Events

Outdoor Festivals and Events are always in season across Ontario.

September


The Frontenac Challenge - September 1 - October 31Presented by The Friends of Frontenac Park. Participants must hike all 160 kms of the park's trail system between Sept. 1st and Oct 31st. Pick up registration form at the park office & set out to enjoy Frontenac Provincial Park at its autumn best! Awards BBQ: Sunday, November 7.
Summer Sundown - September 3-6A farewell to Summer in Collingwood with the hottest weekend of the season. Live bands, FIREWORKS, street performers, hiking, biking scenic gondola rides and The Apple Pie Trail!
Richardson's Corn Maze - September 4 - November 1Check out our Corn Maze and 3 other mazes along with our petting area, and farm market. Horse drawn wagon rides on weekends. Fall Family fun!
Experience Local Anishinabe Culture - September 4The Anishinabek Cultural Heritage Program is back at Mississagi Provincial Park. Join us on Saturday, September 4 from 10am to noon at the tipi to make your very own Black Ash basket!
Migration Weekend: Monarchs & Raptors - September 4-5Don't miss our Monarch Tagging and Hawkwatch at Darlington's Lake Ontario Lookout! Starts at 3pm on Saturday. You can send a monarch on its way to Mexico and see hawks hugging the shoreline from the highest point in the park on top of a drumlin! Children's program and Evening program offered through the weekend.
Interior Pictograph Paddle - September 4-5Drop in on the Park Naturalist at four pictograph sites during the Labour Day weekend. Learn the myths and legends surrounding these sacred depictions of the early peoples of the region. Quetico Lake sites, 12-5pm
M'Chigeeng First Nation Annual Traditional Powwow - September 4-5Traditional food, regalia and dance meet those who attend this unique cultural powwow. Guests are invited to join in an intertribal dance & there will be colourful craftwork & clothing for purchase.
7th Annual Manoomiin Festival - September 4-5The annual Manomiin Festival celebrates the cultural heritage derived from Manoomin (wild rice) and its place in the history and identity of the Algonquin people.
Monarchs and Migrants Weekend - September 4-5Bird-banding, Monarch tagging and guided nature walks celebrate this weekend of fall migration. 8am. Presqu'ile Provincial Park.
Interior Pictograph Paddle - September 4-5Drop in on Quetico's Park Naturalist at four pictograph sites during the Labour Day weekend. Learn the myths and legends surrounding these sacred depictions of the early peoples of the region. Quetico Lake Sites: 12-5pm.
Wabigoon Lake Annual Powwow - September 4-6It's a full weekend of events that bring many tribal remembrances together in one historic setting. This event celebrates the culture and heritage preserved and passed down through generations.
Honey Harvest Festival - September 4, 11, 18 & 25Aylmer. Celebrate the sweet Honey Harvest! Honey harvesting, dip your own beeswax candle, beehive opening demonstrations. Live music, wagon rides, and face painting. Bee Beard demonstration at 2:30 pm.
Pioneer Corn Roast - September 5Tempt your taste buds with fresh corn on the cob smothered in butter. Hop on board for a free horse drawn wagon ride through the historic village as pioneers demonstrate their trades and daily activities. Children can participate in games on the green and learn about hawks, falcons and owls brought by the Centre for the Conservation of Specialized Species.
Closing of Anishinaabe Camp - September 6An annual event at Pukaskwa National Park, beginning early with a sunrise pipe ceremony. Watch the lowering of the flag while listening to a hand drum honour song. Have a taste of bannock and jam.
Gems Beneath Your Boots - September 8, 15, 18 & 22 Enjoy an educational geological walk in the Haliburton Highlands. Join Greenmantle Eco Farm on groomed trails to discover pristine minerals in a non-collecting event. You require good walking shoes, water and weather appropriate clothing.
Fall Interpretive Program - September 10 - October 11Presented by The Friends of Presqu'ile Park. Friday video presentations and guided hikes on select weekends.
Canoe Weekend - September 10-12Celebrate the Canadian icon known as the canoe at Pinery Provincial Park. Program will include canoe demonstrations, guest speakers, master built canoes from Shadow River Boatworks and much more.
Huron Pioneer Threshers & Hobby Show - Sept 10-12Come to our 49th Annual Show and reap the harvest of our past through the various working displays and exhibits. Hear the older generations’ conversations begin, “I remember...” While the younger folks are asking, “What is that and how does it work?”
7th Annual Kawartha Classic Cycling Tour - September 11This community non-competitive cycling event is a great experience for everyone. There are 25km, 50km, 100km, 160km routes ensuring that there is something for everyone. So come out and enjoy the 7th Annual Kawartha Classic Cycling Tour, and help raise funds for A Place Called Home.
Geocaching 101 - September 11Search for multi-caches along the trails of St. Lawrence Islands National Park or join us for a one-hour workshop that will help you get started on this family-friendly global activity. GPS units will be provided for the beginner workshop. Pre-registration required. 12-4 pm.
Riverfest '10 - September 11Reconnect with the Kam River at Riverfest '10. Entertainment for the entire family. Tour a tug boat and passenger train, fishing derby, bbq cook off.
Owl Prowl - September 11Whooo goes there? Find out more about Ontario’s owls and learn some owl calls. We’ll meet in the Backus Conservation Education Centre before heading out to explore Backus Woods in search of owls. Have a hoot of a good time learning how amazing these birds of prey can be. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. Admission $2/child; $4/adult; $10/family.
War of 1812 Re-enactment - September 11-12Hundreds of British and American re-enactors and settlers are expected to converge at the Backus Heritage Village. Military re-enactors, merchants and military music will be part of this two-day event. Re-enactors will take part in three battles during the weekend. Saturday at 11 am, watch a skirmish down by the Backhouse Mill. A battle re-enactment takes place each day at 2:00 pm in the Heritage Village. Visit the encampments and chat with the “soldiers”. Purchase unique items from one-of-a-kind merchants in Sutlers Row. Enjoy demonstrations and children’s mini militia. Wander through the 1798 Backhouse Grist Mill National Historic Site and see how stone ground flour was produced.
Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre POW WOW - September 11-12This annual POW WOW, presented by the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre at Sainte-Marie Park, is open to the public and features Native dancing, traditional crafts and foods, and much more.
A Geocaching Adventure - September 12Explore L.C. Henderson Conservation Area with a geocaching twist. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt which uses a global positioning system (GPS) unit to locate a hidden cache (treasure). Walk along the trails of the 115-hectare wetlands/forested habitat and bring your GPS receiver to discover the excitement of Geocaching . A limited number of GPS receivers will be available to borrow. A laptop will be set up to upload the coordinates to your GPS (if your GPS needs a special cable please bring it). 9am-3pm.
Niagara Children's Water Festival - September 12Visitors will visit a select number of hands-on activity centres and displays to gain an understanding of our role in protecting our water resources and the environment.
RONA MS Bike Tours - Toronto - September 12The Toronto Tour is perfect for the whole family. Beginning and finishing at Centennial Park in Etobicoke, cycle along scenic bike trails and city streets before returning to the park for a barbecue!
Nature Stuff Hike with Terry Sprague - September 13Join Terry and the Friends of Ferris on this exploration of the woodlands, meadows and historical features of Ferris. After the hike the Friends will host a BBQ in the picnic shelter.
Giant Digital Photograghy Weekend Workshop - September 17-19Fall Colours Workshop. Beginner to Intermediate Fall is here and the colours are in full bloom. Join Barry to learn how to capture the scenic wonders at Sleeping Giant amongst the vivid fall colours. Workshop includes three days professional instruction, two nights shared accommodation in park cabin, park admission and welcome barbeque reception.
Wilderness Navigation Using Map & Compass - September 18Presented by the Friends of Frontenac Park. Learn how to interpret topographic maps to find your way safely in the wilderness. Discover how to use a compass with or without a map. Come prepared for outdoor exercises. Cost: $20/person + Park fee. Time: 9am to 4pm. Register early!
Bush Plane Days - September 18-19Come out and celebrate the end of another summer season with Bushplane Days 2010! Exhibits from all areas of aviation will be represented. Look out for another fantastic CL-415 waterbombing demonstration (subject to availability) as well as chartered flights with Air Dale. Other past exhibitors have included local artists Cher Pruys and Steven Daly, Sault Search & Rescue, the SSM Fire Department, and much more! Face painting, crafts, carnival games and train rides with the Algoma Model Engineers Society for kids of all ages!
Native Harvest Festival and Traditional PowWow - September 18-19London. The Native Harvest Festival and traditional PowWow is a celebration of First Nations traditions and culture. Dancing, singing, story-telling, artisans, games, kids dig area and much more!
Wild for the Arts - September 18-19A weekend of music, art and written word. Features a campsite studio tour and art sale, an open song circle, music in the woods, children's activities and more! Free day use at MacGregor Point is sponsored by Ontario Power Generation.
Wheelers Maple Bush Fall Colour Celebration - September 18 - October 24Visitors can enjoy a walk through the 730 acre maple bush as the leaves change, enjoy pancake served inside the heritage log chalet, see farm animals and visit the museum in McDonalds Corners.
Indian Summer Festival - September 19Feel the drumbeat as the Iroquoian village comes to life during this incredible celebration of Ontario’s First Nations! Event activities include: First Nations dancers, special guest presenters, First Nations arts & crafts sale, corn husk doll making, discovery hunts and more! 10am-4pm.
Monarch Migration Festival - September 19Join us as the Monarch butterflies are migrating en masse through Rondeau. There will be butterfly hikes, tagging demonstrations, local artisans, a barbeque, face painting and more.
Canadian Forest Week - September 19-25Conservation Halton encourages you to participate in National Forest Week from September 19th until September 25th 2010. This year's theme is Canada's Forests - Strong Roots, Green Shoots.
Elgin - St. Thomas International Plowing Match - September 21-25Join us for five amazing days in September when the country's largest outdoor show comes to Elgin County. With over 1,000 acres of entertainment, exhibits and activities, there's something for everyone in the giant tented city.
8th Annual Hike Haliburton Festival - September 24-26Come out and enjoy the beautiful fall colours in the Haliburton Highlands. With a variety of hikes to choose from there is truly something to suit all interests, ages and abilities! All hikes are guided and free. Donations are appreciated.
The Dream Catcher Express - September 24-26, October 1-3Dream Catcher Express is a fall colour train day excursion traveling from North Bay to Temagami and returns on the same day. Features a dome car, professional entertainers and licensed snack coach.
Navigating/GPS Course - September 25Presented by: Christine Showler, Frontenac Outfitters Canoe and Kayak Centre. The course objective is to provide a competent working knowledge of maps, compass and GPS technology. Emphasis will be on UTM map reading, GPS waypoint plotting and route information. A good knowledge of maps & compasses is recommended. Note: GPS units provided on loan. Cost: $65.00 + tax per person + Park fee. 9 am - 4pm.
Trails Open at The Greenock Swamp - September 25Staff will host Trails Open at Schmidt Lake in the Greenock Swamp.Visitors to the site will be greeted in the parking lot where staff will provide a brief talk on the amazing history of this vast swamp and its role in the settlement of the area. Afterwards staff will guide visitors down the trail to the viewing platform at Schmidt Lake where they can take in the fabulous view of this serene lake.
Cataraqui Trail Bike and Hike - September 25The Cataraqui Trail Management Board hosts its annual Bike and Hike in the Perth Road Village-Chaffeys Locks-Portland area. This is a fundraiser for the whole family supporting improvements to the Cataraqui Trail. Participants solicit pledges then select from three cycle routes (13 km, 33 km or 37 km) or a five km hike, matching difficulty to individual abilities. Participants should bring water. A lunch will be served at the Chaffeys Lock Community Hall. Call (613) 546-4228 ext. 304 for more information on the event and pledge forms.
Ganaraska Forest Open House - September 25Join us at the Ganaraska Forest Centre for this fun filled annual event in partnership with Cameco. The event runs from 10am until 1pm and has activities for everyone including, horse drawn wagon rides, food and refreshments, crafts, music, tours of the Ganaraska Forest, face painting, and much, much more! Pre-registration is not required for this FREE event.
GeoCache Blue - September 25-26Catch the fever of this internationally growing sport. GeoCaching is an entertaining, outdoor adventure game using a handheld GPS (Global Positioning System) device to locate hidden capsules. It's easy and fun for all ages! Our trained staff will quickly show you how and send you on your way to discover hidden treasures throughout the Village at Blue.
Nature & Wildlife Day - September 26The Friends of the Sanctuary look forward with great enthusiasm to September each year as we present Nature and Wildlife Day (formerly known as Waterfowl Day). This year we welcome visitors of all ages at The Sanctuary on September 26 from 11am to 5pm.
Group of Seven Train Event - September 25-26The Coalition for Algoma Passenger Trains and Searchmont Resort invite you to celebrate the 92nd Anniversary of the Group of Seven painting on the Algoma Central Railway. This all day event includes a scenic train ride from Sault Ste. Marie to Searchmont Resort which travels through a spectacular display of fall colours; art workshops in oil/acrylic, watercolor, and sketching; nature walks; Group of Seven’s reproduction display and narration; presentations about J.E.H. MacDonald by his grand-niece Susan MacDonald; musical entertainment and a gourmet lunch!
Timmins Hiking Day - September 26The Mattagami Region Conservation Authority and the Wintergreen Fund for Conservation invite you to come out to the Hersey Lake Conservation Area to participate in Timmins Hiking Day. The event is part of the Province’s Trails Open celebration and is designed to highlight our community trail system and the many health benefits associated with walking and cycling. Volunteers will be on hand to lead several guided hikes of differing lengths while describing some of the unique plants and animals we have here in Northern Ontario. Please make sure you dress for the weather and bring sturdy footwear. There will be several outdoor exhibits and staff will be on hand to answer any of your questions. Refreshments will be provided.

October


Surf Superior Confluence - October 1-3An informal gathering of intermediate to advanced paddlers. The event takes advantage of the autumnal gales and late summer warm water to provide some laid back soul surfin' and intense ender sessions.
Bruce Peninsula Outdoor Festival 2010 - October 1-3The hikes will feature local and visiting experts in the fields of botany, medicinal and edible local plants, aquatic invertebrates, migratory birds, local geology, and ecology. We also have a special session on nature art where you can try your hand at painting! Arrangements have been made for expanding the weekend to include a chance to try an introduction to diving out of the world famous diving centre of Tobermory, to join in a kayaking excursion or club guided hikes on lesser known but spectacular newer trail sections.
Doors Open at the Yarmouth Natural Heritage Area - October 2There will be guided tours by CCCA staff and independent hiking on four new trails. Wander through more than 200 acres of Carolinian Forest and see the Herb Kebbel Wetland and all its wildlife. Free Interpretive Trail Guides will be provided. Participants please bring water and foot gear.
Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day - October 2Kelso Mountain Bike Staff will host young riders, ages 6 to 16, for a youth mountain biking event. The ride is part of a nationwide celebration known as Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day, supported by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA).
Art in the Park - October 2Celebrate the bounty of autumn and marvel at the The Pinery Provincial Park's gold and yellow show. Try your hand with a paint brush or sketch pencil.
Hill Island Hike - October 2Participate in an off-trail guided hike through the St. Lawrence Islands National Park's nature preserve on Hill Island to learn more about the scientific research taking place in this protected area of the park. Meet in the 1000 Islands SkyDeck parking lot on Hill Island.
2010 National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day - October 2IMBA clubs and patrols around the globe will celebrate the fifth annual National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day. The event provides a great opportunity to help kids have fun. All you need to do is visit IMBA's website, register your ride and plan an excursion. Whether you bring a few kids - or a few hundred - outdoors on their bikes, you'll be helping the next generation gain an appreciation for the healthy, low-impact activity of mountain biking. Register your event.
Applefest - October 3Tempt your taste buds with the most delicious event of the year at Lang Pioneer Village. The entire family can take part in hands-on crafts and games including an apple crafts, sack races, musical chairs and of course, bobbing for apples.
Trail Fest - October 3Come for a hike on one of the many trails in Ferris Provincial Park. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Ferris. 1-3pm.
Fall into Nature 2010 - October 9-11, 16-17Celebrate the natural beauty and fall colours of our Escarpment Parks: Mount Nemo, Rattlesnake Point, Kelso, Mountsberg, Crawford Lake and Hilton Falls. A variety of unique outdoor experiences including; chairlift rides to the top of the escarpment, self-guided and interpretor led guided tours, live performances (music, First Nations Dancers, storytellers), demonstrations (climbing, geocaching, orienteering) and more.
Thanksgiving Harvest Festival - October 9-10Celebrate the Fall Season with the Thanksgiving Harvest Festival and the return of the popular Arts & Crafts Show and Sale. Harvest activities and displays, the history of corn, Native foods, and more! The quality Arts & Crafts Show features outstanding artisans offering a diverse range of craft and food items. Admission to the show is included in the price of admission to the historic site.
Blue Mountains Apple Harvest Festival - October 9-11Enjoy Thanksgiving weekend in the Village at Blue! FREE activities throughout the Blue Mountain area all weekend including live music, street performers, hiking, biking and lots more!
Cataraqui Trail Wagon Fall Colour Tour - October 14Reserve your spot now for the annual Wagon Fall Colour Tour of the Cataraqui Trail between Perth Road and Chaffeys Locks. Enjoy a tour on our tractor-drawn wagon of scenic fall colours for seniors. Includes lunch.
Georgian Bay Sea Kayak Storm Gathering - October 14-17An intermediate paddler and instructor weekend for those seeking one last weekend paddling on the Bay before winter sets in. Workshops on rough water conditions, safety/risk management etc...
Arkona Colour Tour Hike and Bike - October 16Enjoy the beautiful fall colours and challenging hills of the Arkona area. A fun day for the entire family. Great prizes to be won, including some hidden gems from the Arkona area. Two courses to choose from.
Fall Waterfowl Viewing Day - October 16Fall Waterfowl Viewing Day at Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area.
Witches in the Woods Hallowe'en Weekend - October 16A family fun event at MacGregor Point. Camp, decorate your site and go trick-or-treating - all from the comfort of your campsite.
Haunted Fort Night - October 22-24, 29-31 Shadows are deepening....Something sinister and disquieting is in the air...It's the Haunted Fort Night!!!.....Embark upon a haunted tour of Fort William as a mysterious story and eerie happenings unfold....The buildings are dim and foreboding...Pathways are dark and threatening---what lurks in the shadows?....The inhabitants are fearful and strange....Startling screams and piercing sounds and unsettling bumps in the night abound as your guide leads your group through the dark, brooding Fort by candlelight....Not for the faint of heart! Recommended for ages 10 and up. Reservations are required.
Camper Hallowe'en - October 23For Bronte Creek campers only! Get into the spirit and decorate your campsite! Children trick-or-treat around the campground, site to site not door to door. Join a park ranger for a spooky hike! Details will be available when you register.
Halloween Howl - October 23Get into the Halloween spirit during this spooky guided night hike. Activities include carving pumpkins, creating Halloween crafts, an active and fun campfire with hot chocolate, and an hour long nature night hike through the Ganaraska Forest. Dress warmly for this evening event that runs from 6pm to 9pm. Pre-registration is required for this event.
Ontario Federation of Sled Dog Sports Symposium - October 23-24The OFSS is holding a training camp weekend in Minden. A vet will be on site, maybe two, to answer all kinds of questions you may have. It will be a camp out type weekend with pot luck as well as lunch included on the Saturday.
Hallowe’en Weekend - October 23-25Special Hallowe’en programs will be offered throughout the weekend at The Pinery Provincial Park. Prizes are awarded for the campsite with the best Pinery-themed scarecrow decoration.
Pumpkin Summit 8km Trail Race - October 24A challenging race up the escarpment slope to the picturesque wooded trails at Kelso.
Mashkinonje Halloween Swamp Creatures Hike - October 30Explore the creatures of Mashkinonje Provincial Park on a guided hike through the black ash - red maple swamps on the eve of Halloween. Meet at the Blanding's Access Parking lot. Hike is from 10am-2pm - bring a bag lunch.
Halloween-X-Country 5km - October 31A Halloween 5K race through the beautiful trails of Ganaraska Forest—costumes strongly encouraged!

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