Family Friendly Quick Winter Getaways from Ottawa

Embark on a quick winter getaway as a fantastic way to enjoy quality family time. Whether it’s a brief weekend escape or a day trip, the prospect of embracing the season and creating lasting memories could be the very reason winter holds a special place in your heart. Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec, and New York State offers an abundance of convenient family-friendly winter getaways from Ottawa. So even if you’re not a fan of the frosty weather, a local-ish family winter getaway might be just the thing you need.

Explore numerous enticing options for fast day trips and family winter getaways from Ottawa.

Quick Winter Getaways from Ottawa Your Whole Family Will Love

Chelsea, Quebec

Head over the bridge to Quebec and visit Chelsea! This quaint village is well known for its ski hills, cross country ski trails, hiking trails, excellent coffee shops, and yummy food. It’s a no brainer on our list of family winter weekend getaways from Ottawa.

Our ideal Saturday itinerary? Head to Les Saisons for a morning coffee and hot chocolate for the kids then visit Camp Fortune for a day of skiing (book some private lessons for the kids!) and fun on the hills. Feeling hungry?  Back to the village for dinner gives you the options of Le Bronx Pizza (New York style), Chelsea Shawarma & Pizza (so many great and quick options!) or head to Maman Theresa or Manchester Bistro for a sit down experience.

Why not bring your skates with you as well and enjoy some public skating at the Centre Meredith.

Montebello, Quebec

Parc Omega is a fun way to spend some time outdoors and get up close and personal with some of Canada’s favourite animals in a natural environment. Parc Omega offers a drive through experience where you can feed many of the animals (make sure you follow the signs and rules!) as they come right up to your vehicle. Park your car and head for a special walk to see the wolves and then head up to the farm where you can grab a hot chocolate and enjoy some time in the snow as you feed the deer right out of your hand. Brand new to Parc Omega is a wild experience of driving through and getting up close and personal with the wolves. The wildlife park was recently recognized for its outstanding achievement in the category of “Excellence in Habitat Design and Development” by Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) because of this amazing new experience.

If you are looking for an overnight option you can stay in one of the special private lodging options that Parc Omega offers including sleeping with the wolves! Looking for a different kind of stay? Fairmont Chateau Montebello is a special gem of a resort that is extremely welcoming to families and will invite you to experience the outdoors, great food, special attractions and outings, an amazing pool experience (the indoor pool is gorgeous!) and historic rooms. Enjoy the special Holiday Market December 1-3 and 8-10 at the Chateau Montebello or why not “Christmas at the Castle” with some of their holiday specials which also includes your breakfasts, dinners, and special treats!

Kingston, ON

Often overlooked, Kingston is a great family friendly city that is one of the quickest and easiest winter getaways from Ottawa.  If hockey season is here then check out a Kingston Frontenacs game, enjoy outdoor ice skating at Market Square and check out Woodenheads for a delicious pizza experience. Want to stay overnight?

The Delta Kingston is right on the water with spacious bright rooms and many places walkable right from the front door.

Vaudreuil-Dorion

Just prior to reaching Montreal lies Vaudreuil-Dorion, home to Chateau Vaudrauil. Conveniently situated off the highway and nestled by a picturesque lake, this retreat invites your family to unwind for a weekend in comfortable suites. Explore the surrounding area, with Montreal just a 20-minute drive away, visit the Zoo Ecomuseum dedicated to endangered animal well-being, and indulge in local shopping.

Yet, there’s no pressure to stay constantly active. Chateau Vaudrauil provides a serene and leisurely escape. Revel in their exceptional restaurant, take a dip in the indoor pool, and stroll through the snowy grounds offering views of the frozen lake.

Mont Tremblant, Quebec

In less than about three hours from Ottawa, your family can be in Mont Tremblant ready to hit the slopes or browse the pedestrian village. Mont Tremblant offers spectacular hillside views where skiers of all skill levels can enjoy fresh powder, or where families can dine and explore. Take the panoramic gondola ride up the mountain for breathtaking scenery, go tubing for some adventure, or shop the village. Accommodations around Mont Tremblant include ski-up condo rentals, and plenty of local hotels to visit like Le Westin Resort and Spa Tremblant. We love that the Westin has family suites with kitchenettes available.

Montreal, QC

Yes, it is possible to do a day trip to Montreal, my family has done it many times! Head out early in the day, arrive at your attraction destination for opening, spend the day exploring and then head back home. However, Montreal is such a wonderful adventurous city that you could easily spend a weekend here! Some of our favourite places to visit are:

• Montreal Science Centre (+ you can use the reciprocal agreement if you have a membership from the Ottawa Science Centre!)
• Biodome – this place is absolutely amazing and will be enjoyed by your whole family! Explore various eco systems including the St. Lawrence River, Tropical Rainforest, Labrador Coast & Sub-Antartic Islands and the Laurentian Maple Forest. You will see penguins, capybara, puffins, flamingos, lynx, otters and over 800 plant species.
• Insectarium– across the street from the Biodome visit the Insectarium and discover over 3000 plants and more insects than you ever thought possible in one space!

Or why not head down to the Old Port and enjoy their Ice Skating Rink for some family time skating in one of the most magical places in Canada. There are even music theme nights every Wednesday and Friday evening.  Local DJs will be on ice every Thursday from January to March featuring local artists. Enjoy a hot chocolate after at one if the many great cafes. Igloofest, the worlds coldest musical festival is back starting January 18th and don’t forget about the “La Grande Roue de Montreal” to enjoy all the great views that Montreal has to offer.

Looking to spend the night? The Hyatt Place Montreal- Downtown, has recently been renovated and is absolutely gorgeous with spacious rooms in a convenient location. The breakfast bar is plentiful with many choices and is extremely well kept with hot and fresh food. Plus? There is a Starbucks right on site.

Toronto, ON

If you are ready for a quick weekend getaway and want to stay in Canada then head to Toronto. This city is vibrant and always has fun and new things to experience with kids of all ages! Destination Toronto will keep you in the know of all the fun and happening events throughout the 416. Take a drive to Toronto or kickback and enjoy the trip with Via Rail. The train station will take you right downtown and with Toronto’s underground system you can easily get around to everywhere you need to go. But don’t be intimidated by driving in this big city! There are tons of parking options throughout the downtown core and as long as you miss rush hour you can zip right through to where you want to go.

Book a stay at the Chelsea Hotel where you will find a kids activity room, family friendly rooms and a great pool with an indoor corkscrew waterslide with restaurants and shopping all within a block or two!  This lovely hotel is upgrading another 600 guestrooms and is offering amazing Black Friday sales where you will be able to access their lowest rates of the year at only $169 per night. Did you know that when you stay at the Chelsea Hotel you also get discounts to other area attractions to enjoy with your family? Santa Claus will also be visiting the hotel from November 24th through to December 24th.

We also love the ease of walking out of Union Station to the Fairmont Royal York or head down closer to the water and enjoy the Delta where you will be right next door to the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Scotiabank Arena, and the Rogers Centre.

• Book a time at Ripley’s Aquarium (best time to go is right for when doors open!) and enjoy exploring the underwater world! Plus you can enjoy their extended holiday hours December 25th through to January 7th!
• Head up to the top of the CN Tower and experience the glass floor while getting some of the best views of the City!
• The Ontario Science Centre is a day of fun for kids of all ages as they explore and get hands on with science! PLUS if you hold an Ingenium museum pass from the Ottawa Science Centre then you can access this museum for free! The KidSpark areas is always one of my family faves.
• Legoland in Vaughan will keep your little ones busy if they love to be hands on, building and creating. Legoland is within the Vaughan Mills Mall so you can also tack on some shopping or hit up one of the local restaurants.
• Need a yummy and quick bite to eat that everybody will love? Pizza Libretto is always a family hit. Looking for vegetarian options? Fresh has the best nachos around!
• City Sightseeing Toronto is a great way to get to know the city and gives you the ability to hop on and off as you would like.
• Dinosaur, Birds, Mammals and Art….Oh My! The Royal Ontario Museum is another must experience museum while you are in the city with your family, especially if your kids are a bit older.

Syracuse, NY

Have a passport and ready to cross the border for quick winter getaways? Syracuse is another great option(only 3 hours from Ottawa!) and is a fun weekend getaway that may not be in your usual repertoire! Stay at the Embassy Suites by Hilton at Destiny USA  and you can walk right into the Destiny Mall where you will find hours and hours of fun for the full family. From glow in the dark mini putt, bowling, go-karting, Canyon Climb adventure ropes course, laser tag, Dave & Busters and so much more! Don’t miss out on a dinner at Dinosaur BBQ, Funk n Waffles has great evening entertainment but with the family you will want to check out their breakfast options! Don’t forget to stop in at Glazed & Confused for some delicious donuts!

The Destiny Mall also has some great Holiday events with an “indoor snowfall” in the atrium every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday leading up to Christmas, musical performances, and more throughout the holidays.

Don’t miss out on the Rosamond Gifford Zoo as it’s open year round with indoor and outdoor exhibits.  Check out the special “Holiday Nights” where the zoo turns into a winter wonderland with holiday lights, fire pits, smores and more!

While there are a lot of great things to explore and experience during winter in Ottawa, it’s always fun to head out for a day or quick weekend away and explore a different area with your family. Have fun exploring and trying out these winter getaways from Ottawa ideas!