Here’s some news that’ll make GTA property owners sit up and take notice: three Ontario destinations just made Airbnb’s top 10 most wishlisted winter cabins in Canada. And two of them are right in our backyard.
Huntsville properties grabbed two spots on the list, with “Magical TreeHouse I Hot Tub, Fireplace, Pets OK” and “Muskoka A-Frame + HOT TUB | Arrowhead | 4-Seasons” both making the cut. Creemore’s “For the Adventurer: A True Off-Grid Escape” and Eagle Lake’s “HyggeHaus, sleek snuggly secluded ski-in/out cabin” rounded out Ontario’s strong showing.
What These Winners Are Doing Right (And You Can Too)
Look at those listing titles again. They’re not playing around with vague descriptions. Every single one mentions specific amenities upfront: hot tubs, fireplaces, ski access, pet-friendly policies. They’re selling the experience before guests even click through.
The reality is, winter bookings in the GTA region are all about comfort and unique experiences. Canadians are embracing domestic travel more than ever, and they want properties that deliver something special. A basic downtown Toronto condo isn’t going to compete with a Muskoka treehouse, but it doesn’t need to.
Here’s the thing though. Location isn’t everything. These properties succeed because they understand what winter travelers actually want.
The Winter Amenities That Actually Matter
Based on this data, winter guests are searching for:
Hot tubs (mentioned in 3 of the 4 Ontario winners) Fireplaces (the cozy factor can’t be overstated) Pet-friendly policies (families don’t want to leave their dogs behind) Unique architecture (A-frames, treehouses, cabins) Proximity to activities (ski-in/out access is a huge draw)
If you’re managing a Toronto Airbnb or anywhere in the GTA, you can’t add a hot tub to your downtown condo. But you can focus on what makes winter stays comfortable: reliable heating, cozy textiles, a good coffee setup, maybe a fireplace if you’ve got one.
The Controversial Truth About Winter Bookings
Honestly? I think too many GTA hosts are sleeping on winter bookings because they assume everyone wants to escape to Mexico. But look at the data. Canadians are choosing domestic travel, and they’re willing to pay for experiences close to home.
This creates a massive opportunity for GTA properties, especially if you’re within driving distance of ski hills or winter activities. Even properties in Mississauga or Markham can market themselves as bases for Muskoka day trips or Blue Mountain weekends.
Why Location Still Matters for GTA Hosts
The surge in “under-the-radar destinations” mentioned in Airbnb’s report is interesting. While the GTA isn’t exactly under-the-radar, it shows guests are open to discovering new places, including urban winter experiences.
Your Airbnb management strategy should reflect this. Instead of competing with Muskoka treehouses, lean into what makes the GTA special in winter: proximity to everything, great restaurants, cultural attractions, and yes, easy access to those cottage country destinations everyone’s talking about.
Practical Steps for Your Winter Strategy
So what does this mean for your rental? Here are three things you can implement immediately:
Rewrite your listing title. Be specific about winter amenities. “Downtown Toronto Condo” becomes “Heated Floors + Fireplace | Walk to PATH | Winter City Escape”
Add winter gear and amenities. Stock extra blankets, provide information about nearby winter activities, maybe add a basket of hot chocolate supplies.
Market your location as a winter base. You’re 90 minutes from most of these trending Muskoka destinations. Make that a selling point.
The data shows domestic winter travel isn’t going anywhere. Canadians are rediscovering their own backyard, and that includes the GTA as a launching point for winter adventures.
Making Winter Work for Your Property
Whether you’re running a short-term rental in downtown Toronto or managing a property in the outer GTA, winter bookings are worth pursuing. The key is understanding what drives those bookings and optimizing accordingly.
Ready to make your property a winter booking magnet? Nurture’s team knows exactly how to position GTA properties for success in every season. We’ve helped hundreds of hosts optimize their listings and pricing strategies to capture more bookings year-round.
Get in touch and let’s talk about how to make this winter your most profitable yet.