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Algonquin Park's Winter in the Wild Festival

Join us to share your love of Algonquin Park in winter on February 17, 2024

The Friends of Algonquin Park and Ontario Parks are proud to announce Winter in the Wild Festival happening in Algonquin Park on February 17, 2024 (the Saturday of Family Day Weekend). This family-friendly festival celebrates winter in Algonquin Park through indoor and outdoor events held at various locations throughout the Highway 60 Corridor of Algonquin Park, including many at the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre.


Winter in the Wild Festival Schedule - February 17, 2024

All of the activities during the Winter in the Wild Festival are free with the purchase of a Daily Vehicle Permit or Camping Permit (with the exception of food at the barbecue).

Guided Winter Bird Walk - 10:00am to 11:30am

Winter in the WildMeet at Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail (km 42.5) [outdoor]

Join Discovery Program staff as they go looking and listening for some of the “Algonquin Specialties” such as Canada Jay, Spruce Grouse and Boreal Chickadee Blue Spruce Resort Logoall the while being aware of the other natural phenomena in our midst. A limited number of binoculars will be available to loan to participants.

Participants should wear multiple 'layers', sturdy, winter-appropriate footwear, gloves or mitts and a winter hat.


Wildlife Snowshoe Excursion - 10:30am to 12:00pm

Meet at the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre Main Parking Lot (km 43.0) [outdoor]

Snowshoeing at Winter in the WildDiscover what Algonquin wildlife is active in winter while exploring infrequently traveled areas by snowshoe. This excursion will be led by a Park Naturalist with The Friends of Algonquin Park. There will be The Friends of Algonquin Park Logolimited snowshoes available to borrow courtesy of The Friends of Algonquin Park however bring your own if you prefer. This excursion will require moderate physical fitness and is suitable for all ages. Instruction will be provided on snowshoeing technique.

Participants should wear multiple 'layers', sturdy, winter-appropriate footwear, gloves or mitts and a winter hat.


Algonquin for Kids, Algonquin in Winter - 11:00am to 11:30am

Meet at the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre Theatre (km 43.0) [indoor, seating capacity 100]

Winter in Algonquin is cold and long. Join Discovery Program staff to tackle a set of challenges and uncover the secret to surviving Algonquin's snowy season.


Gray Jay in WinterAsk the Discovery Naturalist, Animal Winter Adaptations - 12:30pm to 2:00pm

Meet at the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre (km 43.0) [indoor]

Join a Discovery Program staff in exploring some of Algonquin’s incredible wildlife through different artifacts and objects at a Discovery station. Bring your questions, pictures, and stories!


New EventSpecial Guest: Life in the Cold Lane with Michael Runtz - 2:30pm to 3:30pm

Meet at the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre Theatre (km 43.0) [indoor, seating capacity 100]

Algonquin Park in winter is a stunningly beautiful place, but behind that beauty lies an unforgiving, seemingly cruel side that challenges all who remain for that season. From hoarding food to allowing their body to freeze, the diverse solutions employed by Algonquin's animals to survive the season of hardship will be revealed in this highly visual presentation by Michael Runtz.

Mink in Winter

Algonquin OutfittersMichael Runtz is one of Canada’s most highly respected naturalists, nature photographers, and natural history authors, with more than a dozen bestselling books to his name. A former Algonquin Park naturalist, Michael Runtz is a dynamic educator equally at home in the television or radio studio, lecture hall or classroom at Carleton University.

Michael Runtz


On the Trail of Wildlife - 2:30pm to 4:00pm

Blue Spruce Resort LogoMeet at the Old Railway Bike Trail Parking Lot at Mew Lake Campground (km 30.8) [outdoor]

Join Discovery Program staff looking for winter birds and other signs of wildlife on the trail. No dogs allowed.

Participants should wear multiple 'layers', sturdy, winter-appropriate footwear, gloves or mitts and a winter hat.


Wildlife Snowshoe Excursion - 2:30pm to 4:00pm

Meet at the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre Main Parking Lot (km 43.0) [outdoor]

SnowshoesDiscover what Algonquin wildlife is active in winter while exploring infrequently traveled areas by snowshoe. This excursion will be led by a Park Naturalist with The Friends of Algonquin Park. There will be The Friends of Algonquin Park Logolimited snowshoes available to borrow courtesy of The Friends of Algonquin Park however bring your own if you prefer. This excursion will require moderate physical fitness and is suitable for all ages. Instruction will be provided on snowshoeing technique.

Participants should wear multiple 'layers', sturdy, winter-appropriate footwear, gloves or mitts and a winter hat.


Winter Camping Demonstrations - 3:00pm to 6:00pm

Winter Camping in Algonquin ParkMeet at Mew Lake Campground (km 30.8) [outdoor]

Algonquin Park is open to both car camping and backcountry camping year round. Drop by and check out the winter camping demonstrations at Mew Lake Campground. Experienced Bongopix Taverncampers will be on hand to answer your questions and to demonstrate various styles of accommodations and gear.

Participants should wear multiple 'layers', sturdy, winter-appropriate footwear, gloves/mitts and a winter hat.


Ice Skating, Campfire, and Barbecue - 3:00pm to 6:00pm

Barbecue at Winter in the WildMeet at Mew Lake Campground (km 30.8) [outdoor]

Roast a marshmallow, sip hot chocolate, and get warmed by the fire. Bring your skates and try out the Mew Lake Campground skating rink.

The Friends of Algonquin Park LogoThere will be a charity barbecue dinner available for sale featuring hot dogs ($3) plus beef and veggie burgers ($5). Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Visitor Centre information desk, or during the barbecue at Mew Lake Campground. Barbecue proceeds support the ongoing charitable work of The Friends of Algonquin Park.


Night Walk - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Winter in the WildMeet at Mew Lake Campground (km 30.8) [outdoor]

Come join Discovery Program staff to explore the sights and sounds of winter at night. After a fireside introduction to Algonquin Park wildlife, we will walk into the woods and look for signs of wildlife, and check out the night sky. No dogs allowed on hike.

Participants should wear multiple 'layers', sturdy, Mad Musherwinter-appropriate footwear, gloves or mitts and a winter hat. We will be walking a total distance of approximately 2 km round-trip. Headlamps/flashlights recommended.


Event Sponsors

A special thanks to the following companies who make it possible to deliver special activities at Algonquin Park's Winter in the Wild Festival. If your company would like to sponsor an event please contact Stacey at 613 637-2828 extension 239.

Mad MusherBlue Spruce Resort LogoAlgonquin OutfittersBongopix TavernWild Birds Unlimited TorontoOttawa Valley Roast House


I love Algonquin Park in winter

See past event images on The Friends of Algonquin Park's Facebook page.


Related Information

 

Reserve your developed or backcountry campsite for your next visit.

Share your passion for Algonquin Park by becoming a member or donor.

Special regulations for Algonquin's special fishery.