By Judy Koutsky
For couples looking for a true escape—from the kids, cell phones, traffic and hassles of daily life—few places compare to Canoe Bay resort in northern Wisconsin. This upscale retreat is the only Midwest member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux group. Couples can expect the ultimate in luxury in some of the country’s most pristine and beautiful surroundings.
The Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired resort brings the outdoors in with the use of rich cedar wood, large windows allowing for ample natural light and clean geometric angles. Wright, a Wisconsin native, created buildings that worked well with their surroundings and Canoe Bay does exactly that.
Activities at Canoe Bay:
The 280-acre property offers expansive views of the Wisconsin countryside—miles of woods and three private lakes, including Lake Wahdoon, the resort’s centerpiece. It’s not uncommon to see deer, a great variety of birds and other animals wandering around the resort. In fact, many people enjoy wildlife viewing from the comfort of their private decks or along the picnic areas scattered throughout the property.
What’s great about the resort is that guests can be as active or passive as they like while still enjoying the great outdoors. Hikers will love the miles of well-marked hiking trails that traverse the woods and can involve close-up encounters with deer. Trails are of varying degree of difficulty and offer different views of the lakes and lush forestland. Interconnecting trails mean hikers can go for an hour or a day, depending on their skill and endurance level. In the summer, the trails are alive with a variety of birds and wildlife, while fall offers a burst of colors to lead hikers down the path.
Water enthusiasts will love the chance to explore the glacier-created Lake Wahdoon. Canoeing, kayaking, row boating, fishing and swimming are offered daily. The resort’s boathouse provides paddles, oars, life jackets and beach towels. Canoeing proved to be one of the favorite activities at the resort and understandably so. Nothing says relaxation better than a leisurely canoe ride along the lake’s edge, exploring the forests for animals and the lake for fish.
A fitness center at the main lodge is the perfect place for exercise enthusiasts who need their elliptical machines, tread mills, stationary bike and weights. Each cardio machine is equipped with a personal TV screen. Complimentary headphones, water and towels are provided.
For book lovers, the library will not disappoint. Unlike most resorts that have a small selection of mass market paperbacks, this library has over 1,000 titles including a break-down by fiction, history, politics, satire, business, technology, economics and other genres. Not only was there an extensive array of books in each category, but the comfy sofas and amazing views of the lakes and forest make this library worth a long afternoon visit. A computer with Internet access is also available for guests use.
Other activities offered off-property but nearby, include golf courses, downhill skiing and guided ice fishing.
NEXT: Food at Canoe Bay
