Make some new Bon Soo Memories with your family this winter!
By Sault Tourism
If winter had a personality in Sault Ste. Marie, it would be tall, cheerful, wearing a bright touque, and answering to the name Bon Soo.
For generations, Bon Soo has been the heart and soul of winter in the Soo; a cheerful reminder that cold weather isn’t something to endure, but something to celebrate. Held annually in February, this iconic winter carnival brings together locals and visitors alike for days of outdoor fun, quirky traditions, and a shared love of snow, ice, and Mr. Bon Soo hugs.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for the umpteenth time, Bon Soo is the kind of festival that feels both familiar and surprising – comforting in its traditions, yet fresh every year.
The History of Bon Soo
Launched in 1964, Bon Soo is Northern Ontario’s largest winter carnival and one of Sault Ste. Marie’s most cherished annual events. Rooted in French-Canadian winter traditions, the festival is named after its jovial mascot, Bon Soo – a larger-than-life character, devised and created by local artist Ken MacDougall, and named by then elementary school student Donald Norman.
While the exact schedule and activities evolve each year, the spirit of Bon Soo remains delightfully consistent: it’s about embracing winter not hiding from it. It’s about getting outside, laughing often, looking snow and ice hard in the face and saying, “You can take away our warm weather, but you’ll never take away… OUR FREEDOM!” Ahem.
Bon Soo is really all about enjoying winter and not taking yourself too seriously. Expect snowy parks, icy challenges, steaming mugs of hot chocolate, and crowds bundled up in scarves and smiles. It’s family-friendly, proudly local, and just a little bit silly – in the best possible way.
Signature Events You’ll Always Hear About
Some Bon Soo traditions are so legendary they’ve become part of local winter folklore. If you hear excited chatter around town during festival week, it’s probably about one of these signature events.
Opening Ceremonies
Bon Soo always opens up with a bang – literally! A truly fantastic firework display gives a taste of what’s to come over the next nine days. There are also cultural performances, hot food and drinks, treats for young and old – and live music! Families can enjoy the bumslides (more on that below), ice sculptures, games and more!
Bumslides
Yes, you read that right. The Bon Soo Bumslides are exactly what they sound like – participants racing down an icy slide using nothing but a pair of winter pants, courage, and gravity. Kids will love it and will go time and time again. Grownups will do it once then gingerly stand up saying “I’m getting too old for this”, before inevitably having a few more goes. It’s fast, it’s hilarious, and it’s a crowd favourite year after year.
Polar Bear Plunge
Not for the faint of heart, the Polar Bear Plunge dares participants to take a brisk dip into frigid winter waters – all for bragging rights and the chance to say, “I did it! I plunged into the icy waters!”
Watching brave souls leap, stumble, or tremble into icy water (and sprint right back out again) is arguably a bigger Bon Soo tradition than actually jumping in yourself. It’s exhilarating, slightly unhinged, and will never make you feel more grateful for being warm and dry. Plus, there’s live music, food and drink, and a great atmosphere, so definitely mark this on your to-do list!
2026’s Bon Soo
Appetite whetted? Or should we say ‘excitement crystallized?’ No? Ok, fine. On to 2026’s event details then.
In 2026, the Bon Soo Winter Carnival is presented by OLG and returns for its 63rd year, from February 13–21. Yes, nine days of winter events, activities, and entertainment — and over Family Day weekend, so you can make a long weekend of it!
There are three main ‘Zones’ of activities. Zone 1 is at the Canal District, home to the bumslides, snow sculptures, trailer rides, and much more. Zone 2 is at Clergue Park and the Downtown Plaza, hosting skating, pony rides, and daily themed activities. Zone 3 is at Northern Superior Pub and the Bushplane Museum, featuring the Polar Bear Plunge and many other daily activities.
There are also lots of other events around the city during the nine days — it’s truly a winter feast with something for everyone! The full program is released in January, catch it on the Bon Soo website!
The Famous Bon Soo Button
A collector’s idea for sure, your ‘ticket’ into many of the events, and a great way to support this famous winter festival. Buttons go on sale in November every year, so look out for Mr. Bon Soo in the weeks leading up to the festival, when he is out and about selling buttons (and posing for pictures).
You can visit the Bon Soo website to learn more about where you can purchase your souvenir button (or jacket tag).
Planning Your Bon Soo Visit
Bon Soo is held annually over two weekends in February and makes for a great reason to come and enjoy other Sault Ste. Marie winter activities too! For example:
- Visit Searchmont, one of the biggest and best ski hills in Ontario and Midwest America.
- Cross-country ski at Hiawatha Highlands – check out the Bon Soo themed lantern ski held during Bon Soo week.
- Fat Biking is one of the fastest growing winter sports and Sault Ste. Marie has one of the largest trail networks in the area with over 60km of freshly groomed trails! (mention Frozen Toe, just outside of Bon Soo, but a good chance to mention it?)
- Explore the downtown shops, cafés, and restaurants
Bon Soo pairs perfectly with everything winter the Soo has to offer.
Planning Your Bon Soo Visit
Every winter, Bon Soo returns bringing laughter, tradition, and a whole lot of snow-fuelled fun with it. Whether you come for the bumslides, the Polar Bear Plunge, or simply the chance to celebrate winter the Northern Ontario way, one thing is certain: Bon Soo isn’t just a festival. It’s a feeling.
Bundle up, join in, and let winter in – Bon Soo style.