Hey friends, while winter carnivals are still likely not going to look like they did prior to the pandemic, there is still lots of fun to be had and memories to be made. It should be noted that these winter carnivals are all contingent on public health measures. For the most up-to-date information on each event, check out the websites that have been linked in each of the descriptions.
Here is the list of winter carnivals broken down by township.
Renfrew
Unfortunately, due to the recent provincial announcements and increase in public health measures, FREWFEST has been cancelled for another year. There are, however, several walking trails and a skating trail at Ma-te-Way Activity Centre. There is more information below.
North Algona Wilberforce Township
Rankin Culture and Recreation Centre
While more details will be provided soon about what exactly the Rankin winter carnival will entail, we do know that there will at least be a button draw taking place. Carnival buttons will be sold for $2.00 and are both wooden and handmade. These buttons are numbered and these numbers will be entered into a draw that is set to take place on Saturday, February 12. The prizes for the draw are $200, $100 and $75. If there are any in-person winter carnival events, a button will be required in order to participate. The Rankin Culture & Recreation Centre will also be hosting an online auction during this time. More details about the winter carnival can be found on the centre’s Facebook page here.
Township of Laurentian Valley
Alice in Winterland – This event is was set to take place on January 22, but is now being postponed until February at the Alice & Fraser Recreation Centre (1 Henan Road). This winter carnival is set to be 100% outside, although it should be noted that the canteen will be open for take-out service. Some of the events that will be taking place are figure skating demonstrations; sleigh rides; log saw & nail hammer demonstrations; tea boil; pet parade; archery; bonfires; sliding hill; snowman building contest; on-ice activities; family snowshoe poker walk; and of course…the Laurentian Valley Skating Trail. For the most up-to-date information about the event, check the Facebook page here.
Petawawa
Taking place from January 28 to February 18, 2022, is Petawawa’s Cabin Fever winter festival. There will be in-person and virtual events for all ages. Events include sounds of business – two small intimate live accusative performances in local shops, and includes local spirit or craft beer with local food samplings; comedy night and live music; cooking if forward kids cooking classes; family public skating; and virtual bingo – to name a few of the events. For more information, check out the Town of Petawawa’s website here.
Winter Appreciation
While I am hopeful that winter carnivals are still able to take place in some form or another, I also wanted to provide you with some ideas to still celebrate winter. This season is so darn long otherwise if we don’t lean in and embrace it. In the Ottawa Valley, we are blessed with so many ways to soak in and embrace nature. Below are just a few of the many ways to appreciate winter in the Ottawa Valley.
Mount Martin Ski Club
Located in Deep River, Mount Martin Ski Club is a perfect location to do one of the most quintessential winter activities – downhill skiing. The hill boasts 12 runs that you get to through the use of a T-bar rather than a chair lift. Mount Martin Ski Club really strikes me as a community environment and a family-friendly business. I should also mention, lift passes for adults are only $20 for most days (except for Saturday, which is $25). If you would like more information about Mount Martin Ski Club, you can check out their website here.
Gear Lending Hubs
Wanting to go snowshoeing, but do not have snowshoes? Fear not! Almost every community in Renfrew County has a gear lending hub. The Ottawa Valley Tourist Association shows where all of the lending hubs are on their map of the Ottawa Valley. Another place to check for gear is at the various public libraries throughout the Ottawa Valley. Did you know that libraries lend out more than just books? Often times they have museum passes, outdoor gear and movies in addition to books. Now you know!
Winter Hiking
One of my favourite things to do in the winter is to go for a hike. While yes, it can be cold from time to time, it is free and does not take long for your body to warm up. My favourite part about winter hiking is that you do not have to worry about being attacked by mosquitoes or black flies… a huge win in my books!
Some of my favourite winter hiking spots include:
- Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre in North Algona Wilberforce, which is also an awesome spot to snowshoe and cross-country ski. I love the old growth trails in the winter. Lots of space (meaning I usually never run into anyone else on the trails) and the trails are relatively flat;
- Petawawa Terrace Provincial Park – family friendly spot that also permits leashed dogs. I should also add that it is a super photo-worthy spot;
- Ma-te-Way Recreation Trail in Renfrew – this is another dog-friendly trail. The last time I used this trail, I ran into a lot of people and their sweet pups; and
- Gillies Grove in Arnprior – I will never grow tired of spending time amongst the massive white pines. These trees remind me of the trees on Vancouver Island, which holds a special spot in my heart.
Outdoor Skating
The final outdoor activity that celebrates winter is skating at one of the outdoor skating trails. There are three outdoor skating trails that I am aware of (if there are more, please let me know in the comments below). The first one is the Deep River Skate Trail at Grouse Park. It is open seven days a week from 10 am to 9 pm. More information on this skating trail can be found on its Facebook page here. The second skating trail is the Laurentian Valley Skating Trail. This skating trail is not yet open, but updates can be found on the Township of Laurentian Valley Facebook page here. The third and final skating trail is at Ma-te-Way Activity Centre. For more information, please refer to the Facebook page here.
There you have it, a few ways to make the most of winter in the Ottawa Valley. I find that for me having things to do in the winter helps to boost my mood and keeps the negative thoughts about the current state of the world at bay.