Skiing and snowboarding might not be Canada’s national sports (apparently, it’s lacrosse), but that doesn’t mean it’s hard to find a mountain to conquer in this country. In fact, there are top notching options for skiing in Canada from coast to coast.
It’s a beautiful day on Whistler Mountain, British Columbia. (Credit Eric Berger/Whistler)
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Skiing in Canada
Whether you ski, snowboard, cross-country or just tag along for the cozy vibes and après ski options, there is plenty to experience. Skiing in Canada is the stuff dreams are made of. British Columbia sports ski-village vibes that rival Europe. The Rockies sport epic views and champagne powder. In Eastern Canada, friendly resorts make family ski vacations an actual pleasure.
Here’s a look at Canada’s best ski resorts and we’ve included different accommodation options (on or off the hill), plus some fun activities you’ll want to tack onto your trip.
There’s plenty of good times to be had on Canada’s slopes – especially at Lake Louise! (Credit: Hubert Kang)
Skiing in Atlantic Canada
Skiing in Atlantic Canada might not be your first thought when it comes to skiing in Canada. However, several thousand U.K. ski fans (and local Canadians!) have discovered a charming ski resort situated in Newfoundland.
Marble Mountain Ski Resort
Marble Mountain Ski Resort is the main resort in Atlantic Canada. The resort itself is located near Steady Brook, Newfoundland. Marble Mnt has 39 ski runs, with 4 lifts.
The resort offers rentals on site, as well as ski and snowboard lessons, camps and daycare options. While on the mountain, check out Knotty Pine Lounge for local music, food, nightlife For family dining or grab and go options, visit the Cookhouse.
If you’re in Newfoundland, you can get to Marble Mountain Resort from Deer Lake Airport (30 minutes), St. John’s (680 km), Gander (350km), St. Anthony (504 km) or Port Aux Basques (228 km).
Beginner and intermediate skiers will appreciate all Marble Mnt has to offer! (Credit: Marble Mountain)
If you’re outside the province, you’ll have to take a ferry through Marine Atlantic. When it comes to lodging, there’s no on-mountain accommodation. However, Steady Brook is just a quick trip from the mountain and has some great options for lodging. Check out Marblewood Village Resort for spacious 1 and 2 bedroom suites.
Skiing in Quebec
These options for Skiing in Quebec just can’t be beat! These resorts have everything in one place, accommodation, activities, shopping, dining and views. You don’t even have to like skiing to enjoy these options.
Mont Tremblant
Mont Tremblant is the #1 ski destination in Eastern North America and offers over 100 trails and 14 lifts. This is a 4-season holiday destination with shopping, lodging, dining, entertainment and play areas, all on the hill. It’s an ideal spot for a family holiday.
There are so many winter activities to try, including sleigh rides, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, helicopter tours, ice climbing, ice fishing, dog sledding and more! Don’t want to hang out outside in the winter? Try the fondue tour, enjoy the spa or a massage, visit the creative studios, try the VR arcade, swim in aquatic world, or visit the casino.
Mont Tremblant is actually a municipality, but the closest major city to the mountain is Montreal. Take a 1.5-hour drive from Montreal or a 2-hour drive from Ottawa. You can also fly directly into the Mont Tremblant airport from Billy Bishop Airport or from Ottawa, Sudbury, Windsor, Thunder Bay or Sault Ste. Marie.
On the hill, you’ll find a beautiful European-style pedestrian village with 34 different boutiques and 37 different restaurant options. In terms of accommodation, there are 28 different options on the hill, located mountainside, within the pedestrian village or near the golf course.
The village of Mont Tremblant will transport you right back to Europe! (Credit: Mt. Tremblant)
Some of our favourite places to start are Le Westin Resort & Spa. It has a lovely, heated saltwater outdoor pools and large balconies. Suites include a kitchenette and fireplace. (We particularly loved the ski boot heaters!)
At Fairmont Tremblant, you’ll have direct access to the pedestrian village, plus heated indoor and outdoor pools. This is probably the most luxurious option at Mont Tremblant and it’s well known for its high service standards.
Le Massif de Charlevoix
Le Massif de Charlevoix is located about 1.5 hours from Quebec City and offers 6 ski lifts with over 50 different runs. Le Massif also offers back country and off-piste skiing, making it unique from many other mountain resorts.
One of the coolest things about this mountain (for the non-skiers) is the sledding! Le Massif offers four different ways to sled down the 7.5 km trail, including night sledding. You can also try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing or enjoy a gondola ride to take in the beautiful views.
The views of the St. Lawrence are incredible from the slopes of Le Massif. (Credit: Le Massif)
Le Massif has lots of accommodation options. For those wanting to stay at the summit, check out the Semi-Detached Chalets-Forets, Les Chalets-Forets or Les Refuges. There are also options to stay at the base, including Les Caches de la Grande-Pointe, an affordable property with ski-to-door access, free private parking and a terrace.
Mont Sainte Anne
Mont Sainte Anne, only 30 minutes from Quebec City, offers 71 different runs, including 19 trails for night skiing, 1 high-speed gondola, 4 chairlifts, 4 surface lifts and 3 different snow parks. Yep, there’s no shortage of options here for skiers and boarders. Because of its proximity to Quebec City, there’s a shuttle service to the mountain.
The mountain also sports cross-country skiing trails, alpine tours, fat biking, snowshoeing, paragliding, ice canyoning and dog sledding. Not here for the mountain activities? Check out the Nordique Spa or Spa des Neiges and visit the sugar shack in spring!
Mont St. Anne is so close to Quebec City it makes for an easy ski afternoon.(Credit: Giom)
When it comes to accommodation, Mont Sainte Anne offers one group chalet and individual rustic cross-country lodges, hidden along the cross-country trails. There’s also the pet-friendly Delta Hotel at the bottom of the hill with a heated outdoor pool and washing machine.
Skiing in Ontario
Not to be outdone, Ontario loves their full-offering ski resorts. Between Blue Mountain and Horseshoe, there is no lack of skiing in Ontario. Don’t forget to hit up the spas!
Blue Mountain Resort
Blue Mountain Resort has 365 acres of skiable terrain, 3 different snow parks for all levels, 43 different runs and 11 lifts. They also offer snow schools for lessons and gear rentals. Try some of the other winter activities including a super cool Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, fat biking, tubing, ski touring, snowshoeing and mountain top skating.
Blue Mountain Resort has over 30 different restaurants, night clubs and bars, and 27 different stores, right at the mountain. There are also 9 different accommodation options including the centrally located Village Suites, the recently upgraded but inexpensive Blue Mountain Inn, Mosaic boutique suites (featuring the Iwa Spa), or the Mountain Walk resort style homes. Want to stay right on the slopes? Check out Cachet Crossing or Chateau Ride Resort Homes.
We’re partial to staying at The Westin Trillium House. All units come with a fireplace, kitchenette and French or full balcony. Their heated outdoor pool and hot tubs are also pretty rad.
You can get to Blue Mountain by car in 45-minutes from Barrie or 90-minutes from Toronto. There are shuttle services that run through the GTA up to Blue Mountain.
Blue Mountain Resort can get crazy busy on the weekends, so consider skiing/boarding mid-week. (Credit: Blue Mountain Ski Resort)
Horseshoe Resort
Visit Horseshoe Resort in Barrie and try the 29 different ski and snowboard runs (including 20 for night skiing). Here, you’ll find 6 ski lifts and a terrain park. While on the mountain, you can also cross-country ski, snow tube, fat bike, snowshoe, or take a snowmobile tour. Once you’re done exploring, relax in one of the two spas located on the hill.
You can stay on the mountain at The Inn at Horseshoe, Copeland House Condos or Slopeside Condos. Visitors and guests can eat at four different restaurants on the hill. When it comes to getting to the mountain, Toronto is about a 1.5-hour drive from Horseshoe Resort and has an international airport.
You can never start them too young! (Credit: Horseshoe Resort)
Skiing in Alberta
Bordering one side of the Rocky Mountains, there’s several quality options for skiing in Alberta. Whether you ski one of the big 3 options in Banff National Park, head up to Jasper National Park or hang out in Southern Alberta, you won’t be disappointed!
Marmot Basin
Marmot Basin is where you’ll be skiing in Jasper National Park. It sports 7 lifts, 91 runs and 2 terrain parks. Marmot focuses more on skiing and snowboarding than a lot of the other resorts and offer on-hill lessons and rentals.
The resort has two restaurants, the Caribou Chalet at the base and Paradise & Eagle Chalets located mid-mountain. Looking for other activities? There are great options in the town of Jasper for skating, dog sledding, ice climbing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
It’s pretty casual and friendly at Marmot Basin. (Credit: Mike Seehagel)
Jasper is accessible by shuttle from Edmonton or Calgary, the train through Via Rail. It’s about a 5-hour drive from Calgary or 4-hours from Edmonton. When visiting Marmot Basin, you’ll need to stay in town, not on mountain. Here are Jasper’s best accommodation options.
Sunshine Village
Banff Sunshine Village boasts three mountains with over 3,300 acres of skiable terrain, and a terrain park with over 50 features. The resort offers rentals for skiing, snowboarding and winter clothing, and visitors of all ages can take lessons to learn or improve on their mountain skills. On the mountain, visitors can also take sightseeing tours, go snowshoeing or visit the day spa.
Sunshine sports three full-service restaurants in the Village and six Village eateries for guests and skiers alike. In the Village, guests can stay in the Sunshine Mountain Lodge, Banff National Park’s only ski-in, ski-out hotel. Loft rooms are our favourite and you should know that their epic outdoor hot tub offers drink service.
You can’t beat staying slope-side at Banff Sunshine Village.
Not looking to stay on the mountain? These are Banff’s best hot tub hotels. Canmore is a charming ski town about a 30-minute drive from Sunshine Village. Here are Canmore’s best hotels.
Sunshine is easily accessible from Banff, Canmore or Calgary. There is a free shuttle to and from Banff and visitors to Calgary can drive or take a shuttle to the mountain. ROAM transit also offers transit from Banff or Canmore.
Fresh corduroy is waiting for your first tracks. (Credit: Sunshine Village Resort)
Norquay
The closes ski resort to the town of Banff is Norquay. This resort offers 6 ski lifts and 60 runs, as well as the only night skiing in the Canadian Rockies. Night skiing is offered on Friday and Saturday nights and the on-site Terrain Park is also included in the night skiing hours!
How’s this for a romantic evening activity? It’ll definitely get your heart rate up.
Norquay also sports the longest tubing lanes in Alberta, making it a great place for families. Here’s more details on their epic tube park! Norquay also offers lessons for all ages for skiing and snowboarding.
While on the hill, you can eat at one of four restaurants: the Cliffhouse Bistro (our fave!), North American Lounge, Lone Pine Pub, or Cascade Lounge. Unlike Sunshine, there is no accommodation on the hill, so you’ll want to stay in Banff or Canmore. If you’re staying in Banff, you’ll be able to grab a shuttle bus from the townsite to the mountain. Norquay is also accessible by car from Calgary, Banff, Canmore and the surrounding area.
Cliffhouse Bistro is magical and quite good! (Credit: Mike Seehagel)
Lake Louise
On the World Cup Circuit and also located in Banff National Park, Lake Louise offers 160 runs across four mountain faces, 10 chairs and 4 terrain parks with 45 features. The resort also has a tube park, sightseeing gondola, snowshoe tours, private ski or board tours and a day care centre.
There are 4 options for on-mountain dining including Temple Café, Whitehorn Bistro, Sawyer’s Nook or Temple Cantina. There are also 8 dining options at the base. Our favourite spots to dine are Whitehorn Bistro and Kuma Yama for surprisingly good Japanese.
You’d be hard pressed to find better ski views than what’s on display at Lake Louise. (Credit Shannon Martin)
There are no hotels on the mountain, but the townsite of Lake Louise has some great options, including the stunning Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, where you can skate on the lake and enjoy their ice bar and ice castle in winter.
You won’t find a more magical setting to learn how to ice skate!
Another swish hotel to consider is The Post Hotel & Spa. This Relais & Chateau property also has its own ice skating rink and direct access to country ski trails. Bathroom amenities are by Aveda and their dining room consistency gets Wine Spectator awards.
More budget friendly accommodation can be found at Deer Lodge (great outdoor hot tub!) or Lake Louise Inn.
Lake Louise is accessible by car from Calgary (about 2-hours) and Banff (approximately 1-hour). There are also shuttle options from the Fairmont Lake Louise or from Calgary.
Castle Mountain
While Castle Mountain isn’t located in Banff National Park, it IS the only Alberta ski resort that’s part of the Powder Highway. For this reason alone, serious skiers and boarders ought to float through its legendary snow.
Castle Mountain offers 6 ski lifts, 94 trails and a terrain park. One of Castle Mountain’s signature activities is the Cat Skiing or Riding, which includes breakfast, avalanche gear, chair lift tickets, to-go lunch, a full day of guided skiing off-piste and a celebratory beverage. While on the mountain, you can also take snowshoe tours of the area.
How cute are these parking lot attendants?! (Photo credit: Castle Mountain Resort)
Castle Mountain does offer on-mountain accommodation with the Castle Ski Lodge that offers hotel or hostel style rooms. There are also two rental options on the mountain: the Snowed Under Suite and Castle Mountain Chalets.
While on mountain, there are three different restaurants and cafes for guests to try.
If you’re looking to stay off the mountain, you’ll want to find accommodation in Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Beaver Mines or Blairmore. Each of these towns have hotels or local B&B options.
Castle Mountain is a 2.5-hour drive from Calgary or a 90-minute drive from Lethbridge.
That’s us at Castle! (Photo credit: Alan Heidel)
Skiing in BC
Just like Alberta, BC borders the Rocky Mountains, giving lots of options for skiing in BC. Head to the Okanagan to enjoy some warmer weather and wine tasting, visit Whistler for one of the world’s best ski villages or check out Fernie and Kimberly for epic powder options.
Whistler Blackcomb
Located less than a two-hour drive from Vancouver, Whistler Blackcomb resort was home to the 2010 Winter Olympics. The resort boasts a staggering 241 trails and 27 lifts. It also features the Peak 2 Peak gondola, backcountry skiing, a tube park, heli-skiing, dog sledding, a ski race centre, a magic castle and tree fort, snowmobile tours, snowshoeing, bobsleigh and skeleton, and Ziptrek. If you’re not looking to enjoy the snow, visit the art museum, Squamish Cultural Centre or the Scandinave Spa.
Even if you don’t ski, you’ll find plenty to do in the Village. (Credit: Destination BC/Kevin Arnold)
For sure you need to dedicate some time to suss out Whistler Village, which has lovely après ski bars, restaurants, boutiques and gear shops. There are 22 places to stay in Whistler Village, 32 places to stay in the upper village, including the Fairmont Chateau Whistler with its newly renovated Gold Floor, killer brunch buffet and myriad of outdoor pools and hot tubs.
For guaranteed privacy, consider booking into Blackcomb Spring Suites, that’s comprised of several one and two bedroom suites and also offers ski-to-door access.
There is also a Creekside area that features a separate base area with its own shops, restaurants, pubs, stores, gondola and 9 places to stay.
Whistler Blackcomb is located at the end of the Sea-to-Sky Highway, a beautiful, scenic drive from Vancouver to Whistler. Visitors can drive the highway or take a shuttle from Vancouver to Whistler. There is also a helicopter option if you don’t want to drive. There are also shuttles around Whistler in case you aren’t staying right in the village.
(Whistler Blackcomb has become one of North America’s most popular ski resorts. Credit Andrew Strain)
Big White
Situated near Kelowna BC, Big White is part of the vineyard studded Okanagan Valley. This ski resort offers 16 lifts and 199 runs. If you’re a cross-country skier, they also have 25 kms of ski and snowshoe trails. On the hill, visitors can try the Horse Drawn Sleigh Dining Tours, dog sled tours, snowmobile tours, fat biking trails, tubing and ice skating.
Tube or ski at Big White. (Credit: Big White Ski Resort)
While on mountain, there’s plenty of places to shop or you can dine at one of 20 on-mountain restaurants, cafes, delis, pubs or nightclubs. Big White also offers on-mountain accommodation through condos or by staying at White Crystal Inn, Chateau Big White, the Inn at Big White or Sundance Resort. We like this 4-bedroom unit with a private hot tub in Coyote Creek. Visitors can also stay in Kelowna, which is about an hour drive away.
SunPeaks
Sunpeaks is Canada’s second largest ski area and is located approximately 45-minutes from Kamloops. The resort has 138 trails, 2 alpine bowls and 13 lifts. One of our favourite things about SunPeaks is its ski-through European-style village with restaurants and cafes.
On the hill, visitors can ski with an Olympian, go on backcountry ski tours, heli-skiing, dog sledding, fat biking, ice fishing, ice skating, take a sleigh ride, try snowmobile tour or take a snowshoe tour.
There are over 1,110 units for lodging on the hill located in Olympian Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Hotel, Sundance Lodge, Hearthstone Lodge, Sun Peaks Grand Hotel, Sun Peaks Lodge, or the Residences at Sun Peaks Grand.
Getting to SunPeaks is easiest from Kamloops, as the mountain is about 45-minutes northeast of the city. There are also shuttles from the Kamloops airport.
Alpenglow is alive and well at Sunpeaks. (Credit: SunPeaks)
SilverStar
SilverStar Mountain Resort sports 132 runs, 10 ski lifts, 3 terrain parks and no artificial snow! Located just a 20-minute drive from Vernon, this hill has a lot to offer.
On the mountain you can rent skis and gear as well as take lessons or join ski programs. You can also try night skiing or snow cat tours. There are over 100 kms of Nordic trails for cross-country skiing, as well as warming huts.
Aside from skiing activities, guests can try ice skating, tubing, snowshoeing, fat biking, sleigh rides, mini snowmobiles for kids and snowmobile tours for adults. Best is, they’ve got the world’s only ski-in, ski-out bowling alley!
Guests can also access the ski-in/ski-out village that offers six retail shops, a spa and 18 different places to eat. There are 9 different on-mountain hotels, vacation home rentals and options for camping or RVs.
You can also stay off-mountain in Vernon. The mountain is a short 20-minute drive from Vernon or 55-minutes from the Kelowna airport. There’s also shuttle services from the Kelowna airport and a North Okanagan Ski bus option as well.
Plenty of places to ski-in and ski-out of at SilverStar. (Credit: Andrew Strain)
Fernie
Fernie is a great resort for Albertans and BCers looking to ski this winter. The hill offers 142 trails, 5 alpine bowls and 10 lifts. Visitors can also go snowshoeing, fat biking, cross-country skiing, or chill out on a sleigh ride or yoga.
On mountain, there are 4 different shopping options and 8 different dining options. You can also head into town (10-minute drive from the hill) for some charming restaurants, cafes and shops.
There are 17 types of accommodation on the mountain or in the town of Fernie. Not on the hill, but one of the closest properties is Stanford Resort. It has an indoor pool and waterslide. Some of the units back directly onto the river which is quite nice.
The mountain is just a 3.5-hour drive from Calgary or a 1.5-hour drive from Cranbrook. There are also shuttles to take you from the town to the resort, or from the Cranbrook or Calgary airports.
Fernie is famous for its ski bowls. (Credit: Fernie Alpine Resort)
Kimberley
Last but not least, Kimberly sports over 68 runs with 5 lifts, as well as snow school lessons and rentals. On the hill, you can try up-tracking, fat biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The resort offers snowshoe or fat bike tours for families or individuals.
The mountain also has night skiing on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. If you’re a college student, try discounted night skiing or boarding every Friday night. For the most adventurous, try the Boulder Hut Adventures Authentic Backcountry Skiing, which includes a guided one-day Heli ski tour.
There are 22 places to stay on the mountain or within a short distance from the hill. For ski to door access, you’ll want to stay at Kimberly Alpine Resort, where you can score private bedrooms, a firecplace, hot tub and laundry facilities.
While on the hill, check out the Sports Alpine Ski & Snowboard boutique, the 3 different on-mountain dining options and if you’ve got kids, be sure to take advantage of the on-site childcare for kids under 5.
Kimberley is a 4-hour drive from Calgary or Spokane and offers shuttles from the Calgary or Cranbrook airports.
Kimberley rocks a Bavarian vibe that I wish the town would embrace more. (Credit: Mike Reece)
Where are your favourite spots to ski in Canada?
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