How To Celebrate A True Canadian Winter
If you live in Ontario or you’re visiting Ontario, winter carnivals and festivals should be a part of your Canadian tradition.
Winter festivals are a family-friendly way to enjoy and celebrate the things we love about winter. Fresh, crisp clean air and fun activities can make being outdoors fun. It’s the only way to beat the cold.
Are you Googling “Winter Festivals near me”? ToDoOntario has done some research and is listing the best winter festivals in many regions of Ontario.
When you hear the words winter and carnival, you likely think of the most popular event of them all, the Québec City Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec). If you can’t get to the Quebec winter carnival this year, don’t worry. Ontario winter festivals in cities, towns, and communities near you have their own amazing festivals close to you.
Winter Carnivals in Ontario offer activities like axe throwing, curling, outdoor games, and yummy food and drinks to warm you up.
Winter menus will warm your tummy showcasing the local cultures and flavours of regions of Ontario. Every year you can look forward to eating your old favourites like chili and pea soup and trying something new.
Winter Festivals in Ottawa
Winterlude in Ottawa
Date: February 2 – 19, 2024
Things to do during Winterlude in Ottawa: you can marvel at beautiful ice sculptures, skate on the world-famous Rideau Canal Skateway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and play till you drop in a gigantic snow playground called Snowflake Kingdom. This year marks the 46th edition of the popular capital city event.
Winterlude festivities are not too far from the famous Byward Market. Be sure to take a walk through the market to shop, eat, drink and take your photo by the Ottawa sign on York Street.
Learn more: https://ottawatourism.ca/en/see-and-do/winterlude
To help you experience Ottawa and Winterlude check out the following getaway packages:
Embrace the Season Package at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Details: Save up to 20% on your stay on multi-night bookings LEARN MORE | BOOK NOW
Winter Festivals in Toronto and area
Bloor-Yorkville Icefest
TBA 2024
Learn more: https://bloor-yorkville.com/icefest/
To help you experience Toronto check out the following getaway packages:
Save on City Package at The Westin Habour Castle
Details: Save up to 10% on your stay on multi-night bookings LEARN MORE | BOOK NOW
Winter Festivals in Muskoka
Fire & Ice Bracebridge
January 27, 2024
Learn more: https://fireandicebracebridge.com/
Port Carling Winterfest
February 2 – 4, 2024
Learn more: https://www.discovermuskoka.ca/event/port-carling-winterfest/
To help you experience Muskoka check out the following accommodation:
Luxury Winter Staycation at JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka
Other Notable Fun Winter Festivals to Check Out
Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights
November 18, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Learn more: https://wfol.com/
Hello Winter, Barrie
February 3 – 4, 2024
Learn more: https://www.barrie.ca/community-recreation-environment/community-events/barrie-winterfest
Wiarton Willie Festival
February 2, 2024
Learn more: https://www.southbrucepeninsula.com/en/explore-and-play/wiarton-willie.aspx
Bon Soo Winter Carnival, Sault Ste. Marie
February 2 – 10, 2024
Learn more: https://bonsoo.on.ca/
Penetanguishene Winterama – Oldest Winter Carnival in Ontario
February 16 – 18, 2024
Learn more: https://www.winterama.ca
No matter where you choose to go celebrate winter this year, we know it will be fun. Remember to dress according to the weather so that you can stay a long time. There will be a lot for you to do and you’ll want to try all the activities.
ToDoOntario.com is the place to find all the wonderful getaway packages, events and activities to help you easily plan your Ontario adventures. Be sure to cruise the website and what else there is ‘to do’ in Ontario this winter and beyond.