To make the most of winter, get outside and embrace it! Bring your favourite people along and make memories together at the largest winter carnival in Northern Ontario.
The Bon Soo Winter Carnival is a fun-for-the-whole-family, inclusive event you won’t want to miss, a great way to share in the magic of the winter wonderland that is Northern Ontario. The nine-day festival, presented by OLG, takes place in a few different spots throughout Sault Ste. Marie from February 7th-15th, 2025.
Most events are included with a one-time purchase of a Bon Soo button ($12) or jacket tag ($8). Children aged 4 and under are free. Buttons and jacket tags may be purchased on-site during the festival or ahead of time at participating locations. Please note that a selection of events will require additional fees.
The carnival has been bringing the community together and fostering a spirit of inclusivity since 1963. It continues to be a fun and entertaining break during the dark winter months—and a great way to show off Northern Ontario hospitality!
“There are events for everyone, of all ages and interests, both indoors and outdoors,” says Amelia Morris, Vice President of the Bon Soo Board of Directors.
“Events this year include classics such as Bum Slides and the Polar Bear Plunge, and new favorites like the Polar Pursuit Winter Obstacle Course, the EDM Sno Bath (with electronic dance music playing at Northern Superior Brewery), the Fire and Ice Hot Sauce Challenge with local hot sauce, an invitation to the Annual Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow, and much more!”
Other events to look forward to include:
- Opening ceremonies include a fireworks show, opening concert (Silent Nin9), bum slides opening, an open skate, food vendors including Hogan’s Homestead and much more!
- Numerous musical performances
- Live sculpture carving
- Tenaris kids zone
- Frozen canoe rides
- Family skates
- Crafts for kids
- Card games for seniors
- Sports tournaments including ringette, volleyball, curling and a fat bike race
- Pony rides
- A torch-lit luau
Programming will take place across three fun zones in the city: Zone 1 in the Canal District, Zone 2 in the downtown plaza and Clergue Park, and Zone 3 at the 19+ event zone at Northern Superior Tap Room.
You definitely won’t want to miss the big headliner concert happening on Wednesday, February 12th at 7:30 pm, when Steven Lee Olsen brings his Country Night in Canada tour featuring Jojo Mason to The Machine Shop. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
Bon Soo is a not-for-profit that provides this event for the community with the community’s help. It is led and run by dedicated volunteers.
For more information and program updates, visit here.