The Wanderlist: Coziest Winter Weekend Trips from Toronto
Whether you want to trade the frenzied pace of the city for low-key small town vibes, or you’re simply itching for a change of scenery, we’ve got you covered with these suggestions for cozy winter getaway destinations a short drive from Toronto.
Stratford
Stratford’s famous theatre festival, which runs from April to October each year, closes its curtains for the winter but that doesn’t mean this charming town also shuts down for the season. Experience some of the city’s best up-and-coming culinary talent with Stratford Chefs School’s Dinner Series, which sees chefs in-training putting their skills to the test by hosting creative set dinners for the public. Fuel up with some liquid warmth courtesy of Junction 56, a craft distillery where you can enjoy tastings of locally-made gin, vodka, moonshine and liqueurs. Foster’s Inn offers homey, affordable rooms right downtown, or splurge on a stay at the Bruce Hotel and finish your evenings by relaxing in front their wood-burning lobby fireplace.
David Charlesworth
Collingwood
The gateway to Blue Mountain, one of the province’s most popular ski areas, Collingwood is already synonymous with winter getaways for many Torontonians. As fun as it is to bundle up and hit the slopes, finding the perfect, cozy spot to relax afterwards is an equally essential part of the ski experience. Curl up with a coffee at Espresso Post, a cute cafe set in a renovated heritage building downtown. Or unwind with an afternoon at Living Water Resort’s serene spa, which is home to the only Aquapath in Ontario: a 45-minute hydrotherapy circuit of mineral baths with waterfalls and jets, river-like paths with stone bottoms and powerful showers that provide soothing stimulation of various pressure points.
Prince Edward County
Prince Edward County is easily one of Toronto’s favourite summer getaway destinations, but winter offers a chance to experience the region’s celebrated culinary scene without the crowds. Three Dog Winery is among numerous local wineries that make the most of the season by hosting regular outdoor bonfires and marshmallow roastings. For accommodation, opt for the Chalet at Angeline’s Inn, which is reminiscent of a Swiss Alpine lodge with its wood panelled walls and cathedral ceilings. The inn’s restaurant, The Hubb Eatery and Lounge, offers an excellent winter seasonal menu, or you can head to the Drake Devonshire to sip a glass of wine by one of its numerous fireplaces.
Johnny C.Y. Lam
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is another destination that’s more appealing in the off-season, when the tourist hordes relax their grip on the city. The Falls take on a particularly magical appearance in the winter, with some sections freezing into glittering natural ice sculptures. Admire the wintery views without braving the subzero temps outside by booking a room at The Tower Hotel, where many rooms have wall-to-wall windows overlooking the falls. Visit in January to catch the annual Niagara Falls Icewine Festival, which sees over 15 wineries offering samples of VQA wines and icewines at the Scotiabank Convention Centre.
Michael Muraz via Flickr
Ottawa
Ottawa’s bone-chilling winters have made the city an expert at staying snug when the temperatures drop. Winter is an ideal time of year to spend a day inside discovering one of Ottawa’s top-notch museums, such as the National Gallery of Canada. Or head just north of the city to chill out at Nordik Spa-Nature, the largest spa in North America, which features dozens of soothing treatment options along with 10 pools of varying temperatures. Head to Vineyards Wine Bar Bistro in the evening to enjoy a Wine Spectator-recognized wine list and regular live jazz performances in an intimate candlelit cellar setting.
M Cheung via Flickr
