4 days ago10 min read

Best Winter Resorts Near Toronto For Families

Updated: 2 days ago

When the snow begins to blanket the ground and the crisp winter air fills the season with excitement, there’s no better time to plan a family getaway. Toronto, with its bustling urban charm, is perfectly positioned as a gateway to some of Ontario’s best winter resorts. Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor adventures, cozy indoor relaxation, or a mix of both, there’s something for every family just a short drive away.

From downhill skiing and snow tubing to snowshoeing and ice skating, these resorts offer a wide variety of activities to keep kids entertained and parents relaxed. Many also feature family-friendly accommodations, dining options, and programs tailored specifically for children.

In this guide, we’ll take you through 15 of the best winter resorts near Toronto, each offering unique experiences for families. Whether you’re looking for luxury, rustic charm, or all-inclusive fun, these resorts will help you create unforgettable winter memories.

Best Winter Resorts near Toronto for Families

1. Blue Mountain Resort

Located just two hours north of Toronto in Collingwood, Blue Mountain Resort is one of Ontario’s most popular winter destinations. Known for its vibrant village atmosphere and wide range of activities, it’s a perfect getaway for families looking to enjoy the best of winter.

Activities: Blue Mountain offers everything from skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing and skating. Families can also ride the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, a thrilling track that winds through the snowy hills. For those seeking a slower pace, the resort has scenic hiking trails and plenty of cozy spots to relax.

of activities, it’s a perfect getaway for families looking to enjoy the best of winter.

Activities: Blue Mountain offers everything from skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing and skating. Families can also ride the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, a thrilling track that winds through the snowy hills. For those seeking a slower pace, the resort has scenic hiking trails and plenty of cozy spots to relax.

Family Perks: Blue Mountain is incredibly family-friendly, with a dedicated Kids at Blue program that includes childcare and beginner lessons for young skiers. The village itself is packed with shops, restaurants, and events that cater to all ages.

Unique Feature: The pedestrian-friendly village creates a European-style winter wonderland, making it easy for families to explore and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

2. Horseshoe Resort

Just 90 minutes from Toronto, Horseshoe Resort in Barrie is a family favorite for its diverse range of activities and affordability. It’s an ideal destination for families with kids of all ages and skiing abilities.

Activities: The resort boasts downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, fat biking, and Ontario’s longest snow tubing hill. For non-skiers, there’s plenty of fun to be had on the trails or by the fire.

Family Perks: Horseshoe Resort is known for its beginner-friendly slopes and offers lessons tailored specifically for kids. They also have a childcare program, allowing parents to hit the slopes worry-free.

Unique Feature: The snow tubing hill is a highlight, giving families a fun alternative to traditional skiing and snowboarding.

3. Deerhurst Resort

Nestled in the heart of Muskoka, Deerhurst Resort is about 2.5 hours from Toronto and offers a mix of outdoor adventure and cozy indoor amenities. It’s a great option for families looking for a balance between excitement and relaxation.

Activities: Deerhurst provides plenty of winter activities for families, including skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even ice fishing. For those looking to stay indoors, the resort offers an indoor pool, a games room, and family-friendly dining options.

Family Perks: The resort caters to families with spacious accommodations and packages designed for groups. Kids will love the variety of outdoor adventures, while parents can unwind with a hot drink by the fire.

Unique Feature: Deerhurst’s location in Muskoka means families can enjoy the beauty of Ontario’s iconic winter landscapes while participating in both outdoor and indoor activities.

4. Fern Resort

Known as “Ontario’s All-Inclusive Resort,” Fern Resort in Orillia is just 90 minutes from Toronto and offers a charming, family-focused winter escape.

Activities: The resort features an ice skating trail, curling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and tobogganing. Families can also enjoy cozy bonfires or relax in the indoor pool.

Family Perks: Fern Resort is all about making things easy for families. With all-inclusive packages that include meals, activities, and entertainment, parents can focus on having fun with their kids without worrying about logistics. Evening programs and childcare options ensure everyone has a great time.

Unique Feature: The resort’s old-fashioned charm combined with modern amenities creates a welcoming, stress-free environment for families.

5. Muskoka Bay Resort

Located in Gravenhurst, just two hours north of Toronto, Muskoka Bay Resort offers a luxurious yet family-friendly winter retreat. It’s a perfect destination for families looking to combine outdoor adventures with cozy, upscale accommodations.

Activities: The resort provides a variety of winter activities, including skating, snowshoeing, tobogganing, and scenic winter walks through Muskoka’s iconic landscapes. After a day outdoors, families can gather around a fire pit or enjoy the resort’s indoor amenities.

Family Perks: Muskoka Bay Resort features spacious accommodations, including suites and townhomes, making it ideal for families. The onsite dining options are family-friendly, and the resort’s serene environment ensures a relaxing getaway for all.

Unique Feature: Muskoka Bay Resort seamlessly blends luxury with family fun, offering a perfect balance for parents who want to relax while kids enjoy winter activities.

6. Algonquin Log Cabin

For families seeking a rustic, off-the-grid experience, the Algonquin Log Cabin is an unforgettable winter retreat. Located about three hours from Toronto, this cozy log cabin in Algonquin Park offers an immersive wilderness adventure.

Activities: Families can enjoy guided snowshoeing through the stunning Algonquin backcountry, cross-country skiing, and even stargazing in the pristine, dark skies of the park. Winter campfires, storytelling, and cozy evenings by the woodstove create a unique bonding experience.

Family Perks: With no Wi-Fi or cell service, the Algonquin Log Cabin is perfect for families looking to unplug and reconnect with each other. The all-inclusive packages include meals, guided activities, and cozy accommodations.

Unique Feature: The traditional log cabin ambiance combined with the serene wilderness setting makes this a one-of-a-kind winter escape.

7. Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain

While Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain is primarily known as a tranquil retreat for adults, it can be a great addition to a family trip if parents are looking to unwind. Located adjacent to Blue Mountain Resort, it’s only a two-hour drive from Toronto.

Activities: The spa features outdoor hot baths, saunas, and relaxation areas surrounded by picturesque snow-covered landscapes. While parents indulge in spa treatments, kids can enjoy nearby activities at Blue Mountain Resort.

Family Perks: Though the spa itself is not child-focused, it’s a great option for families traveling with older kids or teens who might enjoy the spa or nearby hiking trails. The proximity to Blue Mountain’s family-friendly offerings makes it a convenient addition to a winter getaway.

Unique Feature: Scandinave Spa offers a serene escape for parents while still being close to family-friendly activities, making it an ideal dual-purpose destination.

8. The Briars Resort and Spa

Located on the shores of Lake Simcoe, just an hour from Toronto, The Briars Resort and Spa combines historic charm with modern comforts. This cozy resort is perfect for families seeking a relaxed winter getaway.

Activities: Families can enjoy snowshoeing, ice skating, or hiking on the resort’s scenic trails. Indoors, there’s a heated pool, games room, and plenty of cozy spots to relax.

Family Perks: Accommodations include family-friendly cottages and suites, and the resort offers activities suitable for all ages. The onsite dining options cater to families, and the welcoming atmosphere makes it a great place to unwind together.

Unique Feature: The Briars’ historic charm and peaceful lakeside location make it feel like a hidden gem, perfect for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

9. Mount St. Louis Moonstone

A favorite among skiing families, Mount St. Louis Moonstone is located in Coldwater, about 90 minutes from Toronto. This ski resort is ideal for families looking to hit the slopes, with plenty of options for beginners and experienced skiers alike.

Activities: The resort offers skiing and snowboarding with over 36 slopes, 8 chairlifts, and terrain parks. It’s known for its well-groomed trails and excellent snow conditions.

Family Perks: Mount St. Louis Moonstone is incredibly family-focused, with ski and snowboard lessons for kids, daycare services, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The beginner-friendly slopes make it a great choice for families new to skiing.

Unique Feature: The resort’s dedication to creating a family-friendly ski experience ensures that everyone, from toddlers to teens, has a great time on the slopes.

10. Snow Valley Ski Resort

Just an hour and a half from Toronto, Snow Valley Ski Resort in Barrie is another excellent option for families, especially those looking for a mix of skiing and other fun winter activities.

Activities: In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Snow Valley is famous for its snow tubing park, which features multiple lanes and a lift to take you back to the top. Families can also enjoy snowshoeing and a dedicated kids’ learning area for beginner skiers.

Family Perks: Snow Valley offers affordable family packages, making it one of the more budget-friendly ski destinations near Toronto. The resort’s focus on teaching beginners ensures that kids and parents alike can learn to ski or snowboard together.

Unique Feature: The snow tubing park is a standout feature and a hit with kids, providing a fun alternative to traditional skiing and snowboarding.

11. Hardwood Ski and Bike

For families who love cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, Hardwood Ski and Bike in Oro-Medonte is a fantastic winter destination just 90 minutes from Toronto.

Activities: The resort specializes in non-alpine winter sports, offering over 40 kilometers of groomed cross-country skiing trails, as well as snowshoeing and fat biking trails.

Family Perks: Rentals and lessons are available for all skill levels, making it easy for families to get started. The variety of trails ensures that everyone, from beginners to experienced adventurers, can find something to enjoy.

Unique Feature: With a focus on cross-country skiing and fat biking, Hardwood Ski and Bike is a refreshing alternative to downhill ski resorts, offering a peaceful and active winter experience.

12. Bayview Wildwood Resort

Located in Severn Bridge, just 90 minutes from Toronto, Bayview Wildwood Resort is a family-owned gem offering a warm and welcoming winter retreat. This resort is perfect for families looking for a mix of outdoor fun and cozy indoor relaxation.

Activities: Families can enjoy ice skating on the lake, snowshoeing, tobogganing, and even guided snowmobile tours. The resort also organizes campfires and winter activities that bring everyone together.

Family Perks: Bayview Wildwood offers all-inclusive packages, including meals and activities, which make planning a family getaway easy. The resort also has cozy lakeside accommodations that range from rooms to cottages, perfect for families of any size.

Unique Feature: Its family-oriented atmosphere and long history of hosting multi-generational guests give Bayview Wildwood a nostalgic charm that keeps families coming back year after year.

13. Elmhirst’s Resort

Elmhirst’s Resort, located on the shores of Rice Lake near Keene, is about two hours from Toronto. This family-run resort offers a mix of outdoor adventures and farm-to-table dining, making it a fantastic choice for families looking for a unique winter getaway.

Activities: Families can enjoy snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and even horse-drawn sleigh rides. The resort also offers spa services for parents looking to unwind after a day of outdoor fun.

Family Perks: Elmhirst’s private lakeside cottages are spacious and fully equipped, making them ideal for families. Kids will love the opportunity to explore the farm animals and participate in outdoor winter activities.

Unique Feature: The combination of outdoor activities, farm-to-table dining, and cozy cottages creates a truly unique experience that blends adventure with relaxation.

14. Pine Vista Resort

Nestled on the shores of Stoney Lake in Lakefield, about two hours from Toronto, Pine Vista Resort is a family-friendly destination that offers a peaceful winter retreat.

Activities: Families can go ice skating, snowshoeing, or tobogganing on the resort’s scenic property. After a day of outdoor fun, parents can relax in a private hot tub while kids enjoy the games room or family movie night.

Family Perks: Pine Vista offers spacious cottages with fully equipped kitchens, perfect for families who want to cook their own meals. The resort also provides organized family-friendly activities during the winter season to keep everyone entertained.

Unique Feature: Its serene location on Stoney Lake, paired with family-focused amenities, makes Pine Vista a tranquil yet engaging winter escape.

15. Calabogie Peaks Resort

Calabogie Peaks Resort, located about four hours from Toronto in the Ottawa Valley, is a bit farther from the city but offers a fantastic winter destination for families willing to make the drive.

Activities: The resort features downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and even skating on the lake. Families can also explore the surrounding trails or enjoy après-ski dining by the fireplace.

Family Perks: Calabogie Peaks offers onsite accommodations within walking distance of the slopes, making it easy for families to maximize their time outdoors. The ski school is perfect for kids and beginners, ensuring everyone can learn at their own pace.

Unique Feature: Its uncrowded slopes and breathtaking views of the Ottawa Valley make Calabogie Peaks a hidden gem for families who love skiing and outdoor winter adventures.

Winter near Toronto doesn’t have to mean staying indoors—these 15 incredible resorts prove that there’s something for every family to enjoy in the snowy season. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures on the slopes, serene lakeside retreats, or cozy indoor relaxation, these destinations offer the perfect setting for creating unforgettable family memories.

From the luxurious charm of Muskoka Bay Resort and the rustic adventure of Algonquin Log Cabin to the action-packed ski slopes of Mount St. Louis Moonstone and Snow Valley, there’s a resort to match every family’s preferences. Many of these resorts are just a short drive from Toronto, making them convenient for weekend getaways or longer winter vacations.

So, bundle up, pack your gear, and head out to one of these family-friendly winter resorts. Whether you’re gliding down the slopes, snowshoeing through serene forests, or relaxing by a roaring fire, Ontario’s winter wonderlands await. Don’t forget to share your favorite winter resort experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear about your adventures!