Annapolis Valley Winter Carnivals

There are several winter carnivals going on in the Annapolis Valley during the winter months. It has been proven that people can get bored and depressed during the long days of winter. But there is no need to be here in the valley! Winter is a time to have fun, get out and get some exercise. It does the body good!

We have the perfect combination of climate and landscape to cover a wide variety of activities during the winter. Our snow fall during February is usually perfect for building snow sculptures, or snow forts. There is usually plenty of snow on the ground to go tobogganing or cross country skiing and we have some great hills and trails!

Winter is what you make it, and let’s make it fun by taking part in one of the many great winter carnivals happening in the area.

I will tell some general information about the ones I have found going on here. Where possible I will include links to sites where you can find out more, like dates and schedule of events. They are sometimes close to the date of the event before posting the dates and schedules so check back often.

Bear River Winter Carnival

One of the fastest growing winter festivals in the Annapolis Valley is the one in Bear River. It was started a few years ago after Sue Comeau and some friends were out skiing. While out the group was talking about the winter blues and how people needed something fun to break up the gloom of the long winter days. It was decided to do something about it and the first Bear River Winter Carnival was started.

This winter festivals is held early to mid February, usually around Valentines Day and goes on for four fun-packed days. The event is started off with a beautiful light of candles contest along the bridge in the centre of town. From there the events spread out all over town. In case of inclimate weather they have lots going on inside at the Oakdene Centre along with other buildings.

Some of the events they have held in the past include gigantic sliding castle, entertainment, winter cooking contest including a chilli cook-off, ice and snow sculpture contest along the waterfront and in front of homes, snowmen contest, a maple syrup snow sucker stand, demonstrations and clinics, chicken sh*t bingo, pie sales, sleigh rides and a prince and princess contest.

Outdoor activities include free family skating, sledding, snowshoeing, kick sledding, Nordic walk, ATV & snowmobile follow me run and a scavenger hunt for the whole family. They also have a great display of fireworks followed by free hot chocolate and coffee. Where it is over Valentines Day of course you will want to take in the Valentines Day supper and dance.

Bear River is known as a very active community where everyone gets involved. This is one winter festival you will want to take in. Check out the Bear River Web Site for date, times and a schedule of events.

Bridgetown Lion Winterfest

The Bridgetown Lions Club help sponsor this great winter festivals. This is a three-day event held during mid-February which is full of fun winter activities.

They start it all off on Friday evening with a Torch Light Parade from the Town Hall to the Jubilee Park where they hold opening ceremonies and a big bon fire.

Saturday is full of activities most being held at the Valleyview Provincial Park. Here the Club 400 WinterACTIVE team provide a wide range of winter fun. You can try kick sledding, snowshoeing, Nordic walking and all kinds of winter active games for the whole family. You can bring your own equipment or the Club 400 WinterACTIVE team will have some on hand.

There is also free family skating at the Bridgetown Memorial Arena with free hot chocolate for the kids, a celebrity broomball followed by women's hockey games. Don't forget the Winterfest Variety Show on Sunday.

This winterfest always proves to be a lot of fun for everyone. Check out the dates, times and schedule for this years event on the Bridgetown Lions club Web Site.

Berwick Winter Carnival

The Berwick Winter Carnival is a one day fun-filled event held mid-February. It is put on by the Berwick Recreation and its community partners. There is food, fun and games from sun rise until after sun set.

Start it all at the Apple dome for a pancake breakfast followed by a free skate for the family. In the afternoon head over to the Rainforth Park where the girl guides have a great afternoon planned for you. There is ice bowling, snowshoeing, an obstacle course and a snowball game just to name a few. If you would rather be inside head over to the library for crafts and story time. Then that night take in the sledding party over at the Grand View Manor.

For a complete up-to-date schedule and dates check out the Village of Berwick Web Site.

New Minas Winter Carnival

"Make Time To Play" is the motto for the New Minas Winter Festival celebrations. This one day event is held at the Lockhart Ryan Park starting at noon.

They hold a bonfire, tobogganing, snowshoeing, a snow sculpture contest and wagon rides. While there enjoy barbequed hot dogs and free hot chocolate and coffee. For more information on the dates, times and schedule of events for this winter carnival check out the Village of New Minas Web Site.

So get out this winter and enjoy some fun at the many great winter carnivals held throughout the Annapolis Valley.

Get Your Winter Carnivals Listed

If your organization has an annual Winter Carnivals Event you would like included on this page please let me know about it. You do that by filling in my Annapolis Events Contact Form. It's easy to do but please remember to include as much information as you can. When I receive your submission I will go over it and I may have to contact you for more information before I list the event.

Remember I am only adding annual events to this page, but still send in other events as I will post them on my Annapolis Valley Vacation Facebook Page.

Leave The Winter Carnivals Page to Look At Other Great Annapolis Festivals.

Or return to the Annapolis Valley Spring Events Page to see what else is happening in the Annapolis Valley