I was born in Montreal, grew up there and still live there part of the year. And maybe it’s in the blood, but I revel in the cold. Although many visitors plan their trips to Canada during warmer temperatures, winter is one of my favorite times to explore the country. You will generally find fewer visitors, snowy storybook landscapes and a warm atmosphere from the locals.

Of course, cold weather requires cozy places to retreat to, and these hotels across seven regions, with seven perfect winter itineraries, will keep you warm, cozy, and rested on your cold-weather adventure.

Quebec, Quebec

The great lady of Quebec Fairmont Le Château Frontenac The hotel, open since 1893, has 610 rooms decorated with wingback chairs and subtle gold accents, some with private fireplaces, in its six castle-style towers. Fires burn all winter at its three restaurants, including the casual Bistro Le Sam and the chandelier-adorned Champlain, with a modern Quebecois menu from chef Gabriel Molleur-Langevin, who worked at Noma in Copenhagen. The Château Frontenac culinary team joins forces with Ice HotelQuebec’s annual ice hotel, on a restaurant made entirely of ice and snow. Launched on January 17, 2025, its menu at $225 per person includes dishes with Quebecois accents such as wild boar bacon couverture.

Courtesy of Destination Canada

The Ice Hotel itself, open between January and mid-March, is a high-end igloo with Gothic-style arches and ice-lit ice columns. Go out to dinner in the winding streets of old Quebec City, even more magical in winter. Or warm up with hipsters at the beloved bar Sacrilege for craft beers like Le Sang d’Encre from the Le Trou de Diable microbrewery. From February 7 to 16, the Old Quebec district fills with revelers with Quebec Carnivalthe largest winter carnival in the world. Shaking hands with Bonhomme, its snowman mascot, is a local ritual. Château Frontenac from $207; Ice Hotel from $287

Mount Tryon, Prince Edward Island

A 50-acre forest in Canada’s smallest province, with its hiking trails, towering birch trees and fragrant evergreens, seems like an unlikely place for luxury accommodation. But the sumptuous “pods” and high-end cabins of the Treetop haven make a cozy cocoon to enjoy winter surrounded by nature. The property, located in rural Mount Tryon, Prince Edward Island, about 31 miles west of Charlottetown, equips guests with snowshoes for use on its beautiful hiking trails. Head a mile east to Albany and warm up with a hot pie with toppings like pulled pork from the Handpie company; End the evening with a soothing soak in your pod’s private outdoor hot tub.

Courtesy of Treetop Haven

You will likely have to return home via Charlottetown, the historic capital of Prince Edward Island. Its Greek Revival, Queen Anne and Gothic Revival architecture is striking against a snowy backdrop, so build in a night or two at Hotel Grand Georgea collection of downtown heritage buildings with rooms accented in colors from purple to sage. In winter, it looks like the star of a classic holiday story, with the Romanesque Revival Town Hall, the Gothic drama of St. Dunstan’s Basilica, and the Italianate Union Bank building dating back from around 1863. Treetop Haven from $162; Great George Hotel From $140

Red Bank, New Brunswick

The original name of Red Bank is Metepenagiag; the region, located on the Miramichi River, has been home to an indigenous Mi’kmaq community for thousands of years. Indigenous property Red Bank Lodgewith a magnificent cedar cabin as its centerpiece, shares its heritage with packages including a traditional Aboriginal dinner, guided tours of historic sites and nature viewing tours.

Red Bank Lodge’s self-guided snowshoe package lets you explore these ancient grounds; the day ends around an open fire where you can try traditional bread making while sipping hot tea made from tea tree leaves, which the Mi’kmaq have long used for health and healing. It takes 23 miles to drive east to reach Miramichi Restaurant 1809and worth every inch; a huge brioche burger or baked haddock offers a breathtaking view of the Miramichi River. Red Bank Lodge From $113

Marsh Lake, Yukon

The western Yukon Territory, which is larger than California, has more moose than people. You couldn’t ask for a better guide than Carson Schiffkorn, a born and raised local, who opened Inn on the lakea chic log cabin, in 1996 in Marsh Lake, a landscape of beaches and woods. Through the inn, you can book a four-day dog ​​sledding adventure through the boreal forest; travel across vast white plains by snowmobile; or cut feet of ice to fish for trout in Marsh Lake. Bonus: You’ll likely see the Northern Lights throughout your trip, as this part of the Yukon has virtually no light pollution.

Rooms at the Inn on the Lake range from the cozy Fish Room, with its sleigh bed and hardwood floors, to the Presidential Suite, which has its own solarium and steam room. Since you will likely pass through Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, stop at MacBride Museum― just like Harry and Meghan did during a royal visit ― to soak up the history of the territory, from First Nations to the Klondike Gold Rush. Inn on the Lake from $180

Montreal, Quebec

Montrealers flock to an outdoor bar and restaurant terraces in summer. But they don’t hide indoors when the temperature drops. A hot spot in cold weather: the outdoor “après-ski chalet” Belvu TerraceTHE Montreal Marriott Château Champlain the bar and restaurant on the third floor of the hotel. Bundled locals huddle under blankets on lounge chairs under heat lamps, sipping cocktails like the Pulp Fiction (Cynar, fig, balsamic, lime, maple syrup) even as snowflakes flutter. The 596 rooms are attractive retreats, with wood floors, marble desks, and lounge chairs overlooking panoramic city views.

Courtesy of Destination Canada

The hotel is an ideal starting point for Montreal’s busy winter festival calendar. Electronic Dance Music aficionados can attend in January Igloofest at the Old Port, while culture lovers will appreciate the city center Montreal in Light festival, with its artistic performances, culinary experiences and its iconic giant Ferris wheel. Château Champlain is also just a few steps from Old Montreal, which becomes magical in winter. Stop by Petit Dep, rue Saint-Paul, for products made in Quebec, like Etat de Choc chocolates. About a mile north, downtown’s Quartier des Spectacles will host the Grand Christmas Market of Montreal along Sainte-Catherine Street until December 30, with 40 “chalets” housing local artisans. Montreal Marriott Château Champlain from $195

Prince Edward County, Ontario

Prince Edward County has become a popular spot for Toronto residents looking to get away for a weekend. This wine region located 200 km east of the city is now home to some of Ontario’s best restaurants and small hotels. Although it is busy in summer, it is peaceful and even more picturesque in winter. Former Torontonian Shannon Hunter opened up Walk around the resort in Bloomfield, on the shores of Lake Ontario. With its 10 cabins designed with blond wood furniture, dark cast iron and plenty of cozy throws, it’s an enticing base for exploring the county’s craft breweries, like the famous Parsons Brewery―galleries, vineyards and restored ancient theaters, such as the Regent.

Courtesy of Wander the Resort

Wander the Resort also rents snowshoes and sleds; a sled ride nearby Dunes is a must. Bring your own skates for the resort’s small ice rink and end the day under the stars at Wander’s Hygge Hut, a 17-foot cedar-framed clear-panel geodome. Walk around the resort starting at $600

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Winters are getting harsh in Saskatoon, the leafy city of about 300,000 people located in the midwestern province of Saskatchewan. The city is losing its moose and maple syrup image with recent additions like the downtown area. James Hotelthe city’s first truly charming property. The 59 rooms are decorated in warm woods and icy grays, and the penthouse suite’s expansive brick balcony overlooks the Saskatchewan River. From there it is a 15 minute walk to the Modern Remaï museum, with exhibitions that bring together world-renowned artists like sculptor Nick Cave and local luminaries like painter Nancy Lowry.

In January, the Winterruption Saskatoon festival features live music, Indigenous storytelling and children’s activities like mini golf and sleigh rides through the city. Make the 15-minute drive north of the James to visit Wanuskewin Heritage Park Restaurant for traditional indigenous cuisine with a modern twist. It’s inside a national park whose name means “to be at peace with oneself” in Cree, and a hearty elk patty on bannock, a traditional native frybread, might induce that feeling when of a cold evening. The James Hotel from $274