Top 10 Things to Do During the Holiday Season in Ontario

The holiday season is one of the most magical times of the year in Ontario. Snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, twinkling village lights, and cozy evenings indoors create the perfect atmosphere to slow down and reconnect. More and more travelers are choosing to rent a cottage in Ontario during the holidays, turning their getaway into a full experience rather than just a place to stay.

A cottage becomes the heart of the holiday escape — a warm base from which to explore winter activities, discover local culture, enjoy family traditions, and simply relax. Here are our Top 10 holiday activities to enjoy across Ontario, paired with inspiring regions to help travelers choose the perfect cottage destination.

1. Enjoy family fun and winter thrills in Blue Mountain

Blue Mountain is one of Ontario’s most popular winter destinations, especially during the holiday season. Families love spending the day skiing, snowboarding, tubing, or simply walking through the festive pedestrian village of Blue Mountain Resort. The holiday decorations, live entertainment, and après-ski atmosphere make it feel truly special.

Renting a cottage near Niagara region allows families to enjoy full winter days without rushing. After an active afternoon, returning to a warm cottage to dry gear, share a hearty meal, and relax by the fire becomes part of the magic.

2. Relax and recharge at a Nordic spa in Grey County

The holidays are also about rest and renewal. A visit to Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain is a highlight for many travelers seeking balance between activity and relaxation. Soaking in hot pools while snow falls around you creates an unforgettable contrast between warmth and winter.

Staying in a cottage rental in southwestern region makes it easy to blend spa time with peaceful mornings, scenic winter walks, and cozy evenings indoors. This region is especially popular with couples and small groups looking for a calm, restorative holiday escape.

3. Experience dog sledding through Ontario’s winter wilderness

For travelers looking for something truly memorable, dog sledding offers a deep connection to Ontario’s winter landscapes. Regions like Muskoka, Haliburton, and Northern Ontario offer guided dog sledding experiences through snow-covered forests and frozen trails.

Pairing this adventure with a cottage rental in Muskoka or Haliburton adds an extra layer of comfort. After the exhilaration of the ride, returning to a crackling fireplace and warm drinks creates the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation.

4. Discover local flavours in Prince Edward County

The holiday season is a wonderful time to explore Ontario’s culinary side, and Prince Edward County offers plenty of inspiration. Local wineries, breweries, and artisanal food producers remain open throughout the winter, giving visitors a chance to sample regional flavours at a slower, more intimate pace.

Renting a cottage in Prince Edward County allows travelers to bring local finds back to their kitchen and enjoy festive meals together. Evenings become cozy celebrations of food, conversation, and warmth — perfect for the holiday season.

5. Stay close to home and unwind in the Kawarthas

For travelers who want a holiday escape without a long drive, the Kawartha Lakes region is ideal. Frozen lakes, quiet forests, and charming small towns make this area perfect for a short winter retreat.

A Kawartha cottage rental offers easy access to skating, snowshoeing, and winter walks, while still being close enough for a spontaneous getaway. It’s a favourite choice for families and couples who want comfort, simplicity, and nature.

6. Embrace simple winter pleasures around the cottage

Some of the most meaningful holiday memories come from the simplest moments. Skating as a family on a frozen lake near the cottage, building snowmen in the yard, or taking a quiet walk through falling snow all become special during the holidays.

Evenings often gather everyone outdoors around a fire pit. Marshmallows are a classic, but here’s a tip that always delights kids and adults alike: bring flavoured sausages to cook over the fire. It turns a simple meal into a fun, festive ritual that everyone remembers.

7. Create new holiday traditions indoors

A holiday cottage stay encourages slower living. Without packed schedules, families and friends naturally fall into shared routines — cooking together, playing board games, watching holiday movies, or simply talking late into the night.

These unplanned moments often become cherished traditions. A holiday cottage rental in Ontario offers the space and atmosphere needed to truly reconnect, away from distractions and daily routines.

8. Ski and admire the dramatic landscapes of Algonquin and Huntsville

The Huntsville area and Algonquin Provincial Park region are breathtaking in winter. Snow-covered pines, frozen lakes, and groomed trails make this area perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife spotting.

Renting a cottage near Algonquin Park allows travelers to immerse themselves in Ontario’s iconic wilderness, while still enjoying modern comfort at the end of the day.

9. Visit charming holiday towns in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for its historic charm, and during the holidays it becomes even more enchanting. Decorated streets, festive shops, seasonal performances, and cozy cafés create a welcoming atmosphere perfect for winter exploration.

A winter cottage rental allows visitors to enjoy cultural outings by day and peaceful evenings by the fire, blending discovery and relaxation effortlessly.

10. Escape the crowds in Northern Ontario

For travelers craving true quiet and wide-open spaces, Northern Ontario offers a holiday experience unlike any other. Vast snowy landscapes, star-filled skies, and near-total silence create a sense of retreat and reflection.

Renting a remote cottage in Northern Ontario turns the holidays into a peaceful reset — perfect for couples, creatives, or anyone looking to experience winter in its purest form.

Make the Holiday Season Unforgettable with an Ontario Cottage

From ski hills and spas to charming towns and wild landscapes, Ontario offers endless ways to celebrate the holidays. Choosing the right cottage rental in Ontario transforms the season into something meaningful, cozy, and memorable.

👉 Explore Moskoka Legenday Cottage on CottageDiscount.com
👉 Browse Last-Minute Holiday Cottage Deals
👉 Discover Ontario Regions & Winter Experiences