The Chatelaine getaway guide

Cross-Canada escapes

Searching for a place to escape to, but sick of having your romantic rendezvous interrupted by hordes of tourists? We combed the country for the best places to vacation with your honey – no kids allowed. Find out how to get there, where to stay and, if you can tear yourselves out from underneath the sheets, what activities are available. Scroll through our suggestions to locate a remote hot spot in the province or territory of your choice, then pack your bags and get ready for romance, Canuck-style. 

Yukon

Experience a prospector's paradise south of Whitehorse

The escape: The green, pink, red and blue cascading lights of Aurora Borealis are just one example of the boundless wonders of the Canadian north. The area surrounding Marsh Lake, just 35-minutes southeast of Whitehorse, is a nature-lover's dream with stunning mountain views, lush forests and countless hiking and biking trails to explore. Marsh Lake is also the perfect place to embark on a trip to eastern Alaska. The Alaska Highway that leads to the border has actually been named one of the world's most scenic drives.

To shack up: With its woodsy décor and lakefront location, a stay at the Inn on the Lake is an absolute must. Need proof? Just ask Martha Stewart, who traveled to the inn to film a segment for her television show. Included in the room rate is complimentary bicycle, canoe and kayak rental as well as access to an outdoor sauna and hot tub. For something a little more remote, continue on 45-minutes from the Inn on the Lake to the Inn on the River. Surrounded by wilderness, the Inn on the River offers up countless activities: hop on an all-terrain vehicle and explore the forest or learn how to pan for gold.

To spice things up: If you've got time to spare, sign up for the six-day trek and fly tour offered by Yukon River Cruises. The trip, which begins in Whitehorse, includes a scenic drive to Atlin, B.C., a cruise down Atlin Lake to the Llewellyn Fjord, a floatplane tour over the Llewellyn Glacier, three nights at the Tagish Wilderness Lodge and the opportunity to boat, fish and hike to your heart's content.

Northwest Territories

Bask in the midnight sun in Inuvik

The escape: Exploring remote rivers, watching arctic wildlife, immersing yourself in aboriginal culture: It's a good thing there's 24 hours of daylight, because there's a lot of ground to cover during a summer trip Inuvik.

To shack up: Fly to Inuvik with First Air or Canadian North and make the Arctic Chalet your base camp. Whether you're hopping in a canoe to head out for a paddle on Chuck Lake, hanging out with the resident team of sled dogs or just cuddling up inside your log cabin, the Arctic Chalet offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature.

To spice things up: Interested in exploring the tundra, learning about the Inuvialuit families in Tuktoyaktuk or earning your "Arctic Ocean Toe Dipping Certificate"? If so, check out the many trips offered by Arctic Nature Tours.

Nunavut

Get away from it all at a remote Arctic lodge

The escape: Nothing brings a couple together like complete isolation in the high Arctic. Sure, they may not be the easiest places to get to, but a stay at one of Nunavut's remote wilderness lodges is the type of thing you'll remember for the rest of your life. These are places so removed from the rest of the world they are unreachable by roads.

To shack up: Both Elu Inlet Lodge and Bathurst Inlet Lodge are accessible solely by floatplane. Canadian North and First Air offer flights from cities across Canada to Cambridge Bay, where floatplanes depart for Elu Inlet. Elu Inlet is located on the central Canadian Arctic coast, an area long inhabited by the Inuit people. Elu Inlet Lodge is made up of three simple guest cabins on the water's edge surrounding a main lodge with dining area, lounge and bar. Days can be spent investigating the tundra around the Inlet, which is covered with blossoming wildflowers during summer, and checking out the nearby Inuit archaeological sites. Bathurst Inlet Lodge in western Nunavut flies guests in from Yellowknife, 360 miles away. This lodge, which used to be a Hudson's Bay Trading Post, is the ideal place to learn about Inuit culture. Situated in a tiny Inuit community, the lodge offers cultural programs in the evenings to educate its guests about the area and its inhabitants.

To spice things up: If you're staying at Elu Inlet Lodge, the Seashell Beach boat trip is a must. The trip traces the coastline and offers the unique opportunity to see herds of musk oxen, peregrine falcons and flotillas of sea ducks. Bathurst Inlet has been called the Serengeti of the north and an excursion to view the huge caribou herds that inhabit the area will leave you awe struck.

British Columbia

Go luxury camping on B.C.'s Sunshine Coast

The escape: Forget about lumpy beds, smelly outhouses and half-cooked hotdogs: Camping, an activity that has really only been romantic in theory up until now, has just gotten a lot more appealing. Luxury camping, a burgeoning trend in B.C., means you get to experience all the beauty of nature from the comfort of a tent that is already pitched (permanently). The Sunshine Coast, tucked into the southwest corner of mainland B.C., with its lush rainforests and stunning shorelines set against the backdrop of the Coast Mountains, is the ideal place for your first taste of bourgeois bushwhacking.

To shack up: From Vancouver travel to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal and board the boat to Langdale. From Langdale, heading north on Highway 101 will bring you to two of the area's top luxury camping resorts. The first, Rockwater Secret Cove Resort, is home to a series of "tenthouse suites", which are accessed via a treetop boardwalk suspended 1500 feet in the air. Each suite offers a king bed, hydrotherapy tub, fireplace and a veranda with a view of the Pacific Ocean. Further north, and little more on the rustic side, is the "safari tent village" at Ruby Lake Resort & Rainforest Spa. Situated on one of the warmest lakes in B.C., the resort offers tents furnished with four-poster beds and fireplaces where you can relax, surrounded only by the sounds of the forest. Keep in mind the tents at Ruby Lake don't have ensuite bathrooms, so if you're squeamish about shared facilities you may want to opt for one of the resort's cabins instead.

To spice things up: During your stay at Rockwater, rent a sea kayak and set out to explore the area's bays and inlets or board a water shuttle to Thormanby Island where you can spend the day relaxing on the beach. At Ruby Lake, spend the day exploring the resort's bird sanctuary, then indulge in a three-course meal at the onsite waterfront Italian trattoria. of the north and an excursion to view the huge caribou herds that inhabit the area will leave you awe struck.

Alberta

Relax in the mountains around Lake Louise

The escape: Surrounded by hot springs and majestic snowy peaks, Lake Louise has garnered the attention of tourists from all over the world. The good news is, there are still a few resorts on the outskirts of town that can provide the privacy you're after.

To shack up: Situated within Banff National Park, Lake Louise is located about 180 km west of Calgary and if seeing the awe-inspiring Victoria Glacier reflected in the blue-green water of the lake doesn't get you in the mood, settling into your cozy mountain retreat will surely seal the deal. If you've got some cash to burn Moraine Lake Lodge is a must. This stunning post-and-beam log structure on the shores of Lake Moraine is the epitome of rustic luxury. All rooms have outdoor decks, hand-crafted log furniture, down duvets and soaker tubs. The Lodge also has complimentary canoe rentals. If you're on a tighter budget and want to stay a little closer to the town of Lake Louise check out Deer Lodge. There is something especially homey about this charming property. A five-minute walk from Lake Louise itself, Deer Lodge offers a mix of historical and modern rooms, but the biggest draw has to be the Lodge's rooftop hot tub – the perfect place for glacier-viewing.

To spice things up: There are so many things to do in Lake Louise that you'll have to rely on letting your energy level determine your itinerary. If you're feeling ambitious, try out river rafting or take a trail ride to Lake Agnes Tea House. If you're in the mood to relax, head to Banff Upper Hot Springs for a soak, followed by a couples massage at Pleiades Massage and Spa.

Saskatchewan

Explore an enchanting forest in Prince Albert National Park

The escape: If central Saskatchewan has yet to make your travel wish list, you may want to reconsider. In the time it takes to get your bags and maneuver through the mob of tourists at the Vancouver airport you could be halfway to your secluded cottage on the edge of Prince Albert National Park. The park, which is located about two and a half hours north of Saskatoon, is home to the only fully-protected white pelican nesting colony in Canada and a free-ranging herd of plains bison.

To shack up: There are several lakeside properties around the outskirts of the park where you can experience the calm of the forest with all the comforts of home. If it's seclusion you're after, check out the log chalets at Land of the Loon Resort. These units, which are situated just steps from Anglin Lake, are separated by 100 feet of bush and trees and accessed by separate roadways. Each also features a deck and a full kitchen so you can maximize your alone time and with little outdoor artificial lighting, Land of the Loon Resort was designed with star-gazers in mind. The cottages at Jewel of the North are another popular accommodation option. Each of these units features a full kitchen, fireplace, covered deck, barbecue and satellite television. A unique touch is the resort's "special service team" – order a food hamper before you arrive and skip the grocery store.

To spice things up: Hop on a pontoon boat at nearby Waskesiu Marina and cruise the Hanging Heart Lakes. Passing by eagles' nests and beaver lodges, touring the lakes will allow you to experience some of the most beautiful scenery that Prince Albert National Park has to offer. Upper Hot Springs for a soak, followed by a couples massage at Pleiades Massage and Spa.

Manitoba

Meander through a marsh in Manitoba's Parkland

The escape: The Parkland region in western central Manitoba is home to numerous lakes, national and provincial parks as well as the Portia Marsh Interpretive Area – a perfect place to spot pelicans, coots, herons and a host of songbirds.

To shack up: Situated right next to Riding Mountain National Park, Elkhorn Resort offers luxurious accommodations and activities to suit all interests. From swimming and sailing to golfing and trail rides, there's no shortage of things to do in and around this wilderness resort. Accommodations at the resort range from guest rooms with balconies and fireplaces to fully equipped two-, three- and four-bedroom chalets.

To spice things up: Treat yourself with breakfast in bed before heading out to explore Riding Mountain National Park, the nearby town of Wasagaming and the beaches of Clear Lake.

Ontario

Tour the Taste Trail in Prince Edward County

The escape: Move over Niagara-on-the-Lake – with gorgeous sandy beaches, 800 kilometres of sparkling shoreline, a convenient location smack-dab in between Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa and a reputation as Canada's newest up-and-coming wine region, Prince Edward County is the ideal place to head for a weekend of wining and dining.

To shack up: The County, as the area is known to locals, is situated just outside of Belleville, Ont. on a peninsula surrounded by the waters of Lake Ontario. The County encompasses several small villages as well as the larger town of Picton and there are accommodations available to suit every taste and budget. A stay at the elegant Devonshire Inn on the Lake in Wellington is sure to set the mood. This lakeside gem features an intimate setting surrounded by nature. Some rooms have Jacuzzi tubs and a delicious full breakfast is included in all room rates. The Waring House in Warings Corner is another great choice. Each room in this 19th century home decorated with antique furnishings is slightly different. To turn things up notch, opt for a room with a hot tub. The Waring House also operates its own wine and cookery schools and has three onsite dining rooms.

To spice things up: Before a long day biking the Taste Trail, relax with a spa treatment at The Claramount Inn & Spa. After checking out local wineries, such as Waupoos Estates and Huff Estates, cap the day off with a moonlight paddle courtesy of Bernie Gray Kayaking.nearby town of Wasagaming and the beaches of Clear Lake. 

Quebec

Snorkel with seals off Îles de la Madeleine

The escape: There is no disputing the romantic allure of Montreal and Quebec City, but for a truly unique experience there is no place like the Îles de la Madeleine archipelago. This chain of islands linked by sand dunes is located in the middle of the Gulf of the St. Lawrence and the surrounding waters are home to an abundance of marine life including four different types of seals. Madelinot culture also differs from that of mainland Quebec due to the fact that the archipelago remained completely isolated for so long and although tourists are slowly starting to discover the area, it still remains relatively secret compared to the province's other popular destinations.

To shack up: Air Canada offers daily flights from Montreal and Quebec City to the Îles de la Madeleine, which arrive at the airport on the island of Havre-aux-Maisons. The Domain du Vieux Couvent is a highly recommended historic property with a fabulous view of the ocean located three kilometers from the airport on Havre-au-Maisons. Havre-sur-Mer on the island of Havre-Aubert, 41 kilometres from the airport, is also a good choice, and room rates include a gourmet breakfast each morning.

To spice things up: Those looking to relax will appreciate the area's many beaches, especially in late August when surrounding waters can reach up to 18C. More adventurous couples will want to contact the Centre nautique de l'Istorlet, which offers guided excursions to snorkel with seals.

New Brunswick

Wander the beaches of Grand Manan

The escape: Even the crustiest city dweller would find it hard not kick back on Grand Manan. Surrounded by the Bay of Fundy, Grand Manan Island off the coast of New Brunswick operates at its own pace – and that pace is relaxed. With beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see and ragged cliffs that tower over the pounding surf, there's so much to take in that rushing around is not an option. Grand Manan is home to countless lighthouses, over 300 species of birds, 18 hiking and cycling trails and postcard-perfect fishing villages.

To shack up: The ferry to Grand Manan leaves from Blacks Harbour, a one-hour drive from the Saint John airport. Once on the island head to The Meadows Cottages on Whale Cove. These self-contained units come equipped with everything you could ask for, including large oceanview decks complete with barbecues and patio furniture. With a stunning view of Seal Cove Sound, Beach Front Cottages is another great accommodation option. Each of these fully-equipped cottages has its own fire pit – the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine and some roasted marshmallows after a day at the beach.

To spice things up: Sign up for a tour of Machias Seal Island with Sea Watch Tours. The island is a breeding site for the North Atlantic puffin and a Canadian Migratory Bird Sanctuary. The tour also includes a visit to a nearby seal colony.

Nova Scotia

Embrace Celtic culture on Cape Breton Island

The escape: Cape Breton Island's Celtic heritage, stunning seascapes and fabulous sunsets are hardly a secret anymore, but despite the area's popularity, there are still remote corners of the island that offer both stimulation and solitude.

To shack up: From mainland Nova Scotia take the Canso Causeway to the island and start your trip out with a stay at the Glenora Inn and Distillery, North America's only single malt whiskey distillery and inn. Located off the scenic Ceilidh Trail between the Mabou Highlands and the beaches of Inverness, this unique location features six self-contained log chalets nestled on a mountain. Take advantage of hourly tours of the distillery or head out to explore one of the nearby hiking trails. Continue north, through the Margaree River Valley, to the Normaway Inn and Cabins, situated amidst 250 acres of woodlands and fields. In addition to its comfortable suites and pine cabins, this quaint property offers packages that include sailing cruises of the Bras d'Or lakes and fly-fishing expeditions. Full breakfasts and gourmet dinners are also served up for a reasonable price.

To spice things up: Pack a picnic and set out to explore Glenora Falls or kick up your heels to the Celtic music at one of the Normaway Inn's weekly summer barn dances.

Prince Edward Island

Hide from the world on the eastern tip of P.E.I.

The escape: The beaches in eastern P.E.I. are some of the best in the province and a getaway to this peaceful place, about an hour from Charlottetown, is the perfect way to relax and reconnect. The area tends to draw outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the coastline and local lighthouses by day and indulge in decadent candlelit meals as the sun sets.

To shack up: The Johnson Shore Inn, with only 12 guest rooms, is a gorgeous property situated on a red, rocky cliff overlooking the Gulf of the St. Lawrence. Each room offers a view of the sea and no phones or televisions means it's easy to leave the pressures of everyday life behind. Another fantastic choice is the 15-room Inn at Spry Point, situated in field which descends into the sea. This is not a place to bring the kids – couples looking to experience the beauty of the area in an intimate location make up the majority of this inn's clientele. Both The Johnson Shore Inn and the Inn at Spry Point offer dining rooms serving up elegant meals prepared using local ingredients.

To spice things up: Spend the day exploring nearby Greenwich National Park and its unique coastal dune system or get adventurous and book a tuna fishing expedition in North Lake, the Tuna Capital of the World. Hey, it's obviously no trip to the spa, but you'll be out on the water and your guy will be singing your praises for months afterwards. An added bonus, there's a chance you may even see other marine life, such as seals or whales, while you're out searching for giant tuna. Contact MacNeill's Deep Sea Fishing Charters or Tony's Tuna Fishing for additional information.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Live like a light keeper on Quirpon Island

The escape: If you're looking for alone time, Quirpon Island is the ideal hideout. Linkum Tours offers 45-minute boat rides through Iceberg Alley from the tiny town of Quirpon to this deserted island, located off the northern tip of Newfoundland.

To shack up: Fly into Deerlake, Nfld. and head northwest towards Gros Morne National Park. Spend a few days touring the park before continuing on to the town of Quirpon. Quirpon is located about four and a half hours from the Deerlake airport and rental cars can be booked through Linkum Tours. The Quirpon Lighthouse Inn, features 11 cozy rooms situated in two houses at the base of an operating lighthouse. Phones and televisions are considered unnecessary distractions at the inn. Who needs them when you can step outside to see whales and icebergs? All meals, including homemade traditional suppers, are included in the room rates so with a few good books and a couple nice bottles of vino you'll have all you need.

To spice things up: This retreat is all about taking pleasure in the simple things in life. Grab some snacks and a blanket and head out on one of the nearby walking trails. Once you're pooped, find a tucked away spot to cuddle up and kick back. If you feel like sticking close to the Inn, spend the day marveling at nature inside the property's whale- and iceberg-viewing station.