Charming Lakeside Inn amid Pine Groves in Muskoka

All in all, Canada's historical Trent-Severn Waterway took more than 80 years to build. A massive undertaking, no doubt, but it established an elaborate network of locks and canals that link Lake Huron to Lake Ontario and extend for over 380 kilometers past some of the most picturesque parts of Southern Ontario's Muskoka region. Christie's Mill Inn & Spa, in Port Severn, overlooks a lake that leads to the waterway and several other natural attractions, including the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. Barrie and Toronto are both less than two hours away from the inn by car.

You can get a nice view of the lake in the onsite restaurant's dining room. Here, chefs use seasonal and local ingredients to prepare gourmet entrees such as garlic-crusted rack of lamb and almond-pear stuffed chicken. The staff strongly advises reservations for the dining room; the seats fill up fast.

Inside the inn's suites and guest rooms, period furnishings and warm tones suggest the French countryside. The intimate water-view suite, like many of the other rooms, is outfitted with a fireplace and a relaxing whirlpool tub.

You can enjoy couples massages and invigorating facials infused with natural minerals and vanilla at Christie's Spa. Afterward, feel free to kick back in the indoor saltwater pool and hot tub.

Port Severn, Ontario: Winding Waterways and Seaside Cottages

Port Severn is part of Southern Ontario's Muskoka region, which is renowned for its natural beauty, punctuated by more than a thousand lakes and groves of pine trees. Millions of tourists come to Muskoka's seaside cottages each year, including big-name celebrities such as Tom Hanks. While you're in Port Severn, check out the Trent-Severn Waterway's historical Marine Railway lock. It's one of the only operating locks in North America that uses a lift to transfer boats to more elevated parts of the water.

Just 20 minutes from the inn, the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre encompasses more than 3,000 acres of forests and wetlands. In autumn, you can hike the trails to see a canopy of colorful leaves. You can enjoy the scenery here in practically any season, in fact—there are also kayaks and ski trails.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.