lodges and resorts are following Health Canada and the Government of Ontario's guidelines to keep you safe on your vacation. Remote check-ins, deep cleaning, hand washing or sanitizing stations, and rotating room occupancies are just a few of the things they will be doing to keep you safe. Plus you can rest easy knowing it's almost impossible to run into a crowd up here–wherever you choose to stay, you'll be able to relax knowing that social distancing is the order of the day. 

There are quite a few options when choosing a resort. Many resorts, whether you are choosing the American Plan or Housekeeping Plan, offer cabin rentals so you stay in your own cozy cabin. Use the Sunset Country Accommodation Finder to find exactly what you are looking for. 

American Plan resorts generally include meals and are more all-inclusive. Currently, in Ontario, our restaurants are closed to inside dining, however, our gorgous, spacious patios are open. You can eat a meal on the deck and enjoy the view or have it delivered to your cabin. 

Housekeeping Plans generally don’t include the meals. The cabin rentals have full kitchens so you can safely prepare your own favorites. Grill that morning's catch with a glass of Ontario wine or craft beer in your hand while surrounded by our amazing boreal forests. 

It’s hard not to feel safe, content and relaxed when you’re in this environment. Spend the day on the lake, at the beach or go for a hike on a trail in the wilderness. Whatever you choose, you can’t really go wrong. 

Private and Provincial campgrounds are open with some restrictions. Some of the facilities such as a shower house may be closed. Relaxing, swimming, exploring the lake, and having a campfire–that's all open for business and encouraged! The ability to be outdoors in Sunset Country wilderness totally makes up for any minor inconveniences you may encouneter due to health precautions. 

Enjoying family time on a houseboat trip.

Houseboat rentals are also a great way to self isolate! Take the time to book your family vacation aboard a houseboat for a trip the whole family will never forget! Get away from the hustle and bustle and just enjoy your vacation. (I’ve been on a few houseboat trips with family, and honestly, it’s such a great time). A houseboat is an opportunity for great company, great views of the lake, and just an all around awesome vacation. 

Canoeing in Woodland Caribou Park with Goldseekers Canoe Outfitting.

So whether you stay at a lodge, on a houseboat or at a campground, rest assured you'll be surrounded by the best of what Sunset Country has to offer. Go fishing, take a pontoon boat ride at sunset, canoe trip in a wilderness park, hike the wilderness or just simply relax with a book on a beach. The choices are endless and are virtually all stress free! 

A Great Blue Heron coming in for landing.

Activities in sunset country = more fresh air than you've had in months 

There are so many activities to do in Sunset Country. Just like our beautifully isolated accommodations, the things to do in Northwest Ontario are practically designed for social distancing. 

• Explore a nature trail right outside your lodge or visit one of the many community hiking trails.
• Explore an easily accessible waterfall or venture out on the lake to find a more remote waterfall. 
• Canoe one of the wilderness parks or lakes in Sunset Country.
• Watch out for one of the many wildlife species that are plentiful here. Moose, deer, bear, or maybe even a Woodland Caribou are some of the larger animals you may spot. Birds such as eagles, pelicans, loons, Canada Geese, and the Great Blue Heron are abundant. Fox, beavers, lynx, and rabbit sightings are also possible. 
• Go fishing and enjoy a traditional shore lunch.
• Watch the dark skies for northern lights.
• Go blueberries picking for wild blueberries. They taste amazing!
• Enjoy watersports such as tubing, kayaking, canoeing, paddling on a SUP or just enjoy spending the day at the beach. 

No matter what your original plans were for this summer, we know a vacation spent in Sunset Country will be an amazing one you'll never forget. You'll feel relaxed, safe, and amazing in our naturally remote region!

Please email Ontario's Sunset Country Travel Association with any questions you may have about vacationing in Northwest Ontario or visit visitsunsetcountry.com for more vacation ideas. 

Read More: A Manitoban's Guide to Sunset Country.