Fall is in full swing, and while the city has plenty of festive activities to celebrate the season, one of the most beloved harvest events returns this weekend just a short road trip away from Toronto.
From October 17 through 19, 2025, the charming town of Bala in Muskoka will once again host its annual Cranberry Festival, which has taken place the weekend after Thanksgiving for over 40 years.
Known as the “Cranberry Capital of Ontario,” Bala is home to the oldest cranberry farm in Ontario. With a population of only a few hundred year-round residents, the annual festival draws visitors from near and far.
The three-day event also marks the end of the harvest season and perfectly captures the beauty and flavour of fall in Muskoka, immersing its visitors in a weekend of wholesome fun. Unlike traditional fall fairs, this is a town-wide festival where everything revolves around the cranberry.
Along Maple Avenue, Muskoka and Canadian artisans will line the street, inviting visitors to browse and shop. Enjoy live music as you indulge in cranberry-inspired goods, from freshly picked berries and artisanal cranberry wine to candied treats and jams. There will also be traditional favourites like the beloved cranberry crepes prepared by the Trinity All Saints Anglican Church and homemade chili from the Bala United Church.
One of the weekend’s most anticipated events is the Duck Race, where visitors can cheer on hundreds of rubber ducks racing toward the finish line — a quintessentially Canadian tradition perfect for all ages.
Don’t miss taking in the view from Margaret Burgess Park, where you’ll find a series of cascading waterfalls in the heart of the village.
Continue the fun at Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery, a must-visit in the area and the only cranberry farm in the world with its own on-site winery. In addition to their famous Cranberry Plunge, where you can wade through a sea of floating cranberries, hop on a wagon tour through the cranberry marsh, book a guided wine tasting, and pick up some cranberry goodies from the café or on-site store.
For those who can’t get enough cranberries, there’s also a Muskoka Cranberry Route you can follow, which showcases over 30 local businesses celebrating the harvest. The curated trail takes you along scenic backroads, complete with a number of stops to enjoy cranberry-infused craft beers, ciders, scones, and tarts throughout Muskoka.
Single-day tickets to this year’s Cranberry Festival are priced at $11.30 in advance online or $15 at the gate. Kids get in free on Friday, or are priced at $5 if they are above the age of five. You can also opt for a three-day weekend pass at $16.95 online or $20 at the gate.
Tickets will grant you access to the festival, but specialty activities such as the Cranberry Plunge and wagon tours require separate tickets.
Don’t miss one of the most unique fall activities of the season!