Embrace the Chill: Your Guide to Winter Carnivals in Ontario’s Cottage Country
Celebrate all things snow and ice and join in the fun at a traditional winter carnival – and The Great Canadian Wilderness has it all to offer throughout the coming weeks. Here’s a few festivals you will definitely want to check out:
Huntsville SnowFest weekends from January 30 to March 8, 2026
Each weekend during SnowFest features a curated lineup of themed events designed to engage visitors of all ages through a combination of skating, entertainment, and treats. These sessions transform the rink into an illuminated wonderland, ensuring that every visit offers a fresh way to enjoy the ice. From high-energy dance parties to cozy cinematic evenings and sweet family afternoons, the programming blends the joy of outdoor activity with an immersive atmosphere that captures the very best of the season.
Bracebridge Fire & Ice Festival January 31
The streets of Bracebridge are packed with events, food and entertainment from axe throwing to ice sculptures, buskers and beer gardens to sitting around a fire pit making s’mores. The highlight of the festival is the tube run that is created overnight in the centre of town. Warm up in an 80s-inspired Ski Lodge at Bracebridge Hall and enjoy the evening fireworks at 6pm.
Gravenhurst Winter Carnival Family Day Weekend February 13-15
The Gravenhurst Winter Carnival is a cherished annual tradition in the heart of Muskoka, celebrating the magic of winter with fun for all ages. This family-friendly event offers exciting activities like the demo derby, Skokie’s Birthday Party, cardboard box races, and snow sculptures. Guests can enjoy yummy food from food trucks, live entertainment, and unique games that bring the community together.
Held over Family Day Weekend in February, the carnival captures the joy of winter while showcasing Gravenhurst’s vibrant spirit. Whether you’re a fan of winter sports or cozy festivities, the Gravenhurst Winter Carnival is a must-visit for unforgettable seasonal fun! Event Buttons are $10 Ages 13+, $5 Ages 6-12 and free for five and under.
Parry Sound Snowfest February 13-16
The weekend schedule kicks off with the Fisherman’s Ball & Dinner on Friday night, then family fun continues all weekend long with activities like the Valentine’s pancake breakfast, movie screenings at the Stockey Centre, snow pickle tournament, Family Fun at Kinsmen Park including the Great Parry Sound Toboggan Races, maple taffy, ice skating, games, the Saturday night fireworks show and much more.
Dorset Snowball Festival February 13-14
The Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival will kick off Friday, February 16th at 6pm with a skating party at the Dorset Ice Palace. Saturday a wide variety of activities including skating, cardboard toboggan races, a hockey shoot-out, silent auction and more! Must-see shows by the Great Canadian Lumber Jacks and the wildlife caller are always crowd-pleasers. You can enjoy maple taffy and take a virtual dog sled tour, and enjoy some great food and shopping at the vendor booths. Snowball buttons are $5 per person (2 years and under free). The carnival will end with Hockey Night in Dorset at the Dorset Ice Palace on Main Street.
Winter in the Wild Algonquin Park February 14
Celebrate winter in Algonquin Park with The Friends of Algonquin Park and Ontario Parks. This family-friendly festival celebrates winter in Algonquin Park with indoor and outdoor events held at various locations along the Highway 60 Corridor, including many at the Algonquin Visitor Centre. Events include guided bird walks, guest speakers, 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 16
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!
Port Carling Winterfest February 20-22
A fun-filled weekend for the whole family where the festivities begin with a 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.