There’s a long stretch of winter in Canada and while it can start to a feel little long, there is also a lot of opportunity for winter getaways. I have usually been one to try and escape the cold in the winter but when it comes down to it winter is 6 months long and you can’t escape all of it. This year, I’m determined to make the most of it with winter getaways!
Full disclosure – I have only been a couple of the places on this list myself have trips to several of these winter getaways in Ontario and Quebec planned for this season. I thought that rather than wait to share them with you until after I had gone myself I would preemptively share the winter getaways that my (extensive) research led me to. Sharpen your skates and pull on your toques – it’s time to enjoy the snow. P.S. I included some major cities on this list so if you already live in one… make sure to enjoy it staycation style this winter!
If you choose to book one of these destinations, please consider using the links you find in this post.
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Winter Getaways in Ontario and Quebec
Want more winter content?
- Things to do in Ottawa in Winter
- Things to do in Montreal in Winter
- What to Wear in Canada in Winter
Fairmont Le Château Montebello
Fairmont Le Château Montebello is the perfect choice for a winter getaway in Quebec or if you’re coming from Ottawa because it is one property that offers everything. I stayed here this winter and it was incredible. Stay in the largest log cabin in the world and enjoy activities on the 65,000 acre property. The resort fee ($30 per day per person) includes activities year round – in the winter this means skating, snowshoeing, and ski trails. Book a dog sledding excursion, or enjoy some time in the spa, too! When you’re ready to warm up enjoy a soak in the beautiful indoor pool. BOOK HERE.
Toronto: Winterfest
Spend a weekend in the city enjoying both the indoors and outdoors. Ripley’s Aquarium is a stunning place to go year round and come winter it’s probably the closest thing in Toronto to a tropical escape. Enjoy some time outside skating in Nathan Philips Square by the iconic Toronto sign.
This year for the first time Canada’s Wonderland is hosting WinterFest. Canada’s Wonderland is being transformed in to a winter wonderland where you can enjoy lights, live entertainment, food, and Christmas activities until December 31.
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The Polar Bear’s Club
Just 35 minutes outside of Montreal the Polar Bear Club makes for a stunning winter getaway in Quebec. This outdoor spa offers Finnish sauna baths, outdoor hot tubs, Nordic bathes, and massage therapy set in the Saint Sauveur Valley along the Simon River. You will be immersed in nature and completely relaxed. Book an affordable overnight in the Saint-Adèle Region.
Kabania
Experience winter among the tree tops at Cabana. This incredible property is located outside of Montreal. Stay in a cabin on stilts and bring your snowshoes to explore the area. Take advantage of their weekday relax package – for less than $200 for 2 people you can enjoy a night in a cain and a day pass to the nearby spa La Source Bains Nordiques. More in the mood for an expedition? Check out their dog sledding packages.
Wakefield
One of my favourite places to go in the winter is Lac des Loups, a skating trail just 45 minutes from Ottawa. Combine a visit to the trail with an afternoon or a stay at the Moulin Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa to relax and unwind after your winter adventure. I recommend Hibou for lunch in Wakefield! Lac des Loups also offers a beautiful snow shoe trail.
Chelsea: The Nordik Spa
North America’s biggest outdoor spa is a destination in and of itself whether you’re coming from Ottawa, Montreal, or further. I have visited the Nordik Spa in the winter several times and loved it. It’s beautiful to soak in a hot tub while snow falls around you! Book one of their accommodations at Lodge Nordik and bring your whole crew or stay nearby in Ottawa.
Omega Park
Enjoy an experience like no other by sleeping with wolves at Omega Park. I have been to Omega Park many times (if you follow me on Instagram you know all about my deep love for deer) and camped once in the summer but this winter will be my first time staying overnight with the wolves and I can’t wait! Rent the cabin with the wolves for yourself + 3 friends and look out over a wolf enclosure and wake up to their howls. Check out this guide to Omega Park in winter before you go.
Muskoka and Arrowhead Provincial Park
Winter adventurers, pack up your snowshoes and skates and head to Muskoka. Visit Arrowhead Provincial park for beautiful skating trail that wraps through the trees, 33km of groomed ski and snowshoe trails. and snow tubing! Cozy up at Deerhurst Resort or JW Marriot Resort and Spa.
Ottawa for Winterlude
Come to Ottawa (my home!) for Winterlude. This fun winter festival is hosted in February and attracts visitors from around the world. Skate on the world’s longest outdoor skating rink + UNESCO World Heritage Site the Rideau Skateway and admire incredible ice sculptures. Warm up with Beavertails (it’s fried dough and sugar, no beavers harmed, promise) and hot chocolate. Check out more things to do in Ottawa in winter.
Niagara Falls
The Niagara region is known for two things that are just as wonderful in the winter: wine and Niagara Falls. Make your way to the area for the Niagara Icewine Festival or Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Village and delicious wine and good. If you’re visiting in November through to January 31, you can enjoy the Winter Festival of Lights. On a really cold year, you might even have the chance to see Niagara Falls frozen!
La Maurice National Park
Get the full outdoors experience by staying in La Maurice National Park. Perfect for snowshoeing and skiing, La Maurience National Park some of the best cross-country skiing around. Enjoy the fun of winter camping without the whole set up and being cold part by staying in one of Parks Canada’s oTENTik. It’s a cross between a cabin and a tent (i.e. my kind of camping).
Montreal
City life, but make it winter. Montreal is a great choice year round. Come winter there are plenty of things to do in Montreal including my personal favourite – skating at the Old Port. Enjoy a day of snowshoeing, skiing, or skating at Beaver Lake on Mont Royal or relax in one of the outdoor hot tubs of Both Both, a floating spa in the Old Port. View my Montreal in the Winter Guide and pair it up with my 3 day Montreal itinerary for the perfect trip.
Quebec City
People come from far and wide to visit Quebec City in the winter! This year I am planning to visit for Carnaval in February. This is a winter festival with live performances, a giant slide, and ice sculptures. It is also said to be incredibly beautiful at Christmas time, particularly in Old Quebec.
Want a unique winter experience? Visit Quebec City and stay in the ice hotel. I have been inside, but never spent the night!
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Mont Tremblant
Perfect for skiers and lovers of cute towns. I have actually been to Mont Tremblant in the summer myself (super fun) but not yet the winter. I would personally opt for some relaxation in the hot tubs at the Scandinave Spa there, but I hear the skiing is great too! If you stay in the village you just ski out of your hotel.
