Family Day 2020

Family Day is the perfect opportunity to get your loved ones outdoors for a winter adventure.

Here are some exciting happenings at Ontario Parks this Family Day Weekend:

Fire and Ice Night — Arrowhead Provincial Park

Over 200 torches light your way while skating Arrowhead’s 1.3 km ice trail. Two bonfires are ablaze for marshmallow and hot dog roasting! Hot chocolate is available for purchase.

Arrowhead skate trail

The trail is open from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Rentals are available starting at 5:30 pm, and must be returned by 8:30 pm. Weather permitting.

Winter Weekend — Killarney Provincial Park

The Friends of Killarney Park are hosting their annual Winter Weekend with fun activities for the whole family!

On Saturday evening, one of Killarney’s astronomers-in-residence will lead a stargazing program at the park observatory.

snowy forest

Scheduled activities on Sunday include a guided snowshoe hike, children’s programs led by park staff, tobogganing, and traditional maple syrup taffy.

The Friends are hosting a dinner at Killarney Mountain Lodge on Sunday night  with a presentation from Heather Gauthier. Heather hails from Sudbury, and is an international bestselling author in self-help, spiritual, and travel. Heather has hiked the Camino (the 800 km trail of the Compostela de Santiago) in northern Spain twice since 2012, and will share her experiences as the guest presenter.

Killarney has 30 km of groomed cross country ski trails and snowshoeing on trails like Granite Ridge, providing a whole new way to see the park!

Family Day Weekend — Pinery Provincial Park

No need to hibernate! Family Day is a great excuse to get out and explore nature in winter. Be sure to check out the Visitor Centre and take in a fun nature program with your friends and family!

Pinery snowshoers

Bring your cross-country skis, snowshoes, toboggan and/or skates, and enjoy winter! Skis and snowshoes are also available for rent. Check our Ski Report to make sure Pinery’s got lots of snow!

Winter in the Wild — Algonquin Provincial Park

Winter at Algonquin is unforgettable, and Winter in the Wild highlights the best of what the season has to offer the whole family!

Family skating

Join Ontario Parks and the Friends of Algonquin Park for indoor and outdoor events, including guided bird walks, guest speakers, guided snowshoe excursions, skating, winter camping demos, marshmallow roasting and a special evening program. Chili lunch and barbecue supper will be available for purchase.

Family Day Weekend — MacGregor Point Provincial Park

Come out for some family fun in the snow!

MacGregor Point's ice trail

Outdoor skating will be available from 10:00 am until 10:00 pm daily, weather permitting. Don’t forget to explore the park’s cross-country ski and snowshoe trails.

Family Day Weekend – Rondeau Provincial Park

Bring your family to Rondeau for some winter fun! The Visitor Centre will be open from Saturday to Monday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Rondeau staff with snake

Experience traditional dancing and storytelling with Herb Snake on Saturday at 11:00 am. Learn the meaning of these dances and even get the chance to try a few steps!

Come meet Rondeau’s resident Eastern Foxsnake on Sunday at 1:00 pm, and watch him eat his lunch.

Family Day — Bronte Creek Provincial Park

Tour the various barns and outbuildings of the Children’s Farm (open 9:00-4:00 pm) to see your favorite farm animals. Pellet feed stations available (funds support the Friends of Bronte Creek Park). In the Children’s Playbarn, kids 10-and-under can climb, jump, and explore tunnels to their hearts’ content.

Tobogganing at Bronte

At the Nature Centre (open 10:00-4:00 pm), live animals and hands-on displays showcase Bronte Creek’s natural world. Don’t forget to stop by the crafts station!

Family Fishing Weekend

Did you know Canadians can fish licence-free from February 15-17, 2020? What a great time to introduce your family to ice fishing! Find an event near you.

PicMonkey Collage - ice fishing

Safety should always be number one. Remember: ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness. Always dress for the weather and layer up.

Make sure you obey the rules and regulations of the body of water you’re fishing on too!

Wherever your spend it, our Ontario Parks family hopes your weekend is filled with love and laughter!