Want a Winter Getaway from Toronto? The Blue Mountains Are Calling

Only two hours from Toronto, Blue Mountain, Ontario, is a winter wonderland that’s perfect for a midweek or weekend escape. As the largest ski resort in Ontario, Blue Mountain is the perfect spot for outdoor adventurers.

Even if winter sports aren’t your thing, there are still plenty of activities for an enjoyable weekend for couples and families alike. Just be sure to check for any local restrictions or closures prior to your trip.

Winter Sports

The top activities at Blue Mountain are skiing and snowboarding, so bring your gear or save room in the car and rent. The 43 daytime trails and 30 nighttime trails offer a variety of challenges for everyone, from beginners to black-diamond pros.

If you’re in the beginner category, sign up for lessons or the Newbie program. If skiing or boarding still isn’t your thing, tackle the slopes on a snow tube — no experience required. Or explore the resort on foot with snowshoe rentals and guided tours. For stunning views and some ice-skating, head to the very top of Blue Mountain for the Woodview Mountaintop skating loop.

Explore the Village

The pedestrian-friendly Blue Mountain Village is home to dozens of local boutiques that line its cobblestone streets. There are plenty of Canadian-themed and Canadian-made products, so you can find the perfect souvenir to take back home. If you need some gear for the slopes or simply some warmer clothing, you’ll find that too at brand-name stores like Columbia and The North Face.

Whether you need an energizing coffee in the morning or a craft beer at night, there are plenty of dining options with a laid-back mountain vibe. Start your day at Royal Majesty Espresso Bar Bakery. And be sure to try some Canadian specialties while here: the sugar-coated pastry dough from Beaver Tails and cheese, gravy and french fry creations from Mile High Poutine.

In the evening, whether you want to take a romantic stroll or are looking for a family-friendly activity, you should check out the Blumination Dream Trail. Every night at dusk the village of Blue Mountain comes alive with twinkling light installations, light shows and plenty of Instagramworthy sights (including the giant B-L-U-E sign). You can also learn a little more about the history of the village on a fun horse-drawn carriage ride.

Adventure Seeker

Take your trip to new heights during an exhilarating snowshoe walk along Ontario’s longest suspension bridge. You’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the Georgian Bay. Hop aboard the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster and control the speed — up to 26 miles (42 km) per hour — as you zip down the scenic, snow-covered escarpment.

Relax

Soak away the day and completely unplug at the adults-only Scandinave Spa. Silence is required and phones are not allowed, and you won’t want to be connected while you’re enjoying views of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Niagara Escarpment.

Go for a soak in an outdoor steam bath or hot bath, recharge in a sauna or under an invigorating waterfall. Be sure to save some time for relaxing around the outdoor fireplaces.

IWA Spa will help you find your zen as you practice yoga in a heated volcanic rock studio, or you can book a traditional spa service, including facials and massages. At Kalola Spa, you’ll also find whole-body wellness with spa treatments and heat treatments, like saunas, an indoor pool and hot tubs.