Why Kawartha, Ontario Makes A Great Winter Weekend Getaway

For many in Ontario, the Kawartha's remains an undiscovered travel destination. With above average amounts of snowfall expected this winter, there will be no shortage of activities for those who love the great outdoors. The Kawartha's offers a host of activities for outdoor lovers. Visitors can participate in a wide variety of winter sports, such as downhill skiing, cross country skiing and skating. Additionally, the many lakes of the region provide plenty of opportunities for ice fishing, and the Kawartha's beautiful wilderness areas are perfect for snowshoeing. The region boasts many gorgeous trails through wooded forests and scenic lakes for cross country skiing and miles of groomed trails for snowmobiling. Furthermore, visitors to the Kawarthas may attend one of the many winter events held to celebrate winter. Located approximately one hour north-east of Metropolitan Toronto, the Kawartha region is a short and scenic drive from the city and makes a great getaway destination anytime of the year.

One popular event that draws many visitors to the Kawarthas is PolarFest. An annual event, PolarFest is held January 30- Feb 1, 2009 with activities held each day of the weekend concluding with the thrilling Polar Plunge. Fun filled events run throughout the Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield. Visitors to PolarFest can expect to see a variety of fun activities such as an ice carving competition, a 4 on 4 Polar Cup Hockey Tournament, go on horse drawn sleigh rides, help judge the local window display competition, meander through the Artisan market, and of course, cheer at the main event- The Polar Plunge! Many tourists also watch local residents take the plunge into the icy waters of Chemong Lake in all manner of costumes and characters. Not only is this a fun event for all ages, but it also serves a very good cause. All proceeds raised by those taking the plunge benefit local charities.

Many feel that PolarFest is terrific for the community. Visitors come from all over to enjoy the fun and in the process inject more money into the Ontario economy. Furthermore, there are fabulous cottage resorts that are open year round and are situated directly on the lake, making the Kawartha region a great winter destination.

With all of its wonderful lakes, the Kawartha area has been a well known and very popular summer tourist destination for generations. Today, the region is starting to become more of a year round vacation destination. Exciting winter events such as PolarFest attract to the area people who perhaps have never considered visiting during the winter months.