Discover Ontario winter wonders: Plan your trip to Toronto, The Blue Mountains and Niagara

Stop 1: Toronto 

Enjoy long winter nights and bright holiday lights in exciting, vibrant Toronto. The city is exceptionally diverse and known for its distinct neighbourhoods, a wide variety of innovative cuisines, a lively cultural scene and much more. Start by choosing your accommodation.

Places to stay

There are Toronto luxury hotels for every taste, including the Park Hyatt Toronto, and 1 Hotel Toronto. Additional notable options include:

Four Seasons Hotel

Enjoy a five-star experience with an elegant, modern design in the heart of historic Yorkville. Shop high-end designer brands in Bloor-Yorkville and then rejuvenate in the tranquil hotel spa.

Location: 60 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto

Omni King Edward

This heritage hotel offers elegant, luxury accommodations, afternoon tea, a spa and proximity to popular downtown attractions.

Location: 37 King Street East, Toronto

Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel

Gaze down onto ice skaters at Nathan Phillips Square or out towards the CN Tower at this mid-to-upscale hotel with marvellous views.

Location: 123 Queen Street West, Toronto

Things to do

Visit Toronto go-tos

Discover some favourite Toronto tourist attractions:

Stop by Little Canada on your Toronto trip to see the country marvellously recreated in miniature.

Tour Casa Loma and marvel at designer-decorated trees sparkling during Christmas at the Castle.

Discover everything about Canada’s favourite winter spectator sport at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Find out about legendary players, see the Stanley Cup, and try a hockey shootout.

Visit the CN Tower, one of the best things to do in Toronto and try the EdgeWalk, 447 metres above the ground on the outside edge of the tower.

Lace up a pair of skates

For a classic Canadian experience and much-loved winter activity in Toronto, try outdoor ice skating:

Rent skates and glide past evergreen trees at Evergreen Brick Works, open from December 21, 2024.

Swoop around the figure-eight Bentway Skate Trail (rentals available), uniquely situated under the Gardiner Expressway bridge.

Spin at Nathan Phillips Square during the Cavalcade of Lights and pose for a photo in front of the Toronto sign. Rent skates if you need them.

Stroll through holiday-lit neighbourhoods and winter markets

Toronto neighbourhoods light up during the long winter nights and the holiday season in November and December is especially bright:

Visit trendy Bloor-Yorkville for holiday lights, including festive tree lighting and urban benches that glow like campfires.

Wander romantic cobblestone streets hung over by a canopy of lights at the historic Distillery Winter Village and Toronto Christmas Market.

Transport yourself to winter landscapes at the Immersive Holiday Light Experience at The Evergreen Brick Works Winter Market on Sundays in December.

Visit top museums and galleries

Experience Canadian, Indigenous, and world art and culture:

Engage in a sensory experience of colour in the natural world. Visit the Nature in Brilliant Colour exhibit at the  Royal Ontario Museum as well as the museum’s extensive collections.

Visit The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) for The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century, a dynamic experience of hip-hop through contemporary art and fashion, and also view the old masters and significant works by Indigenous and Canadian artists.

Find exciting exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), in the trendy Lower Junction Triangle neighbourhood.

Attend memorable performances

See the latest musicals, performers and stage theatre at the Mirvish Theatres: Princess of Wales Theatre, the historic Royal Alexandra Theatre and the art deco-styled CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre in the Entertainment District. Or check Now Playing in Toronto for small theatre listings. In addition:

Visit the stunning Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, built specifically for opera and ballet, and the perfect place to dress up for a romantic night out.

Attend a concert with your friends at Massey Hall, a Toronto icon for musicians and singers of every genre or delight in the astonishing acoustics at Koerner Hall.

Shop the city

Trendy high-end boutiques, designer fashion, luxury retail and the day-to-day brands you love—find them all while visiting Toronto, where you can:

Get fabulous at Toronto’s designer hub, Holt Renfrew and Bloor-Yorkville, with numerous flagship luxury retailers like Gucci and Louis Vuitton or at Saks Fifth Avenue downtown.

Stay warm! Check out The PATH—Toronto’s downtown “city under the city,” with 30 kilometres of shops, restaurants and more.

Get it all at once—the Toronto Eaton Centre (downtown) and Yorkdale Shopping Centre (via transit or car) are massive shopping malls with brands ranging from luxury to everyday favourites. Or visit a Canadian icon, the historic Hudson’s Bay department store, with locations downtown and at Yorkdale Shopping Centre.

Places to eat

Toronto foodies praise the city’s culinary culture and restaurants. They’re right! Wander neighbourhoods like Little Italy, Koreatown, Little India, Chinatown and Greektown for authentic cuisine or book a food tour (available year-round). For high-end culinary experiences, visit MICHELIN Star or recommended restaurants, including:

Canoe: Innovative, contemporary Canadian cuisine, locally sourced. Dine while looking out over the city from the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower. Location: 66 Wellington Street West, Toronto

Quetzal: Extraordinary Mexican food. Sit at the counter to watch the chefs at the 28-foot-long open fire or get a table in this stunning room. Location: 419 College Street, Toronto

Buca: Artisanal Italian dishes in a sleek space in Yorkville. Location: 53 Scollard Street, Toronto

Prime Seafood Palace: Headed by culinary star and celebrity Chef Matty Matheson, an executive producer of the TV series, The Bear, and bestselling cookbook author. Some ingredients sourced from Matheson’s own farm. Location: 944 Queen Street West, Toronto

Stop 2: The Blue Mountains

Distance and drive time from Toronto to The Blue Mountains: 172 kilometres, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Revel in outdoor winter activities in the Blue Mountains, and more. Nightlife, shopping, good food and relaxing accommodations all await you at one of Ontario’s quintessential destinations. Insider tip: “The Blue Mountains” is the name of the area, made up of several towns and “Blue Mountain” is a ski resort. All set? Start by finding the perfect place to stay.

Places to stay

Blue Mountain Resort Accommodations

Stay at the Village Suites with friends to enjoy the lively village vibe, dining hotspots and boutique shopping. The Westin Trillium House, just across the millpond, offers a serene experience or stay at Blue Mountain Inn, a short walk away. All provide easy access to the hills and trails. Check Blue Mountain Resort for additional resort lodgings.

Location: Village Suites—Unit VS, 156 Jozo Weider Boulevard, Westin Trillium House—220 Gord Canning Drive, Blue Mountain Inn—110 Jozo Weider Boulevard

Blue Mountains Area Accommodations

If you’re interested in exploring the small towns and countryside beyond the Blue Mountain Resort, consider staying at these notable small boutique hotels:

The VanderMarck

Nine luxury suites, each unique and all with gas fireplaces. A completely wireless booking and check-in experience ensures your total privacy.

Location: 64 Third Street, Collingwood

Somewhere Inn 

Experience the thermal cycle sauna and cold plunge after skiing or relax at the wine bar. This historic century home, set amongst the trees, encourages unwinding.

Location: 128 St Paul Street, Collingwood

Penny’s Motel & Après Ski

Minutes from Blue Mountain in Thornbury, Penny’s has transformed an “old school” roadside motel into a design-inspired, luxe experience with a relaxed atmosphere.

Location: 141 King Street East, Thornbury

The June Motel

This quaint motel, alongside the Beaver Valley River, is 26 kilometres from the Blue Mountain Resort. It’s a couples’ favourite with cottage country charm, including a stone fireplace and vintage fishing decor.

Location: 235474 Grey County Road 13, Kimberley

Things to do

Hit the hills with skiing for every level

Whether it’s your first time on the slopes or you’re heading to the more advanced hills, The Blue Mountains have a run for you—43 in total, with a 219 metre vertical—along with fast lifts and reliable snow, thanks to a combination of snowfall and an automated snowmaking system.

Renting? Save time and book your rentals online in advance.

New to the hills? Try the resort’s Learn to Ski and Snowboard program with options to learn on your own, in a group or in a private ski lesson.

Visit the Blue Mountain’s favourite winter attractions and events

Spend some time in charming Blue Mountain Village:

Visit the shops for country home decor, unique gifts, outdoor apparel, ski equipment and more.

Take an evening stroll brightened by millions of sparkling lights that decorate the streets, trees and shops.

Enjoy interactive installations, live music and exciting New Year celebrations on December 31.

Try these Blue Mountain winter outdoor activities that go beyond skiing:

Snowshoe through quiet woods with escarpment vistas at Blue Mountain Resort, try the Snowshoe, Waterfall & Wine Tour, a short, easy trek to local wineries and cideries (transportation and snowshoes provided) or take the Apple Pie Trail Snowshoe and Wine tour along the Bruce Trail

Grab your friends for snow tubing at Hike N’ Tube for a different experience of the slopes or glide along a 1.1-kilometre ice skating loop at Woodview Mountaintop Skating. Rentals are available.

Soothe your muscles and your soul with hot and cold bath circuits in a forest setting at Scandinave Spa, a destination Blue Mountain spa.

Places to eat and drink

Socialize with après ski drinks and fine food. The Blue Mountains offer a wide range of mountainside dining spots to meet every taste, and excellent culinary and wine experiences in the surrounding area, too:

Try Copper Blues for authentic takes on grill favourites, Tholos for a family-recipe-inspired Greek menu, or Mother Tongue for Southeast Asian dishes, all on Blue Mountain.

Visit MICHELIN Recommended restaurant Down Home for a one-of-a-kind farmhouse dining experience off the mountain, approximately 45 minutes away in Markdale. Down Home features a changing menu of locally grown foods.

Enjoy premium, locally grown craft cider at nearby Thornbury Craft Co. Cider and Brew House, ice cider at the Duntroon Cyder House and cool climate wines at Georgian Hills Vineyards’ small-scale winery.

Stop 3: Niagara Falls

Distance and drive time from The Blue Mountains to Niagara Falls: 250 kilometres, approximately two hours and 50 minutes to approximately three hours and 50 minutes.

From the thundering water and ice formations at Niagara Falls to the complete charm of picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake, with enchanting Victorian architecture and trees trimmed with lights for the season—Niagara in winter is captivating.

Places to stay

Book a luxury Niagara Falls hotel for your home base while exploring the Falls.

Sheraton Fallsview

Book a room with a cozy fireplace and panoramic view of the Falls for a romantic stay at this top-rated hotel. Treatments at the hotel’s Christienne Fallsview Spa come with stunning Falls views.

Location: 5875 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls

Old Stone Inn

Enjoy the charm of Old Stone Inn, with some rooms inspired by its historic old mill origins. Embrace winter with outdoor dining in heated snow globes or rustic cabins.

Location: 6080 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls

Embassy Suites Niagara Falls Hotel

Wake up to a spectacular, unobstructed view of the Falls from your room at this well-located hotel, only steps away from Table Rock and the Falls.

Location: 6700 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls

Things to do

Experience the majesty of the Falls

Niagara Falls is a winter wonderland. Ice build ups create the illusion of frozen falls, with icicles framing the bordering edges and a frozen mist surrounding the trees. View the falls:

From above, via Niagara Helicopters, dangling from 167 metres via WildPlay Zipline to the Falls (bring your friends!), seated on the giant SkyWheel ferris wheel or comfortably seated inside the Skylon observation tower.

From standing beside the brink of the falls at Table Rock Centre day or night, or from behind, on the Journey Behind the Falls.

Go beyond the Falls:

Visit the historic engineering marvel of the Niagara Parks Power Station for an immersive and interactive self-guided tour. Stay warm indoors on cold evenings at the immersive Currents experience, an extraordinary sound and light show that brings Niagara’s story of power to life

Enjoy the Winter Festival of Lights “Sparkling Winter Lights” show inspired by winter in the north and walk the Hot Chocolate Trail to imbibe in chocolate creations at more than 20 stops

See a winter holiday season fixture—the Annual Poinsettia Show—from mid-Nov to January at the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse

Places to eat

Your thrilling winter zipline to the Falls may stir your appetite. Niagara’s excellent restaurants will satisfy you.

For high-quality food, a fun atmosphere and inspired beers to enjoy with friends, visit Counterpart Brewing, a craft brewery and kitchen.

Table Rock House Restaurant boasts views “as close as it gets” to the Falls and a locally sourced menu.

For fine dining and excellent Niagara wines, try AG Inspired Cuisine’s seasonal locally inspired fare and regional wines or succulent steaks at Prime Steakhouse or STK Fallsview. Both have Falls views.

Stop 4: Niagara-on-the-Lake

From Niagara, follow the Niagara River Parkway north—22 kilometres, or approximately 28 minutes.

Niagara-on-the-lake combines historic charm with natural beauty and cultural attractions, and winter is the time of warm seasonal lights and Icewine in the village.

Places to stay

Find an exquisite Niagara-on-the-Lake lodging for your perfect winter sanctuary.

124 on Queen Hotel and Spa

Beautiful, well-appointed rooms at this quaint hotel include a Holiday Wellness suite, complete with a tree and festive decorations (available December 1 to January 31).

Location: 124 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Pillar and Post Hotel & Spa

Enjoy Victorian elegance and fine dining, with a focus on Niagara wines, at Pillar and Posts’ restaurants. Retreat to chic rooms with a rustic vibe and relax at the notable hotel spa.

Location: 48 John Street West, Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Charles Hotel

A mansion in the historic district, The Charles has 12 rooms featuring period furnishings, including many with warm fireplaces to come home to after an evening stroll through festively lit streets.

Location: 209 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Things to do

The Niagara region is celebrated for its wineries and winter is all about Icewine. Indulge yourself with the unique, sweet flavour of “liquid gold:”

Get a pass to the Niagara Icewine Festival (taking place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays of the last three weekends of January) and try Niagara’s finest Icewines at the Icewine Village

Join your friends on an Icewine Tour of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Sample Icewines from various wineries and learn how they’re produced

Bundle up to visit Peller Estates Winery’s 10Below Icewine Lounge, carved out of 13,067 kilograms of ice and sip Peller’s liquid gold

Embrace relaxation at first-class spas

Pamper yourself with luxurious spa experiences and treatments:

Enjoy a hot spring pool, a heated outdoor pool in a rock garden setting and extensive spa services at the Pillar and Post Hotel’s 100 Fountain Spa

Try “ultimate indulgences,” among an extensive array of other services, at the Secret Garden Spa, Prince of Wales Hotel

Take your friends to COVE at The Spa, a luxurious private spa experience for groups at The Spa, White Oaks

Enjoy theatre performances, boutiques, galleries and home tours

Enchanting Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to unique boutiques and galleries and renowned musicals and theatre productions.

Visit Flax and Fire for ceramics and textiles or see original works of fine art by Canadian artists at the King Street Gallery

Attend the Shaw Festival to see musicals, inspiring theatrical performances, comedies and more

Tour seasonally decorated beautiful homes at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Holiday House Tour in early December

Places to eat

Niagara-on-the-Lake has excellent eateries, including MICHELIN recognized restaurants:

Enjoy elegant fine dining and regional wine varietals at HobNob Restaurant & Wine Bar in the 1832 manor house of the Charles Hotel or in the gracious ambience of the Noble Restaurant at the Prince of Wales Hotel

Try home-style cooked food, an array of drinks, plus authentic Irish warmth, all on tap at the The Irish Harp Pub

Visit Treadwell Cuisine which emphasizes sustainability, sources seasonal ingredients from local farmers and features an extensive selection of Ontario and international wines

Make a side trip to Restaurant Pearl Morissette, located at the Pearl Morissette Estate Winery in Jordan Station, to try the fresh and variable farm-to-table menu. This MICHELIN 1 Star restaurant also received the Green Star for Gastronomy & Sustainability. Jordan Station is approximately 29 minutes from Niagara-on-the-Lake

Enjoy another excellent farm-to-table dining experience at Trius Winery Restaurant, located at the Trius Winery. With beautiful decor and an innovative menu, this  MICHELIN Recommended restaurant offers multi-course tasting menus with wine pairings

Return to Toronto Pearson International Airport

Distance and drive time from Niagara to Toronto Pearson Airport: 123 kilometres, approximately one hour and 30 minutes.

Getting to Toronto

Travel time from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to downtown Toronto:

By UP Express (train)—25 minutes

By car—approximately 40 minutes to 1 and a half hours. Find a car rental in Toronto

Road travel times in Ontario

The travel times provided in this itinerary are approximate. If possible, avoid driving on highways such as Highway 401 during rush hour (approximately 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. as well as 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.) You can also watch the display signs above the highway, which provide live updates about which lanes are moving the fastest, with the least delays. Winter driving conditions may also make travel times longer.   

When is winter in Ontario?

Cold weather begins in November in Ontario—winter officially arrives in late December and ends in late March. January and February are the coldest months and most likely to receive snow. Temperatures vary but on average range from daytime highs of 4°C to nighttime lows of -7°C or below (-10° in The Blue Mountains).

Learn more about winter Weather in Ontario, including ski and snow reports.