Algonquin Park's Winter in the Wild Festival
Join us to share your love of Algonquin Park in winter.
The Friends of Algonquin Park and Ontario Parks are proud to announce Winter in the Wild Festival happening in Algonquin Park on February 18, 2023 (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 Visitor Centre.
Winter in the Wild Festival Schedule - February 18, 2023
Below is the 2023 Winter in the Wild schedule of events. Please check back for updates and additions as this event approaches.
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 charity barbecue).
Guided Winter Bird Walk - 10:00am to 11:30am
Meet at Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail (km 42.5) [outdoor]
Join Discovery Program staff they go looking and listening for some of the “Algonquin Specialties” such as Canada Jay, Spruce Grouse and Boreal Chickadee all the while being aware of the other natural phenomena in our midst. A limited number of 
binoculars will be available to loan to participants, courtesy of The Friends of Algonquin Park.
Participants should wear multiple 'layers', sturdy, winter-appropriate footwear, gloves or mitts and a winter hat.
Meet the Artist - 10:00am to 3:00pm
Meet at the Algonquin Visitor Centre in the Algonquin Room [indoor]
Stop by and chat with artist Marissa Sweet about her adventures and hear the stories behind her paintings on display.
Wildlife Snowshoe Excursion - 10:30am to 12:00pm
Meet at the Algonquin Visitor Centre Main Parking Lot (km 43.0) [outdoor]
Discover 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 
limited 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.
Special Guests: Frosty Algonquin, Tales From The Trails - 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Meet at the Algonquin Visitor Centre Theatre (km 43.0) [indoor, seating capacity 100]
Join Jesse and Susan Villemaire of Follow Me North Photography for their breathtaking photo presentation Frosty Algonquin, Tales From The Trails.
With years of experience photographing the majestic landscapes and wildlife in one of Canada's most beloved parks, they will share unforgettable stories and images from the trails that make Algonquin Park such an incredible place.
Meet the Naturalist - Animal Winter Adaptations - 12:30pm to 2:00pm
Meet at the Algonquin 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!
Special Guest: Winter Camping Adventures with Dave Hadfield - 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Meet at the Algonquin Visitor Centre Theatre (km 43.0) [indoor, seating capacity 100]
Dave Hadfield has been wandering through Canada’s remote northern forests since the early 1980s. He specializes in backcountry routes not found in guidebooks. After a trapper friend introduced him to traditional gear and techniques, Dave developed much of his own equipment, including wall tents, tin woodstoves, sleds, and more. Dave is an experienced winter camper, specializing in hot tent camping in the backcountry of the Canadian Shield. He is also a song writer, pilot, and active online content creator.
Tracking Walk - 2:30pm to 4:00pm
Meet 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.
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 Visitor Centre Main Parking Lot (km 43.0) [outdoor]
Discover 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 limited 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
Meet 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 
campers 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
Meet 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.
There will be a 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 (cash, debit, credit) or at Mew Lake Campground (cash only please). Barbecue proceeds support the ongoing charitable work of The Friends of Algonquin Park.
Campfire and Winter Night Hike - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Meet 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, 
winter-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.
See past event images on The Friends of Algonquin Park's Facebook page.
Related Information
- Winter in Algonquin Park
- Special Events in Algonquin Park
- Skiing
- Current Ski Trail Conditions
- Current Snow Depth
- Camping at Mew Lake Campground
- Accommodation Outside Algonquin Park
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.