Outdoor Adventure Ideas for Family Day Weekend in Ontario

Originally conceived to reflect the Canadian values of family and home, the Family Day holiday gives working parents a well-deserved midwinter break to spend time with their families. Held on the third Monday every February, Family Day is a provincial statutory holiday—not a federal one—meaning not all working Ontarians get to enjoy this wintry long weekend. For the many who do, however, snowy trails, frozen lakes, fluffy white hills, and plenty of Family Day outdoor attractions, festivals and events make for an action-packed mini getaway or staycation.

Whether you're looking for an activity for a single day or want to book a long weekend getaway, below you'll find plenty of ideas. Find out where to go and what to do on Family Day in Ontario.

Thunder Bay

Named one of the top 100 festivals and events in Ontario, Thunder Bay’s SnowDay on the Waterfront features incredible professional snow sculptures as well as a variety of family activities including outdoor skating, snow-carving, wagon rides, sugar shack treats, snowshoeing, ice fishing and traditional winter games. The free event runs Family Day, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at beautiful Prince Arthur’s Landing - Marina Park.

One of North America’s largest living history attractions, Fort William Historical Park hosts a two-day Voyageur Winter Carnival on the Saturday and Sunday of the Family Day long weekend. The event is a Thunder Bay tradition, complete with wacky winter activities like a giant snow maze, tubing hills, skating, Zorbing, winter games and activities, and live indoor and outdoor entertainment.

Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma

Searchmont Resort celebrates Family Day with discounts on rentals and snow school lessons. Take a break from shredding the slopes to enjoy free smores and bannock making, snowshoeing tours, live entertainment, photo contests and more.

Sault Ste. Marie is emerging as a top winter fat biking playground—bring your own bikes or rent rides and try this fun-for-all-ages sport on Family Day. Find easy trails along the city’s waterfront at Whitefish Island, or tackle the more challenging forest trails at the Hiawatha Highlands.

Too cold and blustery to stay outside? Sault Ste. Marie’s Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre has you covered—including half-price admission plus games, crafts, demonstrations and special guests just for kids. When you’re warmed up, lace your skates for a few laps on the Soo’s waterfront ice trail, located adjacent to the museum in Clergue Park.

Timmins, Cochrane & Area

Hit the hills at Mount Jamieson and go snowboarding, skiing or tubing—typically they are closed Mondays, but are open all three days of the Family Day long weekend. Alternatively, snowshoe or ski the excellent cross-country trails maintained by 900p’ Porcupine Ski Runners. The club offers 50 percent off day use fees and equipment rentals for Family Day. There will also be a campfire and marshmallows for roasting, a hot lunch at the chalet, and informal ski tips and lessons. 

The Cochrane Winter Carnival climaxes Family Day weekend with heaps of family fun including the grand carnival parade, horseshoe tournament, youth snowmobile drag races, polar bear dip in Commando Lake, tobogganing, snow painting, snowman decorating, maple taffy, helicopter rides, skating, ice fishing derby, demolition derby, and much more!

Families in the town of Kapuskasing head to Murdock Hill for old-fashioned downhill sliding on toboggans, crazy carpets and flying saucers. The hill is lit for night sliding and also features an outdoor skating rink.

North Bay & Lake Nipissing

Lake Nipissing is the perfect place to try ice fishing for the first time, while taking advantage of special license-free fishing Family Day weekend. Saturday through Monday, Canadians of all ages can enjoy fishing Ontario waters without having to buy a license. Jig for walleye, pike, perch, whitefish, and cisco (lake herring) from a cozy “ice bungalow.” Rent these fully equipped overnight ice huts with kitchen, bathroom, and bunks (sleeping four to 10 anglers) from North Bay/Callender-area outfitters like Crafts Ice Cabins or Snowfari Adventures. 

Greater Sudbury & Area

On the West Arm of Lake Nipissing, Saenchiur Flechey is a family-friendly resort that’s perfect for a long weekend getaway. The resort offers winterized lakefront cottages, an outdoor skating rink, ice fishing experiences, snowshoeing trails, and a wonderful, woodsy lodge where families can gather around a blazing fire.

For an easy adventure in Sudbury proper, take to the ice on the Ramsey Lake Skating Path. Kids and parents enjoy reduced Family Day lift rates at Sudbury’s Adanac Ski Hill and Lively Ski Hill. Or head over to the trails at Walden Cross Country for Family Day activities. There will be an obstacle course, a scavenger hunt, ski Yahtzee, free hot dogs and drinks, and a bonfire. They are offering a ski rental and day pass package for a family of four for $85.

Algonquin Park

Saturday, February 14 is Algonquin Park's annual Winter in the Wild Festival. There will be indoor and outdoor events that celebrate all things winter taking place at various locations throughout the Highway 60 corridor. This year's schedule hasn't been released yet, but traditionally events include wildlife snowshoe excursions, guided bird hikes, guest speakers, winter camping demonstrations, ice skating, campfires, night hikes and more. 

Muskoka

In Muskoka, classic winter carnivals offer small town fun for families of all ages. The Gravenhurst Winter Carnival runs through Family Day weekend and features kids’ events, a demolition derby, live entertainment, unique games and more.

Nearby, Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery lights up the night on their famous Cranberry Skating Trail with 400 tiki torches from 6 pm to 9 pm on Saturday of the Family Day weekend. The 1.2-kilometre ice skating trail is open for daytime skating as well all Family Day weekend. If visiting during the day, you can also explore their snowshoe trails.

Monday, February 16, 2026 is Family Day

This Family Day long weekend, be sure to enjoy an action-packed mini-getaway or staycation by visiting one or more of Ontario’s outdoor attractions, festivals or Ontario Parks. 

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