Ontario’s wilderness is vast, rugged and endlessly rewarding. Sometimes, reaching the destination is part of what makes the experience unforgettable.
Across the province, a handful of dining and outdoor experiences require a little extra effort to reach, but that’s exactly the point. Whether you’re boarding a water taxi in Algonquin Park, taking to the skies in a float plane, or cruising through the iconic 30,000 Islands by ferry, these adventures prove that getting there can be just as memorable as what awaits at the end of the journey.
Pair a unique mode of transportation with spectacular scenery, exceptional food, and plenty of outdoor adventure, and you’ve got the recipe for an epic Ontario getaway. Discover three unforgettable experiences that offer their own path into the Great Canadian Wilderness, along with a few thoughtful transportation options to help you plan a journey that’s as memorable as the destination itself.
Dine by Water Taxi at Bartlett Lodge, Algonquin Park
Where: ON-60 KM 23.7, Algonquin Park, ON (View Map)
Some dining experiences are memorable for the meal, while others are memorable for the journey. At Bartlett Lodge, you’ll find both.
Located on Cache Lake in Algonquin Park, getting there is part of the adventure. Leave your vehicle behind at Cache Lake Landing and board either an antique freighter canoe or a solar-powered pontoon boat for a scenic ride across the water. As the shoreline slips away, so does the rush of everyday life.
The reward is a four-course dinner at one of Algonquin’s historic wilderness lodges. A favourite among cottagers, visitors, and locals alike, Bartlett Lodge is guided by a philosophy of using local ingredients whenever possible and supporting truly sustainable farming practices. The culinary team is equally committed to creating an inclusive dining experience, with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and pescatarian options thoughtfully incorporated into the menu.
Menus change throughout the season, but guests can expect beautifully prepared dishes that celebrate Ontario’s bounty. Past offerings have included roasted butternut squash soup, pan-seared Arctic char, duck confit, house-made linguine, and decadent seasonal desserts.
Whether you’ve spent the day paddling Algonquin’s iconic waterways, hiking nearby trails, or watching for wildlife along the shoreline, there’s no better way to end an adventure than with a boat ride and a lakeside feast. And if one evening doesn’t feel like enough, consider extending your stay — Bartlett’s charming lakeside cabins offer the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of Algonquin Park.
Don’t Miss: If the famous Bartlett Cheesecake is on the menu, save room for dessert. This Muskoka-inspired dessert has earned a loyal following and is a favourite among returning guests.
Fly-In Golf and Dining at Ridgehouse Grill at Manitou Ridge
Where: 20 Maple Ridge Rd, McKellar, ON (View Map)
If you’ve ever wanted to arrive for dinner by float plane, this is your chance.
The Fly-In Golf Day experience at Manitou Ridge pairs adventure, golf, and lakeside dining in one unforgettable outing. Guests board a luxury Kodiak 100 float plane and soar above the sparkling lakes, forests, and granite landscapes of Ontario’s cottage country before touching down on beautiful Lake Manitouwabing.
Upon arrival, a welcome gift and cocktail set the tone for the day before guests head out for 18 holes of golf, complete with cart and driving range access. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply soaking in the scenery, the course offers a memorable escape surrounded by some of Ontario’s most stunning wilderness.
After the final putt drops, settle in at Ridgehouse Grill for a three-course dinner overlooking the lake. The restaurant’s menu blends elevated comfort food with cottage-country flavours, featuring dishes like smoked mozzarella arancini, pan-seared pickerel, slow-braised short rib, and Tuscan jumbo shrimp pasta.
The aerial journey offers a perspective few visitors ever see, thousands of lakes scattered across a seemingly endless wilderness landscape. It’s a reminder of just how expansive and beautiful Ontario’s backcountry truly is, and proof that sometimes the journey is every bit as rewarding as the destination.
Don’t Miss: Keep your camera handy during the flight, the bird’s-eye views of Ontario’s cottage country are worth the trip alone.
Cruise Through the 30,000 Islands to Henry’s Fish Restaurant
Where: 9b Bay St, Parry Sound, ON (View Map)
When lunch involves a boat ride through Georgian Bay, you know you’re experiencing cottage country at its finest.
Departing from Parry Sound, the 40-passenger Islander Ferry a part of 30, 000 Cruise Lines takes visitors on a scenic one-hour cruise through the South Channel and the legendary 30,000 Islands, the world’s largest freshwater archipelago.
The journey is part of the experience. Cruise past rugged shorelines, windswept pines, secluded cottages, and countless islands as you make your way across Georgian Bay.
Your destination is Henry’s Fish Restaurant on Frying Pan Island, a Georgian Bay institution that’s only accessible by boat, yacht, or seaplane. For nearly five decades, visitors have been making the journey for fresh fish, waterfront views, and a taste of one of the region’s most iconic dining experiences.
While Henry’s is best known for its world-famous fish and chips, featuring pickerel, whitefish, and perch prepared battered, pan-fried, or gluten-friendly, the menu offers something for everyone. Alongside fresh fish sourced from Georgian Bay and Lake Erie, you’ll find seafood specialties, family platters, and options for those who prefer to skip the fish altogether.
Guests spend just over an hour ashore enjoying lunch and soaking in the island atmosphere before boarding for the return cruise. Relaxed, welcoming, and steeped in local tradition, Henry’s captures the spirit of Georgian Bay and the simple pleasures that make cottage country so special.
Don’t Miss: Head to the open deck during the crossing for the best views of Georgian Bay and the 30,000 Islands.
Bonus Stops: Worth the Drive!
While arriving by water taxi, float plane, or ferry certainly adds to the adventure, sometimes a road trip through Ontario’s great wilderness is all you need. If you’re looking to slow down, settle in, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Algonquin Park, these historic lodges pair unforgettable scenery with memorable dining experiences of their own.
Arowhon Pines Resort
Where: 1295, Algonquin Park, ON (View Map)
Hidden among towering pines and pristine lakes, Arowhon Pines is one of Algonquin Park’s most sought-after wilderness retreats. A stay includes three chef-prepared meals each day, served in a spectacular six-sided log dining room overlooking Little Joe Lake.
Menus change daily and showcase seasonal ingredients, with past offerings including rainbow trout with shrimp, roast prime rib, wild mushroom lasagna, and house-made desserts.
Between meals, guests can enjoy morning coffee on the verandah, picnic lunches for a day of exploring, and afternoons spent paddling, hiking, or simply soaking in the beauty of Algonquin Park.
Killarney Lodge
Where: ON-60, Algonquin Park, ON (View Map)
Welcoming guests since 1935, Killarney Lodge has long been a favourite for travellers looking to experience the quieter side of Algonquin. Located on Lake of Two Rivers, the historic lodge is known for its fine country cuisine, served in a warm and inviting log dining room where the original stone fireplace has been welcoming guests for nearly a century.
Menus feature comforting favourites such as roast prime rib, seared Atlantic salmon, vegetable Wellington, and homemade desserts, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available. Whether you’re settling in for a lakeside stay, ordering a picnic lunch for a day of exploring, or simply stopping by for dinner, Killarney Lodge offers a classic Algonquin experience that’s well worth the drive.
The Journey is Part of the Adventure!
Whether you’re gliding across an Algonquin lake by water taxi, soaring above cottage country in a float plane, cruising through the 30,000 Islands by ferry, or winding your way through the wilderness on a classic road trip, these experiences prove that getting there can be just as memorable as the destination itself. Pair breathtaking landscapes with unforgettable meals, and you’ve got all the ingredients for an Ontario getaway that’s truly worth the journey.
