Cranberry festivals and flavours in Ontario
Bala | Destination Canada
From late September to mid-October, cranberry farmers harvest the small, round, red fruit from low shrubs and vines grown in freshwater bogs or marshes. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and have a well-balanced sweet and tart flavour. This delicious fruit makes great juices, jams and sauces.
One of Ontario’s most unique fall events is a cranberry festival hosted in Bala, known as the “Cranberry Capital of Ontario.” In addition, there are several other cranberry-themed celebrations and products worth a road trip for this fall season.
Bala Cranberry Festival
Since 1984, millions of visitors have flocked to the charming Muskoka town of Bala for the annual cranberry festival, a three-day celebration in honour of all things cranberry.
Hosted by the township of Muskoka Lakes and Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery, this annual festival takes place the weekend after Canadian Thanksgiving.
Shop for Muskoka and Canadian artisan products, sample sweet cranberries coated in candy, pick fresh cranberries to bring home and play games in the entertainment zones. Local musicians, talented entertainers and lively attractions are present throughout this fun-filled weekend.
Check the Bala Cranberry Festival map for paid parking lots and accessible parking.
Dates: October 17–19, 2025
Location: 3130 Muskoka District Road 169, Bala
Muskoka Cranberry Route
Building on the popularity of the Bala Cranberry Festival, this cranberry-themed driving route features over 30 stops at participating shops, restaurants, breweries and resorts celebrating Muskoka’s passion for cranberries.
Naturally, you’ll want to visit the cranberry marsh at Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery in Bala. Fun harvest activities include the Cranberry Plunge, which involves trudging through the cranberries in hip waders. The Bog to Bottle Discovery Tour is a unique tour of the farm that features cranberry wine tasting.
Discover more cranberry-inspired food, drink, products, packages and experiences along the route.
Try the cranberry barbecue chicken at Bala Bay Takeaway or the cranberry gin fizz cocktail at Trillium Resort & Spa. Sample the lemon cranberry loaf at Affogato Café + Gelato or sip a cranberry and apple tea at Blue Willow Tea Shop.
Date: September 26–October 19, 2025
Location: Multiple locations across Muskoka
Cranberry Day in Callander
Celebrate all things cranberry-related in Callander, on the shores of Lake Nipissing.
The event begins at the head of the well-worn Cranberry Trail. Along the 2.5-kilometre trail, stop for food, shopping vendors and live music. At the end of the trail is Callander’s cranberry marsh.
Bring rubber boots and a pail if you want to stomp around in the marsh and pick your fresh berries.
Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Location: Cranberry Road, Callander, North Bay
Ontario-made cranberry products
In addition to cranberry festivals, events and routes, find more delicious cranberry products in Ontario, including wines, ciders and jams.
Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery
In addition to the marsh and cranberry-themed activities, shop for wine, spritzers, preserves and more in the farm store.
Location: 1074 Cranberry Road, Bala
Hernder Estate Wines
This third-generation estate winery in the Niagara region features delicious cranberry wine made with fresh berries.
Location: 1607 Eighth Avenue Louth, St. Catharines
Archibald’s Estate Winery
Purchase apple cranberry wine made with local McIntosh apples or sweet, hard cranberry cider at Archibald’s Estate Winery, an award-winning winery offering complimentary tastings.
Location: 6275 Liberty Street North, Bowmanville
Thornbury Craft Cider & Beer
Look for the bright red packaging of the naturally sweet Cranberry Apple Cider on the store shelves of this 3,000-hectare apple orchard.
Location: 90 King Street East, Thornbury
Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm
This family farm produces a delicious, non-alcoholic sparkling cranberry cider made with Ontario apples and fresh cranberries.
Location: 9528 Regional Road 25, Milton
Kawartha Country Wines
Pick up tasty cranberry vinaigrette, jam or fruit wine. Try the light “Cranberry Blush” wine for free at the complimentary sampling bar.
Location: 2452 Peterborough County Road 36, Buckhorn
Hawberry Farms
This century-old farm on the south shores of Manitoulin Island features cranberry jam, marmalade and chutney—perfect for your sandwiches, toast or turkey dinners.
Location: 498 Tracy Road, Spring Bay
Hamley’s Tea & Coffee Company
Sip on refreshing cranberry apple tea at this specialty tea shop, located about a two-hour drive north of Toronto.
Location: 190 Minet’s Point Road, Barrie
Pack your bags and hit the road to experience the vibrant flavours and festivities of cranberry season in Ontario this fall.
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Last updated: August 6, 2025