Terrace Bay WinterFest

Music, food, and festivities to celebrate the season

The beauty of the North Shore is something special because it continues to amaze those within in it throughout all four seasons. The temperatures drop, colours change, and it never fails to take your breath away. I mean, sometimes because it's so cold and you're laughing too hard during a family snowball war, but either way you won't be dissapointed. 

Not only does the area offer stunning scenic views covered in winters white blanket of snow, but there are a lot of great events that take place along the north shore. For example, the Township of Terrace Bay’s WinterFest.

Terrace Bay is a community that sits along the North Shore and Highway 17 in Ontario's Superior Country. They are known for their beautiful Aguasabon Falls, a Lighthouse mirroring the one on the Slate Islands, and their event Winterfest.

WinterFest is a long running event that has been a favourite of the community for a long time.This year it is taking place February 14 to 17 of 2020. WinterFest is an annual four-day festival that celebrates the winter season and helps you enjoy all it has to offer. From new additions every year to favourite traditions you can look forward to fun for all ages. Jam-packed with music, food, and festive activities to celebrate this time of year, you will not be disappointed.

Food 

Some of the best moments when taking part in different events come from tasting all the wonderful food that helps to create the perfect atmosphere. WinterFest is no exception; every year you can look forward too many delicious options, including an annual Friday pasta dinner and Saturday pancake breakfast. A huge fan favourite is the traditional Canadian winter treat "Tire Sur Neige." 

"Tire sur neige" (syrup on snow) is a traditional French-Canadian treat originating from Quebec, where pure maple syrup is poured over crisp cold snow resulting in a sweet snack. This has been incorporated in WinterFest for a long time, and is not only yummy but brings the perfect cultural touch to the event.

This is usually set up at WinterFest’s Sugar Shack on the Saturday where you can not only try the traditional snack, but a lot of other maple treats such as pastries and candy. There you can also find bottles of Maple Syrup for purchase and other food vendors or tasty meals being sold. They usually incorporate some type of warm and delicious option such as chili or soups to ensure you keep warm and can continue to enjoy the rest of WinterFest. 

Activities 

WinterFest includes tons of activites for the whole family such as bowling, dance parties, outdoor winter games, sliding/tubing, firework displays, bon fires, hockey shoot-outs, and a full day of skiing for the whole family. 

There are always new additons being added to the program including last year's latest outdoor craze "crokicurl."  You can challenege your family and friends to a game on the outdoor rink provided for all the fun. 

A huge fan favourite is the snow sculplture contest, where you can compete to win some great prizes by planning and building your very own unique snow sculpture. 

Last but not least, every year WinterFest ensures you will be able to cherish your memories made at the event forever by providing a space for the perfect photo op. 

Family Ski Day 

Throughout WinterFest, the wonderful Trestle Ridge Ski Hill is open and offers downhill skiing and snowboarding. On the last day of the festival the Township of Terrace Bay provides day passes for the whole family, with rentals and lessons available for purchase. You can hit the slopes and make memories that will last forever. For more information on the Trestle Ridge Ski Hill, please click here. 

Every year the municpal page is updated with the exact WinterFest schedule where you can find out the time and place for every event. If you are interested in WinterFest and want to stay updated, please click here. 

About Casey Clearwater

Casey is a writer and photographer born and raised in Northern Ontario's Superior Country region. She has enjoyed travelling the world but her passion for home has always brought her back. Her love for the great outdoors has her exploring on her free time through hiking, fishing, hunting etc.

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