Winter weekend getaways offer fantastic respite from a busy life in Toronto. With so many options for surrounding yourself in the natural beauty of Ontario landscapes, luxurious spa retreats, amazing fine dining experiences, and rejuvenating outdoor adventures, the choices are endless. Driving less than three hours outside of the city will feel like a winter vacation in a completely different land. Our list of outstanding weekend getaway destinations barely scratches the surface of what’s possible, but it’s a fantastic start.
Less than two hours away from Toronto is a stately manor-turned-luxury hotel and spa with excellent fine dining and plenty of activities all located right on the sprawling grounds of the Langdon Hall Country House in Cambridge, Ontario.
.jpg?width=1500&height=610&name=Langdon%20Hall%20Country%20House%20Hotel%20%26%20Spa%20massage%20girl%20facial%20(1).jpg)
Originally a private residence built in 1898, the 25,000-square-foot estate was designed to mimic the Federal Revival style south of the border. The current owners renovated the massive home to become what it is today: an opulent and serene retreat from the city. The grounds also feature its famed gardens that grow flowers, herbs, and vegetables used by the hotel kitchens. The gardens were designed to mimic the original plans created by the same landscape architect, Frederich Law Olmsted, who designed New York City’s Central Park.
The award-winning cuisine at Langdon Hall is ranked the 15th best restaurant in 2025 by Canada’s Top 100 and has one of Canada’s most celebrated chefs, Jason Bangerter, at the helm. Enjoy the view of the gardens from the main dining room or a casual lunch and cocktails in the Wilks’ Bar. Both were transformed by the award-winning designer, Sarah Richardson.
The spa at Langdon Hall is also acclaimed, ranking high among all of Canada. The space is quiet and tranquil, as you’d expect, and offers services like massages, baths, wraps, polishes, and many more restorative and aesthetic treatments. You’ll also find dining in the spa, so you won’t have to go far to feel replenished before your next service.
Langdon Hall features sitting rooms for gatherings, tennis courts, croquet lawns, and walking trails. The staff can arrange your day of activities and suggest local outings as well. Langdon Hall offers wine tasting with a sommelier, 45-minute interactive cooking demonstrations, and private yoga classes.
Every room has been carefully designed and many feature amenities like wood-burning fireplaces, sitting areas, private patios on the ground floor, luxury bathrooms with soaking tubs, feather beds, and private dressing areas.
Perched dramatically above the Elora Gorge, less than two hours from Toronto, the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa blends small-town charm with refined luxury. This historic mill has been meticulously restored, offering a stay that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Once an industrial grist mill built in the early 19th century, the Elora Mill has been reborn as a boutique hotel and spa while retaining its original stone architecture. Its storybook setting along the Grand River, paired with thoughtful restoration, makes it one of Ontario’s most unique retreats.
The Mill’s restaurant showcases farm-to-table cuisine, sourcing from local producers and highlighting seasonal flavours. Guests can enjoy sweeping views of the gorge while dining in a setting that honours the building’s heritage yet feels unmistakably modern.
The cliffside spa offers a range of restorative treatments and hydrotherapy experiences. Its striking design features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gorge, a rare winter view best enjoyed from the warmth of a treatment room or relaxation lounge.
Guests can wander Elora’s charming shops and galleries, explore nearby trails, or enjoy seasonal events such as winter festivals. The village itself provides a picturesque backdrop, especially when dusted with snow.
Guest rooms combine rustic stone walls with sleek, contemporary finishes. Many offer fireplaces, spa-like bathrooms, and views over the river or village. Every detail has been designed to balance comfort with elegance.
The Rosseau is only 2.5 hours north of Toronto in the heart of Muskoka. The year-round pristine beauty features rugged hills, tranquil lakes, and wide-open blue skies. It's been a favourite for rest and relaxation as well as outdoor activities like snowshoeing, ski biking, snowmobiling, and skating. The area has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
.jpg?width=1500&height=607&name=The%20Rosseau%20Muskoka%20by%20JW%20Marriott%20muskoka%20winter%20snowing%20outside%20with%20forest%20(2).jpg)
The original resort, known as Paignton House, was built in 1894 with an impressively pure and scenic landscape. The first owners intended the resort to be a summer getaway for locals, and it now offers a wealth of activities year-round, along with luxury amenities set within natural beauty.
The Rosseau offers more dining options than your average resort, from casual to award-winning. Teca offers award-winning Italian fare within a lively space and open kitchen. Muskoka Chophouse is an elegant space with Certified Angus Beef and chef specials that pair spectacularly with wine from an impressive menu recognized with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
The Cottages is a more casual dining spot that overlooks Lake Rosseau. The Lake Muskoka restaurant, with light fare and specialty cocktails, is known as ‘the gathering place’ for its large open space that’s perfect for gathering after a day of activities, also with excellent views of the lake. ICEBAR features signature flights of Crystal Head Vodka along with tapas in a -15°C space.
The Rosseau features a signature spa, fitness centre, a year-round indoor-outdoor swimming pool, a heated HydroSpa outdoor pool, and hot tubs. The spa offers a menu of amenities, like body wraps, massages, and hydrotherapy treatments. Guests can also indulge in activities like painting, sculpting, workshops, and stargazing.
The luxury rooms and suites at The Rosseau are cozy and perfect for a winter retreat, with natural stone fireplaces and soaking tubs. Enjoy a view of the famous Rosseau Lake from your balcony.
Ste. Anne’s Spa is set in an old-world village-like environment that’s comforting and charming. The property is only 90 minutes from Toronto, but you’ll feel like you’ve travelled across the Atlantic, overlooking 500 acres of rolling hills, lush gardens, and quaint farmland, right in Grafton, Ontario.
Built in 1858, the fieldstone country castle has changed hands multiple times before being restored by the current owners. Over time, the castle rooms have been filled with antiques and traditional furnishings. After discovering the freshwater spring and through the family’s travels, the destination spa has become a place for wellness and rejuvenation.
Every part of a stay at Ste. Anne’s is focused on wellness and relaxation. Yoga, meditation, painting lessons, hiking, snowshoeing, healthy cuisine, and more are all built into the all-inclusive retreat. More than 35 spa treatments are available at Ste. Anne’s, as well as a eucalyptus steam room, saunas, and fitness facility.
One of the principles of Ste. Anne's is sustainability, including humanely raising cattle on site, growing flowers used in the rooms, and vegetable gardens that supply the kitchens. The botanicals in the skin nourishment products made on-site are also from the property. Composting, reforestation, and regenerative agriculture are peripheral principles that make up the spa’s holistic wellness practices.
Choose one of Ste. Anne’s 35 rooms, all uniquely furnished and decorated in traditional styles. The rooms may include a gas or wood-burning fireplace, a soaking tub, a sitting area, a balcony, and vaulted ceilings. The rooms also include a minifridge so you can preorder special meals, snacks, and cakes to be waiting for you. The spa cottages offer the availability to include a private chef to prepare a four-course meal right in your room. Flowers, bespoke skin and bath products, and other gifts are also available during your stay. There’s even a private limousine car service available to pick you up from the city to deliver you to Ste. Anne’s Spa.
Blue Mountain is a popular winter destination for outdoor adventures and luxury indulgences alike. It’s located just north of Collingwood and only two hours from Toronto. Skiing, dining, spas, snowshoeing, thermal baths, and so much more are available in this gorgeous winter paradise.
.jpg?width=1500&height=778&name=blue%20mountain%20village%20with%20christmas%20trees%20and%20snowing%20in%20collingwood%20winter%20staycation%20(1).jpg)
Blue Mountain began humbly in 1949 out of a barn at the foot of the slopes. It was the ski headquarters, providing food and accommodations. The rustic beginnings made way for a magnificent resort that local and world travellers seek out every year to enjoy the community, amenities, and of course, skiing.
Skiing is the most notable reason many flock to Blue Mountain due to its abundant options. With 42 ski hills, there are options for all skill levels and abilities. Blue Mountain also offers a variety of ski packages, whether you’d like a single lift ticket for the day or to invest in a season pass. There are also ski schools, glades, night skiing, and a terrain park.
If you’re looking for new gear or have forgotten something at home, there are plenty of shops to fill your needs. To avoid having to bring all of your ski gear to and from your lodging, storage is available, and the resort will have your gear ready to go when you get to the slopes. Regardless of the pass purchased, Blue Mountain has recently upgraded its lifts to include high-speed to expedite the venture back up the hill.
The town of Blue Mountain and the Blue Mountain Village offer so many more outdoor activities than downhill skiing. Enjoy the outdoor skating rink, downhill tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and cave exploring.
Venture into the village for the area’s three luxurious spas. The Scandinave Spa is favoured by most for its thermal baths set in the forest–a truly dreamy experience after a day of treatments. They also offer a eucalyptus steam room, wellness classes, fitness, and walking trails. The Iwa Spa features a volcanic rock sauna room, large enough to practise hot yoga or just sit back and relax after a deep tissue massage. Lastly, the Kalola Spa takes a holistic approach by including nutritional guidance and Reiki, as well as standard spa body and face treatments.
After an active day, satiate your appetite with a wide variety of dining options in the Blue Mountains, from coffee and pastry shops to award-winning fine dining restaurants. For breakfast, stop in at Sunset Grill or The Pottery Restaurant. Casual dining options abound for lunch or dinner, but some of the more popular eateries include Chuck Burger, Firehall Pizza, The Cheese Gallery, and Copper Blues Bar & Grill. If you’re looking for something sweet or a hot espresso or hot chocolate to warm you up, local favourites are Royal Majesty Espresso Bar and Bakery or Beaver Tails. For finer dining, Oliver & Bonacini is a go-to, as is Tholos Restaurant. Bruce Wine Bar or Thornbury Cider is great for sitting back and sipping on local drinks.
With almost a dozen unique places to stay at Blue Mountain, there will undoubtedly be a perfect fit. No matter if it’s quaint and cozy, or deluxe and luxurious, most time will likely be spent outside the room. However, after a long day in the cold, it’s nice to choose the right spot to soak in a hot bath, sit next to your own fireplace, or lounge with others in warm sitting areas.
Many of the accommodations offer other amenities, like fitness facilities, heated pools, and ski packages. Commonly found in Blue Mountain Village are chalets that offer more privacy than hotels and more amenities that feel like home, such as a kitchen and laundry.
Situated on Burlington’s waterfront, just 45 minutes from Toronto, The Pearle Hotel & Spa offers modern luxury paired with calming lake views. Its design is inspired by light, openness, and wellness, making it an ideal urban-meets-retreat escape.

The Pearle is named after the grandmother of one of the hotel’s founders, reflecting its personal connection to the community. The property blends contemporary design with timeless hospitality, quickly becoming a favourite among discerning travellers.
Isabelle Restaurant & Lounge offers globally inspired cuisine with an emphasis on local and sustainable ingredients. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views of Lake Ontario, making every meal a scenic experience.
The Pearle Spa is built around holistic wellness, offering treatments that combine traditional therapies with modern relaxation techniques. The spa also features a hammam steam room and an indoor pool.
Guests can stroll along Burlington’s waterfront trails, visit nearby Royal Botanical Gardens, or explore boutique shops in the downtown core. Winter brings a quieter pace to the city, perfect for leisurely walks and spa-centered weekends.
Rooms are designed in soothing palettes of soft neutrals, with luxurious bedding and expansive lake views. Many feature private balconies, creating a serene environment even in the heart of winter.
A little over an hour from Toronto, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a quintessential romantic getaway. Known for its wineries, historic charm, and theatre, it remains one of Ontario’s most beloved small-town destinations and is especially enchanting in winter.
Founded in the late 18th century, Niagara-on-the-Lake is steeped in history. Its heritage buildings, preserved main street, and charming inns create an atmosphere that feels both elegant and timeless.
The town is home to some of Ontario’s most acclaimed restaurants, many of which pair their cuisine with local wines. From fine dining establishments to cozy bistros, winter visitors can savour hearty meals in intimate settings.
Several boutique hotels and inns, such as the Pillar and Post Inn & Spa, offer full-service wellness retreats. Treatments range from traditional massages to vinotherapy, incorporating the region’s famed grapes into restorative therapies.
Winter in Niagara-on-the-Lake is full of charm: enjoy seasonal wine tastings, horse-drawn carriage rides through historic streets, or attend the Icewine Festival. Strolling Queen Street, with its boutiques and galleries, is a delight on a snowy weekend.
From heritage inns to boutique hotels, accommodations emphasize warmth and intimacy. Many rooms feature fireplaces, four-poster beds, and views of historic gardens or snowy vineyards.
Sometimes the best winter escape is right in the heart of the city. Toronto is home to some of Canada’s most luxurious hotels, offering world-class dining, rejuvenating spas, and the kind of attentive service that makes a simple weekend feel like a holiday abroad. If you’re considering a Toronto winter staycation, these properties deliver indulgence without the hassle of travel.
![]()
Steps from the Entertainment District, The Ritz-Carlton pairs five-star comfort with breathtaking views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline. In winter, its Spa My Blend is a sanctuary, perfect for warming up after a day exploring downtown. With signature dining at TOCA and proximity to the city’s cultural hubs, this hotel makes for a polished, cosmopolitan staycation.
For those who prefer boutique luxury, The Hazelton in Yorkville offers an intimate, design-forward experience. Nestled among high-end shops and galleries, it’s ideal for a cozy winter retreat paired with neighbourhood strolls, fine dining, and even a private screening at the hotel’s exclusive cinema. Few places capture the blend of sophistication and warmth like The Hazelton.
Known for its refined elegance, The St. Regis Toronto sets the stage for a glamorous winter weekend. Its Iridium Spa and indoor saltwater pool invite relaxation, while its central location places the best of Toronto at your doorstep. Signature rituals, such as the evening champagne sabering in the Astor Lounge, add a touch of celebration to any staycation.
When you’ve fully recharged at one of these amazing destinations, continue the feeling of wellness, excitement, or sustainable living right at home. SevernWoods is a Toronto luxury custom home builder and renovation expert that can take that getaway magic and bring it into your own space, with a spa-worthy bathroom retreat, high-end outdoor living, and sustainable home features. Contact SevernWoods to dream up a home that feels like a vacation every day.
Popular Topics

