Mattawa rocks on at the 20th annual Voyageur Days Festival

Celebrate Canadian culture "where the rivers meet"!

By The Seven—Northeastern Ontario Welcome to The Seven, starting three hours north of Toronto and stretching as far as your imagination. We’re the memories you’ve made—and are yet to make—with the people you love. Ready? Let’s go. We’re outside.

April 12, 2023

Recently featured in an episode of CBC’s Still Standing, the community of Mattawa knows how to have a good time. A great time even. Join this historic lumber town in Northeastern Ontario “where the rivers meet” for the annual Mattawa Voyageur Days festival on Explorer’s Point—celebrating its 20^th season this summer!

With three full nights of musical acts on the books, there are a ton of reasons to purchase a weekend wristband! Culminating in a free show on Sunday night, Mattawa’s tribute to Canada 150 is open to all.

Friday: “New Country at Explorer’s Point”

Kicking off the festivities on Friday night will be Taw Connors, son of the late Canadian legend Stompin’ Tom, taking the stage at 6:30 pm. The party continues with Dan Davidson and the Road Hammers on Explorer’s Point to kick the weekend off right.

After Hours celebrations are slated to carry on well past midnight with Northbound commencing at 12:30 am.

Saturday: “Rock Where the Rivers Meet”

Photo Credit: Josie Dinsmore Photography.

What’s better than rock and roll? Not much… unless it’s rock n’ roll on the riverbanks—which is exactly what Voyageur Days has on offer.

Headliners Trooper (taking the main stage at 11 pm) will be accompanied by Prism, the Darby Mills Project, and Holly Woods & Toronto! After hours “troopers” can keep the celebration alive with Toe Jam Tequilla at 12:30 am.

Sunday: “Mattawa’s Tribute to Canada 150”

Photo Credit: Josie Dinsmore Photography

The fun starts at noon on Sunday at this all-day, free event that is the community of Mattawa’s tribute to Canada’s 150^th birthday year. What better place to celebrate than at a festival named after the voyageurs along a traditional trading route?

We think the pun was fully intended on Sunday night, as the lineup features phenomenal rock tribute bands from 5 pm onwards. Jam out to your favourites at this event featuring classic tunes by the Tragically Hip, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and the Eagles and performed by tribute bands Little Bones, Green River, and Hotel California.

The choreographed fireworks show begins at 10:15 pm, so bring your blanket and settle in as the Canada 150 celebration finishes off with a bang.

Celebrate All Things Mattawa

Photo Credit: Josie Dinsmore Photography

Any festival worth its salt brings more to the table than musical acts, and Mattawa Voyageur Days is no exception. Bring the entire family to visit the Kids Zone, take in a live Thai Boxing Event, or shop at the Voyageur Market and Crafters’ Corner. A highlight of the weekend is sure to be taking a helicopter ride to see the beautiful region from up high!

Finally, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention the washers tournament! The competitive among you will want to sign up in teams of two for the Big Joe Mufferaw World's Texas Horseshoe Tournament (a.k.a. Washers). With cash prizes to be won, bragging rights on the line, and both recreational and family divisions to participate in, participants are going to have some stiff competition! And it's all for a good cause—proceeds of the event benefit the construction of the Mattawa Splash Pad.

See the full rules of the competition and dates here.

what to do in mattawa

There are many ways to enjoy a complete vacation in the Mattawa-Bonfield region, including but not limited to

Riding the Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System (VMUTS)
Snapping a picture with Joe Mufferaw, legendary local hero and one of Northeastern Ontario’s 9 BIG Photo Ops
Trying something new with a horseback trail ride at Von Doeler’s Ranch
Exploring the nearby Algonquin Park with the assistance of Algonquin North Wilderness Outfitters
Getting dirty with Pyramid Paintball Park
Visiting Cabins in the Maples—a great destination for antiques lovers
Taking in a round of golf at the Mattawa Golf & Ski Resort

Where to Stay

For more ideas of what to do in Mattawa, visit the Mattawa Voyageur Country Travel website.

Find more places to see and stay at in Mattawa

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About The Seven—Northeastern Ontario

Starting three hours north of Toronto and stretching as far as your imagination.

Welcome to The Seven: To the loon call at dawn and sand in your toes. Bug bites, sunburns, and marshmallows charred just right. The stars you forgot existed, and that cozy cabin glow after a midnight swim. We’re festivals, family, and unforgettable moments—rain or shine. We’re the memories you’ve made—and are yet to make—with the people you love. Ready? Let’s go. We’re outside.