There’s never been a better time to plan an outing within the province, thanks to the Ontario staycation tax credit recently introduced by the provincial government.

Residents who opt to vacation locally until Dec. 31 can claim 20 per cent personal income tax credit on eligible accommodation expenses of up to $1,000 per individual, or $2,000 as a family for a maximum credit of up to $200 or $400, respectively.

Eligible accommodations include hotels, motels, cottages, campgrounds and lodges, and the tax credit requires for the stay to be less than a month and for leisure only.

Ontarians can apply for the refundable credit when filing for their 2022 personal tax returns.

So, while we still may have to put our more ambitious travel destinations on hold for the time being, Ontario is teeming with accessible staycation spots to help you escape the grind and unwind.

Ste. Anne’s Spa

Grafton

Just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, Ste. Anne’s Spa is the epitome of luxury, offering its guests a complete 360 wellness experience thanks to world-class spa treatments, meditation and yoga. Painting lessons, horseback riding and access to a private chef are also available.  Located on 500 acres, the main inn is actually a heritage fieldstone country castle built in 1858 with majestic views of Lake Ontario. Guests can stay in the inn or choose one of the nine cottages scattered around the property.

Treehouse Getaway

Port Perry

Perfect for a winter escape, this private 500 square foot treehouse located in Port Perry sits on 300 acres of forest and includes 11 ponds and 15 km of cross-country ski trails. There’s also a fire pit, gazebo and twinkling outdoor lights. For those looking for a fun way to explore the property, the hosts have been known to leave snowshoes inside the cabin.

Merill House

Prince Edward County

Built in 1877, this boutique hotel located in Prince Edward Country features 14 individually designed rooms and suites situated inside a gothic-style mansion. You can opt for “The Dreaming Suite” with its wood burning fireplace, surrealist and realist paintings and ancient artifacts or “The Servants Room” perched in the old servants’ quarters on the third floor. The hotel also features a conservatory bar, sauna, virtual reality lounge and cocktail parlour.

Glamping Skyview Tent

King City

This 400 square foot dome sits on a 15-acre property and offers a truly unique glamping opportunity for those looking to reconnect with nature. The Airbnb can accommodate up to four guests and features a king-sized bed, couch and fireplace, and it’s surrounded by an abundance of walking trails.

Serenity Cottage

Huntsville

Located on Otter Lake just 15 minutes from downtown Huntsville, this stunning 3,000 square foot lakefront cottage is situated on 12-acres and features four bedrooms and bathrooms, a chef’s kitchen, fitness room, fireplace and ping-pong table.  Designed and owned by an architect, the modern cottage features floor to ceiling windows, and sits on an exposed plateau of the Canadian Shield.