Winter Getaways in Eastern Canada
Great Family Vacation Destinations Offering Fun in the Snow
Family-oriented winter getaways in Eastern Canada that even the non-skier will enjoy.
There are so many enjoyable activities to do in the winter, and these Canadian destinations offer them all. Try one for your family’s next weekend getaway.
Ottawa, Ontario
The capital of Canada offers so much to do in the winter. The main attraction is skating the frozen Rideau Canal which runs almost 8 kilometers. You can take the whole family tobogganing at the Arboretum, tubing at Mont Cascades or snowshoeing in Gatineau Park, a national park measuring 361 square kilometers. You can stay at the legendary Chateau Laurier hotel in the heart of the city or your children would have fun at the indoor Wet & Wild Water Park at the Travelodge Hotel. Ottawa’s famous winter festival, Winterlude, takes place the first three weeks of February. Kids will love the Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park with more than 30 giant snow slides. There are also spectacular snow and ice sculptures, skating performances, musical concerts and other events. And you can’t leave until you try a local favorite food - the beavertail.
Quebec City, Quebec
Quebec City is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada with its European feel, gourmet restaurants and boutique shopping in the Quartier Petit Champlain. You can enjoy a carriage ride down the city’s cobblestone streets, and if you stay at the historic Chateau Frontenac there is a toboggan hill and skating rink on the grounds. Quebec City is renown for its Carnaval de Quebec, which takes place in early February. You will marvel at the ice palace, watch canoe races on snow filled streets, and dance at the nightly outdoor dance party. Just outside of Quebec City is Village Vacances Valcartier, a winter playground with 42 sliding hills including the Himalaya which offers more thrilling, high speed slides. Your children will love the tunnels, mazes and snow castle. If you do ski, the popular ski resort Mont-Sainte-Anne is nearby.
Mont Tremblant, Quebec
Mont Tremblant is a beautiful ski resort town about 1½ hours northwest of Montreal. The village offers a variety of restaurants, pubs and boutiques. There is so much do to here beyond skiing. You can take a guided horseback ride through the mountains or along the river. You can also learn how to ice climb, go on an evening snowshoeing excursion or tour on a snowmobile. There are other unique winter experiences such as the Acrobranche, which is an aerial forest adventure where you walk across zip lines 25 to 75 feet up in the trees. There is a smaller course for young children. You can take a helicopter ride over the mountain range, or have fun on one of the 10 outdoor paintball playgrounds. You can also watch one of the many snowboarding competitions that frequently take place at the resort. Plus there is tubing, sleigh rides, and dog sledding. Finally, when you need to relax, take advantage of the Scandinavian baths as well as many other spa treatments.
Eastern Canada knows how to make the best out of winter, and a lot of these destinations are driving distance from the northern United States. For more winter destinations in Canada, see Winter Getaways in Western Canada.
