Looking for a corporate or staff retreat a short drive from Toronto? Studies have shown that taking some time away from the grind can actually increase productivity, team spirit, and help employees to perform better. So, in the spirit of actually enjoying work, I have rounded up some options to help you keep your sanity.

Here are my picks for the top corporate and staff retreats near Toronto.

Drake Devonshire in Prince Edward County
A good option for smaller groups, this hotel in the country can accommodate up to 80 guests. Use the dining room and lounge for a team meeting and have some fun in Prince Edward County - there are miles of bike trails, farm and winery tours (check out Haute Goat Farm for a chance to bond with baby animals) and beach-side activities at Sandbanks Provincial Park.

Treetop Trekking at Horseshoe Valley Resort in Barrie
An advanced network of tree-top bridges, rope courses and zip lines is an excellent way for employees to conquer fears, build trust, and work together as a team. Luckily, Treetop Trekking at Barrie's Horseshoe Valley Resort offers this opportunity and more. This is a good option for groups large and small (10-100+ people).

Kingbridge Centre in King City
This facility is well-equipped for conferences and large meetings. When not looking at pie charts, head outside to explore a vast network of hiking trails or other green space for outdoor team building activities.

Inn at Christie's Mill in Port Severn
This waterfront spot is stacked with amenities for corporate retreats. There are 26 traditional inn-style rooms plus 15 suites making it a good option for small and medium sized teams. Staff are good at planning excursions and activities such as cooking classes, spa days, boat cruises, campfires or wine-tasting tours.

Killarney Mountain Lodge in Killarney
If rustic-chic is your thing, look no further than this place. On the windswept shores of Georgian Bay, Killarney is the true definition of a rural retreat. Cozy rooms, a 60's-inspired lounge (with live music nightly), home-cooked meals, and close proximity to Ontario's crown jewel (Killarney Provincial Park) means your retreat might be more memorable than last year's wild holiday party.

Long Point Eco-Adventures in Long Point
Offering one and two day corporate retreats for teams of any size, Long Point Eco-Adventures has redefined glamping to include serious adventure. The facility is dedicated to team building, goal-setting, and increasing productivity through hands-on activities such as kayaking, ziplining, stargazing, and mountain biking.

Bartlett Lodge in Algonquin Park
Helping your small to medium-sized team get in tune with nature, Bartlett Lodge is a comfortable and luxurious option. Located in Algonquin Provincial Park, activities such as canoeing, hiking, nature-watching, and simply bonding over the campfire are right at your fingertips.

Westin Trillium House in Blue Mountain
Mountain biking, trekking, ropes courses, and rock climbing are just a few of the activities on offer here. You can also select a theme to your stay thanks to Summit Teambuilding. Mini Olympics, a Blue Mountain Village Challenge, and Team Synergy are all par for the course.

Niagara-on-the-Lake
Offering a wide variety of hotels to choose from, both the falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake are ideal destinations for a weekend corporate retreat. Sample Ontario wines at a local vineyard, ride the Maid of the Mist under the majestic falls, or take your chances at Fallsview Casino - it's all in the name of a tighter-knit and more productive team.

Hart House Farm, Caledon
One of the more economical choices on this list, this spot can accommodate smaller groups at the rustic Ignatieff House. The property features an outdoor sauna and two swimming ponds. Head for a hike on the Bruce Trail, enjoy a wood-oven pizza and cider sampling at Spirit Tree, or just relax, unwind, and take a break from the urban grind.

What did I miss? Add more places for corporate and staff retreats near Toronto to the comments.

Photo of Drake Devonshire by the Drake Hotel.