The Kirkland Lake Winter Carnival runs for a total of 18 action-packed days each year. This year, it will begin on February 15th and run all the way until March 4th. This winter carnival gives you a reason to get back out in the snow and enjoy the season while it’s still around. Festivals and Events Ontario consistently features the Kirkland Lake Winter Carnival among its Top Festival awards.

If you have kids, then you’ll be happy to know that the festival places a big importance on children’s events. You’ll find free theatre performances for children and a variety of carnival events designed just for little ones. There will be plenty of activities you can take part in with your children as well, such as ice skating, sliding parties, and fireworks viewing. The Kirkland Lake Winter Carnival also features numerous free live concerts, sled dog races, snowmobile racing events, a hockey tournament, and free sleigh and helicopter rides!

Two of the highlights of the Kirkland Lake Winter Carnival are the poker run and the fish derby. The poker run is hosted by the Golden Corridor Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club. If you’re not familiar with the term, a snowmobile poker run involves visiting a series of checkpoints and picking up a playing card or a token to exchange for a card later on. Whoever ends up with the best hand at the end of the poker run wins a cash prize. Thousands of dollars in cash prizes will also be up for grabs at the carnival’s annual fish derby on the lake, where anglers will compete in a series of fishing events.

The best thing about the Kirkland Lake Winter Carnival running for so many days is that it gives you ample opportunity to come and experience it during the dates that work best for your schedule. The event spans three weekends and runs during Ontario’s family day, making it a great place to take your family and enjoy the statutory holiday together. Stay for a weekend, spend the week in town if you have time, or just come out for the day to have some fun.

While you’re in Kirkland Lake, you can also enjoy sledding around town or snowmobiling on over 400 km of trails groomed by the Golden Corridor Snowdrifters. The Town of Kirkland Lake – the proud home of the world’s biggest hockey puck – is an ideal place for winter activities. Even when temperatures are chilly, you’ll rarely have to deal with high humidity or strong winds. You’ll still have to bundle up, but you likely won’t have to worry about dealing with a bone-chilling cold.

For a fun way to enjoy the rest of the winter with loved ones, come to the Kirkland Lake Winter Carnival and take part in some of the great outdoor opportunities that the area has to offer.