Winter holidays are the ideal time for many families to get away and enjoy time together. Whether you’re an avid skier or simple snow bunny, there’s a winter holiday destination in Canada that’s just right for you and your family. Here are a few examples of favourite winter resort destinations in Ontario and Québec that welcome families over the holidays.
1. Chateau Montebello, Quebec
One of our family’s favourite winter destinations is Château Montebello in Québec’s Outaouais Region—a four-season resort which has something for everyone in the family. The kids will be impressed that they are staying in the world’s largest log cabin and they’ll love the full slate of activities available. There are activities to appeal to all ages including cross-country skiing, snow tubing, tobogganing, curling, ice-skating, dog sledding, and horse-drawn sleigh rides through the woods.
When it’s time to thaw out, the kids can splash around in the indoor pool while the adults enjoy some pampering at the spa or relaxation around the lobby’s magnificent six-sided stone fireplace. During the holidays, the resort is festively decorated and there are special activities and celebrations planned including visits from Santa, fireside carolling, lavish feasts, and family entertainment.
While in Montebello, families shouldn’t miss nearby Omega Park, which has a 10-kilometre route that visitors can drive to see wildlife in their natural habitat. An added bonus is the option of feeding carrots to elk from the car window!
2. Deerhurst, Ontario
In Ontario’s Muskoka cottage-country region just north of Toronto, resorts such as Deerhurst also make it fun for families to escape the city and enjoy a proper Canadian winter. This is especially true during the holidays when there is a long list of activities to enjoy both indoors and out. Tree trimming on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve family celebrations, and holiday feasts for both Christmas and New Year’s Day are just a few of the festive events that take place during the season. There’s no chance that the kids will ever get bored here with so many activities to choose from.
3. Blue Mountain Resort, Ontario
Families that love to ski are spoiled for choice in Canada with ski resorts that offer lessons for beginners, hills to suit all skill levels, and great off-the-slope activities. Among the best in Eastern Canada are Blue Mountain Resort north of Toronto and Québec’s Mont Tremblant.
Blue Mountain, only two hours north of Toronto, is Ontario’s largest ski and snowboard resort with 42 trails. Off-slope fun activities include snowshoe hikes, skating on Mill Pond, the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, caving, snowmobiling and more. Kids also love the Plunge! Aquatic Centre and adults may wish to indulge in a treatment at the award-winning Scandinave Spa. In addition to all of the resort activities, Blue Mountain Village has shopping, dining and entertainment to suit everyone’s tastes. It also offers New Year’s Eve festivities including a family party and fireworks over Mill Pond.
4. Mont Tremblant, Quebec
Québec’s Mont Tremblant, about 90 minutes from Montréal, is consistently ranked one of North America’s top ski resorts. The resort has 95 ski trails for skiers and snowboarders of all levels; lessons are also available for beginners of all ages. Tremblant may be known for its ski slopes but it also has a myriad of additional winter activities available including dog-sledding, ice climbing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. After an activity-filled day, families enjoy dining and shopping in the resort’s charming European-style pedestrian village. During the holiday season, they can also take part in a number of celebratory events.
The holidays are all about family time and visiting one of these destinations to play in the snow will result in some incredible family memories. There’s a good chance that it might even become a family holiday tradition!
Now that you’re inspired to take a family vacation in Canada this winter, be sure to check out our list of the best winter festivals to attend. Canada has plenty of things to do in the winter and these festivals are not to be missed!
Over to you—where are your favourite resorts for family fun?
Share your top recommendations for where to travel with family—we’d love to hear to from you!
