Muskoka Bay Resort’s breathtaking championship golf course is set among the rocky ridges of the Canadian Shield. PETER WONG PHOTO COURTESY OF MUSKOKA TOURISM

There is nothing quite like the clear, crisp days of fall to get away and unwind at one of Ontario’s many great escapes. From lavish resorts to country cabins, there are plenty of places to get cozy and comfortable.

“For me, fall is the prettiest time of year in York Durham Headwaters,” says Susan Boyle, director of marketing and communications for Central Counties Tourism. “We have incredible things to do and explore under a gorgeous canopy of colours.”

Refresh in York Durham Headwaters

Vacationers can trek the region’s trails and explore wide-open spaces or stay and play in charming towns and villages such as Caledon Village, just an hour north of Toronto. Caledon is home to Mount Alverno Luxury Resorts, set on 100 acres of natural wilderness with picturesque views of the surrounding hills and meadows, scenic hiking trails, a beautiful natural pond and contemporary fine dining specializing in Canadian cuisine with a delicious French twist.

Also nestled in the rolling hills of Caledon is the Millcroft Inn and Spa, which is known for its hot spring pools and honey harvested from hives on the stunning property. Guests can immerse themselves in wellness in the spa’s private rooms, four dedicated hydrotherapy rooms, a fitness centre, indoor pool, outdoor pools, sauna, steam room, private locker-room facilities with showers, a cozy fireside lounge and fully licensed Spa Café. Enjoy lush landscape views from the iconic Headwaters Restaurant and explore acres of nature and nearby villages rich with culture.

For some serious self-care, venture to Hockley Valley Resort’s 8,000-square-foot, full-service spa and 104 lavish rooms less than two hours from Toronto. This fall, the resort is offering Girlfriend Getaways and Food and Fire fun. Guests can play in the indoor and outdoor pools and taste such regional fare as Lake Erie pickerel or Wellington County beef striploin with new farm greens sourced from its very own Hockley Valley Resort Farm. For an intimate view of the fall foliage, mountain bike enthusiasts can take on the nine kilometres of trail known as the winery loop or hit the 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Canadian course architect Thomas McBroom, which offers some of the most breathtaking vistas in southern Ontario.

“Fall is honestly the best season to experience Muskoka,” says Val Hamilton, executive director of Muskoka Tourism. “The weather is still nice enough to enjoy swimming in a lake, golfing or going for a hike, and, at the same time, get cozy with campfires and camaraderie at a rustic cabin or resort retreat.”

For couples wanting to reconnect and rejuvenate, JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa offers limitless luxury, scenic views of Lake Rosseau, a signature spa and fitness centre, year-round indoor and outdoor pools, award-winning restaurants and guided nature walks. The resort is conveniently located with access to a variety of Muskoka’s celebrated outdoor activities, including The Rock Golf Course, a spectacular championship 18-hole golf course designed by Nick Faldo, just next door.

You can also feel the love at Muskoka Bay Resort in Gravenhurst with its gorgeous suites, lofts and villas. Escape to a fireside getaway, immerse yourself in nature on the resort’s trails, golf at a championship course among the rocky ridges of the Canadian Shield or attend Love Vibration Wellness and Music Festival, which is running Oct. 28 to Oct. 30.

Another great getaway is Muskoka Beer Spa, which offers reimagined glamping cabins complete with in-room draft taps. Included in your visit are hot tubs, a relaxation pool, saunas, forest beach, steam room, cabanas, loungers and hammocks. Gather for conversation in one of the social cabanas and enjoy local pub fare and craft beer from Muskoka’s very own Clear Lake Brewing Co.

For the whole family, Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville has everything from escape cabins for mystery solving and rock climbing to an arcade, treehouse play space and treetop trekking. The resort has an authentic Muskoka Thanksgiving experience running Oct. 7 to Oct. 10. Visitors can also hike the resort’s extensive trail system or play a round at Deerhurst Highlands Golf Course.

If you are longing to disconnect, you can go off-grid at Cabinscape in Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve west of Huntsville. Tiny cabins are set on beautiful, rugged and private properties scattered throughout the reserve in Lake of Bays, which has 20 pristine private lakes, 70 kilometres of trails and 10,000 acres of unspoiled wildlife just waiting to be explored.

Let loose in lively London

Those longing for a taste of the city life this fall will appreciate the City of London’s award-winning Stay a Little Longer promotion, which comes with an added bonus of a $100 Visa card for a minimum two-night stay at one of 20 participating hotels. The cards are geo-targeted to be used at businesses within city limits, making it a win-win for travellers and locals alike.

“It’s great to see the city streets come back to life,” says Natalie Wakabayashi, Tourism London’s director of culture and entertainment tourism. “It’s this beautiful mix of Londoners exploring their own backyard and visitors wanting to check out our amazing shops and galleries, and savour delicious food and beverages sourced from our local farms and vineyards.”

Wakabayashi says she is excited for visitors to experience the city’s vibrant music scene. Last November, London was designated as Canada’s first UNESCO City of Music for placing creativity and cultural industries at the heart of its development. Music is everywhere in The Forest City, from local talent performing at restaurants and pubs to large concerts and shows planned for this fall at the Budweiser Gardens and London Music Hall, as well as at Western Fair.

Kick off fall in Kawarthas Northumberland

As the leaves turn to shades of crimson and gold and the temperatures cool, the natural beauty of Kawarthas Northumberland beckons visitors from near and far.

“Kawarthas Northumberland is special for many reasons,” says Brenda Wood, executive director of Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8), Kawarthas Northumberland. “We have such unique and stunning natural beauty with more than 330 lakes and rivers as well as part of the Trent-Severn Waterway, a National Historic Site of Canada, in our region.”

Set on Rice Lake, Elmhirst’s Resort is home base for a three-day, fall road trip package exploring nearby wineries, candle companies and the famous Kawartha Buttertart Factory. Go fishing or see the leaves’ reflections on the water from one of the resort’s selection of boats. Walk, run or mountain bike along nature trails or learn the history of the massive 240-acre resort property playing Escape the Maze.

Speaking of history, imagine having a seaweed wrap or relaxing in a eucalyptus steam room in a country castle. Ste. Anne’s Spa is a heritage fieldstone castle built in the 1800s and is located on a quiet country road in the heart of Northumberland’s rolling countryside, only 90 minutes from downtown Toronto.

Dedicated to a mission of healing, Ste. Anne’s Spa offers a series of indoor and outdoor wellness classes beginning Oct. 11 and running through to April 2023. Visitors will also enjoy the certified gluten-free bakery, collection of specialty teas and farm-to-table country cuisine. With more than 500 acres of gorgeous gardens, farm and woodlands, and more than 35 spa experiences, Ste. Anne’s Spa has all the ingredients for an all-inclusive getaway this fall.

While the hours of daylight may be shorter, this fall in Ontario promises long days filled with wonder and adventure that can make memories to last a lifetime.

Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.