Wrap Up Warm and Join in the Coolest Winter Festival Fun!
Embrace 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 months. Here’s a few festivals you will definitely want to check out:
Burk’s Falls Winterfest January 18-19
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 25
The streets of Bracebridge are packed with events, food and entertainment from axe throwing to ice sculptures, 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. Warm up in an 80s-inspired Ski Lodge at Bracebridge Hall and enjoy the evening fireworks.
Port Carling Winterfest January 31- February 2
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.
Gravenhurst Winter Carnival Family Day Weekend February 14-17
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 don’t miss Skokie’s Funland, polar dip, escape room, snow mountain, and more at Gull Lake with Skokie’s Dance Party at Sawdust City Brewing in the evening. Sunday is the Brent & Sarah Magic Show and the carnival comes 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.
Dorset Snowball Festival February 14-15
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 15
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 17
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!
Huntsville SnowFest February 22
SnowFest is a dazzling one-day winter celebration from 10 am to 4 pm in River Mill Park. 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. SnowFest promises a day of joy and wonder for the whole family.