Winter is here and the snow is falling as fast as the temperature. But that doesn’t mean you have to bundle yourself off to a tropical location. Kick your Canadian hardiness into gear and enjoy a fabulous staycation in our wintry wonderland.
The following resorts are all within a one or two-hour drive of Toronto and they all have so much for families to do—whether you want to breathe that crisp winter air, splash around in warm water, or snuggle up by a cozy fire. You’ll be happy you stayed home and enjoyed Ontario weather at its finest!
Americana Waterpark Resort
Niagara Falls • 1½ hours away
The waterpark at the Americana Waterpark Resort is contained inside a glass structure, so you feel like you’re in a tropical paradise, even in the middle of winter. With its wave pool, interactive water play structure, and numerous water slides, you could spend all day here. But, if you tire of the water park, there’s still the arcade—or a few minutes’ walk to the carnival-like atmosphere of Clifton Hill or to the falls themselves. Indoor wave pool • spa
Great Wolf Lodge
Niagara Falls • 1½ hours away
Although you’re minutes from Niagara Fall’s raucous Clifton Hill and all its kid-friendly entertainment, you may never see it as there is so much to do at Great Wolf Lodge. As well as the water slides for all ages, the wave pool, and the rest of the the water park, kids (and adults!) can play in the arcade, do some bowling, and embark on the MagiQuest. There are also bedtime stories with Great Wolf characters, shows and kids activities, and Snowland features exciting events all through the holiday season. Indoor wave pool, indoor lazy river
Horseshoe Resort
Barrie • 1½ hours away
The outdoor sports family will love all the options that Horseshoe Resort provides. From snow tubing, fat biking, and slope-side skating, to mini snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, your family is sure to find an activity that’s perfect for them. And, of course, there’s always alpine skiing! You can stay in the inn itself, one of the Slopeside condos, or in a 1 or 2-bedroom suite in the Copeland House, and some rooms even allow pets. Indoor pool, spa, pets allowed
Nottawasaga Inn Resort
Alliston • 1½ hours away
Have a good time in the great outdoors at Nottawasaga Inn Resort in rural Simcoe County, with snowshoe rentals and walking trails, bonfires, and an outdoor playground. And there’s plenty to do inside as well, with a 3-storey waterslide and rainforest-themed swimming pool, mini-golf, an arcade, pool tables, and table tennis. There’s even an onsite hockey arena. During school breaks, there are special activities like family dodgeball, seasonal games and crafts, movie nights, and family skating. Indoor pool
Bayview Wildwood Resort
Muskoka • 2 hours away
Have fun in the snow as you cross country ski, ice fish, skate, snowshoe, toboggan, or enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride at Bayview Wildwood Resort, a gateway to Muskoka. Then head to the games room for a family ping pong, billiards, air hockey, or foosball tournament. Watch a movie with the whole family, snuggle by the fireplace, or play a board game in the lounge. Choose a suite in the surrounding buildings, a room in the main building, or a cottage for the perfect accommodations for the size of your family. Indoor pool
Elmhirst’s Resort
Keene • 2 hours away
Reap the benefits of a Canadian winter as you take part in the many outdoor activities at Elmhirst’s Resort near Peterborough. Ice fishing, snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, skating, campfires, and helping out in the Hen House are all part of the Elmhirst experience. You can even try snowkiting at the end of January! Snuggle up in a 1- to 5-bedroom cottage, in front of a cozy fire, and enjoy! Indoor pool, spa, pets allowed
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Fern Resort
Muskoka • 2 hours away
At Fern Resort, parents can relax as kids up to six have fun in the supervised Playvillage, or hire an evening babysitter for $8/hour. (Good luck finding that rate in the city!) Together, you can have fun skiing, snowshoeing, skating through the forest, ice fishing, curling, making crafts, billiards, shuffleboard, walking the nature trail, and enjoying live entertainment. And you can book special packages this winter that allow you to experience horse and carriage rides, dog sledding, and hayrides, as well. Indoor pool, spa
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Living Water Resort & Spa
Collingwood • 2 hours away
Take advantage of the snow with cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, or stay cozy inside with movies, board games, Ping-Pong, shuffleboard, daily crafts, darts, foosball, air hockey, and video games at Living Water Resort & Spa. There’s even a toddler room! The one or two-bedroom family suites make it easy to get a good night’s sleep, and you can warm up at your personal fireplace or head to the lobby to enjoy its fireplace with new friends. Indoor pool, spa
The Westin Trillium House
Blue Mountain • 2 hours away
Enjoy the all-season outdoor pool and hot tub at The Westin Trillium House resort right in the heart of the Blue Mountain village, steps from the ski and snowboard hills, mountaintop skating, downhill tubing, the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, horse and carriage rides, and snowshoe tours. Two-bedroom family suites with a fireplace and kitchen facilities are available for fun family getaways. Heated all-season outdoor pool, pets allowed
Deerhurst Resort
Huntsville • 2½ hours away
Deerhurst Resort provides all the gear for a fabulous winter holiday, with snowshoes, cross-country skis and skates available to try out its trails and skating rinks. Then warm up by the campfire every Friday and Saturday evening, or head inside for fun in the Treehouse Playspace or retro arcade. Or, try the indoor rock climbing wall, an indoor scavenger hunt, or an escape-room mystery. There’s no shortage of things to do at this Muskoka mainstay. Indoor pool, spa, pets allowed
