Autumn Fun--Bala Cranberry Festival

Cranberry Festival @Johnston's Cranberry Marsh

When the leaves start to turn red-orange-yellow and apples and pumpkins abound, we know that it is Autumn. But what other treat do we enjoy about this season? Cranberries!

We went to Bala’s Cranberry Festival after Thanksgiving and what a fun festival it was!

At Johnston’s, we got to see how they harvested the cranberries from the bog, get them all cleaned up and sorted and packed!

Harvesting cranberries @Johnston's Cranberry Marsh

@Johnston's Cranberry Marsh

@Johnston's Cranberry Marsh

@Johnston's Cranberry Marsh

There were a variety of vendors, and of course, wine and cider tasting!

Cranberry Festival @Johnston's Cranberry Marsh

We got a few goodies like cranberry cookies and candied cranberries

Candied Cranberries @Johnston's Cranberry Marsh

From the store, we got some Blueberry/Cranberry wine as well as some jam and snacks.

Muskoka Lakes Farm &Winery store

The McArthur house was converted into a Café for the season.

McArthur House @Johnston's Cranberry Marsh

There were many other activities at the festival—there were trails

trails @Johnston's Cranberry Marsh

and wagon rides

wagon ride @Johnston's Cranberry Marsh

And they also had the “Plunge” where one can dress up in the waterproof gear to plunge in the bog among the beautiful, bright red cranberries! Definitely an IG-op!

@Johnston's Cranberry Marsh

We have visited Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery many times over the years (as they are open year-round with many other activities) but this was the first time we went to the festival. Definitely worth checking out!