1. French River Wilderness
Romance goes rustic at The Lodge at Pine Cove where charming cottages perch on the shore of the scenic French River. Fur trade history and stunning Canadian Shield scenery make this the ideal intimate couples getaway. The inn will bring your morning coffee and croissants in a wicker basket, to be savoured after a leisurely morning swim.
Setting: Pink granite and pine trees on the Canadian Shield.
Romantic opportunity: Bring your favourite vintage to sip while watching the sunset from your private screened porch.
Price: Starting at $455 for two nights for a couple.
Book: www.frenchriver.com 705-898-2500
2. Caledon Getaway, Alton
The Millcroft Inn's For Couples Only package offers all the romantic staples-bottle of wine and chocolate-covered strawberries in the privacy of your guestroom- but ups the ante with a fine three-course dinner in the award-winning Headwaters Restaurant overlooking the millpond, and a leisurely country breakfast the following morning. Eat well. You'll need to keep up your strength for country walks around the property and perhaps a jaunt to visit artists' studios in Alton's newly restored mill.
Setting: Rural grounds, riverside restaurant.
Romantic opportunity: Spa tub for two.
Price: Starting at $408 per couple.
Book: www.vintage-hotels.com 1-800-383-3976
3. Antiques and elegance in Port Hope
The world's great lovers inspire the bedroom décor at the stately Penstowe B&B: Napoleon and Josephine, Anthony and Cleopatra, Romeo and Juliet. "How do I love thee?" Enough to book the Browning suite, with crystal chandelier, embroidered pillows and Tuscan-inspired wall murals. Setting: Charming small town known for its antique shopping. Close to dining and the famed Capitol Theatre.
Romantic opportunity: lingering on the shaded veranda overlooking the gardens.
Price: from $135 per couple.
Book: www.penstowe.com 905-885-4317
4. Toronto romantic revival for two
In the heart of downtown Toronto, the Delta Chelsea Hotel may be better known for its family-friendly fun, but it's also a great place for a romantic tryst, with spa services (including a couple's massage) offered at the neighbouring Elmwood Spa. Lounge in the swimming pool and steam room, enjoy a massage and manicure before heading out for a night on the town. It's an easy stroll to the city's top theatres.
Setting: Bustling downtown Toronto.
Romantic opportunity: Evening swim in the adults-only enclosed rooftop pool.
Price: Starting at $429 per couple.
Book: www.deltachelsea.com 1-800-243-5732
5. Wine country matchmaking
Vintage Hotels brings back its popular Delicious Duos package to its three Niagara-on-the-Lake hotels: the Prince of Wales, Queen's Landing and Pillar and Post. A bottle of wine and chocolate-dipped strawberries will be delivered to your room. Experience wine country on a visit to family-owned Château des Charmes Winery for Matchmaking 1.0, a taste and texture exploration, as you sip your way through three single-vineyard wines paired with three artisanal cheeses.
Setting: Historic Niagara-on-the-Lake and surrounding vineyards.
Romantic opportunity: Hold hands while riding about town in a horse-drawn caleche.
Price: from $272 per couple.
Book: www.vintage-hotels.com 1-888-669-5566
6. Muskoka golf getaway
Breathe in the fresh air at Taboo Resort and relax in deluxe accommodations with a fireplace, Jacuzzi and stunning view of Lake Muskoka. A bottle of wine and dessert for two complete the perfect getaway on a Time For Us getaway package. If you are feeling energetic, play 18 scenic holes on a course known for its natural beauty-lots of granite, birch and pines. Then enjoy dinner in the elegant Elements Restaurant.
Setting: Lake Muskoka luxury.
Romantic opportunity: Paddle a canoe up tranquil Hocroc River, book a dinner table with a sunset view.
Price: Start at $299 per couple. Golf fees $100-165 per person.
Book: www.tabooresort.com 1-800-461-0236
7. Niagara Falls sightseeing
Nothing says "honeymoon" like Niagara. Book the Romance Package at the Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls hotel and there will be chilled wine and chocolate truffles to enjoy in the two-person whirlpool tub. It's just a ten-minute walk to the famous falls, but a free shuttle bus makes it easy to see all the sights. There's even a $45 dinner credit.
Setting: the centre of all the action in Niagara Falls.
Romantic opportunity: Ride the climate-controlled Niagara SkyWheel for a stunning view of the falls.
Price: Start at $149.99 per couple.
Book: www.nfcourtyard.com 1-800-771-1123
8. Algonquin island escape
Paddle to secluded bliss on your own island in Lake Kawawaymog, once home to an Algonquin Park ranger and friend of Group-of-Seven artist Tom Thomson who came here frequently to paint. A Voyageur Quest guide will meet you with canoes, paddles and life jackets for the one-km paddle to the tiny, private island and its pine-panelled cabin. Swim from the flat rocks, fish for bass or paddle the days away.
Setting: A wilderness lake near Algonquin Park.
Romantic opportunity: Watch the sun rise from the bedroom deck.
Price: $825 per couple for three nights.
Book: www.voyageurquest.com 416-486-3605
9. Spa luxury overlooking Lake Ontario
One of historic Port Hope's most spectacular properties, The Dorset Manor (formerly The Hillcrest), has recently re-opened under the management of Ste. Anne's Country Inn and Spa. With just nine guest rooms, this grand mansion is an intimate place to enjoy a couple's massage. Stroll through hillside gardens and woods or take a dip in the outdoor saltwater pool. The rooftop Victoria suite has a double Jacuzzi tub and a small balcony from which you can watch the moon over Lake Ontario.
Setting: Stately street in downtown Port Hope.
Romantic opportunity: Sunset dining overlooking the gardens.
Price: Romeo and Juliet packages starting at $750.
Book: www.dorsetmanorspa.com 1-888-346-6772
10. Toronto Luminato Festival package
Even locals love to escape to a little hotel luxury. Celebrate the city's thriving cultural scene during the Luminato Festival and take advantage of a superior room at the InterContinental Toronto Yorkville with valet parking and cocktails. Steps away, the Kronos Quartet will perform at the Royal Conservatory's stunning, new Koerner Hall.
Setting: Fashionable Yorkville, museums and upscale shops.
Romantic opportunity: Martinis
at the SkyLounge outdoor patio.
Price: from $275 per room/night.
Book: 416-960-5200 www.toronto.intercontinental.com
TRAVEL TIP
Driving between wineries is all part of the pleasure. Spectacular vineyard views, spring flowers along the road-side and orchards bursting into bloom are among the rewards for being unhurried. But a word of caution for GPS users: If you are not careful, your GPS may try to send you down an unpaved farm road better suited to tractors.