10 of the Best Ski Resorts Near Ottawa

Updated March 29, 2021

Winter in Ottawa usually means skating along the Rideau Canal and chowing down on a Beavertail pastry. But don’t you honestly just wish you were skiing instead? Trade Parliament Hill for the ski hill and read on for our list of the top ten best ski resorts near Ottawa!

The Top 10 Ski Resorts Near Ottawa, Ontario

Mont Tremblant

Distance from Ottawa: 153 kilometres (~1 hour, 45 minutes)
Accommodation on site? Yes, many options
Ability levels: All levels

One of Quebec’s premier ski resorts, a trip to Mont Tremblant is a perfect weekend getaway from Ottawa. Sitting at a summit of 875 metres, the resort’s 102 trails across 755 acres see some of Quebec’s best snow. The mountain also boasts an impressive 1200 snow cannons. In other words, you’re in for incredible skiing all season long. There is a huge variety of trails and difficulties, so the whole family can enjoy a day at the hill. After, you can wander the European-style village to find delicious restaurants and charming boutiques. Stay slopeside at one of the many accommodations offered by the resort.

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Calabogie Peaks Resort

Distance from Ottawa: 107 kilometres (~1 hour)
Accommodation on site? Yes, many options
Ability levels: All levels

Adrenaline junkies, rejoice! The tallest public ski resort in Ontario is only an hour from home. Nestled in the beautiful Ottawa Valley, Calabogie Peaks Resort is a great option for ski resorts near Ottawa. There’s something for everyone at this resort, but beginners will feel especially at home with the longest beginner run in the province. Be sure to check out the resort’s signature Discover Packages. Get a group lesson, a lift ticket, and an equipment rental all for one low price.

Sommet Edelweiss

Distance from Ottawa: 44 kilometres (~30 minutes)
Accommodation on site? No, but many options close by
Ability levels: All levels

Some of the Ottawa region’s most convenient skiing can be found at Sommet Edelweiss. Only half an hour from the city, there are 20 trails to choose from. There is a fairly even distribution between easy, intermediate, and difficult. Practice your tricks at the terrain park, and if you want to switch it up, check out the tubing area. Make a weekend of it and book a stay in nearby Wakefield, QC.

Gatineau Park

Distance from Ottawa: 17 kilometres (~15 minutes)
Accommodations onsite? No
Experience levels? All levels

Not into downhill skiing? Only 15 minutes from Ottawa’s downtown core, Gatineau Park is home to one of North America’s largest networks of winter trails for cross-country skiing. In addition, there is also snowshoeing and fat biking available. Enjoy the beautiful views as you make your way through snowy forests and valleys, and around gorgeous frozen lakes. With over 200km of trails, you’ll never get bored! To access the trails you’ll need to purchase a day pass. If you’re determined to explore every last kilometre, it may actually be worth it to invest in a season pass.

Mont Cascades

Distance from Ottawa: 28 kilometres (~30 minutes)
Accommodations onsite? No, but many options close by
Experience levels? Intermediate

Located in Outaouais, Mont Cascades is a great ski resort near Ottawa. The resort features 20 runs, 15 of which are open for night skiing. The hill has 165m vertical and spans 60 acres, with the vast majority of the runs being intermediate-level. Though it’s close to home, there are many lodging options in Cantley, QC if you’re looking for a weekend getaway.

Mont Blanc

Distance from Ottawa: 162 kilometres (~1 hour, 50 minutes)
Accommodations onsite? Yes, many options
Experience levels? All levels

A hidden gem close to Mont Tremblant, Mont Blanc is a great place for a weekend getaway. The resort has 43 trails and 2 terrain parks, with some of the best snow in the Laurentians. Compared to the more popular Mont Tremblant, you can also expect smaller crowds and lift lines. Score! Stay slopeside, or in nearby Saint-Faustin.

Ski Vorlage

Distance from Ottawa: 38 kilometres (~30 minutes)
Accommodations onsite? No, but many options close by
Experience levels? All levels

Ski Vorlage is a great ski resort near Ottawa, especially for the whole family. The hill features 80 acres of skiable terrain, with 15 trails that are suitable for a mix of levels. Additionally, enjoy night skiing, a terrain park, and a ski school. Located in the scenic village of Wakefield, Quebec, there are many great lodging options if you want to escape the city for the weekend.

Camp Fortune

Distance from Ottawa: 21 kilometres (~20 minutes)
Accommodations onsite? No
Experience levels? All levels

Only 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa, Camp Fortune is a great little spot for some post-work shredding. Explore 25 trails located across three different mountainsides, as well as a terrain park and night skiing. The hill also has the longest ski season in the region and full snowmaking capacity, so it’s a great option for some coveted spring skiing!

Mont Ste-Marie

Distance from Ottawa: 90 kilometres (~1 hour, 10 minutes)
Accommodations onsite? No, but some options close by
Experience levels? Intermediate and expert

As the highest mountain situated between the Laurentians and the Rockies, Mont Ste-Marie is a great spot for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Choose from two peaks: Vanier Mountain is known for long runs and relaxed trails through the trees. Meanwhile, Cheval Blanc has 1200 feet of vertical for intermediate and expert-level riders to explore. Looking for a bit more of a challenge? With the proper knowledge and gear, venture into the Cheval Slack Country to earn your turns.

Mount Pakenham

Distance from Ottawa: 60 kilometres (~45 minutes)
Accommodations onsite? No
Experience levels? Intermediate and expert

Lastly, at under an hour from home, Mount Pakenham is a great option for ski resorts near Ottawa. With 10 groomers, 9 glades, terrain parks, tubing, and snowshoeing, there’s something for everyone! The resort is great for families too, as all runs lead to a central point. Enjoy snowmaking all season long, as well as night skiing.

Everything You Need to Know Before Heading to Ski Resorts Near Ottawa, ON

What to Pack:

Waterproof outerwear – Possibly the most critical pieces of clothing for your ski trip packing list is durable, waterproof outerwear. Burton and Helly Hansen are famous ski brands for having best-in-class clothing that will keep you warm in the coldest, snowiest conditions. Click here to shop ski jackets and compare prices.
Thermal layers – Thermal baselayers are absolutely critical for a smooth skiing experience, as these will keep you warm and dry underneath your outerwear. The best kinds of thermal baselayers are made of Merino wool, which is moisture-wicking and comfortable. Our favorite brand of thermal layers is SmartWool – their tops and leggings are soft, lightweight, but warm and durable for all kinds of outdoor activities, including skiing. Click here to shop thermal tops and leggings and compare prices.
Ski goggles – No ski trip packing list would be complete without a pair of fog-resistant ski goggles, especially if you’re going somewhere that makes artificial snow. Ski slopes often have snow blowing into the air several times a day and it can be hard to keep freezing snowflakes out of your eyes, even during clear days. We use and recommend these ski goggles. However, you can shop ski goggles and compare reviews/prices here.

Waterproof outerwear – Possibly the most critical pieces of clothing for your ski trip packing list is durable, waterproof outerwear. Burton and Helly Hansen are famous ski brands for having best-in-class clothing that will keep you warm in the coldest, snowiest conditions. Click here to shop ski jackets and compare prices.
Thermal layers – Thermal baselayers are absolutely critical for a smooth skiing experience, as these will keep you warm and dry underneath your outerwear. The best kinds of thermal baselayers are made of Merino wool, which is moisture-wicking and comfortable. Our favorite brand of thermal layers is SmartWool – their tops and leggings are soft, lightweight, but warm and durable for all kinds of outdoor activities, including skiing. Click here to shop thermal tops and leggings and compare prices.
Ski goggles – No ski trip packing list would be complete without a pair of fog-resistant ski goggles, especially if you’re going somewhere that makes artificial snow. Ski slopes often have snow blowing into the air several times a day and it can be hard to keep freezing snowflakes out of your eyes, even during clear days. We use and recommend these ski goggles. However, you can shop ski goggles and compare reviews/prices here.