Holiday family getaways in Ontario

Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

Toronto offers a variety of family-friendly activities during the holiday season.

The Distillery Winter Village is an annual tradition featuring a tree lighting ceremony, curated vendor cabins and plenty of delicious food for the holiday season.

Light festivals, such as Casa Loma’s Holiday Lights Tour or Toronto’s Cavalcade of Lights elevate the festive atmosphere.

It’s also the season to see live holiday shows such as The Nutcracker or the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s holiday concert series.

If coming from out of town, book one of these family-friendly hotels to enjoy the many holiday experiences happening in Toronto.

Chelsea Hotel

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Chelsea Hotel is close to local seasonal attractions and many retail shops, including skating at Toronto City Hall and shopping at the Toronto Eaton Centre.

The Family Fun Zone on the second floor features the family pool and Corkscrew waterslide. Little ones will keep busy in the Kid Centre with crafts, art and dress-up fun. Older kids will enjoy the games and entertainment at the Club 33 teen lounge.  

The hotel’s Show Your Key program also offers great discounts at some of the top local attractions.

Location: 33 Gerrard Street West, Toronto

Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre

Enjoy the amenities, convenient location and budget-friendly option at the Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre. A half block from the subway, it’s easy to access many of Toronto’s attractions, including restaurants, museums, entertainment, shopping and more.

The hotel features comfortable rooms, an indoor pool and the onsite Thirty Restaurant and Lounge.

Location: 111 Lombard Street, Toronto

Find more family-friendly hotels in Toronto.

Niagara Region

Niagara Falls lights up during the Winter Festival of Lights with millions of cheerful, twinkling lights, including the illumination of Niagara Falls and fire works displays.

Here’s a selection of hotels that invite families to stay during the Christmas holidays.

Sheraton Fallsview Hotel

Located in the heart of the city’s tourist district, this central hotel is within walking distance of top attractions like Clifton Hill and Niagara Parks. Admire wintry views of the Falls from the comfort of your hotel room and dine at the Fallsview Restaurant where young families can enjoy the Kids Eat Free dinner.

Combine your stay with a trip to the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark with the Hotel Waterpark Getaway, which comes with four passes to the waterpark and full hotel accommodations.

Location: 5875 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls

Country Inn and Suites

As a budget-friendly option, consider booking the Country Inn and Suites. This charming hotel is close to both the Clifton Hill tourist district, Fallsview Indoor Waterpark and attractions like Bird Kingdom and the Butterfly Conservatory Niagara.

Access to the indoor pool and a hot breakfast that includes their signature waffles makes this the perfect place for families to unwind and spend the holiday season together.

Location: 5525 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls

Great Wolf Lodge

This popular lodge features a large indoor waterpark with a fort and treehouse, a wave pool, hot tubs and thrilling water slides. They also offer themed suites and vacation packages that include attractions, dining and more.

Book during the annual Snowland celebration to visit Santa, join a dance party, and take part in a scavenger hunt and holiday crafts. Also, stay in Snowland-themed suites and walk through a life-sized gingerbread house.

Location: 3950 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

From snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to cozy resorts and special holiday experiences, this region invites families to enjoy the perfect wintertime getaway.

Here are a few resorts that families will love.

Blue Mountain Village

Every winter, Holiday Magic at Blue Mountain Village transforms this charming village into a festive wonderland with holiday music, interactive light displays and engaging street performers.

Plan to stay, ski, snowboard, skate and swim with your family this winter holiday. Also, don’t miss the Santa Ski for a fun costume-themed event to celebrate the season.

Within Blue Mountain Village, you’ll find several different lodging options sure to suit your family’s needs:

• Enjoy upgraded rooms and modern amenities at Blue Mountain Inn. This dog and kid-friendly inn offers indoor and outdoor hot tubs, an indoor pool and in-building access to The Pottery Restaurant.
   
• Or enjoy a year-round heated outdoor pool and hot tubs at the Westin Trillium House.
   
• The cozy Mountain Walk Resort Homes feature extra space and are great for families who need more room.

Locations:
Blue Mountain Inn, 110 Jozo Weider Boulevard, The Blue Mountains
Westin Trilium House, 220 Gord Canning Drive, The Blue Mountains
Mountain Walk Resort Homes, 169 Jozo Weider Boulevard, The Blue Mountains

Fern Resort

Located about an hour and a half drive north of Toronto, this all-season resort offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Experience the thrill of winter sports and warm up by the fire in cozy cottages.

Packages come with full meal plans and fun activities including skating, snowshoeing, curling, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, outdoor hockey and more. Check the resort’s website for the list of current holiday and New Year’s packages.

Location: 4432 Fern Resort Road, Ramara

Horseshoe Resort

Just over an hour north of Toronto and 20 minutes from Barrie, Horseshoe Valley Resort is home to exciting ski slopes throughout the snowy season. This resort also features 30 kilometres of groomed trails for snowshoeing, a terrain park, snow tubing, fat biking and other fun winter activities.

To round out your family getaway, dine at the on-site pizzeria or sports bar, and relax in comfortable accommodations—you can choose from a wide selection of hotel-room and condo-style sites.

Location: 1101 Horseshoe Valley Road West, Barrie

Ottawa

During the holiday season, Ottawa’s downtown is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. The Byward Market is a must-visit destination for holiday shopping and treats. For more seasonal shopping, explore the Ottawa Christmas Market.

Also, enjoy light festivals and take in a holiday show at the National Art Centre.

Find accommodations in Ottawa to suit your family.

ARC The Hotel

Located in the heart of Ottawa and within walking distance of Ottawa’s Parliament Hill, local museums and historic sites, ARC The Hotel is a modern hotel that provides all the comfort and relaxation your family needs after a day of exploring the city.

Select the cozy double family room or the spacious suites. Sample organic, locally sourced dishes and drinks at the ARC Restaurant & Lounge for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The hotel is also dog-friendly.

Location: 140 Slater Street, Ottawa

Days Inn by Wyndham Ottawa

For a comfortable, affordable stay, Days Inn by Wyndham Ottawa is a great family-friendly option.

Situated near the Parliament Buildings and the downtown, this inn offers cozy rooms with a complimentary hot breakfast in the mornings.

Location: 319 Rideau Street, Ottawa

Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley

Families are drawn to this region all year-round, and especially during the holiday season. One-of-a-kind winter experiences include a dogsled adventure with Winterdance Tours or a pony ride at South Algonquin Trails.

Calabogie Peaks Resort

Located just an hour’s drive from Ottawa, Calabogie Peaks Ski Resort is a four-season property with a broad network of trails and almost 30 hectares of hills for skiing and snowboarding.

The resort features rooms with full service and one to three-bedroom condo suites, furnished with classic Canadiana decor and located at the base of the tallest ski resort in Ottawa Valley.

Celebrate the season together with onsite family activities such as snowshoe treks, pond skating, snowshoeing, nightly campfires and skiing lessons for all ages.

Location: 30 Barrett Chute Road, Calabogie