As a parent, finding the perfect family resort for your next vacation can seem like an overwhelming task. With so many options to choose from across Ontario’s vast landscape, how do you determine which destination will delight both the kids and the adults? The good news is that the province offers a variety of world-class resorts catering to families of all shapes and sizes.

Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive experience on the shores of a Great Lake, rustic cabins nestled in the Canadian Shield, or family-friendly ski hills in the winter, Ontario has something for every family’s tastes and budget. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top family resorts across Ontario to help make planning your next family getaway a breeze. With a combination of amenities, activities, natural surroundings, and family-friendly service at each recommended resort, your whole crew is sure to make cherished memories that will last for years to come.

Why Choose Ontario for Your Family Vacation?

Ontario offers an array of exciting attractions and natural wonders perfect for a memorable family getaway. Its diverse landscape, from the shores of the Great Lakes to the forests of Algonquin Provincial Park, provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure. You’ll also find world-class museums, amusement parks, zoos, and other family-friendly activities in cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Niagara Falls.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Ontario’s provincial parks offer camping, hiking, cycling, swimming, and boating during the summer. In the winter, you can go skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, and skating. Algonquin Provincial Park is a premiere destination for canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Niagara Falls also offers attractions like the Whirlpool Aero Car, Journey Behind the Falls, and Hornblower Niagara Cruises.

In cities, visit the Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, Canadian Museum of History, and other cultural institutions. Canada’s Wonderland, one of the largest amusement parks in the world, features over 200 attractions including rollercoasters, rides, live shows, and a water park. The Toronto Zoo is home to over 5,000 animals including giant pandas, penguins, lions, and gorillas.

With stunning natural scenery, exciting cities, and family-friendly attractions, Ontario has something for everyone. An Ontario family vacation will create cherished memories that will last for years to come.

Top All-Inclusive Family Resorts in Ontario

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive family getaway in Ontario without the hassle, several resorts offer appealing packages. At an all-inclusive resort, accommodations, meals, activities, and amenities are bundled into one price. This allows you to relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about budgeting for various expenses.

Two highly-rated all-inclusive family resorts in Ontario are:

• Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood. Situated less than two hours from Toronto, this popular four-season resort provides an array of all-inclusive options from weekend getaways to week-long stays. Facilities include an aquatic center, scenic gondola rides, mini golf and a ropes course in the summer and skiing, snowboarding and tubing in the winter. Various condos and suites can sleep from four to eight people.

• Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville. This lakeside resort in Muskoka offers all-inclusive packages with recreational activities for all ages like swimming, boating, golfing and cycling in the summer and skiing, snowshoeing and skating in the winter. Accommodations include standard rooms as well as condos and cabins for larger families.

For a memorable family vacation without hassles or budget worries, an all-inclusive resort in Ontario could be the perfect choice. With stunning surroundings, recreational activities, quality dining and amenities all bundled together, you’re sure to find an option to suit your needs. Focus on reconnecting and recharging as a family, and let the resort handle the details.

Best Family Resorts in Ontario for Outdoor Activities

Deerhurst Resort

Set on 780 scenic acres in Ontario’s Muskoka region, Deerhurst Resort is an ideal destination for outdoor-loving families. With two golf courses, hiking and biking trails,

tennis courts, and water activities on Peninsula Lake, there are recreational opportunities for all ages and interests. Families can go boating, fishing, swimming or join a naturalist program to learn about the local wildlife.

In the winter, Deerhurst operates a ski hill with 16 runs that is perfect for beginners and kids. The resort also offers dog sledding, ice skating, and snowshoeing. Accommodations at Deerhurst range from standard hotel rooms to three-bedroom cabins, with family-friendly amenities like mini-fridges, Wi-Fi, and some with kitchenettes or full kitchens.

There are five on-site dining options, including a family buffet and a casual grill. The resort has kids’ programs, playgrounds, and a game room to keep children entertained while parents relax. Only a 90-minute drive from Toronto, Deerhurst Resort appeals to urban families seeking an outdoor getaway with modern conveniences.

Blue Mountain Resort

A year-round destination, Blue Mountain Resort in Ontario’s Georgian Bay area offers exciting recreational pursuits for families in a picturesque setting. In the summer, the resort provides access to mountain biking and hiking trails, scenic chairlift rides, mini golf, swimming pools, and beach activities on Georgian Bay. Families can go boating, take paddleboard or kayak tours, join a naturalist program or do an aerial ropes course.

In the winter, Blue Mountain operates Ontario’s largest ski and snowboard resort with 42 runs and 16 lifts. The resort also offers tubing, tobogganing and skating. Accommodations range from standard hotel rooms and suites to condos, townhomes and chalets with full kitchens for larger groups.

There are over 35 dining options from upscale to casual. The resort has excellent kids’ programs and facilities including an indoor playground, game room and teen lounge. Only 90 minutes from Toronto, Blue Mountain Resort is a premier four-season destination for outdoor recreation and family fun.

Top Family Resorts in Ontario for Water Fun

When planning your next family vacation, consider visiting one of Ontario’s premier resort destinations focused on aquatic recreation. Several resorts in the province offer amenities tailored to families seeking opportunities for water play and lakeside leisure.

Deerhurst Resort, Muskoka

Set on over 800 acres bordering Peninsula Lake, Deerhurst Resort provides a myriad of recreational pursuits centered around the water. Families can enjoy swimming, boating, and other watersports on the lake. The resort also features multiple pools, waterslides, splash pads, and a private beach. For young children, Kamp Kee-Mo-Kee offers supervised activities and entertainment. Accommodation options range from lodge rooms to private cabins.

Blue Mountain Resort, Blue Mountains

Nestled in the Niagara Escarpment, Blue Mountain Resort sits alongside the shores of Georgian Bay. The resort provides over 40 waterslides, multiple swimming pools, a private beach, boat rentals, and other recreational opportunities on the bay. The Mountain Top Miniature Golf course offers 18 holes of aquatic-themed fun for all ages. Lodging at the resort includes hotel rooms, condos, chalets, and cottages to suit families of any size.

Calabogie Peaks Resort, Calabogie

Calabogie Peaks Resort, located in eastern Ontario’s Madawaska Valley, focuses on recreation around Calabogie Lake. Families can go boating, swimming, and fishing on the lake, as well as enjoy amenities like a splash pad, waterslides, indoor and outdoor pools, beach volleyball, and other activities. The resort offers log cabins, chalets, condos, and hotel rooms for guests. An on-site restaurant, lounge, arcade, and Kidz Klub provide additional entertainment options for families.

With an abundance of recreational activities centered around lakes and waterways, Ontario’s family resorts offer the perfect opportunity for aquatic adventures and cherished summer memories. A vacation at one of these premier destinations is sure to make a splash with travelers of all ages.

Most Luxurious Family Resorts in Ontario

Skyline Resort & Waterpark

For an all-in-one luxury family experience, the Skyline Resort & Waterpark in Huntsville is an excellent choice. This four-star resort offers spacious suites with full kitchens and jetted tubs, perfect for families seeking extra comfort and convenience.

The expansive indoor waterpark is the main attraction, with waterslides, a wave pool, splash pad, and lazy river providing entertainment for guests of all ages. For those preferring to stay dry, the resort also features an arcade, mini golf course, bowling alley, rock climbing wall and zipline. The on-site dining options include both casual and upscale restaurants, as well as a food court and poolside snack bar.

With so many activities available within the resort grounds, most guests find little reason to leave during their stay. However, the scenic Muskoka region surrounding the resort offers opportunities for boating, golfing, hiking and more for those interested in exploring the local area.

Rates at the Skyline Resort & Waterpark range from $200 to $500 per night, varying based on the season and suite size. The resort is open year-round, though the waterpark and some outdoor facilities are only open seasonally from May through October. This world-class family getaway is worth the splurge for an unforgettable Ontario vacation.

Deerhurst Resort

For lakeside luxury in central Ontario, few resorts can compare to Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville. This expansive Muskoka resort sprawls across 800 acres on Peninsula Lake, offering a perfect blend of recreational activities and peaceful seclusion.

Accommodations at Deerhurst range from standard hotel rooms to three-bedroom cottages, with rates from $150 to $500 per night. The resort’s long list of amenities includes an indoor pool, golf course, tennis courts, water sports rentals, outdoor trails, kids club and spa. The scenic fairways and lake vistas provide a stunning backdrop for a relaxing Muskoka getaway.

With a setting like this, guests may be tempted to simply unwind in their Muskoka chairs and soak in the peaceful surroundings. However, the resort’s activity schedule ensures there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy all Deerhurst has to offer. From family movie nights to guided nature hikes to s’mores by the fire, there is something for guests of all ages.

For an authentic taste of luxury cottage country, Deerhurst Resort offers an experience the whole family will cherish for years to come. A stay at this world-class resort is a vacation in itself, with amenities and activities to keep every member happily entertained for days on end.

Best Budget-Friendly Family Resorts in Ontario

When planning your family vacation in Ontario, you’ll want to consider resorts that offer competitive rates and packages to suit any budget. Several resorts in the province offer extremely affordable options for families without sacrificing amenities or activities.

The Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville provides various accommodation types at reasonable prices, especially if you travel in the spring or fall shoulder seasons. They offer spacious rooms, suites and condos, as well as activities for all ages like golfing, boating, tennis and kids’ camps. Packages often include meals, attractions tickets and resort credits.

For a relaxing beach getaway, the Sunrise Resort in Thunder Bay or the Days Inn by Wyndham Thunder Bay Resort are great budget-friendly choices. Both offer beachfront access, outdoor pools, playgrounds and kids’ programs. The Days Inn frequently runs promotions with rates under $150 per night.

In the Muskoka region, the Sherwood Inn in Port Carling and Clevelands House Resort in Minett are two of the most affordable full-service resorts. Accommodation options include rooms, cabins and cottages. There are recreational activities for families like swimming, boating, tennis and kids’ clubs. Meal plans and attraction tickets can also be purchased.

Blue Mountain Village in Collingwood is a very popular family destination, but rates are often high, especially in peak season. However, the Westin Trillium House offers large suites at lower prices than many other resorts in the village. Amenities include an outdoor pool, hot tubs, playground and kids’ center. The resort frequently runs promotions and packages with additional discounts and incentives.

Several chain hotels like Great Wolf Lodge, Holiday Inn and Fairmont also have very affordable family resorts in Ontario with rates often below $200 per night. They provide comfortable, spacious rooms along with resort amenities like water parks, playgrounds, game rooms and supervised kids’ activities. Discounts and packages are commonly offered, especially for weekdays and off-seasons.

With many options to choose from, you can find a budget-friendly family resort in Ontario to suit your needs. Advance booking and looking for deals and promotions are the best ways to save on your next family getaway.

Family Resorts in Ontario With Great Kids Programs

When traveling with children, finding a family resort with activities and amenities geared toward kids can make a huge difference in the enjoyment of your vacation. Several resorts in Ontario offer kids clubs, recreation programs, and entertainment options for children of all ages.

Deerhurst Resort, located in Huntsville, provides supervised activities for children ages 4 through 12 at their “Kids Club.” Staff organize arts and crafts, movies, games, and outdoor adventures like scavenger hunts and beach bonfires. For teenagers, there are evening social events and recreational activities like laser tag, rock climbing, and campfires.

At Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood, toddlers through 12-year-olds can participate in their “Kidz Klub” with activities like crafts, movies, games and swimming. Their “Teen Ranch” offers programs for ages 13 and up like dances, movie nights, campfires, and outdoor excursions. The resort also has mini golf, a ropes course, rock climbing, mini bikes, and a kid’s adventure park.

The Great Wolf Lodge resorts, with locations in Niagara Falls and north of Toronto, are very family-friendly. Their massive indoor water parks feature waterslides, wave pools, splash pads and more. The resorts also offer kids activities like puppet shows, dance parties, story time, and arts and crafts. For teens, there are video game tournaments, movie nights, and scavenger hunts.

Several resorts around Lake Muskoka, including JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka, Deerhurst Resort and Sherwood Inn, provide supervised kids clubs in the summer with activities like canoeing, kayaking, swimming, crafts and games. The Muskoka region offers plenty of family entertainment options as well like mini golf, boat rentals, hiking trails and scenic boat cruises.

With amenities tailored for children and recreational activities for all ages, family resorts in Ontario make for memorable vacations where both kids and parents can enjoy themselves. Carefully researching the kids programs and facilities at different resorts will help ensure you find one that suits your family’s needs and interests.

Planning the Perfect Multi-Generational Vacation in Ontario

Planning a memorable multi-generational vacation in Ontario requires careful consideration of the needs and interests of family members of all ages. To ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone, keep the following tips in mind:

Accommodations

When choosing lodging, opt for a resort or hotel that offers a range of room types, from standard rooms to multi-bedroom suites, so each family unit can have their own space. Look for resorts that provide amenities for both children and adults, such as kids’ clubs, playgrounds, golf courses, spas, and fine dining. Some highly-rated options include Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood, and the Great Wolf Lodge resort chain.

Activities

Select a destination that offers recreational activities for family members of all mobility levels and interests. In Ontario, some excellent choices include resort towns near lakes, beaches, or ski hills. Activities could include swimming, boating, golfing, hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing. Be sure to balance scheduled excursions with unstructured time for relaxation.

Dining

When dining together, choose a restaurant, or dine at your resort, that offers options for different ages and tastes. A children’s menu, casual fare, and upscale cuisine are ideal for multi-generational groups. For large gatherings, consider reserving a private dining room in advance.

To maximize enjoyment for all, discuss options and schedules with family members before the trip and remain open to compromise. Most importantly, go in with a spirit of fun, adventure, and togetherness. By accommodating the diverse needs of your extended family, you can craft an Ontario getaway that creates cherished memories for generations.

FAQ: Answering Common Questions About Family Resorts in Ontario

When planning your family vacation to Ontario, you likely have some questions about the resort options. Here we provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

What amenities do Ontario family resorts offer?

Ontario family resorts typically offer amenities geared specifically toward families with children. This includes kids’ clubs, playgrounds, and recreational activities for various age groups. Many also have pools, waterslides, and splash pads. Most resorts offer family-friendly dining options and entertainment as well.

What types of accommodations are available?

Family resorts in Ontario provide a range of lodging options to suit any need or budget. This includes standard hotel rooms, suites with separate bedrooms, cottages, cabins, townhomes, and vacation rental homes. Some resorts also have campsites for those who want to bring their own RV or tent. The options available will vary by specific resort.

What is the cost of an Ontario family resort vacation?

The cost of your stay at an Ontario family resort can vary significantly depending on factors like the time of year, size and type of accommodation, specific resort, and included amenities or activities. On average, you can expect to pay between $150 to $500 CAD per night for a family of four. Packages that bundle accommodation, meals, and activities or entertainment may provide the best overall value.

Are there any family resorts that do not allow alcohol?

Yes, some family resorts in Ontario are designated as “dry” resorts, meaning they do not permit alcohol on the premises. Examples include Woodland Trails Resort on Rice Lake and Bayview Wildwood Resort on Sparrow Lake. These resorts provide a kid-friendly environment focused on outdoor recreation and activities. If an alcohol-free resort is important, check with your chosen resort regarding their policy before booking.

What are the most popular family resort destinations in Ontario?

Some of the most popular Ontario destinations for family resorts are Muskoka, Haliburton Highlands, Kawartha Lakes, Niagara Falls, and Blue Mountain. These areas offer scenic lakes, beaches, natural attractions like waterfalls, as well as family activities and entertainment options. The resorts here are designed to provide memorable vacations for travelers of all ages.

Conclusion

As you start planning your family’s summer getaway, Ontario should be at the top of your list. With stunning natural scenery, exciting activities for all ages, and resorts catering specifically to families, you’ll find everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, experience outdoor adventures, visit exciting theme parks, or simply unwind surrounded by nature, Ontario offers the perfect destination for your family. The resorts highlighted here provide comfortable accommodations, amenities, dining options and entertainment sure to please every member of your family. Make this the summer you discover the magic of Ontario with your loved ones by your side. The memories you’ll make are sure to last for years to come.