Cozy Winter Weekend Getaways In Ontario You’ll Love
In Ontario, winter isn’t just about hibernating (although that’s nice too), it’s about experiencing magical winter weekend getaways full of adventure, twinkling lights and hot cocoa.
Within the past couple of years, winter has become my favourite season of the year. It’s because of the beauty I’ve found in small towns, exciting resorts, and snow-covered trails that I’ve found during my winter weekend getaways in Ontario.
Ontario has an endless number of winter weekend destinations, but in this post, I’ll share my 7 top picks for the best quick winter weekend getaways that you’ll want to add to your list of winter adventures. Let’s hit the road – or the slopes!
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Quick Reference to Ontario Winter Weekend Getaways
- ⛸️ Ottawa: best for skating
- 🎿 Blue Mountains: best for skiing
- 🦊 Algonquin Park: best for wildlife viewing, winter camping, and winter hiking
- 🖼️ Niagara Falls: best for museums and winter light shows
- ☃️ Muskoka: best for cozy cabins and relaxation
- 🎅 Niagara-on-the-Lake: best for wine lover’s and Christmas magic
- 🥶Hamilton: best for frozen waterfalls and winter hiking
Ottawa
Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is quite a drive from Toronto – especially during the winter. But it’s still possible to get there if the main highways are open.
The star attraction in Ottawa during the winter is skating on the Rideau Canal. With 7.8 km of ice, this makes the the Rideau Canal the longest and world’s largest skating rink. Even though it’s large, don’t let that fool you – it still gets extremely busy!
The Rideau Canal Skateway offers skate rentals, as well as sleds, ice trikes and push sleds, offering visitors hours of outdoor fun.
Things To Do In Ottawa During The Winter
When your feet get sore from all of that time on the ice, the adventure isn’t over – there’s much more:
- hiking the many trails in and around Ottawa
- snow-shoeing through the wilderness
- skiing and snowboarding
- cross-country skiing
- toboganning
- explore Byward Market and Parliament Hill
- for a magical experience book an exceptional Christmas walking tour
Recommended Accommodation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Four Points by Sheraton
Blue Mountains Ontario’s Best Winter Weekend Getaway
The Town of Blue Mountains is by far my favourite winter weekend escape in Ontario. It’s the perfect destination for families, couples, solo’s, or a friends getaway.
While it is home to Ontario’s largest ski resort, there are many other things to do in Blue Mountains other than skiing. Of course skiers are welcome to spend hours on the slopes, while non-skiers strap on a pair of skates, wonder the quaint shops in the village, or visit Ontario’s largest and oldest Nordic Spa
If you’re visiting Ontario for the very first time, Blue Mountains is one Ontario winter destination you won’t want to miss!
Things To Do In Blue Mountain On a Winter Ontario Weekend Getaway
While skiing is the main attraction during winter weekends in Ontario, Blue Mountians has so much more to offer, such as:
- ski or snowboard
- outdoor skating
- relax at the Scandinave Spa
- browse the shops
- cross-country skiing
- explore the Nottawasaga Bluffs in nearby Creemore/Collingwood
- arrange a brewery tour with tastings
Recommended Accommodation: ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ Blue Mountain Resort Village Suites
Algonquin Park: A Winter Wonderland In Ontario
Algonquin Park offers visitors over 37 unspoiled trails to explore, most of which are open to the public year-round. If winter hiking is your primary purpose for visiting Algonquin, dress in layers, and bring hiking poles, microspikes, and gaters. These items are essential for winter hiking in Algonquin.
In addition, you will also want to consider bringing the following extra items on your weekend getaway to Algonquin Park:
- headlamp
- small first aid kit
- waterproof outer clothing, including jacket and pants
- hat and waterproof gloves
- water and food
Things To Do In Algonquin Park In Winter
Algonquin can be a difficult Ontario destination to get to for a winter weekend getaway, but avid winter hikers will always find a way. Even if you aren’t into winter hiking, there are so many other activities to enjoy when spending a weekend in Algonquin:
- winter hiking
- winter camping at Mew Lake Campground
- snowshoe the backcountry
- cross country ski
- dog sledding and snowmobiling
Driver’s Tip: Visit Winter in Algonquin for everything you need to know about visiting Algonquin Park in the winter
Niagara Falls
I’m sure everyone around the world has heard of Niagara Falls before, but did you know that in my opinion, the winter is the best time to visit this popular tourist attraction?
Winter is the perfect opportunity to view this world wonder from a different perspective. While the falls don’t freeze completely, they definitely get covered by ice. I recommend taking a tour of journey behind the falls to get up close and personal.
The bonus of visiting Niagara Falls during the winter is that there are less crowds AND some attractions and parking are cheaper than during the peak season.
Things To Do In Niagara Falls In Winter
- journey behind the falls
- ride to the top of the Skylon Tower
- visit a wax museum
- try your luck at a casino
- stroll Clifton Hill
- experience the Winter Festival of Lights
- play a game of mini golf
Recommended Accommodation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview and Spa
Muskoka
Winter in Muskoka is straight out of a snow globe. It’s known as one of Ontario’s best year-round destinations, but winter is when it really shines.
During the winter, Muskoka transforms into a winter wonderland, with frozen lakes, forest trails, and quiet villages decked out with twinkling lights. It’s all about cozying up beside a crackling fire with family and friends.
Things To Do In Muskoka Winter Weekend Getaway In Ontario
Even though my favourite thing to do when visiting Muskoka in the winter is to relax with a book and a glass of wine by the fire, there is so much to offer adventure-seeking travellers:
- downhill and cross-country skiing at Arrowhead Provincial Park
- skating on the trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park
- ice-fishing in a cozy hut
- snowmobiling
- fat tire biking through the forests
Recommended Accommodation: ⭐⭐⭐ Muskoka Waterfront Retreat
Niagara-on-the-Lake: A Magical Ontario Winter Destination
Niagara-on-the-Lake is my favourite destination for a winter weekend getaway in Ontario, when I’m looking for some rest relaxation – and maybe a little bit of wine tasting on the side.
When visiting this small Ontario town during the winter, you’ll feel like your stepping right into a Hallmark movie. All of the shops are decked out with holiday decor and the town is scattered with twinkling lights. You can even bundle up in a blanket and go for a horse-drawn carriage ride around town. How much more romantic can you get than that?!
Things To Do In Niagara-on-the-Lake In Winter
In my opinion, Niagara-on-the-Lake is the ideal winter getaway to do absolutely nothing at all. But I know not everyone is content to just laze by the fire and read. For those who are looking for things to do, there is plenty:
- wine tasting at over 100 wineries
- ice skating at the Pillar and Post
- browse the quaint shops
- take a carriage ride and learn the history of the town
- attend a live theatre performance
- pamper yourself at one of the many spas
Recommended Accommodation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 124 on Queen Hotel & Spa
Hamilton
I know many readers familiar with Ontario are asking “why do you have Hamilton on the list of winter weekend getaways in Ontario?”. I get it! Hamilton definitely isn’t a top Ontario destination, but during the winter it definitely should be!
Hamilton is home to the most waterfalls in Ontario, which makes it a top destination for hikers chasing waterfalls. When winter arrives, these waterfalls turn into cascades of ice which makes the falls even more beautiful. After a revitalizing hike, you can also enjoy a glass (or flight) of wine at Ridge Road Winery. You don’t even have to travel to the Niagara Region!
If you love to chase waterfalls, grab your Hamilton Waterfall Guide here. You don’t want to miss any!
Things To Do In Hamilton In Winter
- hike and chase frozen waterfalls
- winter camping and ice fishing at Valens Conservation Area
- skating at Pier 8
- ice climbing at Tiffany Falls
- visit the Art Gallary of Hamilton or the Royal Botanical Gardens
Recommended Accommodation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ TownPlace Suites by Marriott Hamilton
Tips For Ontario Winter Getaways
There is no question that winter is one of the best seasons for snow-lover’s, but there are things to remember when travelling around Ontario during the winter months:
- check the road conditions as many roads close during winter due to snow conditions
- pack and dress in layers
- check schedules to ensure what you want to see or do will be open
- if skiing or snowshoing, reserve any rentals needed prior to your arrival
- pack snacks and water to take along “just in case”
- prepare your vehicle for driving
- always remember – safety first!
Ontario’s Best Winter Weekend Getaways: In Conclusion
Ontario in the winter is nothing short of magical. The crisp air, snow-covered landscapes, and cozy winter escapes will have you bundling up to embrace the season. Ontario offers a winter escape to suit every style of traveller.
Are you ready to have some fun this winter? Start planning your perfect Ontario winter weekend getaway today. Not sure where to begin? I’d be happy to help you create the winter trip that’s just right for you.
If you already have a favourite Ontario winter spot, share it in the comments—I’d love to hear about your adventures!
Are you in the midst of planning a vacation in Ontario, Canada? Let me help you out. As a life-long resident, the following are the platforms that I generally use when I’m road tripping around my beautiful Province:
🏡 Rentals: Ontario has every style of accommodation rental imaginable, to suit every budget and travel style. For my vacation rentals, I use VRBO. This platform provides a wide variety of accommodations for every budget.
🏢 Hotels: Sometimes, I prefer to stay at a hotel, especially if I’m just staying in the area for a night or two. My go-to platform for booking hotels in Ontario is always Booking.com
🚴♀️ Activities: Ontario has so many activities to offer that it’s often difficult to choose. My favourite platform to find activities in each area of Ontario is Get Your Guide
🚗 Car Rentals: Ontario is so massive that’s it’s literally impossible to explore everything without a vehicle. Although I do have my own car, there have been times that I’ve rented a vehicle – especially for longer road trips. When in doubt, I’ve used Booking.com to find the best deal on rentals.
💰 Insurance: When travelling abroad, I purchase my medical insurance through Advisor Max, as well as my cancellation and trip-interruption insurance. Advisor Max is also the ideal company for visitors to Ontario, or any part of Canada, to purchase their travel insurance.
SAVE YOUR ONTARIO WINTER WEEKEND GETAWAY!
I absolutely loved reading this because I LOVE winter travel. Your quick reference winter getaways guide is super helpful. I’ve visited Niagara on a family vacation when I was much younger, but dream of going again as my hubby has never been. I visited in the summer, but now you’ve inspired me to go in the winter!
Thank you so much. I encourage you to visit Niagara Falls in the Winter. It’s absolutely magical!
I’m yet to visit Ontario but winter looks amazing here. It’s the opposite in New Zealand as summer is in full force so would love to experience a white Christmas and this sounds like the perfect place. Niagara-on-the-Lake in particular sounds like a bit of me. Will definitely be saving for when I manage to visit!
Niagara-on-the-Lake is like a Hallmark movie especially in the winter. If you love wine, it’s a great area to visit anytime of the year.
I have heard of Muskoka but it was used in a joke so I thought it wasn’t a real place! Sorry. Sounds like a great place to visit as are all the others in Ontario.
Hahaha…no joke. Muskoka is known as Ontario’s “cottage country”. It’s a popular spot for Toronto residents to visit especially in the summer. But the Winter is absolutely magical!
Love this post! I am becoming increasingly more interested in Canada and what winters are like. Your post was super helpful. It looks like there is so much to do!
Thank you so much! I hope you get the opportunity to visit one day. Everyone who does visit absolutely falls in love with the Country and its people 🙂
I hope you’re able to visit and experience our winter’s one day. It is COLD so you need to be prepared for that lol
Hello! Such a lovely place! I really like winter & winter activities so Canada is probably the best place for them. When does it usually start snowing in Ontario?
Snow usually starts at the end of October or the beginning of November. The most snow is December, Janaury, and February. Western Canada had its first snow fall this week which is really early.
This is such a fantastic list and perfect timing as people start planning winter trips! As someone who loves a good snowy destination, these all sound absolutely magical. Skating on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa sounds like a bucket-list winter experience, especially knowing it’s the world’s largest skating rink. Thanks for sharing these wonderful and cozy ideas!
Thank you. I love skating on the Rideau Canal. Unfortunately, I don’t get to do it often as it’s quite a long drive.
Great ideas. Our winters can be so long! Having places and adventures in the winter is ideal. Thanks for sharing.
I agree. I try to embrance the season so it goes by quicker lol