2026 Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival - Feb. 13 & 14

The 34^th annual Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival takes place Feb. 13 and 14. 

The frosty fun kicks off with a community skating party at the Dorset Ice Palace (located in Lions Centennial Park) on Friday, Feb. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. Festivities for Saturday, Feb. 14 get underway with a pancake breakfast at the Dorset Recreation Centre at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Snowball Parade at 10:30 a.m. and official opening ceremony at 11 a.m. 

A host of activities follows from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., including but not limited to horse-drawn wagon rides, cardboard toboggan races, hockey shoot-out, inflatable axe-throwing, Great Canadian Lumberjack shows, wildlife calling and chainsaw carving demonstrations, face painting, a maze and silent auction. There will be a birds of prey show and Amanda’s Exotic Animals will also be on site. 

Attendees will be able to peruse vendors’ booths, and a variety of delicious food will be available. The Dorset Heritage Museum at 1040 Main Street will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

The carnival wraps up with Hockey Night in Dorset at 6 p.m. with the team from Dorset taking on opponents from Lake of Bays Township. 

This year, Snowball includes a colouring contest for children up to 10 years or age. Colouring sheets can be picked up at the Dorset Recreation Centre (1051 Main Street) or downloaded from the Algonquin Highlands website.

Pre-registration is required to participate in the Snowball Parade, carboard toboggan races and hockey shoot-out. Please call 705-766-9968 or visit the Algonquin Highlands website to register.