Looking for the best place to ski near Ottawa? Calabogie Peaks Resort offers great slopes, ski lessons, snowshoeing trails, and a cozy resort stay. Plan your perfect winter weekend getaway!
I have a confession to make: I had never skied a day in my life. Not once. Not even a casual attempt down a bunny hill as a kid. But somehow, I still thought it would be a great idea to plan a girls’ ski weekend getaway, because what better way to learn than by diving straight in, right?
Enter Calabogie Peaks Resort, a ski destination near Ottawa that seemed like the perfect place for a first-time skier like me. It had everything: a mix of beginner-friendly runs, ski lessons, cozy accommodations, and even snowshoe trails (you know, in case I decided skiing wasn’t my thing after all).
So, with a mix of excitement and mild terror, I packed my bags, layered up, and headed to Calabogie for a winter weekend filled with ski attempts, après-ski coziness, and plenty of laughs. Here’s how it all went down and what you need to know if you’re thinking of planning your own winter escape to Calabogie Peaks!
Read More // Don’t forget to check out my guide for a Fall getaway in Calabogie!
So where should you ski near Ottawa?
What to know before visiting Calabogie Peaks Resort?
- Calabogie Peaks has Ontario’s tallest ski resort vertical drop at 780 feet, offering longer runs than most ski hills in the province.
- It’s one of the best places for beginners to learn to ski, with a dedicated learning area, gentle slopes, and great instructors.
- Beyond skiing, you can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and outdoor skating, making it a great winter getaway even for non-skiers.
- The resort hotel offers true ski-in, ski-out access, so you can step right onto the slopes without needing to drive anywhere.
- Calabogie is a year-round adventure spot, with hiking trails, lake activities, and scenic fall drives to enjoy beyond ski season.
Where to ski near Ottawa: Calabogie Peaks
Calabogie Peaks is a gem for skiers in Ontario, offering a great mix of terrain for all levels. With 24 runs, a vertical drop of 780 feet (the highest in Ontario!), and two chairlifts, it’s the kind of ski resort that feels big enough to keep things exciting but small enough to avoid overwhelming crowds.
One of the things I loved about Calabogie is that it has a good balance of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs. If you’re new to skiing, you’ll appreciate the dedicated learning area and long, gentle green runs like Ole K&P, which give you plenty of space to practice without feeling rushed. For intermediate skiers, Fiddler and Causeway were solid choices, offering fun, wide-open cruising. More experienced skiers can test their skills on Face of Tiger, a steep and challenging black diamond run that gives you a real adrenaline rush.
As for snow conditions, Calabogie does a solid job with grooming and snowmaking, but like most ski resorts in Ontario, conditions depend heavily on recent snowfall. I went after a fresh snowfall, and the powdery conditions made learning way easier, less icy, more forgiving!
One of the biggest perks? The crowd levels were way better than other ski resorts near Ottawa, like Mont Tremblant or even Camp Fortune. It never felt overly packed, and I didn’t have to deal with long lift lines, which meant more time actually skiing and less time waiting around.
Overall, Calabogie Peaks is the perfect in-between option, big enough to have variety, but still affordable, uncrowded, and beginner-friendly. If you’re looking for a relaxed, fun ski weekend near Ottawa, it’s a fantastic choice!
Ski Lessons at Calabogie Peaks
Since I had never skied before, I knew a lesson was a must. Luckily, Calabogie Peaks offers semi-private lessons, which meant I got to learn alongside my friend Emily, making the whole experience way more fun (and slightly less nerve-wracking). Our instructor, Bruce (whose been a ski Instructor since 1974 at Calabogie Peaks), was patient, encouraging, and somehow managed to make even the basics feel approachable—which is saying something, considering I started the day barely knowing how to stand in skis.
Whether you’re a total newbie or looking to refine your skills, Calabogie offers a range of lesson options:
- Private Lessons – One-on-one coaching for personalized instruction.
- Semi-Private Lessons – A great option for two or three people, perfect if you want to learn with a friend (like Emily and I did!).
- Group Lessons – A budget-friendly way to learn with others at the same skill level.
- Kids & Family Lessons – A great option for families with younger skiers.
- Advanced Coaching – For experienced skiers looking to improve technique
Emily and I opted for a semi-private lesson, which turned out to be the best decision. We got more personalized attention than a big group lesson, but it was also way less intimidating than a private one-on-one session. Bruce started us off with the absolute basics—how to clip into our skis, how to balance, and, most importantly, how to stop (because let’s be real, that’s the most important skill). He was incredibly patient, giving us clear instructions while also making the lesson fun.
Bonus: You Can Rent All Your Equipment Here
One of the best parts about learning at Calabogie Peaks is that you don’t need to own any ski gear—they have a full rental shop where you can get skis, boots, poles, helmets, and even snowboards if you decide to switch things up. The rental process was smooth, and the staff helped me find the right size and fit, making sure I felt comfortable before hitting the slopes.
THE DETAILS
Price | They have ski lesson packages starting as low as 80$ for a group lesson.
Reservations | Book your lesson here.
Snowshoeing Trails at Calabogie
While skiing was the main focus of our trip, I quickly discovered that snowshoeing at Calabogie Peaks is an underrated winter adventure. If you’re looking for a way to slow down, take in the scenery, and explore the mountain beyond the ski runs, snowshoeing is a fantastic option.
Plus, if you’re staying at the Calabogie Peaks Resort Hotel, you get complimentary snowshoe rentals, making it an easy and budget-friendly way to enjoy the trails.
Best Snowshoe Trails Near Calabogie Peaks Resort
Calabogie offers a variety of snowshoe trails that range from easy nature walks to more adventurous mountain descents. Some of the top trails include:
- Ole K&P Trail (Moderate) – A historic rail trail that winds through the forest, offering beautiful wooded views and a peaceful winter escape.
- Eagle’s Nest Lookout (Challenging) – If you’re up for a bit more adventure, this trail leads to one of the most stunning viewpoints in the area. While it’s not on the resort itself, it’s a must-do if you’re in Calabogie.
- On-Resort Trails (Easy to Moderate) – If you want a more relaxed experience, Calabogie Peaks Resort has groomed trails that weave through the property, perfect for a short winter walk.
One of the coolest experiences you can have at Calabogie Peaks is taking the chairlift up the mountain and snowshoeing down the Ole K&P Trail. The resort offers a special lift ticket for snowshoers, so you can ride up and trek down at your own pace, taking in breathtaking views along the way.
Hiking tip // If you’re snowshoeing down the mountain, be sure to stay to the side of the trail to avoid obstructing skiers and snowboarders who are flying down the slopes!
Staying at Calabogie Peaks Resort Hotel
If you’re looking for the most convenient place to stay while skiing at Calabogie Peaks, the Calabogie Peaks Resort Hotel is the obvious choice. With ski-in, ski-out access, cozy rooms, and on-site dining, it’s the perfect spot for a stress-free winter getaway. Plus, if you’re staying here, you get complimentary snowshoe rentals, making it easy to explore beyond the slopes.
What really sets this place apart is the ski-in, ski-out access, you can literally step out of the hotel and onto the slopes, no need to drive or shuttle. After a long day of skiing or snowshoeing, you can unwind in the outdoor hot tub, grab a drink by the fireplace in the lodge, or just relax in your room with a cup of hot chocolate.
Dining Options & Food Review
The hotel has an on-site restaurant, Canthooks, which serves up a mix of hearty, comforting meals and lighter options. Breakfast here is simple, with cereals, toast and coffee at your disposal.
If you don’t want to sit down for a full meal, Black Donald’s Bar is a great spot to grab something quick between runs. Located right on the hill, it’s the go-to spot for après-ski drinks and snacks, serving everything from pub-style comfort food to light bites. The best part? Their signature spicy Caesar, best enjoyed on the outdoor patio overlooking the slopes.
THE DETAILS
Price | Room start at 170$ per night.
Reservations | Book your room here.
Additional Tips for Visiting Calabogie Peaks
To make the most of your ski trip to Calabogie Peaks, a little planning goes a long way. From the best time to visit to packing essentials and money-saving tips, here’s everything you need to know before heading out.
Best Time to Visit for Good Snow & Fewer Crowds
- Best snow conditions: The ideal time to ski at Calabogie is from late December to early March, when snowfall is most consistent, and the resort’s snowmaking operations are in full swing. If you want the best chance of fresh powder, keep an eye on the weather forecast and aim for a trip after a snowfall of at least 10-15 cm.
- Avoiding crowds: Weekdays are by far the best if you want shorter lift lines and a quieter experience. If you can’t swing a midweek trip, try to arrive early on weekends—the slopes are much quieter in the morning before the late risers show up.
- Spring skiing perks: If you don’t mind softer snow, March can be a great time to visit. The temperatures are milder, and you’ll find better deals on lift tickets and accommodations as the season winds down.
What to Pack for a Winter Weekend in Calabogie
Packing for a ski trip is all about layers and warmth. Here’s what you’ll want to bring:
✔ Ski & Snow Gear
- Waterproof ski jacket & snow pants
- Insulated base layers (thermal tops & leggings)
- Warm socks (wool or ski-specific)
- Waterproof gloves or mittens
- Neck warmer or balaclava (wind protection is key!)
- Ski goggles or sunglasses (for sunny ski days)
- Helmet (if you don’t plan to rent one)
✔ Extras
- Hand warmers & toe warmers (trust me, these are a game-changer)
- Sunscreen & lip balm (yes, even in winter!)
- Camera or phone for winter photography
- Portable charger (cold weather drains batteries fast)
Don’t have ski gear? No worries! You can rent everything you need—skis, boots, poles, and helmets—at Calabogie Peaks, so you don’t have to buy expensive equipment just for one trip.
Booking Tips for the Best Hotel & Ski Pass Deals
Want to save money on your trip? Here are some smart booking tips:
- Book early for the best rates: Hotels and ski passes tend to be cheaper if you book in advance. If you know your dates, don’t wait too long!
- Check for midweek discounts: Staying at the Calabogie Peaks Resort Hotel? Prices are often lower Sunday to Thursday compared to weekends.
- Look for lift ticket deals: Buying lift tickets online in advance is usually cheaper than purchasing them on-site.
- Consider a season pass or multi-day pass: If you plan to ski multiple times this season, a Calabogie Peaks Season Pass or a multi-day lift ticket can save you a lot in the long run.
- Look for special packages: Some hotels, including Calabogie Peaks Resort, offer stay-and-ski packages that bundle accommodations with lift tickets for extra savings.
So where to ski near Ottawa? Calabogie Peaks Resort of course!
Looking back on my first-ever ski trip, I can confidently say that Calabogie Peaks is an incredible winter getaway—whether you’re a beginner like me or a seasoned skier. The combination of great ski terrain, friendly instructors, scenic snowshoe trails, and ski-in/ski-out accommodations makes it one of the best ski resorts near Ottawa for a relaxed, adventure-filled weekend. Plus, the cozy après-ski vibes at Black Donald’s Bar and Canthooks make unwinding after a day on the slopes even better.
Would I recommend this trip to others? Absolutely. Whether you’re planning a trip with friends, family, or even solo, Calabogie Peaks offers the perfect balance of adventure and comfort. And if you’re a first-time skier like I was? Trust me, you’ll be in good hands here.
Have you skied at Calabogie before? I’d love to hear about your experience! Drop a comment below and let me know your favorite run, après-ski drink, or any tips for first-timers.
Looking for more Ontario travel ideas? Check out my other blog posts for itineraries, hiking trails, and hidden gems across the province!
* P.S. This adventure was part of a collab with Calabogie Peaks Resort but all opinions (and obsessions) are 100% mine!”
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I almost made a very different version of this reel.
Last time I posted about Smiths Falls, the comments surprised me and a lot of them seemed to come from people who actually live there. There’s nothing to do here. It’s boring. My first instinct was to make a whole clap-back video, screenshots and all.
But honestly? I get it. Nobody is a tourist in their own town. The canal is just the thing you cross on your way to work. The museum is where you went once on a school trip in grade four. When you see a place every single day, it goes invisible.
I grew up near the Bay of Fundy – home of the highest tides on the planet – and as a kid I thought it was the most boring place on earth. It took moving away to realize people cross oceans to see what was in my backyard.
So this reel is me being a tourist in your town for you. The 1912 bridge you’d paddle under if you hadn’t stopped noticing it. The museum where you can climb into the trains, and even sleep in one. The thrift trail. The mural. All of it.
To everyone who’s never been: this is your sign for an easy day trip from Ottawa or Kingston.
And to Smiths Falls locals: I dare you to do one thing from this list this weekend. Report back. 😌
What’s the thing in YOUR town that you’ve stopped noticing? I want to hear it.
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#SmithsFalls #RideauCanal #OntarioDayTrip #ExploreOntario #smalltownontario
I have a confession: half my road trips are reverse-engineered.
I don’t pick a destination and find a coffee shop nearby. I pick the coffee shop, then build a whole day around justifying the drive. A hike here, a beach there, some antiquing, all very respectable cover stories for the fact that I drove two hours for an iced latte.
Because here’s what I’ve figured out after years of crisscrossing Ontario: the best coffee shops are never just coffee shops. They’re the unofficial welcome centre of every small town. The barista knows which trail is muddy this week. The regulars will tell you where to park for free. The bulletin board has better local intel than any travel blog, mine included.
So this list isn’t really about coffee. It’s about the 12 places I use as an excuse to keep exploring this province. Swipe through, every single one comes with what to pair it with so you can build your own cover story.
From Thunder Bay to the County, consider this your permission slip to drive unreasonably far for caffeine.
Which one’s closest to you? And more importantly, what’s YOUR coffee shop worth driving for? I’m always taking notes. ☕
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#OntarioCoffeeShops #OntarioRoadTrip #DiscoverOntario #OntarioTravel #SmallTownOntario
For over a hundred years, the men who lived in this house woke up, looked at the lake, and went to work captaining the Wolfe Island ferry. Three generations of them. Same water, same crossing, every day.
I thought about that a lot during my stay at @themullinhouse_ (mainly from the bathtub, because the tub faces the lake and once you’re in it there’s no reason to be anywhere else.)
The Mullin House just opened as a stay, and those who brought it back to life did it in the best way that possible. Keeping the soul of the place.Places with an actual story make my job as a photographer easy. I just have to pay attention.
And if you want to stay here too: It’s a free 20-minute ferry from Kingston, 5 bedrooms, sleeps 10. So this is your sign to plan the group trip you keep talking about.
Save this for when you book it, and be honest, would you make it out of that bathtub by checkout?
Thank you to @themullinhouse_ for having me!
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#wolfeisland #kingstonontario #thousandislands #exploreontario #ontariotravel
I grew up an hour from the Bay of Fundy. And every few years, my school would pile us onto a bus and take us to Hopewell Rocks or Fundy National Park. And every single time, as a kid, I thought : ‘okay, cool. Rocks. Trees. Can we go home now?’
I had absolutely no idea what I was standing next to.
It took me leaving New Brunswick, travelling across the country before I came back to the Bay of Fundy as an adult and genuinely had my breath taken away. I grew up next to one of the most extraordinary places on the planet and completely took it for granted. And I think a lot of Maritimers probably feel the same way.
This carousel is my attempt to fix that, for myself, and for anyone who’s never made the trip. Scroll through and I’ll show you exactly how I’d plan a road trip along the New Brunswick side, from the tidal flats to the coastal cliffs to the little fishing towns that feel completely frozen in time.
And if you have extra days to spare, Saint John is absolutely worth a stop, underrated city, great food scene, and it sits right on the bay.
I’m also heading back this summer to try a stay I’ve had my eye on for a while, I genuinely cannot wait to tell you all about it. 👀
Save this for your New Brunswick road trip. 🙌
👇 Have you ever been to the Bay of Fundy? Were you as underwhelmed as I was at 10 years old? 😄
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#BayOfFundy #NewBrunswick #ExploreCanada #CanadaTravel #FundyNationalPark
I’ll be honest, when I pulled up to @whispering_springs I didn’t know what to expect. I’d seen the photos, I’d read the website, but nothing really prepares you for the moment you walk into your safari tent and realize this might actually be nicer than your apartment.
We’re talking a king bed, more space than I expected, and an actual bathtub, in a tent. I took a bath. In the woods. And I would do it again without hesitation.
Oh and the s’mores bar? Someone thought really hard about what would make people unreasonably happy at the end of a summer night and they nailed it.
Save this for your summer planning because at 90 minutes from Toronto there is really no reason to wait.
Now tell me have you ever gone glamping? If not, what are you waiting for!
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#OntarioGetaway #GlampingOntario #OntarioTravel #WeekendGetawayOntario
ExploreOntario
