The hype
Travelers are obsessed with the spa and wolf experience but lukewarm on the dated decor in standard rooms.
Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want to sleep five feet away from a timber wolf or soak in Nordic baths without flying to Iceland.
Why People Love It
- The 'Sleeping with the Wolves' cabins are a legitimate bucket-list experience
- Year-round outdoor Nordic baths that feel magical in the dead of winter
- Daily tractor-drawn wildlife tours where you can hand-feed elk and bison
Quick Take: A unique Northern Ontario wildlife sanctuary disguised as a hotel, where the animal encounters are world-class but the standard rooms are starting to show their age.
Reviewed by @canada_hacks: I still can't believe I slept in a glass cabin surrounded by wolves! It was the wildest mix of adrenaline and luxury. The Nordic spa was the cherry on top. Definitely bring a sleep mask for the morning sun, but the views are worth losing sleep over.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
While the grounds are stunning, recent reviews from late 2025 mention sagging mattresses and worn flooring in some non-renovated rooms.
- You are a wildlife photographer or nature enthusiast
- You love the 'hot-cold-relax' cycle of a Nordic spa
- You need a pet-friendly stopover with plenty of space for dogs to run
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable. Staff are frequently praised for being friendly and accommodating.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean, though some recent reviews mention broken soap dispensers or dated grout.
- Maintenance: The biggest weak point. Reports of sagging mattresses, peeling wallpaper, or 'tired' furniture in standard rooms.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality. Clean, but not luxurious.
- Odors & scents: Fresh air outside; some rooms have a faint 'old carpet' smell, but no cigarette smoke issues.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Voices from the hallway
- TVs in adjacent rooms
- Occasional wolf howls (which is actually a perk here)
Before you book
Good to know
- The wildlife tour is done via tractor wagon; you don't walk through the park.
- Spa access is NOT always included in the room rate; check your package details.
- Breakfast is not free—expect to pay ~$16-21 CAD per person.
What to pack
- Slip-on sandals/flip-flops for the walk to the Nordic baths
- DEET-heavy bug spray if visiting in June/July
- A good telephoto lens for the elk and bison tour
Room Genie
Best picks
- Wolf Chalets (Glass-walled cabins inside the wolf enclosure—worth the splurge)
- Executive Suites (Include a fireplace and Jacuzzi, better for winter stays)
- Main floor rooms (Easier for pet owners to access the grassy relief areas)
Rooms to avoid
- Standard rooms near the lobby (higher foot traffic noise)
- Rooms facing the parking lot if you want the full 'nature' immersion
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I'd love to request a room away from the main lobby for quiet. If available, a room with a view of the wildlife park or river would be appreciated. Please ensure the mattress is one of the newer replacements.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Can I actually touch the wolves?
No. You are separated by thick glass in the cabins or a fence. You can, however, feed elk and bison on the tractor tour.
Is the spa open every day?
Usually, but it has specific hours and can get booked up. Reserve your soak time when you book your room.
Is it good for kids?
Yes, they love the wildlife tour. However, the Nordic spa has age restrictions (usually 18+ or 16+ with adult), so check ahead.
How far is the airport?
It's very close—about a 10-minute drive (5.3 miles). Taxis are readily available.
Are there hidden resort fees?
No 'resort fee' per se, but breakfast is extra and the wildlife tour/spa access often costs extra unless booked as a package.
Is the restaurant good?
It's decent 'steakhouse' fare. Reviews are mixed—some love the prime rib, others find portions small for the price. It's convenient, but not a culinary destination.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Book the wildlife tour for the 3:00 PM slot—that's feeding time, so the animals come right up to the wagon.
- ✨
If you can't afford a Wolf Cabin, you can still see the wolves from the public fence line near the parking area.
- ✨
The 'Nordic Spa' pass is cheaper if you are a hotel guest, but you still need to book it.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Wolf Cabins' have a kitchenette, so you can bring your own wine and snacks to enjoy while watching the pack.
💡The standard room decor feels very 'early 2000s'—think beige carpets and heavy drapes.
💡You might spot the resident bald eagles hunting in the park during the wildlife tour.
💡The fridge in the room is often set to a 'low cool' setting—check it before storing perishables.
💡Cell reception can be spotty in the far cabins; rely on the Wi-Fi.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa is located and what's nearby.