The Couples Getaway
Now More than Ever People need Peace & Tranquility
As we all recognize the restorative power of time spent in nature and the simple joy of unplugging, we strive to offer our guests more than a retreat—we deliver delicious food, pure tranquility, and unforgettable memories.
Hidden in 300 Acres of Pristine Hardwood Forest and Sparkling Spring-Fed Lakes
The property is enveloped by 300 acres of mature hardwoods and three glacially carved, spring-fed lakes—including serene 50-acre Lake Wahdoon. The seclusion is profound, and wildlife flourishes here: white-tailed deer, songbirds, eagles, loons and otters and the quiet chorus of nature create an atmosphere that feels timeless.
Distinctive Frank Lloyd Wright–Inspired Architecture
Canoe Bay features 34 uniquely designed accommodations, including two by Frank Lloyd Wright protégé John Rattenbury, and others by architect Kelly Davis. From glass-filled tiny cabins to the expansive Edgewood Villa, each structure is carefully placed to honor the landscape, offering privacy, comfort, and breathtaking views.
A World-Class Lakeside Restaurant
Overlooking Lake Wahdoon, our on-site restaurant serves exceptional three-course dinners that change nightly. Using ingredients from local farmers and our own organic gardens, our chefs craft meals that reflect the region’s bounty. Many guests tell us their dining experience here is among the finest of their lives.
Breakfast and Lunch Delivered to Your Door
Each morning begins with a custom wooden basket filled with freshly baked muffins, rich coffee, Greek yogurt, granola, and other optional hot selections—delivered right to your door. Lunch arrives picnic-style anywhere on the property. These personal touches make every meal both intimate and memorable.
A Remarkable 3-Acre Organic Garden
Our on-site organic garden is tended by a full-time master gardener and provides a symphony of seasonal produce for our kitchen. Raised beds, fruit trees, and vibrant flowers attract pollinators and inspire our menus. Guests often say they long for our salads and herbs long after they leave—it’s a signature Canoe Bay experience.
Peaceful Outdoor Activities for Every Season
Miles of forested walking trails, a boathouse with canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, and peaceful fishing on Lake Wahdoon invite you to engage gently with nature. In winter, the trails transform for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while snowy nights offer perfect conditions for stargazing and quiet reflection.
A Deep Commitment to Preservation and Sustainability
For our family, stewardship isn’t a trend—it’s a way of life. From prairie restoration and native plantings to sustainable building practices and our organic gardens, every decision is made with the health of this land in mind. Our 300-acre property serves as a living preserve, nurturing wildlife and safeguarding its natural character for the future.
Four Seasons of Extraordinary Beauty
Canoe Bay is magical in every season. Summer brings tranquil days on the water. Autumn transforms the forest into a breathtaking tapestry of color. Winter blankets the woods in serene silence—perfect for peaceful escapes and glimpses of the Northern Lights. Spring arrives with a burst of life: migrating birds, blooming wildflowers, and renewal everywhere you look.
So Close—Yet a World Away
Just two hours from the Twin Cities and 45 minutes from Eau Claire, Canoe Bay is easy to reach yet feels wonderfully remote. Nearby, guests can enjoy championship golf, fishing, skiing, and charming small towns—but many choose never to leave the property once they arrive.
"Our favorite place...my wife and I agree that a long weekend here is more relaxing than a two-week vacation anywhere else. There is just something magic about our experience every time. The setting, the accommodations, the food and the staff are first class. It is a special place and I look forward to my next visit."
- Michael
"This is one of the most peaceful, private settings that we have ever visited. The cabins are interspersed through a densely wooded area and appear very Frank Lloyd Wright-esque. Beautifully appointed. The staff is gracious and accommodations and food are phenomenal. We've been here twice, and will go back again. Undoubtedly worth the drive."
- Benjamin
"If books, wine, outstanding dinners and rambling walks in nature appeal to you, consider a visit to Canoe Bay. Organic focus and a sense of stewardship with the surroundings prevail in this remote, tiny piece of heaven. Posh, but not stuffy, service and accommodations are offered. Information is detailed and transparent, on their website and in their communications. One outstanding chef. Great wine selection. Gorgeous cabins. Food to your door, or have dinner at the single restaurant on site. Walk. Snowshoe. Canoe. Fish. . . . . Just relax."
- Karen
"Canoe Bay delivered again…we spent a relaxing, enjoyable weekend in one of their lovely cabins. We ate exquisite meals, spent hours reading in the library, hiked the beautiful trails, and warmed ourselves by the fireplace. As always, the service was excellent. Can’t wait to go back!"
- David
"Beautiful, all-seasons resort with delicious food and lots to explore!
We loved our time at Canoe Bay. The surrounding scenery was beautiful with lots of incredible grounds and trails to explore. The accommodations were top-notch, everything was clean as can be, extremely comfortable, well-appointed, and convenient. The dining room at the Inn was great, and the option for food delivery was nice and very convenient during the day. Everyone we encountered was kind, accommodating but not overbearing, and made our stay seamless."
- Daniel
"I've been to Canoe Bay 11 times and each stay is incredible. It's truly my 'happy place' and it doesn't matter what cottage I stay in or in Canoe Bay Village. There are no words to convey its serenity, beauty, and exceptional service and dining."
"Ritz Carlton in the middle of nature. Canoe Bay staff is AMAZING! We met the owner the evening we checked in...how fantastic. The cabins are 5-star, wonderfully appointed, offering a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. The food is FANTASTIC! Nestled in the heart of nature, they provide the ultimate retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. I highly recommend Canoe Bay!"
- Craig
"We broke away to the always wonderful Canoe Bay for a few days before Christmas. Our accommodations were absolutely impeccable and the staff was just wonderful. We enjoyed breakfast and dinners in our cottage, time in the cozy lodge for some reading, magical hikes in the winter forest, and some very much needed quiet time in our spacious cottage with a peaceful view of the lake. This was our fourth time here in two years and we can’t wait to go back."
- Rich
"Highly recommend! We stayed two nights in a Lakeside Spa Cottage and had a nice deck with an amazing view of the lake. We sat out there and enjoyed the stars in the evening too. The cottage itself was great, especially the spa with sauna and whirlpool tub. What a splendid time we had walking on the grounds, especially the chef's garden which was so beautiful. We had a wonderful time!"
- Sonja
"Superb room; excellent food. This is probably the 12th (roughly) time we have stayed at Canoe Bay...it takes us three days to get there from Canada, but it's worth every minute."
- Michael
"Exceptional ambience and privacy. We stayed in the duplex-style Lakeview Cottage and everything was pristine with a beautiful view of nature. The dinner was exceptional as well. We also appreciated the amenities included for hiking. We live close, but it felt like a refreshing getaway for our Anniversary!"
- Shawn
"This resort is fabulous for those seeking quiet and private spaces.
We found the Rattenbury cottage and the entire property to be very peaceful and welcoming. Beautiful vistas, cottage was perfect and comfortable and an architectural treasure designed by John Rattenbury. Can't wait to schedule our next stay. Thanks to all at Canoe Bay."
- Jeff
"My husband and I stayed in the Dream cottage for two nights. The cabin was beautiful. Walking in, they have set the tone for a relaxing time away... classical music playing, quiet and clean, bathrobes and high quality linens. We were so delighted! While there, we were able to enjoy canoeing on the lake and walks in the woods. A lot of thought has been put into making your stay relaxing. Throughout the hike, Adirondack chairs are placed in quiet spots inviting hikers to stop and enjoy the view."
- Heather
"We just took a trip to Canoe Bay and had a wonderful and relaxing stay! With the pandemic currently still an issue, they had a great contactless check in and check out while still holding great communication with us via email and text. We ordered dinner from them that is delivered right to your door. The food was still warm when it was delivered and was all phenomenal. We had a vegetarian dish with mushrooms and ricotta stuffed shells. It was the perfect little getaway to relax and unwind!"
- Seth
"Wisconsin’s best kept secret - my husband and I thought we knew of all the best spots for a romantic getaway in the state, until we found this hidden gem! If you love peace and quiet, the great outdoors and garden-to-table food, look no further! We stayed at the treetop cottage and it was immaculate. The shower turned into a steam room which was our favorite part. So much wildlife. We cannot wait to return. Thank you Canoe Bay for a truly romantic experience. We both feel refreshed and recharged!"
- Kay
"A truly amazing and one-of-a-kind place! We have been here six times and every time the service has been excellent and best of all consistent. The cottages are amazing and they keep adding more. We always get the Dream Cottage which has everything we need for a peaceful weekend. Dinners are always fantastic!"
- Peter
"I’d like to tell everyone how bad this place is so my wife and I can have it to ourselves. We’ve been coming back for ten years and have never, ever, ever had a bad experience with the service, food, facilities or people. If you want big city excitement this is not that. If you want to watch deer eat by a lake, sip wine on your deck and watch birds fly, this is the place."
- David
"We found heaven in WI! We stayed in a Lakeside Signature Cottage and never wanted to leave! From the beautiful lake views from the living room, jetted tub, and sauna, to the gorgeously comfortable bed, and delicious double steam shower, our stay was PERFECTION. We love that kids aren’t allowed at the resort and since there are a limited number of accommodations, it never felt crowded. My husband and I believe this is a truly magical place. Consider the cost an investment in your relationship and happiness."
- Katherine
"Canoe Bay is pretty much vacation perfection.
We loved every minute and absolutely will be back."
- Jenny
"Romantic, secluded, quiet resort with amazing staff. Garden tour was really cool, and the restaurant was out of this world...great wine list and locally sourced foods. Took a canoe out on the water and hung out in the library. Leave your cell phone in your car!"
- Henry
"Peace on earth!"
- Beth
"As a 30-year Anniversary gift to ourselves, my wife and I decided to splurge a bit and stayed two nights at Canoe Bay. We stayed midweek in Room #2 of the Lodge building...it was great. The room decor fit beautifully with the Wisconsin Northwoods and lake setting, yet it had all the modern amenities of a high quality urban hotel. The view of the lake from our front window was spectacular. We must give a shout out to John, the gardener, at Canoe Bay. He gave us a personal 45-minute tour of the most impressive vegetable and flower garden we have ever seen at a hotel. Even if John is not available, still visit the garden-- a must during your stay. Overall a most relaxing and wonderful stay."
- Terry
"Truly a special place. I can't imagine a better place to stay if you are hoping to unplug and recharge for a few days. The dining room was exceptional -- as good as any we've had anywhere. We stayed for nearly a week and ate in the dining room five nights...each evening was its own chef's menu and no one meal was like the other. Remarkable. I would very much like to return in the winter."
- Stephen
"Great couples getaway! We had a wonderful time at Canoe Bay. We were going to go to Nashville for the weekend, but decided we needed something a little slower paced. My wife said she wanted a rustic place in northern Wisconsin, no kids, with really nice accommodations and great food and where we can get massages in our cabin. Canoe Bay was perfect in every respect! We will definitely return when our schedule permits."
- Brad
Canoe Bay is not a resort in the conventional sense. It is a living legacy, shaped by a century of family stewardship and devotion to the land. It is a place where nature and design are in harmony, where hospitality is personal, and where time seems to slow.
Whether you come to celebrate, retreat, or simply breathe, Canoe Bay offers an experience that is both timeless and deeply personal—a sanctuary to be treasured now and preserved for generations to come.
Ten Wonderful Reasons To Stay at Canoe Bay
Tucked away in a pristine hardwood forest in northwestern Wisconsin, just two hours from the Twin Cities, Canoe Bay is a rare and remarkable destination—a peaceful, adults-only sanctuary where nature, thoughtful architecture, and genuine hospitality come together in perfect harmony.
For over 100 years, our family has been on this land. It is more than a place to us—it is a legacy. We have cared for these woods, lakes, and meadows for generations, and we are deeply committed to preserving their beauty and serenity for generations to come.
Today, Canoe Bay has become a beloved retreat for guests seeking exactly what we have always cherished here: tranquility, authenticity, and a deep connection to the natural world. Recognized as a Top 5 Midwestern Resort by Condé Nast Traveler and the only Relais & Châteaux property in the Upper Midwest, Canoe Bay has been celebrated by Travel & Leisure, The Robb Report, Bon Appétit, ZAGAT, Wine Spectator, and many more.
Why all the attention? Simply put: Canoe Bay is purposefully and unapologetically different. It’s a place to pause. To listen. To exhale. As we like to say: “Stay at Canoe Bay and feel the stress melt away.”
Here are ten wonderful reasons why a stay at Canoe Bay is unlike any other:
A True Getaway — Tranquil, Secluded, and Restorative
Canoe Bay offers what so many destinations have lost: quiet. Surrounded by forest and water, it’s a refuge where couples can leave the noise behind, float across still lakes, wander wooded trails, and rediscover life’s simple rhythms. This is a place to truly unplug and reconnect with each other and the world around you.