Fall for Winter: Cozy Getaways in Lanark County

Tired of winter already? You don’t need to book a holiday south to recapture some of the joie de vivre stolen by winter’s chill.

A weekend getaway to Lanark County in winter is an invitation to curl up in front of a roaring fire, enjoy a warm drink with friends or family, or brave winter’s frost with a snowshoe or ski excursion. Book your next escape close to home and fall in love with winter again.

A-frame Winter Escape in Sheridan Rapids

Maple Bend Cottage near Sheridan Rapids offers an inviting A-frame escape with three bedrooms, a full kitchen, a wood stove, and views of the Mississippi River. For those craving even more seclusion, Cabinscape’s tiny cabins take you away from it all into true Zen-like comfort.

Spend the day outdoors with a llama or alpaca walk at Serendipity Alpacas in Lanark Highlands, a rescue sanctuary where you can trek more than 100 acres of scenic trails with a camelid companion in tow. After your walk, head to Perth for a homestyle meal with flair at Michael’s Table, then round out the afternoon with a tasting experience at Top Shelf Distillers or one of their special offerings, like whiskey thieving or curling.

Scandinavian-inspired Winter Escape

Nordic Spa Cottage on Clayton Lake offers a snug, Scandinavian-inspired experience complete with a private thermal spa circuit, including a hot tub, sauna, and outdoor fire pit. With three bedrooms and two baths, it’s an ideal setting for sharing winter comfort with all your favourite people.

Spend the day embracing the Scandinavian love of hygge. Pick up sweet maple syrup from Thompsontown Maple Products in Clayton, go snowshoeing on the trails at the Mill of Kintail, then head into Almonte for an afternoon cocktail at The Sterling.

Fire, Frost, and Winter Days

Nevis Estate is a boutique inn that combines luxury with history in a beautifully restored stone building just a short walk from downtown Perth. Knowing your accommodation is steps away makes it easy to settle into winter at a slower pace, especially during special events like the Frost & Fire Festival (Feb. 14, 2026). At the end of the day, warm up with a hot toddy at the on-site lobby bar before retreating indoors for a cozy night in.

Spend the day shopping and dining in beautiful downtown Perth. Find your next curl-up-worthy read at Spark Books, browse sweaters and wraps at Flint + Honey, and stop into Billings & Co. for a mid-afternoon glass of wine. When evening rolls around, Gather delivers the ultimate comfort food experience, and with a roaring fire in the background to add an extra dose of winter magic.

Ski, then Soak in Almonte

The Monte Inn & Lounge in downtown Almonte is a welcoming place to unwind after a winter day outdoors. This historic inn features an on-site thermal circuit where you can soothe aching muscles, relax in the sauna overlooking the Mississippi River, then dry off and end the evening with a relaxed nightcap at the onsite lounge and lobby bar.

Spend the day skiing at Mount Pakenham, where winter’s frost and snowy runs make getting warm afterward even more satisfying. Plan your visit to include a sunset or evening ski, then stop for a bite to eat at Centennial Restaurant in Pakenham on your way back to the inn.

Spa Days, Slow Nights in Carleton Place

Get cozy with an escape that invites you to explore the heritage town of Carleton Place. Stay at The Carriage House, located right on the Mississippi River that courses through town, and you will be able to walk almost anywhere in Carleton Place right from your front door. With space for up to four guests, classy furnishings, and an electric fireplace to warm up next to, this luxurious retreat will be hard to leave at the end of your stay.

Spend the day indulging in a full spa experience at Mahogany Salon & Spa, from massages and facials to manicures and pedicures. Afterward, take a winter walk along the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail, with snowshoes available for rent from the Visitor Information Centre. Warm up with an intimate dinner at the award-winning Black Tartan Kitchen, or spice things up with a cooking class from Blue Spoon Atelier. Their classes sell out quickly, so book early.