5 Remote Winter Destinations in Ontario

It’s almost winter in Canada, and if you’re among those who like to travel during this season, we’ve got a few ideas for you.

With various businesses slowly opening again, you can enjoy a change of scenery by indulging yourself in a winter getaway. Hotels and resorts have had ample time to adjust to the new normal and set up enhanced protocols in place to protect both their staff and guests.

Here are 5 remote winter destinations in Ontario to explore:

#1 Alton

The first location is Alton, a small village located in the municipality of Caledon. People settled in the area in the early 1800s and turned it into a thriving industrial centre. People know this town for its old mills, as well as its historic charm. Once the locals see winter is coming, they can offer a myriad of different amusements for visitors.

• Winter Outdoor Adventures

If you are a fan of skiing or snowboarding, then drop by Hockley Valley Resort, which is just 20 minutes north of town. There are 7 trails to choose from, and they range from beginner to double black diamond. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, there’s a run for you.

Though it’s a smaller ski hill, the resort also offers various amenities, such as a magic carpet lift for beginners, chair lifts, private lessons, and rentals. You can also enjoy sipping on cocktails at Babbo, which is the wine and bar patio, or their Ski Cafe.

• Weekend Getaway

If you’re looking for a place for your winter getaway in Alton, Ontario, then stay at The Millcroft Inn and Spa. Renovated to show its beauty, this historic mill continues to impress with its gorgeous decorations and a landscape blanketed by snow.

In the winter season, they provide guests with a snowshoe adventure through the winter trails. Nod off to the sound of the babbling brook water and water spilling over the falls. You can also warm up by relaxing in their year-round thermal spring pools or indulging in a spa treatment.

#2 Blue Mountain Village

Blue Mountain Village is a ski village known for its slopes. Similar to Alton, this is the place to visit if you’re looking forward to going skiing or snowboarding.

• Winter Outdoor Adventures

Visit The Blue Mountain Resort to experience all kinds of downhill adventures in Blue Mountain Village. You can strap on skis, use a snowboard or a toboggan and test its 43 runs. They also feature snowshoe trails, mountaintop skating, snow tubing, and the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster.

There’s also something for you if you’re not a snowboarding or skiing enthusiast. In winter, this resort in Ontario also has 5 winter attractions, over 50 bars and restaurants to choose from, as well as retail shops.

• Weekend Getaway

When it comes to experiencing comfort in Blue Mountain Village, The Westin Trillium House is the place to be. With their signature amenities, your satisfaction is their priority. They also offer views of Georgian Bay or the ski hill.

Just 2 hours northwest of Toronto, this vacation destination is located right in Blue Mountain Village. They provide you with easy access to the pedestrian-only village. As a pet-friendly hotel, you can also bring along your four-legged companion. Another feature is the heated outdoor pool where you can warm up.

#3 Elora

Famous for its 19th-century limestone architecture and the Elora Gorge, Elora is a village located where the Irvine Creek meets the Grand River. This charming downtown has unique shops, as well as the river and natural areas. During winter, this town captivates your senses with lights and beautiful decorations.

• Winter Outdoor Adventures

If you find rock climbing to be exhilarating, then you might like to try ice climbing in Elora. It requires you to climb various ice formations using picks. To experience this, get in touch with One Axe Pursuits. This adventure company offers different activities for you to choose from, such as zip-lining, rock climbing, and caving.

Once it’s winter season, however, they offer ice climbing. It’s for beginners, and you can learn how to ice climb alongside an instructor. They also provide all the necessary equipment for your safety.

• Weekend Getaway

Enjoy relaxing your weekend away from the winter sun at the Elora Mill Hotel and Spa. They have 30 guest rooms and suites, and most include king-sized beds and wood-burning fireplaces. All rooms come equipped with amenities such as expansive bathrooms, locally made furniture, and marble walk-in showers.

To help rejuvenate your body, they also offer spa services with breathtaking views. Such services include massage, facial treatments, body treatments, and hand and foot therapy.

#4 Hamilton

Hamilton is an industrialized city in Ontario. It’s home to the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, among other popular attractions. Although they have many modern sites where you can hang out, this city also features multiple waterfalls and green spaces.

• Winter Outdoor Adventures

If you’re looking to explore frozen waterfalls, you can experience such an adventure at this destination. With more than 100 waterfalls in Hamilton, it can be hard to choose which ones to visit. Visit them when the temperatures have been cold consecutively since this gives the moving water the time to freeze.

Here are some waterfalls you can explore during winter:

• Albion Falls
• Sherman Falls
• Tiffany Falls
• Webster Falls

• Weekend Getaway

Stay at The Barracks Inn for a weekend getaway in Hamilton. It’s a 19th century stone building that features 18 luxurious suites. The inn has a timeless vibe since it keeps all of its unique period decors while offering the latest in-room technologies.

Their amenities include luxurious bathrooms, luxury linens, a 42-inch flat-screen TV, and a workstation. You can also bring your pet dog because they also offer dog-friendly rooms.

#5 Kingston

Halfway between Toronto and Montreal, Kingston is a city located in Eastern Ontario. It’s known as the “Limestone City” due to its numerous historical buildings constructed using local limestone. It also happens to be a university town, so there are many trendy spots you can visit.

• Winter Outdoor Adventures

Enjoy the great outdoors in Kingston by going to Frontenac Provincial Park. During the summer season, the 5,355-hectare park is for activities like hiking, canoeing, and backcountry camping.

Once the weather gets colder, you can either strap on some snowshoes and hit the trails or try winter camping on the grounds. You can also go cross-country skiing on 11 km of track-set trails.

• Weekend Getaway

The Rosemount Inn and Spa makes a great place to stay in Kingston. Situated in the heart of Kingston, this historic inn has existed since 1850. It has a total of 11 suites and guest rooms, and it features a Modern Victorian interior and modern comforts and amenities.

This boutique hotel also has a spa that offers massages, facials, and wraps to help you relax and rejuvenate after a long day.

If you’re looking to get away from it all this winter season, consider checking out these destinations for a safe getaway.

If you’re planning to travel for your winter vacation, renting a bus can help keep you safe. Choose Parkinson Coach Lines for reliable and trustworthy transportation. We observe strict disinfection measures to protect our passengers. For more information, contact us at (905) 451-4776, or email us at info@parkinsoncoach.com.