Bundle up for Winter Festival fun!
Embrace all things snow and ice and join in the fun at a traditional winter carnival – and Ontario’s Cottage Country has it all to offer throughout the coming months. Here’s a few you will definitely want to check out:
Burk’s Falls Winterfest – January 20-21
A $12 wristband gets you access to family bowling, a dance on the Saturday night and all the fun and games on the Sunday from face painting, skating at the local arena, snowman contest and horse-drawn sleighrides. Donation on the door on Sunday if you don’t have a wristband.
Bracebridge Fire & Ice Festival – January 27
The streets of Bracebridge are packed with events, food and entertainment from buskers to beer gardens to sitting around a fire pit making s’mores. The highlight of the festival is the tube run that is created overnight on the hill on Manitoba Street.
Port Carling Winterfest – February 2-4
A fun-filled weekend for the whole family where the festivities begin with a wonderful show put on by the local skating club and end with the Polar Bear Dip on Sunday. Saturday is filled with games for the kids, a musical performance, face painting, an outdoor skating trail at Hanna Park, a log sawing competition, a chance to try curling, yummy food and much more. Passports are $5 for adults with children 12 and under free. It takes place at the Port Carling Community Centre, the Port Carling Legion, and Hanna Park.
South River Winterfest – February 10
Head to South River in the Almaguin Highlands February 10 for lots of family fun this season with their schedule of Winterfest events. Taking place at a number of locations throughout the town, there will be winter fun and games followed by a dinner, dance and auction.
Gravenhurst Winter Carnival – Family Day Weekend February 15-18
Come and join Skokie for a fun-filled winter weekend of entertainment and activities the whole family can enjoy! The festivities kick off on Thursday night and on Friday, Skokie’s Birthday Party will take place in the Terry Fox Auditorium. On Saturday night, be sure to attend Skokie’s Margaritaville Dance Party at Sawdust City, and on Sunday, the Winter Carnival will come to a conclusion with the Demolition Derby at the Severn Bridge Fairgrounds. Event Buttons are $10 Ages 13+, $5 Ages 6-12 and free for five and under.
Parry Sound Snowfest – February 16-19
Pancake breakfasts, logging competitions, arts, crafts, toboggan races, hockey, fireworks and so much more. The multi day event has something for everyone!
Dorset Snowball Festival – February 16-17
The Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival will kick off Friday, February 16th at 6pm with a skating party at the Dorset Ice Palace. Saturday will be a fun-filled day with activities for all ages. Join the festivities on Main Street in Dorset for a parade, cardboard toboggan race, horse-drawn sleigh rides, children’s games, hockey shoot-out, entertainment, vendors and great food Snowball buttons are $5 per person (2 years and under free). The carnival will end with a good old hockey game at the Dorset Ice Palace.
Winter in the Wild Algonquin Park – February 17
Celebrate winter in Algonquin Park with The Friends of Algonquin Park and Ontario Parks. This family-friendly festival celebrates winter in Algonquin Park through indoor and outdoor events held at various locations throughout the Highway 60 Corridor, including many at the Algonquin Visitor Centre. Events include guided bird walks, guest speakers, guided snowshoe excursions, skating, winter camping demos, marshmallow roasting and a special evening program. You will need a park admission pass for the day.
Baysville Winterfest – February 19
Held on the Monday of the Family Day Weekend, the family-friendly Baysville Winterfest starts with a pancake breakfast at the Community Centre and includes face painting, kids activities, free public skating, outdoor games, chainsaw carving, and a donut on a string eating contest!
Dwight Winter Carnival – February 23-24
The Dwight Winter Carnival returns for its 52nd year on February 23 and 24. The fun kicks off at the Dwight Community Centre on Friday with a night of games, food and prizes. The main event are on Saturday with a full schedule from the opening pancake breakfast, games, exhibits, outdoor fun and much more.
Huntsville SnowFest – February 24
Get ready for a day filled with live music, buskers and on-ice performers, and interactive activities to keep everyone entertained. Picture yourself roasting marshmallows, sipping on hot chocolate, and marvelling at the mesmerizing artistry of ice sculptors creating masterpieces before your eyes. SnowFest promises a day of joy and wonder for the whole family. Held at the River Mill Park from 10am-4pm.