Winter vacations with kids are all about striking the ideal mix of adventure and relaxation. Thankfully, Canada is home to exceptional ski resorts that offer more than just fantastic slopes—they’re also family-friendly. Whether your family includes first-time skiers, snowboarding enthusiasts, or fans of snow tubing, there’s a resort to suit everyone. From the stunning mountains of British Columbia to the lively slopes of Quebec, families can opt to stay local or venture further for an unforgettable winter getaway
British Columbia:
Whistler Blackcomb, Whistler
Why it’s great for families:
– Whistler Blackcomb offers family-friendly beginner zones, ski school, and ample space for first-timers and younger skiers to practice in a safe space.
– There are tons of non-ski activities when kids get tired, such as tubing, ice skating, live outdoor performances (seasonally), a playground at the base of the mountain, and lots of shops in the village to peruse.
– A large variety of hotels, AirBnbs, and private rentals make finding the right space for your family easy.
-Childcare services are offered for non-skiing little ones so parents can have a few runs for themselves!
-Ski in/ski out accommodations & access to the village so you don’t need to rent a vehicle or trek a long distance to the mountain.
-Whistler/Blackcomb was voted 2023 Best Family Ski Resort by Ski & Snowboard with Kids.
Don’t miss:
-The breathtaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola ride
Photo credit: whistlerblackcomb.com
Big White Ski Resort, Kelowna
Why it’s great for families:
– Childcare and lessons are easily accessible and easily booked through the Big White Kids’ Centre.
– A huge variety of lesson options for every age, including full day/half-day lessons, lessons specifically for young women, a ‘Teach Your Tot’ program where parents learn from an instructor how to help their toddler learn, valet service for pick up and drop off between your hotel and the mountain for lessons.
– SkiKrumb GPS tracker for all children and teens enrolled in camps and lessons.
– Free lift tickets for 5 and under
– Tons of activities like horse-drawn sleigh tours, ice climbing, snow tubing, skating, and snowshoeing for all ages.
– Ski in/ Ski Out accommodations.
Don’t miss:
-The horse-drawn sleigh ride!
Photo credit: Big White Ski Resort
Sun Peaks Resort, Kamloops
Why it’s great for families:
– A compact, pedestrian-friendly village with ski-in/ski-out options.
– Offers excellent ski lessons and a special Kids’ Zone.
– Non-ski activities like sledding, snowshoeing, and a village sleigh ride.
– Snow Limo Tours for anyone in your group (grandparents, maybe?) who want to experience the mountain without learning how to ski/snowboard.
Don’t miss:
– A family photoshoot with a professional photographer! Get a head start on your Christmas cards for next year.
Photo credit: Sun Peaks Resort
SilverStar Mountain Resort, near Vernon
Why it’s great for families:
– Colorful and cozy village perfect for kids.
– Offers Canada’s first all-inclusive lift tickets, including access to tubing and skating.
– Ski school tailored for younger kids.
– Special events all winter long, including laser shows, concerts, and unique activities.
Don’t miss:
– Paradise Camp Dinner Tours (with older kids), or Mini Snowmobile laps at the safe and secure track (ages 6-12)
Photo credit: SilverStar Mountain Resort
Photo credit: SilverStar Mountain Resort
Alberta:
Lake Louise Ski Resort, Banff
Why it’s great for families:
– Stunning scenery within Banff National Park.
– Dedicated family zones and world-class ski lessons.
– Nearby options for sightseeing gondolas and wildlife spotting.
– Childcare and lessons available to combine a half day of learning with a halfday of play.
Don’t miss:
– Grizzly Gondola!
Photo Credit: Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola
Banff Sunshine, Banff
Why it’s great for families:
– a huge variety of family-friendly terrain for every level in your family
– 3 mountains to explore: Mt. Standish, Lookout Mountain, and Goat’s Eye
– Check out the Strawberry Express with gentle green runs– perfect for getting started!
– tons of runs specifically for kids, including the Kids Play Park and the famous Roller Coaster run
– Ski in/Ski out accommodations at the Sunshine Mountain Lodge
– Childcare for children not wanting to ski
– Non-ski activities such as snow tubing, tobogganing, scavenger hunts and more.
Don’t miss:
– Tobogganing on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Photo credit: skibanff.com
Mt. Norquay, Banff
Why it’s great for families:
– Medium-sized mountain, which is perfect for families of all levels.
– Exceptional lessons for kids, including Terrain Park lessons for those wanting to take their skills to the next level!
– Day or night snow tubing!
Don’t miss:
– Family Night Skiing!
Photo credit: Mount Norquay
Ontario:
Brimacombe, Orono
Why it’s great for families:
– Beginner-Friendly Slopes – It offers a variety of terrain, including gentle slopes for beginners and young skiers.
– Ski & Snowboard Lessons – Professional instructors provide lessons for kids and adults, making it a great place to learn.
– Affordable Pricing – Brimacombe is budget-friendly for families compared to larger ski resorts.
– Family-Friendly Atmosphere – It has a welcoming, community-oriented vibe that makes it comfortable for all ages.
– Tubing Park – A fun, non-skiing option that kids and parents can enjoy together.
– Convenient Location – Located just outside the GTA, it’s easily accessible for day trips.
– On-Site Amenities – Includes a cozy lodge, snack bar, and rental shop for added convenience.
Don’t miss:
The Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park.
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Blue Mountain, Collingwood
Why it’s great for families:
– Excellent beginner slopes, ski schools and lessons for all levels
– Magic carpets and gentle hills for younger kids who are still learning
– Plenty of non-ski activities such as tubing, snowshoeing, skating
– A great village atmosphere with an arcade, a pottery-painting shop, and an indoor/outdoor heated water park at Plunge! Aquatic Centre.
Don’t miss:
–The Canopy Climb Net Adventure and the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster.
Photo credit: Blue Mountain Ski Resort
Snow Valley, Barrie
Why it’s great for families:
-Named “Best Ontario Hill for Kids” by Ski Canada Magazine
– Adventure Learning Centre for kids that is a designated area for beginners to learn in a safe and controlled space
– Over 20 slopes that are beginner or intermediate for families to ski and snowboard together on.
– Childcare available for days when parents want to ski alone
– Tons of lessons and camps through the Snow School for all ages and abilities.
Don’t miss:
– The Summit Soar Zipline!
Photo credit: Snow Valley Ski Resort
Quebec:
Mont-Tremblant
Why it’s great for families:
– Charming European-style village with family-friendly lodging.
– Dedicated beginner areas and excellent ski school programs.
– Indoor activities like Brind’o Aquaclub, Mission Laser, Studio Creatif and lots of festivals.
– Tons of outdoor, non-ski activities like horse-drawn sleigh rides, tubing, skating, snowshoeing, wilderness survival training, ice climbing, ice fishing, and more.
Don’t miss:
– The Ice Garden and the Treetop Walk
Photo credit: Mont Tremblant
Mont-Saint-Anne, Beaupré
Why it’s great for families:
-Family packages that include lodging, dining and lift tickets all in one.
– Longest (3-mile) beginner trail for families to practice a gentle slope together
– Plenty of beginner and intermediate runs
– Excellent ski-school lessons and childcare options
– Snow tubing, snowshoeing and skating for non-ski days.
– Family weekend promotions and events, such as themed-weekends, treasure hunts, fireworks, and discounted tickets.
Don’t miss:
-The Sugar Shack, a unique, regional experience trying traditional hot maple taffy.
Photo credit: Mont-Saint-Anne
