Cottage Country's Winter Festivals & Carnivals

Tis' the Season for Outdoor Fun & Frolic!

Winter Festivals & Carnivals within Cottage Country

What an amazing time of year to spend with family, friends and other members of your community or surrounding area, as opposed to hibernating all winter long! Join families across cottage country who are celebrating the 2010 winter season with pond hockey, polar bear dips, ice sculptures and mazes, slide, dog sled races, ice skating, toboganning, hot chocolate, warm fires and refreshments! Check  specific carnivals or festivals if you are searching for a particular event, every community is unique.  

Midland’s Winterfest

Friday, February 5th 2010 - Sunday, February 7th 2010
Visit Tay Township for more information.



Barrie's Winterfest & Festival of Ice

Saturday, February 6th 2010 - Sunday, February 7th 2010
Downtown Barrie - Heritage Park & Memorial Square
Heritage Park & other Downtown Locations
Visit City of Barrie for more information.



Beaverton Lion's Winter Carnival

Saturday, February 6th 2010
Downtown at the Town Hall & other Downtown Locations
Visit Beaverton and Area Chamber of Commerce for more information.


 
Orillia Winter Carnival

Friday, February 12th 2010 - Sunday, February 14th 2010
Downtown Orillia at Couchiching Park
Visit Orillia Winter Carnival or here for more information. 


 
Victoria Harbour & Tay Township's Frosty Frolics

Friday, February 12th 2010 - Sunday, February 14th 2010
Victoria Harbour, Port McNicoll, Wye Marsh, Oakwood
Visit Tay Township for more information.



Penetanguishene Winterama

Friday, February 19th 2010 - Sunday, February 21st 2010
Downtown and other locations within the community.
Visit Town of Penetanguishene for more information.



Gravenhurst Winter Carnival

Thursday, March 4th 2010 - Sunday, March 7th 2010
Downtown and other locations within the community.

Visit the Town of Gravenhurst for more information.

Pond Hockey Championship 2010 - Huntsville, Ontario

Get off the couch and get ready for the world's largest outdoor pond hockey tournament that spans over 6 acres of Mother Nature's natural ice! Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario will once again host the 5th annual Canadian National Pond Hockey Championships featuring both male and female hockey players from Everywhere, North America.

Entertain yourselves this winter on back to back weekends,

come to Sunset Bay for a visit or a stay!

January 29 - 31, 2010 - Men's Open Championships (age 25+, 80 teams) Women's Open Championships (age 19+, 24 teams) , and Men's Recreational Division (age 25+, 40 teams).

February 5 - 7, 2010 - Masters Championships (men's, age 35+, 72 teams); Masters Recreational (men's, age 35+, 40 teams), Women's Recreational (age 25+, 18-24 teams) and NEW Women's Masters (age 35+, 6-12 teams).

This is a recreational event folks, so there will be a rink side beer tent for those thirsty (of age) diehard hockey players and fans! There will also be refreshments, the resort and other facilities nearby including Huntsville. Remember, it's freakin' cold outside so dress appropriately and bring a change of clothes. Safe ice is an all too important factor so weather conditions do play a role in this event. If you are unsure or have any questions, call ahead to the Deerhurst Resort (phone # 705-789-6411) before you leave home.

Your participation in the event is appreciated, in any form! This pond hockey tournament is a fantastic economic boost for the Huntsville area along with being a fund raising source for worthy causes such as Shoot For a Cure, NHL Alumni Hockey's Greatest Family Fund and the Walter & Wayne Gretzky CNIB Blind Youth Scholarship Program. Mr. Walter Gretzky, named Honorary Coach of The Canadian National Pond Hockey Championship, also known as a super awesome hockey Dad, will make an appearance over the course of the event as well.

 

Snowmobile Trails

Another snowmobile season is upon us, so it's time to get outside and begin enjoying snow covered landscapes and over 40,000 km's of groomed trails throughout the province of Ontario.

Central Ontario has a reputation with outdoor enthusiasts even out in the middle of the wild country. The local chapter of the OFSC (Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs) provides over 5,500 km of snowmobile trails in this area beginning just north of the GTA (Greater Toronto Area).

Note: Muskoka trails are open (thank you everyone for your co-operation).



Remember to...

- Get a permit to ride the trail, they are mandatory. Be sure to have it on your person. Permits and navigational maps are available at OFSC member clubs or can be purchased online.

- Check the trail conditions. They do vary from region to region, day to day, mile to mile depending on many factors including weather. Be sure to check out the latest status report for your specific area. Central Ontario's snowmobiling district.

- Give your snowmobile the once over by checking the oil and fuel then fill up on both, if necessary. Check your signals, lights, electrical components and gauges. No missing bolts, track is good?

- Both operators and passengers willingly use the trails at their own risk, think safety at all times! Where is your helmut?

- You must know and obey all of the laws including, The Occupiers' Liability Act, The Motorized Snow Vehicles Act and the Trespass to Property Act. As well operators and passengers must know and adhere to the principles published as the Safe Riders Pledge by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers' Association.


- The OFSC is a volunteer based organization with limited resources. It is not feasible to maintain all trails in a uniform manner, remove all potential hazards or pre-alert to all dangers. Think smart, drive and ride safely.

- There is a zero tolerance approach with alchohol. All operators and passengers must not consume alcohol prior to or while using the trails (or anywhere for that matter).

- Share the trails, they are not just yours! Operators stay to the right, act responsibly and drive with care and control all the times.

- Speed limit on trails is 50 km/h or less when reduced by the law or the trail's condition.

- Grooming and maintenance activities are done 24/7, day or night. Always watch for equipment which may take up a large portion of the trail. Pay attention at all times.

- Emergency services and cell phone connections may not be available. Be sure to have an plan in place for when you shall return, contact or connect with those at home.

- Signage on trails is only for assistance and convenience and is not put their by law. Just because there is no sign to warm danger, no trespassing etc. just be careful, think smart and know you are not above the law.

- Know, understand and watch for signs of danger before and during an ice crossing. Always check first!! Weather conditins have an affect, always check!

- Dress appropriately for all weather conditions along with night and day gear that is visible in those conditions. Use reflective tapes on clothing and sled and have basic emergency equipment such as a rope, knive, matches, axe, snacks etc.

- Everything about the trail system is operated by volunteers so please respect that. To learn more and/or volunteer visit here.


Always Watch for...

- Obstacles hidden by the snow, trees and branches on or hanging over the trail
- Grooming equipment, oncoming sleds, other trail users such as skiers and walkers
- Wildlife
- Washed out trails
- Snow banks, drifts and moguls
- Road and railway crossings
- Streets, roads, intersections, corners and stop signs
- Bridges, open water, pressure cracks in the ice, broken ice

Get out there and Explore Ontario

...Be Safe, Have Fun and remember this is a Family Oriented sport. Be extra careful around the little ones who are unpredictable, get cold really easy and will look to your for guidance if the time arises so think smart at all times and stay off the booze!

Land those Lake Simcoe Perch!

If you've got the talent, skill and a horseshoe tucked somewhere just right, then you too may be able to land those delicious Lake Simcoe Perch.

Your chances will increase if you do a bit of research first, before heading out on the lake. Preplanning and actually doing what is in the plan will make your life easier. Realizing you forgot to hit up the bait shop really blows when you are already at the hut. Hang around here and see how the locals fish Lake Simcoe, oh but not the exact where's my friend, that's gonna cost ya!

Yesterday, January 15th 2010 was a beautiful day on  Lake Simcoe with temperatures around +1C. For this time of year, that's a huge wow compared to two weeks ago at -20C. There was very little wind with sunshine breaking thru otherwise pretty much overcast all day long. The fishing began at around 11am with a trip out in the Argo (a land/watercraft, in one) and continued until about 5pm ish when it was time to head for shore. The majority of Perch were landed from mid-late afternoon.

Fishing Stats

Where - Lake Simcoe ice fishing hut, 1.5 miles offshore Beaverton area
Ice Thickness - 7" of clear ice (hole made with power auger)
Water Depth - 21'
Bait - live minnows, Emerald Shiners
Line - single hook with a Split Shot Sinker attached to an old wooden fishing stick
Caught - 12 Perch (allowed 50); Smallest 7" throw back to the Largest 14.5" 1.75lbs & yummy!

Ice Fishing, Think Safety First!

Central Ontario, mainly the Lake Simcoe area, is fast becoming one of the world's hottest spots for entertaining one of the most coldest of sports, ice fishing!

The frozen waters of Central Ontario will beckon fisherman from afar as the bone chilling, sub-freezing temperatures begin to freeze both the land and water. Forming a temporary, seasonal splendor, an ice fishing heaven. As all good fisherman know, if your lucky and have what it takes, you too can have a chance to catch and taste what generations of local fisherman and visitors rave about!

You will need a Fishing License to legally fish any waters, in any season, unless otherwise specified. Please see the Ministry of Natural Resources, or your local tackle and bait shop for more information. Safety is just as imperative and must include proper clothing, protection from the elements, compass, communication, wather and ice thickness.

Ice Safety

Less than 4 inches – STAY OFF! There is no reason to test the newly formed ice at this time.

4-6 Inches – Ice fishing, foot travel in single-file lines, and small spaced seating on the ice should be safe, presuming the ice is clear and clean.

6-10 Inches – Snowmobiles and ATV’s can travel safely on good ice that is over inches thick.

10-16 Inches – Small cars and pick-ups can begin to venture on to the ice. However, it is best to avoid driving on the ice, whenever possible.

16+ Inches – A medium-sized car or mid-size pickup can drive on good clear solid ice.

Remember that many factors such as wind, rain and temperatures increasing can change safe ice to unsafe ice overnight! Always check beforehand! Proceed with caution, if at all, across pressure cracks. Have a communication device with you and prepare those at home with your arrival time at home. As well have a GPS, compass or mapping system in place and a BUDDY system. Do not venture out alone!

Ice will not form safely in areas with swift currents which leaves open areas that freeze thinner. Off-shore winds can shift the ice forming pressure cracks, like the one pictured above. The late winter warm spells can also destroy the texture of the ice, forming rotten or soft ice. Beware that it may be the required thickness but will not adequately support weight. Smart fisherman carry a self-rescue device made of two spiked handles connected by a string used to pull themselves out of the water and onto the ice. Many cars, trucks, SUVs, snowmobiles, and fish houses also fall through the ice each year. Current environmental regulations require the speedy recovery of the vehicle or structure. In some cases divers must be hired, and when the trouble occurs far from shore, helicopters may be employed for hoisting and or search and rescue. Other risks associated with ice fishing include carbon monoxide poisoning from fish house heaters and frostbite due to prolonged exposure to wind and low temperatures. Make sure you have room inside your hut for all of those in your party, including pets.

Safety Tips & Hints

- Wear Layers of Clothing. Layering makes it easier to remove or put clothes back on if you are getting too hot or too cold. Your initial layer should be thermal underwear that draws away moisture.Your next layer should be insulating like fleece, wool or flannel . Your last or outside layer should be windproof and waterproof, your jacket should be a down-filled coat with a hood. Remember to wear a warm wool, fleece or knitted hat. Avoid cotton because it does not hold heat well, especially when wet. Boots should be insulated & waterproof, wear liner socks plus a pair of thick wool or non-cotton socks. Wear your boots loosely fitting to avoid cutting off circulation of blood to your lower extremities. Make sure to wear neoprene or waterproof nylon mittens.

- What else should I bring? A small bag of sand or kitty litter to sprinkle around your ice hole or vehicle, for better traction. An additional set of dry clothes and socks in case you get wet. High energy snacks and warm drinks to fuel you through the cold day. Rope to use in case someone falls through the ice. First aid kit. Matches stored in a waterproof container (35mm film canisters work great). Home-made ice awls or store bought ice picks, in an easy to reach OUTER pocket. PFD seat cushion to use as a seat and/or flotation device. Hand and foot warmers.

- Pay attention & watch where you are going!

- Never fish in an area where the ice is less than 4 inches thick.

- Avoid areas where there are feeder streams and springs, all running water.

- Stay away from ice areas that are dark, honeycombed, porous, wet, soft or slushy.


Falling Through the Ice

If you fall through the ice, don't panic. You must remain calm.

- Use your ice awls to pull yourself up onto the safe ice.

      No ice awls? Try "swimming out," which lets your body rise and allows you to get onto firm ice.

- Use your legs to kick behind you, to help keep from going under.

Once on the ice, remain low and distibute your body weight over as much of the ice surface area as possible. Spread out.

If you can't get to safety, you must call for help. Yell as loud as you can.

- Slip your boots off to make treading water easier.

- Keep your clothes on, as they will insulate you from the icy water.

When is Enough Cold, Enough?

If you, your chidren or your pets are either wet, tired, cold or all three it's probably time to head home! In the meantime, change into dry clothes and seek out warmth in all forms.

Keep an eye out for frostbite (pale skin on exposed flesh) which can happen within minutes in extreme winter conditions. Seek medical assistance asap.

Watch out for signs of hypothermia (shivering, loss of judgment). Treat it with warm fluids, dry clothes, a blanket and warm shelter.  Seek medical assistance asap.