Gravenhurst Winter Carnival

Skokie the Otter invites you to Gravenhurst’s most beloved winter tradition over Family Day Weekend (February 13-16, 2026), when this town of 13,000 swells with visitors for four days of snowmobile puddle-jumps, cardboard box races, and small-town carnival nostalgia that feels lifted straight from a Canadian postcard.

Signature events include the demolition derby (nothing says Muskoka winter like watching cars collide on ice), Skokie’s Birthday Party for the festival’s otter mascot, elaborate snow sculpture competitions, and the polar bear dip for those brave enough to plunge into icy lake water. Live entertainment includes magic shows by Brent and Sarah, food trucks serving poutine and Beaver Tails, and community games that invite participation rather than spectatorship. Purchase a Winter Carnival button for event admission (pricing and purchasing details available at gravenhurst.ca closer to the event).

Gravenhurst straddles Gull Lake and the southern reaches of Lake Muskoka, with the Muskoka Wharf providing waterfront access year-round. Winter transforms the town’s marina district into a snow-dusted version of its summer self, minus the boat traffic and plus the ice-fishing huts dotting the frozen bay. The Gull Lake Rotary Park skating loop and Centennial Centre outdoor rink extend the winter fun beyond official carnival hours.

For dinner, Sawdust City Brewing (908 Bay Street, established 2014) occupies a renovated former Canadian Tire building, brewing craft beer on-site while serving elevated pub fare that pairs perfectly with their Golden Beach Pale Ale. Alternatively, Dock of the Bay Steak & Seafood Grille provides waterfront dining with Lake Muskoka views, specializing in Ontario steaks and fresh fish.

Accommodation packages at Residence Inn Gravenhurst Muskoka Wharf include carnival vouchers redeemable at Sawdust City, Frosty Pint, and Boston Pizza, plus tickets to the Brent and Sarah Magic Show. The carnival captures Gravenhurst at its most community-focused, when locals and visitors mingle freely over shared appreciation for winter’s grip on cottage country.