Book a family getaway in Ontario this holiday season

Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

Toronto offers a variety of family vacation ideas during the holiday season.

The Distillery Winter Village is an annual holiday tradition featuring a tree lighting ceremony, curated vendors showcasing locally made crafts and plenty of delicious seasonal food.

The city is also home to dazzling holiday light festivals. 

Cavalcade of Lights, held at Nathan Phillips Square, has been delivering holiday cheer since 1967. The opening celebration features live performances and the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree. Throughout the holiday season, enjoy nightly ice skating and festive light installations.

Explore the gardens and tunnels at Casa Loma, decorated for the festive season, on a Holiday Lights Tour. 

’Tis also the season to see live shows. 

The National Ballet of Canada’s annual production of The Nutcracker is a time-honoured Toronto tradition. 

Additionally, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra offers a variety of seasonal programming, including a screening of the movie Elf accompanied by a full orchestra and Toronto Mendelssohn Choir’s rendition of Messiah. 

The whole family will enjoy Soulpepper’s performance of Alligator Pie or explore lunar landscapes at Illuminarium.

If you’re coming from out of town, these hotels are perfect for family-friendly vacations. 

Chelsea Hotel

Located in the heart of downtown, Chelsea Hotel is close to seasonal attractions, including Toronto City Hall’s skating rink and great shopping at the Toronto Eaton Centre.

The Family Fun Zone on the second floor features a 130-foot Corkscrew waterslide in the family-friendly pool. Little ones will keep busy in the Kid Centre with crafts and dress-up fun. Older kids will enjoy the arcade and video games in the Teen Lounge. 

Location: 33 Gerrard Street West, Toronto

Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre

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

The hotel features comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, fitness centre and on-site restaurant. Best of all, kids eat free.

Location: 111 Lombard Street, Toronto

Find more family-friendly hotels in Toronto.

Niagara Region

Founded in 1982, the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights is Canada’s largest illumination festival, attracting over one million visitors annually.

In addition to illuminating Niagara Falls and fireworks shows, the festival features numerous twinkling light displays and interactive experiences in and around the city. 

Don’t miss the Hot Chocolate Trail—a self-guided tour featuring 20 chocolate-forward stops to keep you warm.

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

Sheraton Fallsview Hotel

Admire wintry views of the Falls from the comfort of your hotel room and dine at one of the hotel’s restaurants, from top-rated Italian fare by celebrity chef Massimo Capra to the inventive creations at Sweet Jesus Ice Cream.

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.

Combine your stay with a trip to the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark with the Hotel Waterpark Getaway, which includes four passes to the easily accessible waterpark.

Location: 5875 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls

Country Inn & Suites

For a budget-friendly option, book this charming hotel close to the Clifton Hill tourist district, Fallsview Indoor Waterpark and attractions like the Bird Kingdom and the Butterfly Conservatory Niagara.

Access to the indoor pool and complimentary breakfast make this the perfect place for families to unwind during the holiday season. If you are travelling with extended family, inquire about adjoining rooms. Bonus: children under 16 stay free in the same room as an adult.

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. Add on the Snowland Package, complete with a chocolate-covered marshmallow stick for your little ones.

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 you to enjoy the perfect family-friendly getaway.

Family-friendly resort options in the area include:

Blue Mountain Resort

Every year, Holiday Magic at Blue Mountain Village transforms this charming destination into a festive wonderland. 

Walk the Light Trail and marvel at millions of lights, larger-than-life displays and interactive installations. Catch a glimpse of Santa in a horse-drawn carriage, refuel with a snack in the Snowdome Garden and take in a live performance. For the adventurous, up your tobogganing game on the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster. 

Choose from several different lodging options within Blue Mountain Village:

Blue Mountain Inn

Enjoy upgraded rooms and modern amenities including indoor and outdoor hot tubs, an indoor pool and in-building access to The Pottery Restaurant.

Location: 110 Jozo Weider Boulevard, The Blue Mountains

The Westin Trillium House

Families will love the year-round heated outdoor pool and hot tubs, rooms and suites featuring fireplaces, kitchenettes, and great food at the hotel’s restaurant, Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill.

Location: 220 Gord Canning Drive, The Blue Mountains

Mountain Walk 

Opt for a cozy, spacious resort home perfect for family gatherings and reunions. Playpens and highchairs are available free of charge.

Location: 169 Jozo Weider Boulevard, The Blue Mountains

Fern Resort

Located about an hour and a half drive north of Toronto, this all-season, all-inclusive 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 include full meal plans and fun activities, including skating, snowshoeing, curling, ice fishing, cross-country skiing and outdoor hockey. Check the holiday and New Year’s packages.

Location: 4432 Fern Resort Road, Ramara

Horseshoe Valley Resort

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—choose from a wide selection of rooms and condo-style suites.

Location: 1101 Horseshoe Valley Road West, Barrie

Ottawa Region

During the holiday season, Ottawa’s downtown is transformed into a magical winter wonderland, perfect for family trips. 

The twinkling lights and holiday ambiance at the ByWard Market make it a must-visit winter hotspot. Explore outdoor vendors offering one-of-a-kind local crafts and seasonal treats. 

Located in Lansdowne Park, the Ottawa Christmas Market is home to more than 50 festive vendors offering unique gifts, holiday-themed items as well as delicious food and drink. While the kids are enjoying free crafts at Santa’s Workshop, adults can indulge in a seasonal cocktail.

Take in a holiday show at the National Art Centre. From Bear Grease, an Indigenous musical, to a holiday-themed performance by the world-famous gospel group, The Kingdom Choir, the whole family will be entertained.

Find accommodations in Ottawa to suit your family’s needs:

ARC The Hotel

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

Select a cozy double family room or a spacious suite. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at the hotel’s Canadian-focused restaurant, ARC Restaurant & Lounge. The hotel is also dog-friendly, so bring the furry family members along.

Location: 140 Slater Street, Ottawa

Days Inn by Wyndham Ottawa

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

Situated near the Parliament Buildings and the city’s downtown core, this hotel offers cozy rooms with a complimentary hot breakfast.

Location: 319 Rideau Street, Ottawa

Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley

Families are drawn to this picturesque region year-round; the holiday season is no exception. You don’t have to look far to find one-of-a-kind winter experiences in the area. 

Book a dog sledding tour with beautiful Siberian Huskies with Winterdance. Half, full-day and even moonlit tours are available. 

Located on the edge of Algonquin Park, South Algonquin Trails offers horseback riding adventures through some of Ontario’s most stunning landscapes. Led by experienced guides, this family-focused stable accommodates all levels of riding skills. 

Calabogie Peaks Resort

Located just an hour’s drive from Ottawa, Calabogie Peaks SkiResort is a four-season property with a broad network of trails and 24 skiing and snowboarding runs.

The resort features rooms that can sleep up to nine people, furnished with classic Canadiana decor and located at the base of the tallest ski resort in the Ottawa Valley.

Celebrate the season together with on-site family activities such as pond skating, snowshoeing, nightly campfires and skiing lessons for all ages.

Location: 30 Barrett Chute Road, Calabogie

Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Parry Sound

Famous for iconic landscapes and serene lakes, the Muskoka region is the perfect place for families to enjoy both the outdoors and the indoors over the holiday season.

Arrowhead Provincial Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Visit the visitor centre to rent ice skates, snowshoes or cross-country skis and explore this beautiful 1,237-hectare park.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind visit with Santa, complete with elves and ponies at Back of Beyond Equine Centre. You can also tour the barn and experience a pony ride in the indoor arena. 

Meet the remarkable pack of over 60 Alaskan Huskies on a dog sledding adventure at North Ridge Ranch. Embark on a 20-kilometre journey along private trails with a half-day tour. For families with young children, the one-hour tour is the perfect introduction to dog sledding. 

Warm up and get some retail therapy at The Shipyards Muskoka Marketplace. Located on the shores of Lake Muskoka, this 4,000-square-foot space offers shops, products and unique gift ideas. Visit Christmas Tyme, a longstanding tourist destination packed with thousands of tree ornaments and holiday-themed home decor. 

If you happen to be in the area on December 21st, hop on the Portage Flyer Christmas Train Ride departing from Muskoka Heritage Place. The historic train, festively decorated to celebrate the season travels along the banks of the Muskoka River. Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies will keep you warm during the journey.

For fun rides, twinkling lights and plenty of elves, head to Santa’s Village for the Christmas Spectacular event. Santa’s Village is a unique 60-acre theme park that has been warming the hearts of families since 1955.

Spend the holidays at one of these family-focused resorts:

Deerhurst Resort

On the shores of Peninsula Lake, this four-season retreat in Ontario’s famous “cottage country” is ideal for winter family-friendly vacations. The property’s Muskoka Holiday Magic programming invites families to enjoy outdoor activities such as ice skating and snowshoeing as well as holiday scavenger hunts, cookie decorating, family movies and more.

With over 20 different accommodation buildings on the resort’s rolling landscape, your family will find the perfect place to rest and recharge.

Location: 1235 Deerhurst Drive, Huntsville

Hidden Valley Resort

For families who like to ski and snowboard, Hidden Valley Resort is located right next to the slopes of Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area. 

This lakeside and hillside retreat features 100 rooms, an indoor pool, an ice rink, tobogganing and more. Visit The Birches Restaurant for dishes that showcase local products.

Location: 1755 Valley Road, Huntsville

Cedar Grove Lodge 

Located between Huntsville and Algonquin Park, Cedar Grove Lodge offers 19 individual lakeside log cabins, each equipped with a wood-burning stone fireplace. 

Enjoy on-site tobogganing, snowshoeing, ice skating and cross-country skiing trails. 

Location: 167 Grassmere Resort Road, Huntsville