This Family Day weekend, why not do it right and add a bit of adventure into the mix? Pack up the car and take your favourite people in a brand-new direction.
These ideas are sure to please outdoor enthusiasts, winter aficionados and culture-lovers alike. There’s truly something for everyone—and there’s always more pleasure to be had in trying something new.
Angler’s Haven Ice Fishing
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at ice fishing, Lake Nipissing is the place to go. Considered one of the best ice fishing lakes in Ontario, you’ll find numerous species of fish here, including perch, pickerel, pike and whitefish. Stay in one of their executive ice bungalows, which sleep 2, 6 and 8 people. Weekend packages run from Friday to Sunday and include one dozen minnows per person, tip-ups, hooks, line and sinkers, plus everything you’ll need to stay comfy and warm inside. They even provide an outdoor light for night fishing!
Winterlude
The timing for this annual festival is perfect this year, as it ends on Monday, February 20th, just as Family Day weekend draws to a close. Take the family to downtown Ottawa and do all of the things: watch live ice-carving at the Winterlude National Ice-Carving Competition, let the kids burn off some energy in a gigantic snow playground called Snowflake Kingdom, and go for an exhilarating family skate along UNESCO World Heritage Site the Rideau Canal. You can also experience a mini pow wow at the Canadian Museum of History and wander through ByWard Market. Events are free throughout Ottawa and Gatineau so you can splurge on accommodations or a few extra special meals.
Experience winter in Killarney
Why not go all in on winter during this latter part of the season and try some outdoor adventures in one of Ontario’s many provincial parks? Winter Weekend is held during Family Day weekend every year at Killarney Provincial Park and it’s the perfect chance to discover and embrace the beauty of the season. You can cross-country ski along 30 km of trails, take a guided snowshoe hike and stargaze from the park’s main beach—it’s the perfect place to do so as Killarney is officially recognized as Ontario Parks’ first Dark Sky Preserve.
Voyageur Winter Carnival
Head to Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay, the world’s largest fur trade post, for three full days of fun winter activities. Make your way through a giant snow maze, go for a skate, try some tubing, take a wagon ride, enjoy the live entertainment and play some carnival games. The kids are sure to love visiting the farm animals and making crafts. You make this a little bit of a learning opportunity too: visit the fort’s historic buildings, meet historical characters and learn all about Anishinaabe winter traditions and technologies. If you’re feeling competitive, enter one of their contests!
Try something new this Family Day Weekend and grow your skills. It may just be the start of a new, and cherished, family tradition.
