Canoe Bay

We love Canoe Bay! This was our 5th visit, our first was our honeymoon in more than 10 years ago. We love the cabins for privacy and quiet, it's so easy with breakfast and lunch delivered and the beautiful scenery and walking trails. I always love walking through the garden and seeing all the flowers, and seeing deer in the woods and even close to the cabins. We've stayed in Dream Cottages and they vary, and all are good in different ways - some closer to lake, some have more open layouts. I have celiac disease and getting amazing gluten-free food for all meals has always been possible. I'm writing this updated review because service was truly above and beyond for this most recent trip - I accidentally lost a small important thing, didn't realize until after we had been home a couple days - Renee and staff were fantastically supportive and understanding - and they found it! We really have felt so cared for every visit and we will be back for sure. If you are looking for serenity in nature and a true retreat, this is the place.

My wife and I have stayed many times through the years. They are always top notch, and it is our favorite place to get away and unwind. During our last stay the food was particularly amazing. Great wine selection.

Canoe Bay is a remarkable hideaway that combines luxury, nature and amazing design. The resort has stunning cottages that are all unique and well appointed.||Our stay was outstanding due to the personalization of the hotel team which was engaging, friendly and committed. We enjoyed wine-paired dinners each night followed by breakfast delivered each morning in handcrafted wooden crates.||The property has a 3 acre organic garden which is super impressive and shows the resorts commitment to sustainability.||The canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are right there and easy to use on the private lake. I can't recommend Canoe Bay highly enough for anyone seeking tranquility, fine dining, and timeless design in a breathtaking natural setting..

We have been to Canoe Bay many times, and love the quiet, the privacy of the cabins and the beautiful scenery. It's wonderful to have food be delivered to the cabin for breakfasts and lunches, and the trails are beautiful - I especially love wandering in the garden. Renee and her staff are always very kind, super helpful. It's an amazing retreat!

Our ninth visit to Canoe Bay. Lovely getaway to unwind and relax. The food was superb. Delicious breakfasts, and outstanding dinner. The fall colors were stunning! I can’t say enough about how much we love our visits here. We’re certainly looking forward to coming back again!

(All information below was shared with the manager and asked to be passed along to the owners, Dan and Lisa.) |We have stayed at Canoe Bay about 6 times since the late 1990s. It has always been a magical place of refuge and renewal for us. We have always thoroughly enjoyed our stays. We decided to book Canoe Bay again after our daughter's wedding to recharge and recuperate. ||Canoe Bay has beautiful grounds, garden, and landscape. We enjoyed hiking and kayaking, resting and restoring. We stayed in Cabin #20 Rattenbury which is "tired." It needs refurbishing such as the couch cushions are very soft and worn, the bathroom is very dated, and the cabin needs a general makeover. Although comfortable, this cabin was a disappointment after having stayed in a variety of other cabins throughout our stays over the years.||This time, however, the food service and restaurant was very disappointing. Here are the examples we left with the Canoe Bay manager:|1. My husband reserved the wine cellar dinner as a special evening for us. We arrived and were taken to the wine cellar. We were offered water, they brought bread (but not gluten free bread which was requested throughout the week), soup (which was cold).... then radio silence. We were never asked about a wine selection despite being in the wine cellar. But, after waiting 45 minutes for our entrees my husband went to speak to the wait staff. They brought out a sliver of "baked brie" which was placed in the soup they just served us. The brie was cold... this appeared to be an attempt to bide more time. Another 20 minutes went by and we decided to leave without our entrees. We talked to the manager and this meal was credited on our tab.|2. Our other meals in the dining room were very painfully slow. The chicken was very good; the beef tenderloin not so much.|3. One night we ordered the dinner to be brought to our cabin. Delivery is between 6:00-6:30. The meal came at 6:50 and was cold.|4. The bakery basket used to be an assortment of warm bakery and pastry with butter and home-made jam. This visit we only received 2 muffins. We requested each day to have 1 gluten free muffin and 1 regular muffin. We received a correct order 50% of the time. The last morning the muffins were just plain muffin mix--- no berries or enhancements. Also, one morning we did not receive coffee mugs...||And, upon checkout we were charged for a $99 bottle of wine we never ordered. This was pointed out and the charge was removed, but this shouldn't have happened. These issues are so disappointing because we know that Canoe Bay can do better. We've seen them exceed every expectation in our past stays. Something is amiss and we hope they correct it soon because Canoe Bay is a gem and we'd love to see it succeed in every way.

The food operation at Canoe Bay is a complete ripoff, and not just because of the prices. I’m very willing to pay a premium price for premium quality and service, but Canoe Bay fell woefully short. They completely forgot our cheese tray delivery order and admitted as much when we called to check up on it. Then, when finally delivering it so late, they forgot the wine we had ordered with it. The delivery person said “I’m just the delivery person.” That’s a direct quote. Later that evening our dinner for two (delivered to the room because we respected their dining room dress code which we hadn’t packed for) was delivered with no set-up whatsoever. We answered the door and the delivery person came in, put the delivery tray on our table, and left. No removal of the covers or plastic wrapping on all the food, no set-up at all. This is a $200 dinner. But the worst problem was that the portions were incredibly tiny, looked thrown together, and included no bread. We have relatively small appetites but there was so little food that we had to drive into town to get pizza afterward. At checkout they removed the mandatory $20 service tip from the cheese/wine delivery, but did nothing about the dinner. Their standard thank-you email, sent a few days after our stay, asked that guests call if there were any issues. So I called but was told no manager was available so they would have one call back. That was more than a week ago. No one has called. We feel like fools for spending $2000 for what was supposed to be a special weekend. Every business in the service industry will occasionally have things go wrong, so the key is how they recover to keep that customer. It appears Canoe Bay does not care.

This resort was the perfect combination of things for me. A beautiful large area with a loft for reading, wooded, walking trails, a fitness center, excellent on-site meals, and an adults- only quiet environment. The perfect destination for a long weekend in any season, but I particularly enjoyed it at the beginning of fall.

We just got back from the most magical, relaxing weekend getaway at Canoe Bay. This place now holds a very special place in our hearts as it truly was a luxurious, peaceful, nature-immersive experience! We stayed for two nights in one of the cozy Escape Tiny Houses and loved it! The screen porch was the perfect place to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, read a book and be surrounded by nature in pure comfort and without the bugs ;). Everything exceeded our expectations including the magical, organic garden full of huge, beautiful blooms and vegetables used for the culinary, top-notch meals created and offered on-site! We did 1 dinner at The Inn and 2 meal services delivered to our room (1 breakfast, 1 dinner). It is such a cool concept and feels luxurious to have these fresh meals delivered directly to your cabin at the allotted times. Be sure to order and reserve your meals ahead of time! It's an experience you won't want to miss! The service was amazing as they made everything so easy for us. I loved that we could just text to make arrangements! We also enjoyed in-room massages, where Gentry Massage therapists come to you! It's easier if you contact ahead of time as they need to arrange schedules on their end. We went for a lovely canoe adventure one morning and a short hike for another. It felt like we were in a dream! Everything looks ethereal which added to the relaxation. I can't say enough good things about this place. You have to experience it for yourself! Thank you for the most delightful, special and memorable experience Canoe Bay! We can't wait to come back!

Canoe Bay is the epitome of off the grid luxury. The grounds are beautiful and serene, including lakes, gardens, and trails. The lodging is stunning. There are villas and tiny houses. We stayed in "The Escape" tiny house. We were both completely in awe, both of our expectations were exceeded. We were visiting for a birthday long weekend, and it was the perfect place to unwind and enjoy each other's company. I actually appreciated the lack of cell service! Our tiny house had a wonderful view of the lake and forest. We ordered dinner two times and breakfast once. All of the food we had here was fabulous. The menu changes each night, and make sure to order on time, because it's not to be missed! We went on a few hikes, which weren't long, but were enjoyable. Overall, canoe bay is a wonderfully kept, luxurious "lost in the woods" type of romantic getaway.

The other reviews seem very consistent with our experience, although we decided to splurge given that we haven't traveled and have been underspending since the start of the pandemic in March. I stayed at Canoe Bay in 2011 as part of an executive leadership development getaway with my company, and have always wanted to return. The proprietors have done a fantastic job on their COVID-19 procedures, which made the stand-alone cabins perfect for us. The biggest drawback of the visit is that the Inn is not open at this time due to the pandemic, so all of the delicious meals were delivered to our Lookout Cabin, where we ate while looking out through the large trees to the pond in the distance. The published wine list was a bit sparse for my taste, although there are several very nice wines, and there may have been a reserve list but I never asked to see it. This was a surprisingly relaxing getaway for us, and it's not as if we lead very stressful lives as retirees! Even so, we lazed away our first day when it was raining. We brought our bikes, but the rural roads have no shoulders, so we headed south to Cornell to ride the Old Abe Trail to Jim Falls and back (Note: Requires daily user pass, which you can acquire for $5/rider at the Visitor Center). We also brought our golf clubs and enjoyed a great round at Turtleback Golf Course, 40 minutes northwest in Rice Lake. One morning we took a canoe around Lake Wahdoon (or Dead Goose Lake, according to Google Maps!), did a bit of hiking (don't forget the bug spray!), and really enjoyed the one acre organic garden with tons of flowers and vegetables. I also saw the first Scarlet Tanager I've encountered in 40 years!

Canoe Bay is a picturesque romantic escape hidden in the woods, o'er the farm fields - and surprisingly nearby. The atmosphere is quiet and reflective. Service is un-imposing, but personal, and prompt. And the experience mindfully cultivates serenity lost in modern metropolitan living. If you desire a private spa experience, Lakeside cottage # 10 aims to please. Inside awaits your very own: * Sauna * Steam shower w/ rainfall showerhead * Jacuzzi * Eliptical Both the bedroom and living room are equipped with fireplaces that will make an evening glow. Bedroom linens have an exceptional thread-count. Lingerie hangers in the closet are a suggestive reminder to arrive prepared when, not if, you return. The car port is suitable for any member of the Clean Car Club. Locally grown and sourced food from The Inn is superbly prepared. Many of the herbs and vegetables are grown on-property. However, the restaurant dining room was not open as of 5/16/2021. It is a central component of the experience, unfortunately MIA, and will be warmly welcomed upon reopening. The Wine Spectator ranked list can please the most discerning inspector. It includes thoughtfully-selected French Reds, with notable standouts from Bordeaux, Burgandy, Cotes du Rhone. Don't skimp on the champagne. There is abundant wildlife on-property. Unmanicured grounds slope gently to a private glacial lake; and the water clarity attests to the efficacy. The owners and staff have an endearing sense of conservationism, as exhibited in the gardens and healthy populations of fowl and fawn. Do *not* expect reliable WiFi nor 4G (and certainly not 5G). This is digital detox for the weariest of executives. "The Lodge" is a secret hideout worthy of a NYT bestseller and your favorite cup of tea or coffee. More of a loft library than lodge, it is the perfect setting to let your imagination drift. And if you're caught napping, you will likely receive a smile - not a nudge.

A great escape from big city living. This place has amazing accommodations wholesome and tasty food with superb service. We celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary in a luxurious but homey cabin. Staff and guests respect our privacy. Meals delivered to our cabin on the lake. Absolutely no sounds except from nature. Air and water so fresh and clear. Plenty of trails to walk with curious and tame deer families observing us along the way. Of course canoe and kayaks are supplied with vests, etc. Environmentally protected. I could go on and on but I recommend you try it for yourself. Words are not enough.

We stayed in a Lakeside Signature Cottage and we 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. The food was wonderful as well. We even paddle boarded for the first time ever during our stay. We loved that kids aren't allowed at the resort and since there are a limited number of accommodations, it never felt crowded. We fell in love with the deer that grazed in our yard and the sight of lightning bugs and monarch butterflies! My husband and I believe this is a truly magical place. Consider the cost an investment in your relationship and happiness!!!

The resort has the quiet serenity & beauty needed to unwind for a 45th Anniversary. Absolutely loved the peaceful scenery & surroundings. The food was 5 star with an extensive wine list to match. We will return.

I'm not sure what the hype is all about as Canoe Bay really disappointed our expectations. Although the grounds are beautiful, the resort needs a good upgrade as it feels like we're in year 2000. Additionally, they aren't doing housekeeping (wasn't told this prior to booking) and the restaurant is still closed due to COVID. The food was delicious but felt a bit strange paying $48 for a meal in plastic takeout without any utensils or napkins. After you cannot dispose of your meal until the morning. Who wants their room smelling like food? The workout room is still closed for renovation, however from the window it looks like it's just closed. I've stayed at many Relais properties and not sure how Canoe Bay is included.

Canoe Bay doesn't even closely live up to its hype. It's a beautiful place especially if you're a city dweller, but the service is virtually non existent. We saw no one at checkin, just an envelope taped to the window (even though we arrived at 2pm); also we had to place our dinner order the day before check in and we expected "room service" since the dining room was apparently closed. However, we received food crammed into a plastic container semi-warm delivered by a "gentleman" in a golf cart who, when i offered for him to come in, thinking that he was going to set it all up, acted as if I had the plague and sped off pointing to the paper bags left on the driveway. The food was average, nothing special about it, especially for the crazy price and there were only 2 choices of entrees. No bread, no extras, not even the lemon we requested. On the breakfast menu, I noticed you were required to request butter. They don't serve dinner on Tuesday nights and only a light supper on Wednesdays and there is absolutely no where to go to have a nice meal in the local or surrounding area. The only way to cook in our room was with a microwave. Both the stove and the stovetop had been disconnected on purpose by the staff. The accommodations are nice enough but not worthy of the price especially considering the complete lack of service. Perhaps there a super-sensitivity, okay a paranoia, to the COVID situation, but they made no effort to have ANY personal connection with you. Do not spend your money here if you expect any level of service (No housekeeping). Don't expect what you should expect in a lodging at this price. I will say that the cabin was clean (though dated) and the bed was comfortable. My husband and I are seasoned travelers and love to find hidden gems, but I'm sad to say this is definitely not one of them.

i don't know how to start, if you are looking for the perfect get away or and romantic place to be, this is it, its not cheap, but its worth it, at least for once, its a must place to visit, only 2 hrs from Minneapolis. excellent food, breakfast, cheese, service, staff, and location, very quite and peaceful.. the only complain i have is that the deluxe cottage we got at first, the AC unity wasn't working at all, and no wi fi or phone service there at all, then they replace us to the lookout room, witch is not only bigger and nicer, i could get wi fi and phone service there so... try to get the rooms that are above the lake, it cost a bit more but its worth it if you want to have wi if and phone service, witch its important for me and my girlfriend.. other than that i recommend, one more thing, i think they should have a phone in witch room just in case, you never know.. top of the line..

We stayed in a beautiful Dream Cottage this past weekend for two nights. The Cottage was beautiful and very well appointed with a King size bed, gas fireplace, kitchenette, huge jacuzzi, and an amazing bathroom with heated floor. The view of the lake and woods was amazing to wake up to both mornings. The staff was very friendly and everything that was promised with the reservation was delivered. The fresh breakfast each morning was delicious. We had dinner one night and it was amazing. They were very willing to accommodate my wife bring a vegetarian and made her an amazing seasonal ravioli. I had a filet with potatoes and asparagus. The food was all delicious. The waitresses were friendly and perfect. Dinner is $75 a person, which is a little pricey, but worth it for the 3 course meal. It would be nice if that price included at least one glass of wine. All the bottles were over $50. Go and enjoy the peaceful environment And amazing nature. My only tip is to stop at Gordy's supermarket in Chetek (about 10 from canoe bay) and buy some snacks, beer, and wine. (They charge $5 a beer, you can get a 6 pack of great WI beer for $7.) Go enjoy! I know we will be back, hopefully when it's snowing so we can go on a horse drawn sleigh ride!

If you live in the twin cities and need to recharge your batteries I am not sure if there is an easier escape than canoe bay. The drive is about 2 1/2 hours and you are completely removed from the world. The views are amazing, the food in the restaurant is as good as anywhere in the country and you are more likely to come across a deer than another person. It's all the peace and quiet of heading to a up north cabin but with beautiful accommodations. 27 cabins on 200 plus acres and a 5 star restaurant and wine cellar just a walk away. The staff has mastered being helpful and invisible at the same time. Your privacy is their first priority and every guest on the property is there for quiet and relaxation. I could probably only do 3 days max here before getting antsy but I feel so much more relaxed than I when I arrived. We will be back and thanks for the great service.

AMAZING! From the moment you stop at the reception desk and check in, you are escorted by someone in a golf cart to your cabin, and the same person helps unload your luggage. There is no awkwardness of a tip since the gratuity is added to the final bill. Everyone in the resort smiles and is there to help you. Lodging: We stayed in the Dream Cottage #27, it was amazing. By far the cleanest accommodations I have ever stayed in. The kitchen is stocked with sodas/water and the freezer is full of ice. The floors are a mahogany hardwood with a stone gas fireplace and heated tiles in the bathroom. There is a couch facing the fireplace and a soft wonderful bed. The bathroom is huge with a dual shower and whirlpool tub with a smaller tv. What I loved the most was the view from our bed, a wall of windows overlooking the lake. Just to watch the deer roaming around and the chipmunk on the balcony area. It was like heaven. Resort: The area itself is wonderful with multiple trails that go through the woods and encircle hidden lakes. The trails are varied in steepness, but nothing too difficult. My biggest suggestion would to be bring LOTS of bug spray and go in the morning. The mosquitoes are much worse in the afternoon/evening. The trails have so many picturesque areas were there are relaxing chairs to sit and just enjoy everything around you. The lodge is a separate building located on the grounds that his a library of books that rivals a sophisticated Barnes & Noble. All the book titles are organized by category and all very modern. There is also a fitness area with treadmills, elliptical, and weights. Our absolute favorite part was going canoeing. They have canoes and kayaks for which they provide life jackets, oars, and seat cushions. We had a BLAST rowing around the lake, checking out the wildlife, and watching the lake teaming with fish. Food: Breakfast - delivered everyday to your door and includes a bread/pastry basket (two muffins, two mini loafs), fruit basket, coffee/tea, and juice. The muffin/bread is awesome, fresh baked and truly a delight to wake up to. There is an option to add eggs, scramble, or other hot items that run about $12/each. The meal is delivered to your door at the time you specify the day before. Lunch - You fill out a piece of paper with your breakfast and order what you want and it is usually delivered in a little brown bag around 12:30. The options included cheeseburger, chicken salad sandwich, and a garden salad. Each option was again about $12 and came with one sweet. We had fresh baked chocolate chip cookies, they were freaking to DIE for, probably the best cookies I have ever eaten, something about the dark chocolate chips with chewiness that elevated my soul to another level. The cheeseburger was ok, meat lacked flavor although the cheese was good. My wife had a salad which had goat cheese and vegs and she loved it. Dinner - The first night we opted to have dinner in the cabin. Dinner is $75/per person, and if you have it delivered to the room there is a $30 charge. On delivery, it is set up on your kitchen table and all three course are clearly labeled and piping hot. Luckily they are in microwavable stoneware so if you choose to eat later it is not a problem. The first night we had tomato balsamic cream soup, mushroom stuffed ravioli, and strawberry shortcake dessert. Overall the meal was filling and had a good blend of flavors. The next night we had dinner at the Inn. The Inn is a beautiful structural building and faces the lake. All the seats in the house are w/in view of the lake. Dinner reservations start at 6pm with 7:30pm being the last seating of the night. The wine list was HUGE, glasses of wine started at $8 and beer at $5, both very reasonable. The first course was salad, which was well put together greens, blue cheese and toasted almonds, perfect way to start the meal. Opting for a vegetarian dish along with my wife (the chosen entree of the night was filet minion with mushroom glaze I think, looked amazing) we got tricolor rotini with diced vegs, very disappointing, only because I expected more from a 5 star restaurant. The pasta was overcooked and the flavors bland...it was more like a pasta I would make at home for my kids. I know it is hard to cook high end dishes for vegetarians, but I felt kind of let down when we got pasta for the second night in a row. Dessert was wonderful, a Canoe Bay hot cocoa rendition that was very unique. The overall service of the restaurant is very good. Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Overall a spectacular experience that I highly encourage every couple to try. In this modern world of phones/internet and constant communication, it truly allows a couple to connect with each other and appreciate the nature that surrounds them. We will definitely be back in the future, maybe even this fall to appreciate the colors.

I'll preface this review by saying that my wife and I are pretty spoiled and have stayed in amazing places all over the world. Canoe Bay is absolutely gorgeous, very serene, and compares with many places in those regards, as did our cottage. However, the service does not even come close to comparing, which is, perhaps, by design. It is difficult to find a staff member, and it appeared that you couldn't contact reception from the room phone. The booklet in the room said to use our cell phone to call, but both of us had very spotty service. We had a lot of fun here enjoying our beautiful cottage with two fireplaces and two decks overlooking the lake. We hiked around the property, paddled through the lake in a small boat, and loved walking through their organic garden. We even saw a few deer, a snake, tons of frogs, and a few other creatures. The lodge in the middle of the property was very nice and features a beautiful library filled with books, a good collection of DVDs from which you can borrow and watch in your room, a gym, as well as some hotel-type rooms available to guests. We enjoyed grabbing a book and sitting on the back patio overlooking the lake. (The lodge is said to feature wifi, but it's pretty spotty. However, in this kind of getaway, that isn't a major issue in my opinion.) Our biggest issue here was the lack of availability of food and beverages. We meant to pick up some wine on the way but forgot, and that ended up being a huge mistake. We got the package that included food, but the breakfast (delivered to your room each morning) was only a small muffin or two each, and the lunch was either a very small burger with no sides ($16 if you didn't get it included) or a salad. Luckily, we were able to order wine with our meals and walked over to reception to order a bottle at one point as well. The dining room where we had dinner both nights of our stay was very nice. The food was nothing special but decent, and the staff was wonderful. They are really good about accommodating allergies and preferences if you let them know beforehand (there is a set menu each night). The food was fresh, but the flavors were nothing special. The entree the first night was short rib with gnocchi, which excited me. The short rib was pretty good, while a little dry, but the gnocchi was some of the worst I've ever had. It was like glue. All portions are small here, so if you are like me and like to eat a lot and get hungry throughout the day, be sure to bring your own snacks (our cottage had a functioning refrigerator and microwave). Also, if relaxing on your vacations tends to involve a lot of drinking, I'd recommend bringing your beverage of choice. Not only do they not serve any liquor, but the wine and beer are expensive. Bring bottled water too. While it's provided, they only gave us 2-4 at a time, and we drink a lot of water. With the food and beverage supply, it almost felt like we were at some sort of health retreat. So unless they are going for that, they ought to at least have more available to interested guests that are willing to pay. I generally don't mind places with limited service, but for the price, I think this place should really step up the service if the costs make sense on their end. Despite its few downfalls, this place is wonderful overall, and next time we're looking for a peaceful getaway in the Midwest, we may go back (with a full cooler).

Canoe Bay is a little corner of heaven, plucked out from the clouds and placed sweetly in rural Wisconsin. Sounds like an exaggeration right?? But I mean it. All of it!! My boyfriend and I came here for our anniversary, staying for 2 nights with a deal that I got through Jetsetter.com. I don't think we would have come otherwise, because it's fairly expensive (for us, I guess!?!). I had gotten the cheapest package available (just a room), but when we arrived they were able to upgrade us to an individual cabin! So that was cool. When you check in and every morning afterwards, you fill out a little card telling them what you want for breakfast and when, if you want to order lunch, and if you want to reserve dinner that night at their restaurant. Breakfast is left outside your door and picked up an hour later -- very discreet and convenient. A continental breakfast is also complimentary for your stay, but you can order other items at additional cost. The cabins themselves are amazing (whirlpool bath, kitchen area, large tv, deck, fireplace, two-headed shower omg awesome), and the grounds were beautiful. All the cabins are placed around a lake, and you are free to use their kayaks and canoes. There's also a little beachy area with a dock you can swim out to. One of my favorite parts of our stay was going out on the lake as well as just walking around; we saw eagles, frogs, and deer! The food was all delicious; dinner is 3 courses, fixed price per person. All of the staff, at dinner, reception, etc. were very friendly and nice. Going to dinner was just about the only time we saw other guests, so I will say that it seems Canoe Bay is for an "older crowd"; we are in our early/mid twenties, and it seemed everyone was at least 15 years older than us. That's neither a bad nor good thing though, just an observation! If you are looking for a romantic getaway far from anything city, Canoe Bay is perfect. I highly recommend it. One last thing -- when you book a stay, they will send you written directions on how to get there because GPS' aren't enough. Follow them carefully! We almost got lost not paying attention to the odometer...

We traveled to Canoe Bay specifically to check out the Escape tiny home, so I've split this review accordingly: The resort itself: We enjoyed the beautiful, scenic winter - hiking across frozen ponds, easy to spot deer through the bare trees, peaceful and quiet. However, I think it might be better to visit in warmer weather to take full advantage of the beautiful grounds and lakes. The food was incredible. My boyfriend and I are vegan, and the chef really went above and beyond to accommodate us. If anyone has a dietary restriction and is concerned about the prix fixe menu, do NOT worry! As long as you give them a heads-up, the chef will have you covered. We thought it was some of the best vegan fine dining we'd ever had - and that's compared to restaurants that specialize in it. The staff is incredibly accommodating but also non-intrusive - a great combo. The Escape: Anyone interested in the Escape (or tiny living in general) should definitely come and stay. We were amazed by the attention to detail and how spacious the living area felt, even though it's only 400 sq ft! The Escape is definitely more expensive than other tiny homes out there, but it delivers things that most of those houses don't: full-sized kitchen, non-lofted bed, premium design and materials, etc. While pricey, we found this to be much more financially accessible than modular homes of similar quality, which tend to run around $350K+ for 1000 sq ft, and require much more in terms of site prep and installation. Keep in mind that if you want to live in an Escape full-time, it's technically illegal to do so in most places. Maybe outdated zoning and building codes will change to accommodate tiny homes in the future, but at the moment, really the only place you can legally live in an Escape is outside city limits in a rural county. We had a great time, and can't wait to call the Escape home!

I think Yelp's description of a 5-star review sums Canoe Bay up perfect- WHOOHOO! As good as it gets! We had booked the Lookout Cottage online, but we incredibly excited to be upgraded to the Treetop Cabin. Everything about our accommodations was impressive. Our cabin included two bathrooms, steam shower, Jacuzzi, fridge and freezer with ice, fireplace, wonderful sound system, heated floors, glassware, beach towels, bug spray, etc. The views of the lake from our deck and bedroom were idyllic. We found ourselves spending most of our time on our deck when we were in our cabin and loved that it was so private. From the reception desk to the dining room, the staff was top notch, professional and kind. We had the pleasure of dining in the Wine Cellar on our first evening at Canoe Bay and it is something I would highly recommend for everyone. In addition to having a private room that is incredibly romantic, you will also enjoy an extra food course, champagne course and dessert wine course. We loved every course and the food was cooked and timed perfectly. Canoe, kayaks and boats are available at any time of day to take out on their gorgeous lake. Even at the "rush hour" at the dock, there was no waiting for a canoe and once you left the dock you didn't see or interact with any of the other couples. The lounge is stocked with books of every genre, movies, coffee and tea. This is also where the workout room is located. We enjoyed walking through their expansive garden, I would suggest next time that we walk through on our way to dinner. I could go on for days about the delivered breakfasts, the fresh-baked cookies at checkout and the serenity of this place. We cannot wait to return! Tips: If you need an iron, the reception desk will be happy to provide one for you. Wifi is available in the Lounge and if you're hoping to secure in spot in the Wine Cellar for dinner- book well in advance.

This review of the restaurant at Canoe Bay is to supplement my original review. I am adding this because 1)the restaurant doesn't have a name and 2)my review of the restaurant did not show up when I searched Yelp for restaurants in the Chetek area. Here's what I wrote last fall: Well I've found a restaurant that rivals the excellent quality of my favorite restaurant: Christian's Bistro in Plover, WI. I also would put the American Club in the same company. The restaurant at Canoe Bay resort doesn't really have a name. That's because it caters to the guests at Canoe Bay. My wife and I loved the restaurant so much that we asked if non-guests can eat there. We were told that it is possible if there is room. Call Canoe Bay and if there are openings, then you can make a reservation. Please be aware that it is somewhat formal. And expensive. The chef, Anthony Chavez, does a fabulous job! Unless you request vegetarian fare beforehand the menu is the same for everyone. The current cost is $75. Wine or beer is extra. Although three courses are listed on the menu a little hors d'oevre preceeds the 3 courses each time we dined there. One evening we dined the first dish was a corn custard with bacon. This was followed by the main dish: Herb Roasted Amish Chicken Breast that included Savory Bread Pudding. It was excellent. The desert one night was rhubarb strawberry crisp. Divine. They have sample menus listed on the Canoe Bay web site. That web site mentions the difficulty getting there if you key the address into your GPS. I got past that because in my GPS I can zero in on the lake that includes Canoe Bay: Wahdoon, aka Dead Goose Lake.

Possibly the best week of my life. Stayed a week with my wife - enjoyed dinner on Monday, Thursday and Friday (Tuesday the kitchen was closed and who doesn't like big-barbecue Wednesday!). I've missed this place very much. Best place in the world to relax. I wish you could purchase a cabin on the property. One small critique - the dvd collection could have some newer movies, but on the positive note they have classics like Grumpy old men 1 and 2, Up, Room, Enchanted (still amazing movies).

I would say this place is a bit on the pricey side.. The cheapest room is $350, and that's for one of the 4 roooms in the lodge (which is shared by an open space library and workout room). Our first experience was skewed because we got a free upgrade to the $650 cabin that's closer to the Dinner Inn. This room includes a fridge, whirlpool, dual shower head, heated bathroom tile floor, HD TV and dvd player. I suppose it depends on your perspective. If you're comparing it to a hotel, yes it's like twice the price. If you're comparing it to a Sybaris type place, it's pretty reasonable. It does include a free breakfast for two which consists of 2 sweet breads for each person and a decent sized fruit plate to share plus coffee. Other things can be ordered separately. Dinner is $75 a person, which is also a little on the high side, but the chef prepares an amazing 3 course meal and usually implements at least one of the local garden items. Since you're in a very rural part of wisconsin, if you decide to venture out the local restaurants are your typical greasy food. There is a meat market that makes a decent lunch. The plates here are made by a local pottery maker. I'd recommend visting his shop 30 minutes away. It's a tiny business on a farm run by a sweet old man, and his wife paints in another building. With all the above said, the service here is amazing. EVERY single employee, whether it's the front desk, the waitresses, the workers delivering lunch (if you opt to buy one) are all EXTREMELY nice and will go the extra mile for you. Your privacy is respected at all times (even food delivery they ring the bell and walk away). The only time they wait at your door is if you opt to have your coffee mugs cleaned. Our visit was in Mid-may which seems to be the less busy time (summer and full get booked). I think May is the perfect time because it's not too hot and there are few bugs. Your vehicle may get coated with pollen however from the local forest. Phone service is sparse, as expected in rural wisconsin in general. There are no room phones, so you may want to check how your coverage is. Wifi is only in the dinner building and the lodge so if you need to catch up with internet activities there is that option. It would be nice if there was one central wifi tower that hit all the cabins, but I suppose that's the point of coming here, to unplug. They give you weird directions to find the place, but our GPS had no issue finding the address. It took us "the back way", but we actually preferred it to the way the front desk told us to come in.

The cottage at Canoe Bay was a pretty hefty investment for two nights with the meal package. That said, we would do it again in a lottery-winning-heartbeat! They have a library that is lovely. The grounds are gorgeous. The entire place is created to foster relaxation, reflection, and romance. The meal-package is essential, as you're quite a ways from town (35 minutes or sp). Also, as part of the seclusion and romance, the meal delivery (breakfast and lunch) is very fast and almost seems to be done by elves who drop off your food, ring your doorbell and runaway - never to be seen! The dinners are served in the lodge and are quite elegant (they're a nice excuse to get all cleaned up and dressed nice). We stayed in the "Lookout Cottege" and it was perfect. I don't know if there would be a need to "upgrade" to any of the other options, at least not for us. They also have less expensive options that are rooms in the Inn instead of the more secluded cottages. They have lots of complimentary treats and surprises and the staff were incredible. Again, I think the only downside was the cost - but I think for a very special occasion it's justifiable. I just saw that they're offering 20% off for bookings of cottages in November, so it looks like they do offer a deal from time to time. I would recommend it if you are looking for a total departure, even the drive there is beautiful.

I came across this resort on travel and leisure website and we had been considering going for about a year. Finally, we went up for a night in late March. It was a pretty easy drive from Madison with a stop for lunch. Upon arrival, you get a upscale rustic impression and the reception area mirrors that. Someone escorted us to our "cabin" (this is a misrepresentation as these dwellings are lovely) and showed us quickly around. We had 2 basic questions for her: is there wi-fi and when was this place built? She couldn't answer either which seemed strange. Anyway, we commenced with our naps and then went for a walk....those are pretty much the extent of your options in this season. The property is beautiful and peaceful. Then showered and a quick walk in the drizzle to dinner. The chef prepares the same meal for everyone unless you have dietary restrictions. It started with squash soup, onto filet with roasted potatoes, and broccoli and bernaise. The wine pairing was perfection and dessert was a chocolate mousse with a raspberry coulis. My husband and I agreed it was one of the better meals we've ever had....doesn't hurt to have a window side seat overlooking the lake as day turned to night. It was a perfect one night get away. We'll likely return in the fall for the leaves!

My husband and I love this place. We came here for our mini-moon and just celebrated our first anniversary here. Everything from the moment you enter the property to when you leave is first class. We stayed in the deluxe room in the lodge. It is perfect. The rooms are comfortable and relaxing. The whirlpool is a nice added bonus to the peaceful lake view. The grounds are private and relaxing. Wildlife is a plenty. You can go swimming kayaking or hiking. You can simply walk through the gardens too. Dinner (although expensive) is worth it. The menu is delicious and I love when they use ingredients from the garden. The wine list is extensive and not too pricey. We found the portions to be more than enough for two good eaters. The breakfast brought to your room is also wonderful. We choose to eat it on the loft in the library overlooking the lake. You feel like you have the entire property to yourself. The service is impeccable. I can't wait to come back again.

Celebrated Valentines Day with my boyfriend at the Relais Shateaux Canoe Bay. It was perfect! Very quiet, private and serene.

Everything was fantastic. The food for all meals was delicious and fresh. The portions generous. Our cottage was stunning and the most relaxing 48 hours we could imagine.

We recently stayed at the Canoe Bay Resort and this was our first visit, the resort had good marketing and seemed to be a nice, quiet place to spend the weekend. We were disappointed in the value as it was very expensive and honestly we expected more than we got. The cabin was nice, but spartan, and there was little to do there outside of walking on the small series of trails or just looking at the small lake. Our biggest disappointment was, however, the fact that the gratuity left for the waitstaff and cleaning crew was retained by the owners of the resort. We were shocked at this and would not have imagined it possible, but after hearing it from an off duty employee, we confirmed it with another former guest we know that had been told the same thing from a different employee. We did a quick calculation, and determined that between the "service charge" we paid in the dining room and the tips we left for the cleaning crew and front desk staff, we paid almost $250 to the owners that was meant for the staff. This is certainly unethical and probably illegal. We would never return to Canoe Bay and will recommend that our friends avoid this kind of dishonest place as well. On a final note, the owner of the resort seemed to have a superior attitude and it was like we were intruding on his personal space as we spent our weekend around the property.