Muskokans don’t just endure winter, they revel in it! With so many different outdoor activities to partake in, it’s no wonder that we embrace winter so enthusiastically. Add in a party atmosphere and we’re all over it. Because winter time is carnival time.

From tube runs right down the main street of town to bed races and polar bear dips to good old-fashioned winter fun, we know how to celebrate the snowy season. There’s a festival in just about every town—attend one or attend them all!

Here’s what kind of carnival fun you’ll find across Muskoka. Check back to their websites or Facebook pages for more details closer to each event.

Jan 26 Fire and Ice Festival, Bracebridge

There’s a dizzying array of events at this popular one-day festival. Highlights include the tube run through downtown, crokacurl (a combination of curling and crokinole, invented in Canada, of course!), disc golf (the only four-season golf game in Muskoka), lumberjack and ice sculpting shows, and that favourite pastime any time of year…roasting marshmallows.

Feb 1-3 Port Carling Winterfest 

For 52 years, the Port Carling Winterfest has been delighting winter fans and this year will be no different. There’s a variety of children’s entertainment, face painting, horse and wagon rides, log sawing contests, a birds of prey demonstration, a chili cook-off contest, and more!

Feb 1-3 Port Sydney Winter Carnival

Port Sydney is a little village with a lot of heart. You’ll find simple, old-fashioned winter fun at this annual carnival, including skating and tubing by tiki-lights, horse and wagon rides, and snow games.

February 2, Muskoka Winter Bike Fest, Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville

If you love cycling, don’t let winter stop you. This event features an 11-kilometre race course with heats for experienced riders, newbies and kids. Plus there’s a bonfire, beer tasting, chili and live entertainment, and more trails to ride if you just can’t get enough.

Feb 8-9 Dwight Winter Carnival 

There’s a whole lot of excitement packed into this little carnival, including a pancake breakfast and chili cook-off, horse-drawn wagon rides, science and nature activities with Science North and Find Your Wild, and tons of carnival and snow games for kids of all ages.

Feb 14-18 Gravenhurst Winter Carnival 

Gravenhurst wins the award for most-unique carnival around. With five days of fun full of activities like bed races, a polar bear dip, a demolition derby, a donut eating contest, a puddle jump, and a doggie dash, it’s entertaining from start to finish!

Feb 15-16 Dorset Snowball 

The Dorset Snowball parade kicks off the fun and festivities at this annual event, in its 29th year in 2019. Follow that up with horse-drawn wagon rides, snow snake games, skating, and other winter activities.

Feb 18 Baysville Winterfest 

This fun Family Day event features a free pancake breakfast and BBQ courtesy of the Lions Club, donut and pie eating contests (as fun to watch as they are to participate in!), and a variety of winter activities. It’s family fun for everyone!