Penetanguishene Winterama

Ontario’s oldest winter carnival invites you to celebrate its 78th year on Family Day Weekend, February 14 and 15, 2026, along the stunning Georgian Bay waterfront.

The Rotary Winterama Parade marches down Main Street at 11:00 AM Saturday with the theme “Board Games,” then activities shift to the Town Dock from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM. You can try axe throwing, hop on horse-drawn wagon rides, catch kids’ snowmobile rides with GBSR, or join the Knights of Columbus ice fishing tournament right on the frozen harbour.

The highlight for many visitors is the Rotary Polar Plunge at 2:30 PM, where brave locals leap into the icy water while spectators cheer from shore. Saturday evening brings the Penetang Kings vs. Stayner Siskins hockey game at 8:00 PM, $5 buttons support all Town events, available at Town Hall or $3 in advance. Sunday morning features the Cardboard Toboggan Races starting at 10:00 AM, where creative homemade sleds compete for glory.

Penetanguishene serves as the “Gateway to the 30,000 Islands,” the world’s largest freshwater archipelago and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Five marinas serve the harbour, including Beacon Bay Marina with over 330 slips and Hindson Marina, the largest independently-owned marina on Georgian Bay.

Rotary Champlain Wendat Park Beach offers a 90-acre waterfront playground with swimming beach, splash pad, fishing dock, and an amphitheatre commemorating Samuel de Champlain’s 1615 landing.

When you need warming up, head to World Famous Dock Lunch, serving award-winning burgers and fish and chips at the Town Dock since 1957. Captain Ken’s Diner, a local institution for over 40 years, specializes in fresh local pickerel and Nova Scotia chowder. Flynn’s Public House offers Irish-inspired fare with 13 draught beers and weekly pub quizzes.

Browse Lake.com for Georgian Bay cottage rentals starting at $160 CAD, giving your family a waterfront home base for exploring this remarkable corner of Ontario. Free parking is available at Rotary Park.