The Best Ski Resorts In Canada For Families: A Comprehensive Guide By Region

A parent and child skiing in the snow at Club Med Quebec — Photo Courtesy: Club Med Quebec

When it comes to planning a winter getaway, these best ski resorts in Canada are an excellent choice for families seeking adventure and quality time together. With their beautiful landscapes, Canadian ski resorts offer something for everyone, from beginners learning the ropes on gentle slopes to expert skiers tackling challenging runs. Plus, the facilities at these resorts cater specifically to families, providing amenities such as spacious accommodations, kid-friendly restaurants, and a range of activities off the slopes to keep children entertained throughout their stay. (Many resorts also offer other exciting winter activities like snowboarding, ice skating, sledding, and tubing.) Next time you’re searching for the best ski resorts in Canada for families, we’ve divided this list by region from Quebec to British Columbia and included tips for visiting each place. Keep reading to plan your next ski adventure!

Best Ski Resorts Near Montreal/Quebec City For Families

When planning a family ski vacation in Canada, the numerous ski resorts near Montreal and Quebec City should be at the top of your list. With proximity to the airport, these destinations not only offer breathtaking scenery, but also provide an excellent range of facilities and activities suitable for families with children of all ages. Keep reading to find out the best ski resorts in Canada for families!

Club Med Quebec

Club Med Quebec is one of the best ski resorts in Canada for families! Located in the enchanting Charlevoix region at the base of Le Massif Mountain, this all-inclusive winter wonderland caters to all ages and skill levels. It’s also conveniently right outside of Quebec City, only an hour from Quebec City International Airport.

Regarding accommodations, the resort boasts warm and spacious ski-in/ski-out chalets that provide a cozy retreat after a day on the slopes. This includes spacious Family Suites, including a two or three-bedroom suite option with a gorgeous view of the mountains.

Terrain + Ski School

While the resort has beginner terrain (23%), it’s better suited for intermediate skiers (67%) than expert ones (11%). Group ski and snowboarding lessons are available for kids ages 4 and up. Kids 3 years old can also enroll in Petit Club Med to get an introduction to the slopes. Group snowboarding lessons are available for ages 8 and up. Plus, the resort offers a variety of childcare, from Baby Club Med (between 4 and 22 months) to Petit Club Med (2 to 3 years old), Mini Club Med (4 to 10 years old), and Junior Club Med (11 to 17 years old).

Activities For Non-Skiers

Looking for things to do off the slopes? Non-skiers can go dog sledding, regular sledding, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and have fun trying more winter sports. Families can also explore nearby Quebec City.

Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort

Photo Courtesy: Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort

Located in the heart of the Laurentian Mountains in Eastern Quebec, Mont-Tremblant is a premier ski resort that offers an unforgettable experience for families. With its European-inspired village atmosphere and a wide range of activities, it’s also only 90 minutes away from the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport.

One of the highlights of Tremblant is its ski-in, and ski-out accommodations. Families can conveniently access the slopes right from their doorstep, eliminating the hassle of transportation and making it easier to hit the slopes with children. Sommet des Neiges and Fairmont Tremblant are highly recommended for families with small children because of the amenities like kitchens, ski storage facilities, and convenient proximity to ski school drop-off points and lifts. The village itself is also walkable, allowing families to explore the charming streets lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Terrain + Ski School

Beginners will feel right at home on the mountain, which has a variety of easy runs (17%). In fact, you’ll find magic carpets at the base station in the village. Mont Tremblant’s Snow School is also known for its friendly instructors. Kids ages 3 to 12 can take group ski or snowboard lessons and have fun with others their own age. Those who haven’t been on the slopes before can also enroll in a “My First Day” program to get the basics. Skiiers 13 years and older can take adult skiing or adult snowboarding lessons. There are also private and semi-private lessons.

Activities For Non-Skiers

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Tremblant offers a variety of winter activities that cater to all ages. Kids can enjoy ice skating in the village square, tubing, or take part in snowmobiling lessons on mini snowmobiles. For those seeking indoor entertainment, there are options like pottery painting and stuffed animal workshops.

Book your stay in Mont Tremblant through the Families Love Travel booking site here!

Best Ski Resorts Near Toronto For Families

Toronto and its surrounding areas offer an array of top-notch ski destinations perfect for both seasoned skiers and beginners alike. Here are some of the best ski resorts near Toronto, Canada for families!

Blue Mountain Ski Resort

Blue Mountain Ski Resort is the perfect destination for families seeking a memorable winter vacation close to home! Located in the heart of Ontario’s scenic Georgian Bay region, it offers a unique experience for families. While it may not have the towering peaks of its western counterparts, Blue Mountain compensates with its picturesque setting and a charming village that caters to families. Plus, it’s only 90 minutes northwest of Toronto and Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Lodging varies at the resort depending on whether you want to stay in the village or elsewhere, but some family-friendly options in the village include The Westin Trillium House, which showcases an outdoor heated pool, guest rooms with queen-sized beds and sofa beds, and more amenities for families. Or, Mosaic – Boutique Suites, an all-suite hotel that’s perfect for larger families.

Terrain + Ski School

Blue Mountain Resort consists of primarily intermediate and beginner terrain, most of which is located on the resort’s southern end. The Blue Mountain Ski School also has daily group full-day skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids between 7 and 12 years old. There are also group half-day lessons for kids between 4 and 6 years old. Plus, private skiing lessons for little skiers between 2 and 5! Older kids 7 and up can also enroll in a full-day private lesson. The resort also offers adaptive skiing.

Activities For Non-Skiers

Blue Mountain Village is inviting, featuring a range of shops, restaurants, and other activities. Another one of the unique features of Blue Mountain is its proximity to natural attractions such as the Georgian Bay and the Niagara Escarpment. Families can take a break from skiing and explore the surrounding area through activities like snowshoeing or hiking along scenic trails. There are also opportunities for ice skating, snow tubing, and even snowshoe yoga. Kids will also love riding the alpine coaster!

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Best Ski Resorts In British Columbia For Families

With its stunning mountainous landscapes and world-renowned ski slopes, British Columbia offers an array of options that will cater to every family’s needs and preferences. Some resorts may be more remote, while others are close to major cities like Vancouver or Calgary. Either way, here are some of the best British Columbia ski resorts for your next family ski vacation!

Panorama Mountain Resort

Panorama Mountain Resort is one of the best ski resorts in Canada for families seeking an unforgettable winter vacation! Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this resort has become renowned for its breathtaking beauty and exhilarating ski slopes. It’s around 3 and a half hours from Calgary, the nearest major city and airport.

One benefit of booking a ski vacation at Panorama is its variety of ski-in/ski-out accommodations. Families who want a one or two-bedroom suite option can check out Panorama Springs Lodge in the Upper Village, featuring slopeside condos with ski-in / ski-out access. Plus, there are pools for kids to enjoy after a long day of skiing! Featuring studio, one, two, or three-bedroom suites, Taynton Lodge also has ski-in, and ski-out accommodations, access to hot tubs, and it’s just a short walk from the Upper Village.

Terrain + Ski School

Panorama Mountain Resort is a great place for beginners due to its wide and easy slopes. You’ll find most of the easy runs on the bottom portion of the resort/mountain, off the Discovery Quad, Silver Platter, Toby Chair, Sunbird Chair, or Mile 1 Express chairlifts. There’s also a terrain park where anyone from beginners to experts can practice their skills! Plus, the Panorama Mountain Ski and Ride School offers a first-time introductory skiing lesson called the Panokids Discovery Program for kids between 6 and 12. There are also Panokids Group Lessons for kids between 6 and 12. Or, little ones as young as 4 and 5 can take a half-day Panotots Group Lesson or a Panotots Private Lesson for kids between 3 and 5. Adaptive skiing is also available.

Activities For Non-Skiers

The Panorama Mountain Village features restaurants, shops, and other non-skiing activities families can enjoy. Rent ice skates from Mountain Outfitters and go ice skating on the pond in the Upper Village, for example. Families can also go snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, fat biking, and more winter sports.

Use Vrbo to reserve your homestay in Panorama Mountain Resort here!

Sun Peaks Resort

A few people skiing at Sun Peaks Ski Resort in Canada — Photo Courtesy: Sun Peaks Ski Resort

Located in British Columbia, Sun Peaks Resort is one of the best ski resorts Canada has to offer families! With its picturesque alpine setting and abundance of family-friendly activities, it offers an exceptional winter experience. Plus, the nearest airport, Kamloops Airport, is a short 45-minute drive from the resort.

Families who want ski-in, ski-out accommodations in the heart of the village can stay at Hearthstone Lodge, which has spacious rooms, an outdoor hot tub area, and ski storage on-site. Sun Peaks Lodge also has ski-in, ski-out access, and Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre is located just steps away from the ski lift in the village.

Terrain + Ski School

Sun Peaks Resort is one of the best family ski resorts in Canada for beginners, with 10% easy runs. There’s a dedicated beginner’s area in Sun Peaks Village, and most chairlifts lead to easy trails, with the exception of the West Bowl t-bar. The Sun Peaks Ski School also offers half and full-day lessons for kids ages 13 and up. There’s a Sundance Kids’ Centre for kids between 3 and 5 who don’t want to ski. Adaptive skiing is also available.

Activities For Non-Skiers

Non-skiers can explore the Sun Peaks Village or check out the many winter sports the area offers. This includes dog sled tours, ice fishing tours, snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and more. For something indoors, the Sun Peaks Centre Great Hall also hosts family-friendly nights with activities like games, coloring, and mini golf.

Choose Vrbo to book your stay in Sun Peaks Resort here!

Whistler Blackcomb

The Peak 2 Peak gondala glides across the lines in Whistler. — Photo Courtesy: Vanessa Brown Giglio

Whistler Blackcomb is often hailed as one of the best ski resorts in the world, providing a memorable experience for families in Canada! Located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, it offers a wide range of activities and amenities that make it an ideal destination for families seeking adventure and fun. As one of the best ski resorts near Vancouver, it’s also around 2 and a half hours from Vancouver and the airport.

Families looking for ski-in/ski-out accommodations in Whistler will love the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, The Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa, and Crystal Lodge, which is right near the Whistler Village Gondola station. For more options that aren’t ski-in, ski-out, consider the main village, including the Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel by Paradox or Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre, a European-style hotel with an outdoor pool, a ski shuttle, and suites with full kitchens. For more options, read our list of best hotels in Whistler for your family ski vacation.

Terrain + Ski School

Whistler Blackcomb consists of two peaks, Whistler and Blackcomb. Of the two, Whistler is better suited for beginners. (20% beginner, 55% intermediate, and 25% advanced.) You can find beginner terrain by taking the Whistler Village Gondola to the mid-way point and trying the terrain near the Platter and Olympic Chair lift. Another one of the standout features of Whistler is its expansive ski school. At the Whistler Ski School, kids between the ages of 3 and 12 can take group skiing lessons or group snowboarding lessons for ages 5 to 12. There are also private skiing lessons for kids as young as 3 and 4. Plus, teens between 13 and 18 can enroll in group skiing and snowboarding lessons. And, Whistler Blackcomb also offers an adaptive skiing program.

Activities For Non-Skiers

Families can explore the shops, restaurants, and other entertainment options in the pedestrian-friendly Whistler Village. It also offers a variety of family-friendly activities during off days, such as visiting Olympic facilities for sledding, snowshoeing, and other winter sports.

Whistler also boasts the iconic Peak to Peak gondola, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. For indoor activities, check out the Audain Art Museum, Escape! Whistler, or indoor rock climbing at the Whistler Core Climbing and Fitness Gym.

Reserve a homestay at Whistler Blackcomb through Vrbo here!

Silverstar Mountain Resort

Silverstar Mountain Resort is a haven for winter enthusiasts seeking the perfect family-friendly ski getaway! Located in the Monashee Mountains of British Columbia, it offers a blend of exceptional terrain and a charming village atmosphere that caters to all ages and abilities, making it an ideal destination for families. Plus, it’s conveniently located only an hour away from Kelowna International Airport.

Cozy accommodations cater to different budgets and family sizes. Vance Creek Hotel & Conference Center is located right in the heart of the resort along the boardwalk and features a ski school and ski-in, ski-out access. Plus, condo-style accommodations with full kitchens! Families also love Snowbird Lodge because it’s located right next to the ski lifts, has a kids’ play area, and spacious condo-style accommodations.

Terrain + Ski School

Beginner terrain is in abundance at Silverstar Mountain Resort (around 17%). You’ll find lots of easy slopes surrounding the village. Plus, most lifts lead to wide slopes that kids can tackle. The SilverStar Ski School offers kids group lessons for all abilities, divided by skill levels 1-5. It’s between ages 3 and 18 for skiing lessons and ages 6 to 18 for snowboarding lessons. For more extended programs, kids between 3 and 12 can enroll in The Rippers Program. Those between 13 and 18 can enroll in the Amped Program instead. The resort also offers adaptive skiing.

Activities For Non-Skiers

Silverstar Mountain Resort boasts lots of winter activities to keep kids entertained off the slopes! Go ice skating on Brewer’s Pond, try cross-country skiing, or go snowshoeing. There’s also a tubing area called Tube Town with multiple lanes, plus the chance for kids to ride mini snowmobiles! Don’t forget to explore the Silverstar Village too, with its various shops and restaurants.

Book your condo in Silverstar Mountain Resort with Vrbo now!

Big White Ski Resort

Photo Courtesy: Big White Ski Resort

Big White Ski Resort is a perfect destination for families seeking the ultimate snow-filled adventure in Canada! Located between the Monashee Mountains and Okanagan Valley, this kid-friendly ski resort offers a range of activities and amenities that cater to all ages and skill levels. Kelowna is the nearest major city and airport, which is around an hour away.

One of the standout features of Big White is its ski-in, and ski-out accommodations, which provide unparalleled convenience for families. Chateau Big White provides access to three different chairlifts, including the Plaza Chairlift, which is literally outside its front door The White Crystal Inn is located next to Lara’s Gondola and the Bullet Express chair. Plus, it has one-bedroom suites that are ideal for families. If you’d prefer to stay in the heart of the village, the Inn at Big White has an outdoor heated pool, game room, and more amenities kids will love.

Terrain + Ski School

Big White Resort is perfect for beginners, with around 18% of the trails marked as easy. The resort also has a designated beginner learning area, located above the Happy Valley Lodge. The Big White Ski & Snowboard School offers a variety of kids’ lessons, including full-day group lessons or half-day group lessons for ages 5 to 12. There are also private lessons for ages 5 to 12. For kids ages 3 and 4 who want to start skiing, the resort offers a Teach Your Tot two-hour private lesson. Plus, adaptive skiing is available.

Activities For Non-Skiers

Families can explore the quaint Big White Village with its cabin architecture and various restaurants and shops. Plus, the resort has other winter sports beyond skiing, including snowshoeing, dog sledding, tubing, ice skating, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Don’t forget to look out for what locals call an inversion, a special weather pattern where cold temperatures get trapped under a layer of warm air to create a stunning visual effect. Bring your camera to catch it at sunrise or sunset!

Use Vrbo to book your family’s stay at the Big White Ski Resort now!

Fernie Alpine Resort

Photo Courtesy: Tourism Fernie

Fernie Alpine Resort is surely one of the best family ski resorts in British Columbia! Known for its great snow and picturesque town, this kid-friendly resort offers activities for all ages, making it a favorite among families. It’s also an hour away from Canadian Rockies International Airport.

Families can stay at the Lizard Creek Lodge, which features ski-in, ski-out accommodations, an outdoor heated pool, and more amenities that kids will love. For more ski-in, ski-out options, check out Fernie Slopeside Lodge, located at the base of the resort. This cozy, ski-in, ski-out hotel has a European feel, an indoor hot tub, and multi-bedroom apartments with kitchens. Snow Creek Lodge & Cabins also showcases spacious suites at the base of the resort, just steps away from the ski lift.

Terrain + Ski School

Fernie Alpine Resort is an excellent resort for beginners, with about 31% beginner terrain. In fact, the entire lower mountain area and base station have wide, easy slopes that are ideal for kids who are just getting started. The resort also has 5 different alpine bowls, including The Lizard Bowl, which is suitable for beginners. The Great Bear Express and Boomerang Triple Chair also lead to easy trails for kids. At the Telus Winter Sports School, kids between 8 and 12 can enroll in private or group skiing or snowboarding lessons. There are also Griz Kids private or group lessons for kids between the ages of 6 and 7. Or, Kinder Lessons for little first-time skiers between 3 and 5. Adaptive skiing is available too.

Activities For Non-Skiers

Fernie offers non-skiers lots of winter fun! For free ice skating, check out the outdoor drink at the Fernie Aquatics Centre. There’s also fat biking, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and more activities. Families can also explore the shops and restaurants in historic downtown Fernie.

Choose Vrbo for a homestay in Fernie Alpine Resort here!

Other Notable Ski Resorts In Canada For Families

If you’re searching for the best family ski resorts in Canada, check out these fantastic options!

Ski Mont-Blanc Quebec is noted as one of the best Canadian ski resorts for families visiting Quebec. Though it isn’t as big as Mont-Tremblant, it offers spacious accommodations, ranging from suites to multi-bedroom chalets with kitchens. Plus, it’s only an hour and fifteen minutes away from the Montreal Airport.
Castle Mountain Resort in Alberta is a smaller resort with perfect slopes for families seeking a more intimate experience. Still, it’s relatively remote and harder to reach than other resorts – the nearest airport is the Lethbridge Airport, an hour and 45 minutes away, where regional flights from major cities such as Calgary land.
Cypress Mountain Resort is one of the best family ski resorts near Vancouver. Only 30 minutes north of the city, it’s a convenient option for families who simply want to ski on a local mountain without all the frills.

Happy Travels!

A young child skiing at Mont-Tremblant Ski School in Canada

We hope you liked this list of the Best Ski Resorts In Canada For Families: A Comprehensive Guide By Region! From Quebec to British Columbia, there’s something for everyone in this vast country. Enjoy your next family ski vacation in Canada!

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