Although winters in Canada are a cold and snowy affair, there are plenty of snug hotels, inns and lodges to make the most of. Use these inviting boltholes to warm up after exploring the great outdoors or just spend the day hunkered down by a roaring fireplace. Here we count down the 15 cosiest retreats from which to enjoy the Canadian winter.

A stone’s throw away from Lake Ontario and the US border, Harbour House is a picture-perfect inn with inviting beds and calming, sophisticated decor throughout. Rooms include a whirlpool bath, perfect for relaxing after a day of activities.

It's located in the port town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, where there are plenty of opportunities for sailing and fishing charters, and waterfront bird watching. Browse art galleries or join a historic architecture walking tour, which takes visitors around the town's most beautiful homes. You can also follow the nearby Niagara River Recreational Trail or take a scenic wine tour. The famous Niagara Falls are only half an hour away too.

Guests at Ryan Mansion, located in the heritage district of St. John’s, will enjoy the finer things in life: heated marble floors, original artworks and the best china. The opulent boutique hotel is a favourite among members of the British royal family and the entrance hall staircase was made by the same people who built the iconic grand staircase on the Titanic. En suite rooms feature queen-size beds, a warming fireplace and soft linens to ensure a good night’s sleep.

The capital of Newfoundland and Labrador is perfectly situated for relaxing nature walks along the Atlantic coast. Signal Hill and its hiking trails rise next to the city. Don't miss a visit to Cabot Tower – the site of the first transatlantic wireless communication. There are plenty of opportunities to book a humpback whale-spotting boat tour too.

Le Germain Charlevoix is all about modern rustic luxury. Light decor and contemporary furnishings are offset by wooden beams in a building inspired by historic farms. Be soothed by a soak in a freestanding tub or visit the on-site spa which offers a variety of treatments, including a eucalyptus steam bath and a Finnish sauna. Enjoy a dip in the heated outdoor pool before finishing the day with dinner at one of the two hotel restaurants.

Located in Québec’s Charlevoix region, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the hotel is nestled between the mountains and the River Gouffre. The area is perfect for hiking and trekking, and bicycle rentals are also available. There’s a golf course and a ski centre within easy reach too.

This unusual looking Airbnb, perched on the coast of Vancouver Island near the charming town of Maple Bay, is perfect for whiling away your time in complete tranquillity. Enjoy sea views out of every window, enjoy a restful night’s sleep in the comfy queen-size bed and sit down for breakfast in the leafy conservatory.

Maple Bay beach is only a short walk away, as is Maple Bay town itself, which has a handful of restaurants serving local produce. The Cowichan Valley is also home to several wineries, as well as three golf courses within easy reach of the property. 

30 things you never knew about the history of Canada

Located along the St. Lawrence River in Québec City’s Old Port area, the family-owned Auberge Saint-Antoine is a boutique inn with good-sized guestrooms. After a day’s sightseeing, enjoy a relaxing massage or dine in the farm-to-fork restaurant Chez Muffy. 

The hotel is ideally situated for visiting some of the city’s most popular sites, including museums and Place Royale. Explore Old Québec, La Citadelle de Québec and the Parliament Building to learn more about the city’s history. For a spot of shopping, hit the streets of Quartier Petit Champlain. This cooperative-owned shopping quarter is filled with independent boutiques, galleries and restaurants.

On the secluded shores of Hudson Bay, Seal River Heritage Lodge features beautiful wood-clad interiors, a common area with a cosy fireplace and a viewing tower for spotting the tundra’s wild residents. The expansive picture windows maximise ground-level viewing so you can observe wildlife, including polar bears, from the comfort of plush leather sofas.

The Seal River estuary is home to many bird species, bears and beluga whales, making it the perfect location for a remote wildlife-spotting holiday. There are also opportunities to join polar bear safaris and admire these majestic animals in the wild.

A welcoming and snug retreat, Cob Cottage is built from sustainable, local and natural materials. Located on Mayne Island, it's surrounded by gardens and orchards and is a ten-minute walk from the beach. After braving the outside, come in from the cold and curl up by the fire, looking out at the beautiful views.

Mayne Island is a rural agricultural community with several farms and a small private vineyard, and Aqua Flora Spa in The Mayne Island Resort isn’t far from Cob Cottage. Enjoy a relaxing massage before plunging in the pool and warming up in the steam room. The idyllic island is perfect for peaceful nature walks, or if you fancy a slice of city life, hop on a ferry and spend a day exploring Vancouver.

Easily accessed from Banff and Calgary, Mountaineer Lodge features charming wood-panelled common areas and an indoor hot tub to wind down after a day of skiing. All rooms are en suite with spacious, comfy beds. Then there's the stunning backdrop: towering pines and the Canadian Rockies looming in the distance. It’s the ideal place to make the most of the Canadian winter.

Where Canada gets its name from and more interesting facts

Located less than 10 minutes from Lake Louise and at the base of Lake Louise Mountain Resort, there’s plenty to do in the area, from kayaking and skating to skiing and snowboarding. The region is excellent for nature walks and exploring Banff National Park. Located just by the Trans-Canada Highway, Jasper National Park is also within reach.

The Great George is a unique boutique hotel in downtown Charlottetown that's big on home comforts and special touches. The award-winning concierge is ready to help with anything you need, and the rooms are bright and spacious. Larger groups or families will appreciate the larger condos and executive apartments.

Known as the birthplace of the Canadian Confederation, Charlottetown is brimming with history and is easily one of Canada’s most charming towns. Once you’ve got your bearings, and sampled some incredible seafood, head out to explore the rest of the island. Green Gables Heritage Place and the Prince Edward Island National Park are just a short drive away. 

These are Canada's most jaw-dropping views

In the heart of downtown Vancouver you’ll find the gorgeous Wedgewood Hotel. Take in stunning views of the city from your private balcony before winding down at the hotel’s award-winning spa. In the evening, slip into a luxury bathrobe and enjoy the plush room after a seasonally inspired dinner at the on-site restaurant, Bacchus.

Known for its thriving arts, theatre and music scenes, Vancouver is buzzing with activity. A visit to the Museum of Anthropology at UBC is unmissable for its First Nations collections, while the scenic Stanley Park offers beautiful vistas of the city. Daredevils should head straight north for the Capilano Suspension Bridge, dangling 230 feet (70m) above the Capilano River.

Escape to the serenity of the mountains and check into one of the comfortable rooms at dog-friendly Blackcomb Springs Suites. If the mountain activities aren’t for you, take it easy with a dip in the heated outdoor pool or a soak in the alfresco hot tubs.

The retreat is perfect for ski and snowboard enthusiasts, and there are several gondolas within easy reach (you can store your equipment at the hotel). Non-skiers will enjoy the pedestrianised Whistler village at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, offering plenty of shopping opportunities and a busy calendar of concerts, festivals and street entertainment.

Recharge in the luxurious comfort of Langdon Hall, set in tranquil woodland and gardens. Whether you stay in a room in the main house, adjacent cloisters or restored stables, make sure to book a spot at the hotel’s intimate spa for one of their restorative treatments. In the evening, sit down for a tasting menu prepared by the award-winning chef Jason Bangerter.

Just an hour’s drive from Toronto, Langdon Hall is all about rest and relaxation. Join the hotel’s sommeliers for a wine tasting, participate in a cooking or cocktail demonstration, or take part in a morning yoga class that’ll set you up for the day.

A luxury adults-only wilderness resort, Trout Point Lodge entices guests with rustic-chic interiors dominated by materials like wood, leather and suede. Choose between cosy rooms in the main lodge and Beaver Hall, or book the lakeside cottage for larger groups. On colder days, take advantage of the lodge's mezzanine library and snuggle up in front of the fire with a good book.

Located in Tobeatic Wilderness Area, right on the edge of Kejimkujik National Park, the lodge provides a break in the wild – with all the creature comforts. There's a wealth of recreational opportunities like kayaking, canoeing, fly fishing excursions, wooden boardwalks and nature trails. The hotel also offers unique experiences such as forest bathing and guided stargazing walks.

Boasting an on-site spa plus gas fireplaces and a two-person bath in all rooms, Nita Lake Lodge couldn't be more suited for hunkering down during cold weather. Two restaurants serve stunning dishes using ingredients sourced locally and from the lodge's rooftop garden. Yoga classes, personal trainers, an outdoor heated pool and a hot tub are all on offer to help you enjoy a wintry retreat. 

Nita Lake Lodge is just a short drive away from Whistler Village and offers a free shuttle service. Ski enthusiasts will appreciate Creekside Gondola, which travels up Whistler Mountain, while non-skiers can enjoy beautiful nature walks at the base of the mountain, or book a treatment at the spa. 

This fairy-tale castle, otherwise known as Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, is a year-round luxury mountain resort located in the stunning Banff National Park. Many of the spacious suites enjoy breathtaking mountain views, and the on-site spa features a mineral pool and offers a wide selection of treatments, including massages, body soaks and wraps.

Snow sport fans can take advantage of the free hotel shuttle to nearby ski locations, while beginners can have lessons at the on-site ski school. Other on-site activities include bowling, tennis and horseback riding, or make the short stroll to the charming town of Banff, stopping at the Bow Falls viewpoint. 

Now check out Canada's coolest neighbourhoods you have to visit