Best Winter Weekend Getaways From Toronto (2025-26 Guide)

Let’s be real, Toronto winters can be a grind. By the time January rolls around, the urge to escape the city slush is strong. While half your Instagram feed is searching for the best places to travel in January for warm weather, sometimes a flight to some underrated warm vacation spots just isn’t in the cards. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck! Embracing the cold and exploring our own backyard can be just as magical. If you’re looking for the best winter weekend getaways from Toronto, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up the top spots for a perfect snowy escape, from adventure-packed hills to cozy, romantic retreats.

Note: Things can change, especially with winter conditions! It’s always a good idea to check the official websites for the most up-to-date hours, prices, and weather-related closures before you pack your bags.

Best Winter Weekend Getaways From Toronto to Escape the City

Blue Mountain

Just a two-hour drive from Toronto, Blue Mountain is the go-to for a reason. It’s got that perfect mix of high-energy adventure and cozy, après-ski village life. Whether you’re there to hit the slopes or just soak in the atmosphere, it’s a guaranteed good time.

Skiing & Snowboarding at Blue Mountain Resort

You knew this was coming! With runs for every skill level, from bunny hills to black diamonds, this is Ontario’s premier ski destination. The energy is amazing, and there’s nothing like the view of Georgian Bay as you head down the hill.

• Price: $$$
• Location: 190 Gord Canning Drive, The Blue Mountains
• Contact: www.bluemountain.ca | 1 833-583-2583 | mail@bluemountain.ca 
• Pro Tip: Lift tickets are cheaper when you buy them online in advance. Avoid the weekend morning rush by hitting the slopes in the afternoon for some night skiing under the lights!

Relax at Scandinave Spa

This is a popular pick you’ll see on any best winter weekend getaways from Toronto 2025 reddit thread. Picture this: you’re sitting in a steaming outdoor hot bath, surrounded by a snowy forest, with a strict no-talking rule. It’s pure bliss and the ultimate way to unwind.

• Price: $$$
• Location: 152 Grey County Road 21, The Blue Mountains
• Contact: www.scandinave.com/blue-mountain  | 1-705-443-8484 | info@scandinaveblue.com 
• Pro Tip: This place is incredibly popular. Book your thermal bath access weeks (or even months) in advance, especially for a weekend spot.

Skate the Woodview Mountaintop Skating Trail

Forget your typical rink. This is a 1.1 km skating loop located at the top of the mountain. You get incredible views while gliding through a forest trail. At night, it’s lit up with thousands of lights, making it totally magical.

• Price: $$ (or included with a Play All Day pass)
• Location: Top of Blue Mountain (accessible via the gondola) 201 Scenic Caves Road, Unit AW2, The Blue Mountains
• Contact: www.bluemountain.ca/things-to-do/activities/woodview-mountaintop-skating | 1-833-583-2583 | mail@bluemountain.ca 
• Pro Tip: Rent your skates in the village at the base of the mountain before you head up the gondola to save time.

Muskoka

If your idea of a perfect winter getaway involves a cozy fireplace, serene nature, and maybe a glass of wine, Muskoka is your spot. It transforms from a summer paradise into a quiet, snowy wonderland that’s perfect for relaxing. It’s one of the best winter weekend getaways from Toronto 2025 for couples.

Skate the Cranberry Ice Trail at Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh

This is one of the most unique places to visit in Ontario in winter. You can skate on a 1.2 km loop that winds around 12 acres of frozen cranberry beds. After your skate, warm up by a bonfire with a hot mulled wine or cranberry cider.

• Price: $
• Location: 1074 Cranberry Road, Bala
• Contact: https://cranberry.ca/johnstons-cranberry-marsh/trails  | (705) 762-3203 | info@cranberry.ca 
• Pro Tip: They have “Light the Night,” where the entire trail is lit by 400 tiki torches. It’s incredibly romantic and makes for amazing photos.

Go Snowshoeing at Arrowhead Provincial Park

Famous for its winter offerings, Arrowhead has over 8 km of marked snowshoeing trails through breathtaking snowy forests. Keep an eye out for the stunning Big Bend Lookout—it’s a must-see, especially when the river is frozen.

• Price: $ (per vehicle park pass)
• Location: 451 Arrowhead Park Road, Huntsville
• Contact: www.ontarioparks.ca/park/arrowhead | 1 705-789-5105
• Pro Tip: Go on a weekday. The park, especially its famous ice skating trail, gets extremely busy on weekends and can reach capacity early in the day.

Stay in a Cozy Cabin or Resort

The ultimate Muskoka experience is renting a cabin or staying at one of the beautiful resorts like the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka. Spend your days exploring and your nights curled up by the fire. Many resorts offer packages that include outdoor activities and dining.

• Price: $$$$
• Location: JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka, 1050 Paignton House Rd, Minett
• Contact: www.marriott.com | 1 705-765-1900 
• Pro Tip: Look for resorts that have outdoor hot tubs or fire pits to take your cozy winter experience to the next level.

Niagara Falls

You might think of Niagara as a summer trip, but it’s arguably one of the best places to visit in winter in Canada. Seeing the falls surrounded by ice and frozen mist is a wild, otherworldly experience. The crowds are smaller, and the whole area feels different.

See the “Frozen” Falls

This is the main event. While the falls don’t completely freeze over, the mist creates massive, incredible ice formations all around them. It looks like a scene straight out of a fantasy movie. This alone makes it worth the trip.

• Price: FREE
• Location: 6650 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls
• Contact: www.niagaraparks.com/things-to-do/frozen-falls 
• Pro Tip: The best views of the ice buildup are from the Table Rock Visitor Centre on the Canadian side. Go at night to see the falls illuminated in different colours against the ice.

Experience the Winter Festival of Lights

This is Canada’s largest free outdoor light festival. The entire area is decorated with millions of twinkling lights and dazzling displays along an 8 km route. It turns the whole city into a festive wonderland.

• Price: FREE (donations are encouraged)
• Location: Along the Niagara Parkway and surrounding areas
• Contact: https://wfol.com | 905-356-6061 | wfol@niagarafallstourism.com 
• Pro Tip: While you can drive the route, it’s more magical to park and walk through the main displays in Queen Victoria Park to really take it all in.

Try Ice Wine at a Niagara-on-the-Lake Winery

Winter is icewine season! The nearby town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is famous for it. Many wineries, like Inniskillin or Jackson-Triggs, offer tours and tastings where you can learn about this unique sweet wine. It’s a perfect activity for a chilly afternoon.

• Price: $$
• Location: Wineries throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Contact: www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com | info@wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com 
• Pro Tip: The Niagara Icewine Festival happens over three weekends in January, featuring special tastings and events. It’s the perfect time to visit for any wine lover.

So, if you’re looking for an adventure, a cozy escape, or one of those perfect spontaneous day trips from Toronto, there’s a winter wonderland waiting for you just a short drive away.

Feeling Chilly? Warm Up and Relax!

After all that winter exploring, you definitely deserve some pampering. If the Scandinave Spa caught your eye, check out our full guide to the 15+ Best Spas and Hot Baths In and Around Toronto to find your perfect relaxation spot.

More…

• https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/articles/romantic-winter-getaway-packages-ontario
• https://www.therestlessworker.com/a-weekend-trip-from-toronto-blue-mountain-collingwood
• https://www.getyourguide.com/explorer/toronto-ttd177/weekend-trips-from-toronto