Here are the ski resorts in Canada, chosen for Canadian travellers. Canada has world-class skiing from BC to Quebec.
Ski resorts in Canada
1. Whistler
Whistler is North America’s largest ski resort and a summer playground for mountain biking, hiking and lakes, about two hours from Vancouver on the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Read our Whistler travel guide.
- Best time: December to April for skiing; July to September for summer
- Getting there: About 2 hours from Vancouver
- Don’t miss: Whistler Blackcomb, PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola and Whistler Village
- Mid-range hotels: C$320–550 a night
2. Banff
Banff is Canada’s first national park (1885) and its most famous mountain town, surrounded by turquoise lakes, hot springs, wildlife and the peaks of the Rockies. Read our Banff travel guide.
- Best time: June to September for lakes and hiking; December to March for skiing
- Getting there: About 1.5 hours from Calgary; 3.5–4 hours from Jasper via the Icefields Parkway
- Don’t miss: Moraine Lake, Banff Gondola and Banff Upper Hot Springs
- Mid-range hotels: C$320–550 a night
3. Lake Louise
Lake Louise is a glacier-fed turquoise lake beneath Victoria Glacier, framed by the Fairmont Chateau, and the gateway to Moraine Lake. Read our Lake Louise travel guide.
- Best time: June to September; December to March
- Getting there: About 2 hours from Calgary; 45 minutes from Banff
- Don’t miss: Lake Louise shoreline, Lake Agnes Tea House and Plain of Six Glaciers
- Mid-range hotels: C$320–550 a night
4. Mont-Tremblant
Mont-Tremblant is a colourful pedestrian ski village in the Laurentians, popular year-round for skiing, lakes and fall colours. Read our Mont-Tremblant travel guide.
- Best time: December to March; late September to early October for colours
- Getting there: About 1.5–2 hours from Montreal
- Don’t miss: Tremblant ski resort, Pedestrian village and Mont-Tremblant National Park
- Mid-range hotels: C$320–550 a night
Trail-ready gear
- Power bank buying guide Buyzello
Understand capacity, airline limits and charging speed before you buy. - Outdoor gear picks Buyzello
Headlamps, multi-tools and camping essentials for park trips. - Best smartwatches for hiking VerdictFox
GPS, altitude and heart-rate tracking are genuinely useful on big park hikes.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
5. Charlevoix
Charlevoix is a UNESCO biosphere region of rolling hills along the St. Lawrence, known for food, art and the Train de Charlevoix. Read our Charlevoix travel guide.
- Best time: June to October
- Getting there: About 1–1.5 hours from Quebec City
- Don’t miss: Baie-Saint-Paul, Le Massif and Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie
- Mid-range hotels: C$220–380 a night
6. Revelstoke, BC
Longest vertical in North America.
7. Sun Peaks, BC
Ski-in village.
8. Big White, BC
Champagne powder.
9. Fernie, BC
Deep powder.
10. Marmot Basin, Jasper
Short lines.
Saving
Buy passes early and ski midweek.
How to choose
Start with when you can travel and how you like to spend your days. Some destinations on this list shine in summer, others in shoulder season; some suit active travellers, others are made for slow days and good food. Pick one or two that match your style rather than trying to see everything, and read the linked guides for timing, costs and where to stay.
How we chose
We picked destinations that consistently impress first-time and returning visitors, balanced famous names with lesser-known gems, and considered access, value, seasonality and the quality of the experience on the ground. Prices, opening dates and reservation rules change, so confirm the details before booking.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require government-issued photo ID; carry a passport if you might cross into the US.
- Money: GST or HST is added to most prices at the till, so budget 5–15% more than the shelf price; tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
- Insurance: Provincial health plans may not pay the full cost of care in another province, and ambulance and air-ambulance costs can be high, so check whether an out-of-province travel insurance policy makes sense for you. Read our guide to out-of-province travel insurance.
- Driving: Most Canadians road-trip in their own car; rentals are widely available, and winter tyres are required on many BC highways and in Quebec in winter. Fuel is usually cheapest in Alberta and most expensive in BC and the North.
- Saving money: see our Canada budget travel and cheapest places to travel in Canada guides.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$150–C$220 | motel, hostel or campsite, casual meals, self-drive |
| Mid-range | C$300–C$480 | good hotel, restaurant meals, some tours |
| Luxury | C$700–C$1,400 | resort or historic hotel, fine dining, guided experiences |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Travel in style
- Designer luggage for first-class travel Opulique
Premium luggage that arrives at the resort looking as good as it left. - Premium backpacks for stylish travel Opulique
A polished backpack for city breaks and carry-on days. - Luxury bags Opulique
Elegant day bags for city strolls and dinners out.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best choice on this list?
It depends on your travel style, but Whistler is a standout for most travellers.
When should I go?
Winter, from December to March.
How many days do I need?
Plan at least two to three days per destination.
Are these good for families?
Most are; check each guide for family tips.
How much should I budget?
Mid-range travellers typically spend C$300–C$480 per person per day.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Whistler Travel Guide: Skiing, Summer Fun and Where to Stay
- Banff Travel Guide: Lakes, Hikes and Where to Stay
- Lake Louise Travel Guide: Moraine Lake, Tea Houses and Tips
- Mont-Tremblant Travel Guide: Skiing, Fall Colours and Spas
- How to Travel Canada on a Budget: 25 Money-Saving Tips