Top 7 Winter Getaways in Ontario for Every Kind of Traveller

Find your perfect Resorts of Ontario Escape This Winter

Video: Destination Ontario

Video: Destination Ontario

While summer may steal the spotlight for lakeside lounging and long weekends away, winter is when Ontario’s resorts really show their versatility. Snow transforms the landscape, the pace slows down, and the crisp air invites you to experience the season in all its glory.

Whether you're looking to rekindle romance, entertain the kids, try something new, or simply retreat into the quiet, there's a winter escape that suits your style. We’ve rounded up seven travel personalities and matched them with the perfect kind of Ontario getaway.

For the Adventurer:

Resorts with Skiing, Snowmobiling & More

If you are an adventure traveller, you crave movement, adrenaline, and wide-open landscapes. Good news: Ontario’s snowy season is your playground.

Head to resorts near downhill ski hills like the Lodge at Pine Cove, Blue Mountain Resort, or Calabogie Peaks Resort for quick access to the slopes.

Prefer a motorized thrill? Book a stay at a resort offering snowmobile rentals or direct trail access, like one in the Haliburton Highlands or Northern Ontario.

Photo: Justen Soule

Photo: Justen Soule

What to look for:

Proximity to ski trails, tubing hills or snowmobile routes

Gear rentals and guided tours

Packages that include lift passes or snowmobile excursions

white sand under blue sky during daytime

For the Romantic:

Cabins, Spas & Scenic Seclusion

Whether it’s a honeymoon, an anniversary, or just a much-needed winter escape, couples will find plenty of cozy corners in Ontario. Think crackling fireplaces, snowy views from the hot tub, and long, quiet mornings with nowhere to be but together.

Retreat to Ste. Anne’s Spa in Northumberland County for a touch of indulgence, unwind at Northumberland Heights Wellness Retreat & Spa, or savour wine country luxury at White Oaks Resort & Spa.

Across Muskoka, Prince Edward County, or the Kawarthas couples will find resorts that offer private cabins or adults-only experiences perfect for enjoying the winter season.

What to look for:

In-room firepace and Jacuzzi tubs

Couples spa treatment or Nordic spa access

Romantic winter packages with wine, dinner or late check-out

time-lapse photography of burning wood

For the Family:

Fun-Filled Resorts with Snowy Activities

Travelling with kids? Ontario resorts in winter deliver more than just a change of scenery — they offer real-deal memory-making. From snow tubing hills and skating trails to indoor pools and movie nights, there’s plenty to keep all ages entertained.

Consider family-friendly properties such as Living Water Resort & Spa, Great Wolf Lodge or Blue Water Acres.

What to look for:

Family suites or multi-room cottages

On-site winter activities, such as skating, tobogganing and bonfires

Kid-friendly dining and holiday programming

selective focus photo of trees

For the Wellness Seeker:

Mindful Winter Retreats

Sometimes the best trips are the ones where you don’t do much at all. If you’re looking to rest, recharge, and re-centre, winter is an ideal time to lean into wellness.

Several Ontario resorts offer retreats focused on yoga, spa therapy, forest bathing, or simply slowing down. The winter setting adds to the sense of serenity.

Find relaxation at
Pillar and Post in Niagara-on-the-Lake, rejuvenate at Millcroft Inn & Spa in Caledon, or enjoy the peaceful lakeside charm of The Briars Resort & Spa on Lake Simcoe. 

What to look for:

Full-service spas and outdoor hot tubs

Guided meditation or wellness workshops

Nature trails for snowshoeing or quiet reflection

white and brown ceramic figurine
person taking picture of the foods

For the Foodie:

Culinary Experiences by the Fire

Love a good meal even more than a good view? Culinary-focused resorts across Ontario turn winter dining into an experience. Indulge in refined flavours and gourmet dining at boutique properties such as The Postmark Boutique Hotel nestled in downtown Newmarket or at the Frontenac Club in lively Kingston.

Or soak up wine-country cuisine at the Inn at Huff Estates in Prince Edward County. 

From chef-led tasting menus to farm-to-table meals and cozy wine pairings, there’s plenty to savour. Some resorts even offer cooking classes or seasonal dining events worth planning a getaway around.

What to look for:

On-site fine dining or chef-curated menus

Local wine, beer or cider pairings

Seasonal culinary events, workshops or experiences

a woman is peeling an onion on a cutting board
snow covered trees near river during daytime

For the Nature Lover:

Trails, Forests & Frozen Lakes

Winter is a quieter kind of wilderness season — perfect for nature lovers who enjoy the hush of snow underfoot and the sparkle of ice in the trees.

At the Grand Tappattoo Resort near Parry sound, forested trails begin right outside your door, while Friday Harbour Resort on Lake Simcoe blends snowy shoreline scenery with easy access to outdoor adventures.

For those who love the charm of a traditional getaway, Golden Beach Resort on Rice Lake offers a classic Canadian winter setting, ideal for snowshoeing, wildlife watching, or simply soaking in the stillness. Don’t forget your camera (and your layers).

What to look for:

Snowshoe or cross-country ski trails on-site

Lakefront view or forest surroundings

Minimal light pollution for incredible winter stargazing

snow covered trees during daytime
person in black backpack and brown jacket standing on snow covered ground during daytime

For the Last-Minute Traveller:

Easy Escapes with Great Deals

Didn’t plan ahead? No problem. Many Ontario resorts offer flexible bookings, midweek discounts, or quick getaway packages all winter long. Whether you’re escaping the city solo or surprising someone with a spur-of-the-moment weekend, look for properties within a 2-3 hour drive of home that are known for their hospitality and value.

What to look for:

Last-minute booking specials

All-inclusive or bundled winter packages

Easy driving distance and ample availability

a picnic table sitting on top of a snow covered field

Photo: Limberlost Forest/Destination Ontario

Photo: Limberlost Forest/Destination Ontario

Ready to Find Your Winter Match?

Winter travel in Ontario doesn’t have to mean doing without, it can mean discovering more. More time to unwind. More room to breathe. More meaningful ways to connect with the people (and places) that matter.

Whatever your travel style, there’s a resort that’s ready to welcome you this season with a mug of something hot, a snow-covered view, and just the right amount of adventure.