Dreaming of a serene escape with your special someone? Lake resorts offer the perfect blend of nature’s tranquility and comfortable amenities for a memorable weekend getaway.
For a lake vacation that blends relaxation, adventure, and luxury, lake resorts across North America offer the perfect setting for families, couples, and friend groups alike. Whether you’re seeking a cozy lakeside getaway in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains or a grand retreat in the rugged wilderness of Oregon, these resorts provide year-round activities, breathtaking lake views, and unparalleled comfort.
Whether you’re drawn to the rugged beauty of Lake Champlain in Vermont, the energy of Lake of the Ozarks, the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, or the serene waters of Lake Geneva in Wisconsin, these lake resorts provide the perfect backdrop for your next getaway. With activities from summer through winter and accommodations to suit every season, a stay at one of these top resorts ensures a memorable experience filled with both adventure and relaxation.
In the USA, the Great Lakes region offers many options, including the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan in destinations like Traverse City, Michigan, known for its charming waterfront resorts and wineries. Additionally, Lake Tahoe on the California-Nevada border provides a stunning backdrop for luxury resorts offering year-round outdoor activities. For a more secluded experience, consider the serene lakes of Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina or Utah, where rustic yet luxurious lodges await.
In Canada, the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains sets the stage for unforgettable lakeside escapes. Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta boast stunning lakeside resorts like Lake Louise and Maligne Lake Lodge, surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. Ontario’s Muskoka region is another popular choice, with its pristine lakes and upscale resorts offering a quintessential Canadian cottage experience.
Resort TypeThere’s something for everyone, from luxurious lakeside villas and upscale lodges to cozy cabins and rustic cottages.
LocationIn both the USA and Canada, picturesque destinations offer lakeside resorts for serene getaways. Traverse City, Michigan, boasts charming resorts along Lake Michigan, while Lake Tahoe offers upscale accommodations amidst stunning vistas. Banff and Jasper National Parks provide breathtaking backdrops for lakeside escapes in Canada, including iconic spots like Lake Louise.
Popular DestinationsThe best time to stay at a lakeside resort in the USA and Canada typically depends on personal preferences and desired activities. In regions with four distinct seasons, such as the Great Lakes area and the Rocky Mountains, summer is often the most popular time for lakeside getaways, offering warm weather ideal for swimming, boating, and outdoor adventures.
SpringSpring brings renewed energy to lakeside resorts as nature awakens from its winter slumber. Guests can witness the blossoming of flowers and trees, making it an ideal time for nature walks, wildlife spotting, and birdwatching. Warmer temperatures allow for outdoor activities like cycling, golfing, and horseback riding. Lakeside resorts often offer special packages for spring getaways, including spa treatments, yoga retreats, and culinary experiences showcasing seasonal ingredients.
SummerSummer is the quintessential time to stay at a lakeside resort in the USA and Canada. The warm weather creates perfect conditions for enjoying water-based activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking. Guests can bask in the sun on the sandy shores, take leisurely walks along the lake, or indulge in picnics with scenic views. Many resorts offer outdoor concerts, barbecues, and water sports rentals to enhance the summer experience.
AutumnAutumn brings a stunning transformation to lakeside resorts, with vibrant foliage painting the landscapes in hues of red, orange, and gold. This season offers nature lovers and photographers a peaceful retreat, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring nearby trails. Lakeside resorts often organize guided nature walks, birdwatching tours, and scenic drives to admire the fall colors reflected on the water.
WinterWinter turns lakeside resorts into enchanting winter wonderlands, especially in regions like Lake Tahoe and the Canadian Rockies. Guests can enjoy a variety of snow sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice skating on frozen lakes. Cozying up by the fireplace in a lakeside cabin or indulging in hot cocoa while admiring the snowy scenery adds to the charm of a winter stay at a lakeside resort.
Explore over 120 options to find the best one for you.
Find a PropertyDeerhurst Resort, Huntsville, Ontario – Peninsula Lake
Nestled on the shores of Peninsula Lake in Ontario, Deerhurst Resort is a year-round destination ideal for families and adventure seekers. With boat rentals, kayaks, and canoeing available in the summer, you can explore the lake’s pristine waters at your own pace. The resort also features an impressive floating water park, complete with a giant lily pad park and a floating pyramid that’s perfect for kids. In the winter, the resort transforms into a snowy wonderland, offering snowmobiling, skiing, and even snowboarding opportunities nearby. Rooms start at approximately $250 CAD per night, with on-site dining options and a hot tub for ultimate relaxation.
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa, Ontario – Lake Rosseau
Located on the stunning Lake Rosseau in the Muskoka region, the JW Marriott Resort is synonymous with luxury. This lakefront resort is perfect for couples looking for a romantic escape or a relaxing wellness retreat. Guests can enjoy paddleboard and kayak rentals in the summer, or take a scenic boat tour of the lake. The fall season brings vibrant foliage, making it a great time for biking around the lakeshore. Winter offers a tranquil setting with snowshoeing and cozy fireside evenings. Expect to pay around $400 CAD per night, with access to a golf course, spa services, and dining options that showcase local flavors.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, California – Lake Tahoe
For those seeking a luxurious lake vacation in California, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe offers a refined experience on the shores of Lake Tahoe. This lake resort is known for its upscale amenities, including on-site kayak rentals, paddleboards, and access to various water sports. During the winter, Lake Tahoe becomes a hub for skiing and snowboarding, with some of the best slopes in the country just minutes away. Summer activities include horseback riding, hiking in nearby national parks, and golfing on world-class courses. Prices start at approximately $500 USD per night, with rooms offering panoramic lake views and modern luxuries like wifi and gourmet dining.
The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin – Elkhart Lake
Set on the tranquil Elkhart Lake in Wisconsin, The Osthoff Resort is perfect for a family vacation or a gathering of friends. The resort offers a variety of water sports, including kayaks, canoeing, and even paddleboard yoga classes in the summer. The resort’s lakeside location also provides easy access to biking trails and a private beach. Winter months bring ice skating and sledding, making it a year-round destination. Nightly rates average around $300 USD, with on-site dining, a wellness spa, and a hot tub for post-adventure relaxation.
Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale, Missouri – Table Rock Lake
Perched on the shores of Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri, Big Cedar Lodge combines rustic charm with modern comforts. Known for its boat rentals and fishing expeditions, this resort is an angler’s paradise. In addition to water sports, guests can enjoy golfing on the resort’s championship course, horseback riding, and exploring nearby Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. In winter, the lodge offers cozy cabin rentals with fire pits and access to indoor pools. Rooms start at around $350 USD per night, with a range of dining options and family-friendly activities available throughout the year.
Yes, many lakeside resorts offer family-friendly amenities such as kids’ clubs, playgrounds, and organized activities tailored to children’s interests.
Yes, most lakeside resorts provide rentals for water sports equipment such as kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and motorized boats. For instance, you can rent a wakeboard for $50/day, while kayaks and paddleboards are often $10-$20/hour.
While some lakeside resorts may operate seasonally, many are open year-round, offering different experiences depending on the season, such as winter sports activities or fall foliage tours.
Accommodations range from cozy cabins and cottages to luxurious lakeside villas, lodges, and hotel rooms, catering to various preferences and budgets.
