Spotlight on Annual Events in Cottage Country

Time flies when you’re having fun at the cottage, but sometimes it’s nice to get out and explore what the area has to offer. Mark your calendars for these annual events in Ontario cottage country throughout the year:

Winter

Peterborough SnoFest

Peterborough  |  January

Throughout the month of January, Peterborough businesses open their doors for a winter festival where you can go skating, take horse-drawn sleigh rides, drink hot chocolate, and more.

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Haliburton Highlands Dogsled Derby

Haliburton  |  March

Tourists love watching the dogsled derby for an exhilarating day of races, food, and fun! Got a sled dog? Sign up to compete — the prize last year was $6,000!

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Spring

Spring Cottage Show

Mississauga, ON  |  March

For almost 25 years, Cottage Life has been hosting annual events where vendors showcase boats, docks, builders, contractors, innovative building products, green solutions, decor and style, arts and crafts, food and entertaining, water toys and more.

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Orillia Perch Festival

Orillia  |  April

Fishermen have been fleeing to Orillia for the last 37 years to participate in the Orillia Perch Festival, North America’s largest fishing derby. Tons of prizes are up for grabs through the festival’s Live Release Program.

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Summer

Barrie Automotive Flea Market

Barrie  |  June

While this event may sound like a car lover’s dream, the Barrie Automotive Flea Market has something for everyone. You’ll find antiques, art, and camping, too!

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Boots + Hearts

Oro-Medonte  |  August

This annual festival brings country music fans together to see some of the biggest names in the industry and camp outside. 2017’s lineup includes Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, and Brantley Gilbert.

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WayHome

Oro-Medonte  |  July

If country music isn’t your thing, you’ll be better suited to attend WayHome, another camping + music festival event featuring artists from a variety of genres such as rock, folk, indie, and more.

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Fall

Fall Cottage Show

Mississauga  |  October

You don’t need to wait a full year to return to the Cottage Show! The fall show provides cottagers an opportunity to get a head start planning cottage projects for the following year.

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Cranberry Festival

Bala  |  October

Held in October, the Cranberry Festival is a popular event for vacationers who are spending one last weekend at the cottage for the year before closing up. The annual event features tours of the local marshes and wineries, food, music, and fun!

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Blue Mountain Apple Harvest Festival

Blue Mountain  |  October

Hosted on Thanksgiving weekend each year, the Apple Harvest Festival is a three-day event perfect for families who love all things fall — pumpkin and apple picking, nature walks through the beautiful autumn leaves, and corn mazes.

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