New Year, new you –that’s what we all say, right? As we turn the page of the calendar to 2020 we are embarking on a fresh, clean page where anything is possible.
Each New Year’s party hats are donned, horns blown, toasts made, and the countdown starts, the resolutions start piling up. A new year means a fresh start, a clean slate, and a chance to improve. These resolutions are of course made with the best of intentions.
Did we know when we resolved to eat healthier last New Year’s Eve that three weeks into 2019, we’d be sitting in our house with a foot of fresh snow out our window and a pan of brownies fresh from the oven, just promising to warm us up? Of course not.
Sometimes, resolutions are difficult to keep, but for 2020, we’ve decided to take them more seriously. We’ve resolved to be more resolved (you won’t break us, brownies), and we want to help you do the same!
Below are our suggestions for festivals and events across Ontario’s Highlands that will help you keep your New Year’s resolutions.
Resolution #1: Be More Active
Winter in Canada is cold. This means it can be tempting to hibernate a bit; to retreat inside and wait for the warm sunny days of summer to entice us to get outside and get moving. But this doesn’t need to be the case! Dress for the weather and get outside to get your blood pumping, fill your lungs with fresh air, and find out just how fun this season can be.
Canadian National Pond Hockey Championships
Location: Pinestone Resort, Haliburton, ON
Date: Open Weekend January 24-25, 2020 & Masters Weekend January 31-February 1, 2020
This “pondomonium” event captures the true essence of growing up in Canada –the sound of skates scraping against the ice, of sticks connecting with pucks, and of joy at each hard-won goal. Taking place in Haliburton Highlands, this is the largest pond hockey event on Earth (wow!). Whether you’re participating or spectating, you can celebrate the Canadian sport of pond hockey, feel your heartbeat race as you cheer on teams from near and far, and be amazed by the 700-1000 players who gather to embrace the chill and battle for victory over these two weekends.
Southern Ontario Ice Festival
Location: Maynooth, ON
Date: February 7-9, 2019
Celebrate the sport of ice climbing with old and new friends at this weekend festival. Work your muscles as you climb at Diamond Lake, improve your skills during a clinic, and demo some of the latest climbing toys, before heading to the Arlington for more fun and games into the evening. This event is perfect for novice climbers looking to break into the sport, or more experienced climbers wanting to brush up on their skills.
Hike Haliburton – Winter Edition
Location: Haliburton, ON
Date: February 8-9, 2020
This event is about more than just hiking and integrates arts, culture, heritage and food and drink experiences into one fantastic event. Take part in over 20 guided and themed snowshoe hikes, demonstrations and events and work up a sweat this winter.
Resolution #2: Give Back
Sometimes we get so busy thinking about what we need to do and where we need to be that we forget there is always time to give back to our community. In Canada, naturally our giving back often involves the winter months (and sometimes getting wet!). Polar Bear Plunges are a popular way to take the plunge for others, and start your new year’s resolutions off with a splash.
Perth Polar Bear Plunge
Location: Perth Legion, Perth, ON
Date: January 1, 2020
Time: 8 a.m. to noon
You don’t need to take the plunge in an icy river to give to this fun event that raises funds for local charities, you can also come and watch and cheer as others shiver for a good cause. The Perth Polar Bear Plunge has been running since 1994, one of the longest running plunges in Canada! Come for the breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. at the Perth Legion and enjoy the community spirit this event creates.
Petawawa Polar Plunge
Location: Centennial Park, Petawaway, ON
Date: January 19, 2020
Time: 12 p.m.
In 2020, the town of Petawawa will be hosting their second annual Polar Plunge, with funds raised going to the Renfrew County Animal Care Centre. In 2019, $4,500 was raised to help the facility, and this year’s event promises to be just as well attended by both two-legged and four-legged creatures.
Resolution #3: Spend More Time with Family
Time flies; it’s one of the most precious commodities we have. This year, make it your top priority to spend time together, to watch smiles light your kids’ faces, to witness every inch they grow, and to create memories with your family.
Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival
Location: Dorset Recreation Centre, Dorset, ON
Date: February 14-15, 2020
Gather together to watch the Snowball Parade, and learn about birds of prey before belting your hearts out at karaoke. Transform yourself with face painting, and document the day by donning zany outfits and fun props in the photo booth.
Celebrate the Maple Harvest
Location: Fulton’s Pancake House & Sugar Bush, Pakenham, ON
Date: February 15-April 22, 2020
Time: Weekdays 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Weekends & Holidays 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Indulge in some of the sweetest traditions around and watch the delight that spreads through your group with each slice of pancake, pull of maple taffy, or bite of maple cotton candy. Bundle up and take a trip down the tobogganing hill, pile into the back of a horse drawn sleigh or wagon for a tour of the sugar bush, or visit the Sugar Shack to learn about the tradition of making maple syrup together.
Resolution #4: Learn a New Skill
In a world where an overload of information is available right at our fingertips, there are still some things that are better to learn in person. Enjoy the authentic personalities of artists and artisans during a workshop this winter, set your creative side free, and learn new skills directly from the experts.
Learn the Art of Glassblowing
Location: Carnarvon, ON
Date: January 18-23, 2020
Time: Full or half day packages
Discover the art of glassblowing and create your own one-of-a-kind works of glass art with this fun workshop coordinated by Yours Outdoors. Not able to make it to one of the above dates? This workshop can be booked on alternative dates, pending the instructor’s availability.
Try Snowga
Location: Abbey Gardens, Haliburton, ON
Date: January 1, 22, and February 1, 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p .m.
Try a new form of outdoor exercise with snowga, a combination of snowshoeing and yoga (who’d have thought?). This fun outdoor event is coordinated by Yours Outdoors and takes place at the beautiful Abbey Gardens retreat. Spend some time snowshoeing and then participate in a one-hour yoga practice.
Resolution #5: Be a Better Partner
Remember what we said earlier about how precious time is? Make time for each other this year to laugh until it hurts, hold hands, and take date night to a new level.
TIFF Movie Nights in North Hastings
Location: The Village Playhouse, Bancroft, ON
Date: January 14 and February 11
Time: 4:15 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Embrace a classic ‘movie date’ and spend an evening tucked into cozy theatre seats as you let yourself explore the lives and struggles of others during the TIFF Films Official Secrets on January 14 and The Farewell on February 11.
Live Music at The Crossing Pub
Location: Sharbot Lake Inn & The Crossing Pub, Sharbot Lake, ON
Date: Various dates January to March 2020
Grab tickets for dinner and a show at The Crossing Pub. Be amazed by the musical talent of local (and not so local) performers. Lose yourself in the sounds of the music, the hearty food, and the intimate atmosphere.