Culture

The 21 Best Corporate Retreat Venues Near Ottawa and Toronto

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to make your employees’ jobs all work and no fun.

In fact, having fun as a team re-energizes and refocuses employees. This has a positive effect on employee engagement, team collaboration and leadership development.

And what’s the best way to add a little excitement to employee work life? … Offsite corporate retreats!

Corporate retreats create an opportunity to communicate company values, and employee roles, encourage leadership development and reiterate organizational culture.

Offsite retreats are educational and beneficial in boosting morale and increasing motivation throughout your startup staff, making this a rewarding investment.

When planning an offsite retreat, it’s essential to keep in mind what you think your team would enjoy, what budget you have to work with, and how much time you have to spend away from your daily duties. These decisions will be deciding factors on the offsite retreat venue you choose.

To help you narrow down your search, we’ve created a guide for the top 21 offsite retreat locations near Ottawa and Toronto. Some are closer to one city than the other, and some are a pretty equal distance to both, so we’ve organized them in a way that makes it easy for you to find a venue based on your location. Each review includes details about the venue, why we love it, and a quick summary of the activities, accommodations and cost.

Check out the value a camp retreat can do you for you by watching How To Build a Company Culture People Enjoy Working For. ☝️

Close to Toronto

If your team is used to the city's hustle and bustle, they're sure to appreciate a work-cation in a more rural setting. These top picks for retreat venues near Toronto are known for their outdoorsy charm, and most are located in or around the Muskoka region for a conveniently close getaway.

The Hollows Camp

📍 The Hollows Camp, Line 13, Bradford, ON

Accommodations: sleeps up to 80 

Investment: $

Activities: outdoorsy (hiking, yoga, paddle sports, archery, tennis, etc.)

The Hollows Camp is an amazing environment located just 27 minutes outside of Barrie, Ontario.

The camp boasts a land of 87 acres made up of rolling hills and lush forest. Our favourite thing about the Hollows Camp is the number of activities to experience.

There is something for every team member to enjoy from an Olympic grade trampoline to yoga. For a quick summary, check out the graphic below. If you’re interested in booking their venue follow this link to The Hollows Camp’s Event Page.

 

Campfire Circle (formerly Camp Ooch) Muskoka

📍 Campfire Circle (formerly Camp Ooch), Ontario HWY 141, Rosseau, Muskoka Lakes, ON

Accommodations: sleeps up to 320 

Investment: $$$

Activities: classic summer camp (pottery, swimming, woodworking, floor hockey, climbing wall, etc.)

If you’re looking for a secluded getaway, you might like this private 400 wooded acre lake paradise just minutes outside of Rosseau, Ontario. Bonus – it’s opened all year round! Our favourite part about this facility is the positive social footprint you leave when renting these facilities.

By renting Camp Ooch facilities, support kids affected by childhood cancers as all rental proceeds go towards sending kids to camp. To do your part and to help kids be kids while helping your team bond and practice important skills check out the Campfire Circle Facility Rental Page

The Leadership Studio Muskoka Woods

📍 The Leadership Studio Muskoka Woods, Highway 141, Rosseau, ON

Accommodations: sleeps up to 600

Investment: $$

Activities: curated specifically for corporate retreats (snowshoeing, team building games, astronomy night, coffee tasting and more!)

At a corporate retreat at Muskoka Woods, guests can access the camp’s activities and recreational areas. They offer a 4000-square-foot Leadership Studio to use as a dedicated space for employees to grow as individuals and as a team.

As far as food goes, Muskoka Woods has it figured out. Their Leadership Studio is designed around a large eat-in kitchen with a floor-to-ceiling bread oven. Coffee, tea, fresh fruit, and snacks are always available. Their menus can be customized to meet dietary needs and budgets, so everyone will be raving about the food regardless of the restrictions. They have vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options available.
 
Visit their Corporate Groups Page to learn more about what they can offer your team.‍

 

Rawley Resort

📍 Rawley Resort, Hwy 506, Cloyne, ON
Rawley Resort Corporate Retreats

Accommodations: sleeps up to 20

Investment: $$$

Activities: relaxing and luxurious (spa, yoga, lookout and more!)

Rawley Resort is a resort, spa and marina located in Port Severn, Ontario. It’s located directly on the waterfront and overlooks the historic Trent-Severn River waterway.

Their spa offers everything from facials and body scrubs to massages, guaranteeing that your employees leave the retreat feeling refreshed and relaxed. To add to the relaxing atmosphere, they have an outdoor saltwater pool, lush gardens and the option to book group yoga classes for everyone to unwind together.

The best part - they have an observation deck at the top of their lighthouse that’s the perfect place to watch the sunset each night of your retreat.

Visit their Corporate Retreats Page to learn more about what they can offer your team.

 

Fern Resort 

📍 Fern Resort, Fern Resort Road, Ramara, ON
Couple Kayaking

Accommodations: sleeps up to 300

Investment: $$

Activities: upscale lakeside getaway (horse-drawn wagon rides, spa treatments, beautiful conference rooms and more!)

Fern Resort is a picturesque retreat space with over 14,000 square feet of lakeside conference space and seven meeting rooms. Fern’s conference facilities are tailor-made for all types of groups, from a meeting of 10 to 300 people.

Fern Resort allows you to experience focused work and relaxation simultaneously. It’s easy to eliminate daily distractions and reflect and recharge your team in this quaint setting.

This resort is located in Ramara, on the picturesque shore of Lake Couchiching, just a short drive north of Toronto, ON.

Visit their Meetings & Retreats Page to learn more about what they can offer your team.

Millcroft Inn & Spa 

📍 Millcroft Inn & Spa , John Street, Alton, ON

Accommodations: sleeps up to 300

Investment: $$$

Activities: small town getaway (onsite hot spring pools, nearby hiking trails, art galleries, golf, cider tasting and more!)

 

Millcroft Inn’s conference centre is surrounded by 100 acres of natural beauty that will inspire and relax your team. The main building is a historic limestone building constructed over a century ago and was originally a knitting mill. 

 

This heritage site offers  6 meeting rooms that accommodate 12 to 80 people. The best part? It’s less than a 60-minute drive from Toronto. 

 

The nearby town of Caledon is a perfect country retreat offering a variety of activities. Enjoy horseback rides along a country trail, walk, cycle or cross-country ski, take in art at a local Art Centre and galleries, enjoy one of the many golf courses available and pamper yourself at their in-house spa.

Visit their Meetings & Events Page to learn more about what they can offer your team.

White Oaks Resort 

📍 White Oaks Resort, Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-lake, ON
White Oaks Niagara Conference Centre

Accommodations: sleeps 400+

Investment: $$

Activities: business-focused hotel  (3 different styles of meeting rooms, spa facilities, bus tours, fitness centre and more!)

White Oaks is an international travel destination located in the heart of wine country on 13 beautifully manicured acres. Ontario's first Canada Select Five Star (and CAA Four Diamond) Resort boasts the all-in-one convenience of three restaurants, a world-class spa and multi-story fitness and racquet club.

The Resort is beside golf courses and Canada's largest outlet mall. It's also a 15-minute drive to famous local wineries, the Shaw Festival Theatre, the Old Town of Niagara-On-The-Lake, Niagara Falls and casinos.

They house 220 elegant rooms that have been recently updated with modern touches and fabulous amenities.

They also have over 67,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space. They measure themselves against the highest international standards and are constantly innovating new ways to connect people. Nothing is overlooked.

Picture gorgeous green property in the middle of wine country, fueling your employees with fantastic food and coffee break stations, with all the support from the hotel you need to make the event a success.

Visit their Conferences Page to learn more about what they can offer your team.

Windermere House 

📍 Windermere House, Windermere Road, Windermere, ON

Accommodations: sleeps up to 150

Investment: $$

Activities: country club (golf, spa, horseshoes, basketball, badminton, volleyball, bikes, bocce ball and more!)

Located in Muskoka, Ontario, Windermere house has been a premier vacation destination in the region for almost 150 years.

They have newly upgraded conference facilities ideal for your next creative and productive team retreat space. The backdrop of your team retreat here is beautiful: think championship golf course, high-quality cuisine, a relaxing spa, and outstanding customer service.

They have an in-house events manager if needed and an impressive array of recreational and leisure activities that will compliment your team building and work activities.

You’ll experience breathtaking views of nearby Lake Rosseau, artisanal dining and a lively atmosphere.

Bonus: they’re currently owned by a Trust that funds various children’s charities as well as the preservation and conservation of the Windermere property and surrounding community.

Visit their Corporate Page to learn more about what they can offer your team.

 

Bayview Wildwood Resort 

📍 Bayview Wildwood Resort , Port Stanton Pkwy, Severn Bridge, ON
muskoka conference centre at Bayview.jpg

Accommodations: sleeps up to 200

Investment: $$

Activities: Ontario summer resort (bonfires, nature walks, bingo, and more!)

Another Muskoka favourite, Bayview Wildwood Resort, is an all-inclusive family resort located only 90 minutes north of Toronto. 

They offer a wide range of corporate meeting room facilities that can accommodate anywhere from 5 to 200 delegates. 

They also specialize in superb catering and comfortable accommodations. 

As an all-inclusive resort, they offer a variety of activities year-round. Enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, ice fishing, skating and more with complimentary equipment in the winter. In the warmer months, there are even more options. 

If your team enjoys being outdoors in addition to indoor activities, they can access canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, bicycles, tennis, hiking trails, bocce ball, ladder ball, water park, fishing, beach, and boat rentals. Your team is sure never to be bored here!

Visit their Conference Centre Page to learn more about what they can offer your team.

Close to Ottawa

The retreat venues near Ottawa are an eclectic mix. Each has its own specific aesthetic and vibe. The Fairmont Le Château Montebello has an old-world, sophisticated charm, while Camp Smitty is a rustic summer camp-like experience.

Strathmere

📍 Strathmere, Phelan Road West, North Gower, ON

Accommodations: sleeps up to 68

Investment: $$

Activities: country chic getaway (yoga, outdoor pool, hot tubs, snowshoeing, ski trails,  and more!)

Tree-lined laneways, historic buildings, beautiful meeting rooms with fieldstone fireplaces, natural lighting, windows that open to fresh country air, and patios overlooking the 200-acre property are what you’ll find when you arrive at Strathmere.

For over 38 years, they’ve hosted meetings and corporate events in their unique space. They combine the historic farm element with field-to-plate menus, comfortable guest rooms and unique on-site activities for guests to relax and rejuvenate for increased creativity and productivity.

Their activities range from yoga classes, soaking in the outdoor hot tubs, spa services, or even kicking back in the evening around a fire under the stars roasting marshmallows. If you want to spend even more time outside, on-site nature walks, cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing, volleyball, horseshoes, ping pong and an outdoor swimming pool are just some of the additional activities offered.

Their location is also super easy to get to. Strathmere is a 20 to 30-minute drive from Ottawa, a 15-minute drive from the VIA Rail Fallowfield Station, and 20 minutes from the Ottawa Airport. It’s the perfect mix of being far enough from the city to feel like a getaway but close enough to offer limited travel time.

Visit their Corporate Events Page to learn more about what they can do for your team.

Fairmont Le Château Montebello

📍Fairmont Le Château Montebello, Rue Notre Dame, Montebello, QC

Accommodations: sleeps 400+

Investment: $$$

Activities: Quebec all season resort (ATVs, croquet, golf, mini golf, tennis,  volleyball, squash, spa and more!) 

Fairmont Le Château Montebello is a luxurious Canadian resort located on 300 acres of lush Canadian wilderness. They offer a host of activities all year round. 

As one of Canada's leading conference resorts, they're the ideal venue for a team retreat. Located in the village of Montebello, Fairmont Le Château Montebello is halfway between Ottawa and Montreal. 

 

The atmosphere has the comfort and warmth of a country-side log cabin while showcasing sophisticated meeting facilities and refined food experiences.

All meeting rooms are equipped with modern technology and evoke a spirit of rugged luxury. 

The onsite activities create endless opportunities for team-building to take place. Hiking, kayaking, snowmobiling, curling, and bonfire evenings are often favourites for the groups that choose to go here.

Visit their Meetings Page to learn more about what they can do for your team.

Wakefield Mill

📍Wakefield Mill, Chemin Mill, Wakefield, QC

Accommodations: sleeps up to 48

Investment: $$

Activities: small town outdoorsy getaway (onsite outdoor spa, nearby bungee jumping, trail rides, zip lining, mountain biking and more!) 

Located just a short drive from Ottawa in the heart of Gatineau Park, the Wakefield Mill blends charm and comfort with history and nature. 

 

Their range of luxury spa treatments, exquisite fine dining menu, and panoramic river and natural scenery make for a memorable and calming experience.

 

The Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa offers guest rooms in three buildings onsite: The Heritage Mill overlooking the waterfalls, the modern LEED-Certified Eco River Lodge surrounded by the forest and the Chalet 1840.

 

They have all the facilities to make your next team retreat a success!

 

Each year they host over 600 meetings, conferences, and other corporate events, so you know they’re a tried and true destination.

You can choose between their 3 meeting/activity rooms, each with its unique character and meeting packages.

The main building features a large soundproof meeting room with a beautiful panoramic view, while the MacLaren House has an executive meeting room and a relaxation lounge. The Pearson Room, located in the new Eco River Pavilion, is their new conference centre, with large windows framing a breathtaking view of the river.

Visit their Corporate Events Page to learn more about what they can do for your team.

Manoir Saint-Sauveur

📍 Manoir Saint-Sauveur, Chemin du Lac-Millette, Saint-Sauveur, QC

Accommodations: sleeps 400+

Investment: $$

Activities: sophisticated & modern resort (spa, bubble soccer, giant volleyball, hockey and more!) 

Located 45 minutes from Montreal and 2 hours from Ottawa, Manoir Saint-Sauveur is a newly renovated resort experience steeped in old-world charm.

Dedicated to your comfort and well-being, this resort has become a favourite destination for corporate groups thanks to its rustic-chic ambiance and modern, state-of-the-art facilities.

Manoir Saint-Sauveur recently underwent multimillion-dollar renovations to maintain its elegance and old-world charm.

This venue features an upscale spa, cozy and intimate bar lounge, 23,000 square foot convention area, multi-sport field, and Nordic baths, ideal for anyone who wants to get away from it all. It’s the perfect escape for groups with some who enjoy sightseeing and shopping while others seek outdoor adventures.

They house 23 multi-functional meeting rooms that can accommodate 10 to 500 people and a dedicated team who will accompany you throughout your event to ensure it’s successful.

Visit their Business Page to learn more about what they can do for your team.

Camp Smitty

📍  Camp Smitty, Mink Lake Road, Eganville, ON

Accommodations: sleeps up to 160 (will sleep even more if some people camp)

Investment: $$

Activities: classic summer camp vibe (private beach, paddle sports, hiking and more!) 

If campfires and outdoor activities are for you then you’d love Camp Smitty.

From swimming, to canoeing, to beach volleyball, this campground has all of the classic summer activities to make you feel like a kid again.

You and your team will have so much fun here that your employees will be begging you to stay.

And the best part about it? It has a private beach location on the waterfront of Mink Lake.

Trust me, this is a location you don’t want to pass up. For more information on the location and activities offered check out Camp Smitty’s Group Rental Page

Close to Both

A few retreat venues we researched lie between Ottawa and Toronto pretty equally. These venues are a good solution if teams work remotely and some employees are in each of these cities.

 

 

Wander | The Resort

📍 Wander | The Resort, Loyalist Pkwy, Bloomfield, ON

Accommodations: sleeps up to 100

Investment: $$$

Activities: peaceful Canadian cabin resort (private beach, modern cabins, campfires and more!) 

Located a 3-hour drive from Ottawa or a 2-hour drive from Toronto in the beautiful Prince Edward County wine region, Wander The Resort is a haven of Nordic design. 

This minimalist-inspired cabin resort features four lakeside cabins and six poolside cabins. Private outdoor dining and living areas are available for all guests (including natural gas fireplaces) and an edible garden where you can pick up herbs and vegetables.

In the evenings, enjoy the communal fire pit for bonfires, live music and s'mores, and their hot tub and cedar sauna, which are open year-round.

You'll never run out of things to do with giant Jenga and other outdoor activities like biking, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing. In the winter time, you can even skate on the frozen lake!

If your team needs a lot of time to rest and recharge, they'll enjoy the south-facing beachfront with umbrellas and comfy beach beds as well as the waterside lounging hammocks.

In the onsite clubhouse, you'll find espresso-based drinks and fresh-baked treats served each morning, a bar offering local wine, beer and cocktails featuring County spirits and a lounge with a fireplace and big-screen TV for movie nights and game days.

Visit their Private Events Page to learn more about what they can do for your team.

The Waring House

📍 The Waring House,  Sandy Hook Road, Picton, ON

Accommodations: sleeps up to 100

Investment: $$

Activities: upscale bed and breakfast (cooking classes,  wine and beer tastings, painting, birding and more!) 

Located 2.5 hours from Toronto and 3 hours from Ottawa in Prince Edward County, Ontario, the Waring House gives guests the genuine country inn hospitality experience, on top of everything Prince Edward County has to offer.

Nearby you’ll find great local wine, artists and artisans, beaches, breathtaking scenery, delicious foods, and so much more.

Onsite, they have a variety of event venues that can accommodate groups from 2 to 175 people, with high-speed internet, projection and sound equipment.

The Waring House is furnished and decorated to reflect its 19th-century origins. Their premium rooms and suites are a luxurious blend of modern comfort and classic charm.

Their dedicated corporate events manager is readily available to guide you through every stage of the planning process.

There are also many diverse on-site or nearby group activities such as wine and beer tastings, trips to distilleries, winery tours, yoga, painting, trivia nights, local history historians, and seasonally birding, sailing, and golf. The opportunities are endless!

Visit their Conferences & Meetings Page to learn more about what they can do for your team.

Huff Estates Inn and Winery

📍 Huff Estates Winery & Inn, Prince Edward County Road 1, Bloomfield, ON

Accommodations: sleeps up to 42

Investment: $$

Activities: stay at a winery (everything wine, paintball,  cooking classes, bicycle tours and more!) 

For those who are on the classier side, Huff Estates and Winery is just the place.

Nestled in the heart of Prince Edward County, this unique destination not only provides fantastic wine, but also great food, beautiful views, fine art, and deluxe accommodations.

Why do we love it? … Because it’s the perfect place to help you and your team relax and unwine 😉. To learn more about the locations and what retreat packages they offer check out their Corporate Page. 

 

Myers Cave Resort

📍 Myers Cave Resort, Hwy 506, Cloyne, ON

Accommodations: sleeps up to 48

Investment: $$

Activities: relaxing cottage experience (private beach, pool, hot tub,  fire pit and more!) 

Just 2 hours from Ottawa and 3 hours from Toronto, Myers Cave Resort is a fully-renovated, one-of-a-kind, charming waterfront lodge and cabin resort.

The main lodge has 7 rooms and can accommodate groups of 16. Each of their charming cabins has a deck where you can relax, enjoy stunning lake views and even barbecue. Their sandy beachside property also has an outdoor swimming pool, private beach access and hot tub.

Visit their Packages Page to learn more about what they can do for your team.

 

Whispering Springs

📍 Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat, Mercer Lane, Grafton, ON

Accommodations: sleeps up to 56

Investment: $$$

Activities: glamping getaway (yoga, music , cocktails, hiking and more!) 

If you and your team are feeling boujee then this is the place for you.

The Whispering Spring Wilderness Retreat is perfectly equipped to accommodate all of your corporate needs and goals.

They offer luxurious glamping accommodations with picturesque views, and are also within close proximity to Toronto.

For your next premier corporate retreat destination check out the Whispering Spring Corporate Camps and Retreats Page. 

 

Unity Farm, Inn & Spa 

📍  Unity Farm, Inn & Spa,  Battersea Rd, Glenburnie, ON

Accommodations: sleeps up to 160

Investment: $$$

Activities: modern farm/spa/hotel experience (yoga, hiking, golf, wine tours and more!) 

Unity Farm, Inn and Spa is a beautiful, brand new facility near Kingston, Ontario. It's only 2 hours from Ottawa and 3 hours from Toronto. Originally a beautiful limestone farmhouse built in the mid-1800s, this unique and modern venue is built on a rich historical foundation.

Throughout Unity Farm, Inn & Spa's creation, preserving the mid-1800s homestead and the farmland around it has remained at the forefront of their design. The name "Unity" comes from how they're unifying the old and new elements of the property. Unity's creation will rejuvenate this historic farm, ensuring its longevity for future generations. 

One aspect of Unity that sets it apart as a venue is its connection to agriculture. You'll find a beautiful vineyard, hearty hop fields, flower & vegetable gardens and an apiary within their grounds. The food they produce is used in their restaurant and sold at their roadside vegetable stand. 

Visit their Corporate Retreats Page to learn more about what they can do for your team.

Clarke Road Retreat 

📍 Clarke Road Retreat ,  Clarke Rd, Picton, ON 

Accommodations: sleeps up to 16

Investment: $$

Activities: bright and modern home (sauna, fire pit, hammocks, BBQ, and more!) 

This dog-friendly destination is an equal distance from Ottawa and Toronto (a 3-hour drive) and is centrally located on a few acres, only minutes from downtown Picton. This bright and massive house sleeps 16 with room to breathe.   The location is central but makes you feel like you’re far in the countryside.

There are 8 bedrooms in the house, all located on one floor. The open concept main living, dining, breakfast nook, TV room and kitchen give many spaces to hang out in comfortably. There’s also a separate kitchen, living and dining room if you want to spread out.  

Relax in the wood-burning sauna, stargaze by the bonfire, and enjoy the sounds of nature from the outdoor seating areas and hammocks offered at this space.

Visit their House Details Page to learn more about what they can do for your team.

Want to plan a team retreat?

By providing your team with an offsite retreat, you create a lasting impact on team dynamics, strengthening the foundation of your startup. 

When hosting an offsite retreat for you and your startup team, you need to figure out what locations work best for you. The venue is the most crucial element to any team retreat. If the location isn’t great, people aren’t going to enjoy the retreat.

if your startup is looking to improve team dynamics, develop a strategic plan to scale your team, or is just looking for a fun weekend to kick back and refocus, we can help you find the best location for your retreat AND take care of all the organizing and planning.

Checkout our Retreats Page to see the packages we offer.  We can book your team a retreat at any location on this list if one has caught your eye.

We also have many other resources you can turn to if you’re not sure where to start your retreat planning process:

👉 10 Ways a Team Building Retreat Will Help Your Company

👉 Effective Team Building: Your 6 Step Guide to Planning a Team Retreat

👉 10 Steps To Organize A Successful Corporate Retreat

👉Your Guide To Discover The Best Activities For Your Next Corporate Retreat

👉 Planning A Team Retreat? Here Are 20 Ways To Make It Successful

It’s never too early to start planning your next corporate retreat! 

Here's a tool we made to make retreat planning a little easier ⤵️

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