NORTHERN ONTARIO SCIENCE FESTIVALS
Northern Ontario Science Festivals are proud to have been recognized for Best Program – Large Institution by the Canadian Association of Science Centres. Watch the acceptance video:
The Science Festival is an annual week-long celebration that shines a light on the science and technology that takes place in Kenora, Thunder Bay, North Bay and Sault Ste. Marie. With events and activities happening across the festival community and a Science Carnival to wrap up the week, The Science Festival fosters a vibrant space for community members and organizations to provide people of all ages with STEM entertainment. The exciting week of events, vendors, science shows, and activities celebrates local businesses, drives community pride and fosters connections across Northern Ontario communities.
KENORA SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Please join us for the 4th annual Kenora Science Festival, taking place September 18–23, 2023!
2023 Science Festival Events:
FREE PUBLIC EVENTS
These events are open to the public and free of charge to participate / attend, this year we have an amazing lineup of events to excite all ages about the science around them.
- SCIENCE AT THE LIBRARY
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Stop by the Kenora Public Library to participate in their pinwheel helicopter activity and Colour Sorting STEM game offered throughout the week.
Date: Monday, September 18 through Friday, September 22, 2023
Time: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Location: Kenora Public Library - SCIENCE SHOW AT THE SPORTFISHING CENTRE
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Join the Science North Bluecoats at the Northern Ontario Sportfishing Centre in Sioux Narrows for a high-impact science show! This FREE 40-minute show will show off some of our favourite science demonstrations, from chemical reactions to physics experiments.
Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Time: 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Location: Northern Ontario Sportfishing Centre (Sioux Narrows) - SCIENCE AT MATIOWSKI'S FARMERS' MARKET
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The Matiowski Farmers’ Market is getting an extra dose of science! Join Science North Bluecoats and other Science Festival partners for giveaways, demonstrations, activities, and displays as you shop during the Wednesday Farmer’s Market.
Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Time: 8:30am to 2:00pm
Location: Jarnel Contracting Pavilion - NATURE WALK AT ASPEN TRAIL
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Explore the 4.1k Aspen trail and learn about some of the diverse biology of the region. Bring layers of clothing, hiking shoes, bug spray, water, and snacks. The hike will last approximately an hour over mixed terrain including gentle hills, and some loose rocky areas (weather permitting).
Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Time: 4:00pm to 5:00pm (meet at the trailhead at 4:00pm)
Location: Aspen Trails (first fork on Dubois Road off of Highway 71) - NATURE WALK AT RED PINE TRAIL
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Explore the 3k 'maze' of Red Pine trail and learn about some of the biology of the region (weather permitting). Bring layers of clothing, hiking shoes, bug spray, water, and snacks. The hike will last approximately an hour over mixed terrain including gentle hills with some easy uphill sections.
Date: Thursday, September 21, 2023
Time: 4:00pm to 5:00pm (meet at the trailhead at 4:00pm)
Location: 1km drive down Airport Road in Nestor Falls off of Highway 71 - SCIENCE TRIVIA NIGHT AT BOB'S BURGER BAR 19+
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Join the us at Bob’s Burger Bar and show off your science smarts with rounds of sensational science in music trivia. And don’t worry, you don’t have to be Einstein to enjoy this event!
Date: Thursday, September 21, 2023
Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: Bob's Burger Bar - SCIENCE CARNIVAL
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This one-day community event provides families with the opportunity to participate in engaging and fun science, innovation, and technology activities. Visit with exhibitors showcasing hands-on presentations, labs and attractions, all using local and global science concepts and engineering principles. Also, enjoy spectacular live science shows and entertainment.
Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023
Time: 11:00am to 4:00pm
Location: Jarnel Contracting Pavilion - TRIVIA AT LAKE OF THE WOODS BREWERY OKTOBERFEST 19+
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Beer stein and bubbles and pretzels oh my! Join our Bluecoats to test your trivia skills about the science of beer, pretzels, and everything Oktoberfest. Prost!
Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023
Time: 5:00pm
Location: Lake of the Woods Brewing Company (taproom)
INVITE ONLY SCHOOL GROUPS AND SENIOR PROGRAMS
Schools are required to register groups for these events, and students will participate in curriculum-linked programs that will get them excited and engaged with the science and technology around them.
- SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL PROGRAMS
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Science North Bluecoats will be visiting Kenora area schools with hands-on science programs designed to bring science and technology to life!
Date: Monday, September 18 through Friday, September 22, 2023
- LEARN MORE: Book your school group by emailing kaitlin.richard [at] sciencenorth.ca
- SCIENCE FOR SENIORS *
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Science is for everyone! Our Bluecoats will be running various engaging science programs specifically for seniors, which include hands-on and interactive programming.
* Available only to residents
Date: Monday, September 18
Location: Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls 50+ Activity Centre - YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION
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Students from grades 9 to 12 are invited to this two-day interactive conference to learn, be inspired, and take action on climate change. On day one, students will hear from speakers and participate in interactive workshops, and on day two, students will get out into their community to participate in an action project and begin forming their own Climate Action Plan to implement in their school or community.
Date: Tuesday, September 19 and Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Location: Jarnel Contracting Pavilion and Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre- LEARN MORE: You can register for school groups by emailing emma.meadows [at] sciencenorth.ca
- ANIMAL EXTRAVAGANZA *
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Science is for everyone! Our Bluecoats will be running various engaging science programs specifically for seniors, which include hands-on and interactive programming.
* Available only to residents
Date: Friday, September 22, 2023
Location: Pinecrest Home for the Aged
A Collaborative Venture Under the Direction Of:
In Partnership With:
A Proud Member Of:
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and the GenAction initiative towards Science Festival activities
For any questions regarding the festival, if you are interested in sponsoring the festival, or would like to be considered as an exhibitor, you may contact us at: scifest [at] sciencenorth.ca
sault ste. marie science festival
Thank you for joining us for the 9th annual Sault Ste. Marie Science Festival! Congratulations to all of our partners on a successful weekend of science, innovation and fun!
2023 Science Festival Events:
- YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT
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Students from grades 9 to 12 are invited to this two-day interactive conference to learn, be inspired, and take action on climate change. On day one students will hear from speakers and participate in interactive workshops and on day two students will get out into their community to participate in an action project and begin forming their own Climate Action Plan to implement in their school or community.
Date: Tuesday, April 25 and Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Location: Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
Registration: Special (FREE!) registration for school groups only — please email us at grace.schmidt [at] sciencenorth.ca for registration details. - IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE TRIVIA NIGHT
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The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library will be hosting a science trivia night! Not a science buff? That’s no problem! After all, it’s not rocket science!
Space is limited, so reserve your tickets soon to avoid disappointment! https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/its-not-rocket-science-tickets-576138695347
Date: Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm (doors open at 6:30pm)
Location: Sault Ste. Marie Public Library, James L. McIntyre Centennial Branch
Cost: FREE - (ARTIE) ADVANCED RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION EXPO
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This annual event is offered by the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre to elementary school students from Grades 1 to Grade 8. Students will participate virtually in hands-on activities, demonstrations and presentations featuring a wide variety of science exhibitors, all with the opportunity to meet and interact with scientists in the fields including biology, environmental sciences, computer sciences, robotics, and technology, and so much more!
Date: Thursday, April 27, 2023
Time: 9:30am to 3:00pm
Location: Algoma University
Registration: CLOSED! - SCIENCE CARNIVAL
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This one-day community event provides families with the opportunity to participate in engaging and fun science, innovation, and technology activities. Visit with exhibitors showcasing hands-on presentations, labs, and attractions, all using local and global science concepts and engineering principles. Also, enjoy spectacular live science shows and entertainment.
Date: Saturday, April 29, 2023
Time: 11:00am to 4:00pm
Location: Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
Cost: FREE
A Collaborative Venture Under the Direction Of:
Presented By:
In Partnership With:
A Proud Member Of:
Funding Provided By:
In Collaboration With:
For any questions regarding the festival, if you are interested in sponsoring the festival, or would like to be considered as an exhibitor, you may contact us at: scifest [at] sciencenorth.ca
Thunder Bay Science Festival
Thank you for joining us for the 11th annual Thunder Bay Science Festival! Congratulations to all of our partners on a successful weekend of science, innovation and fun!
2023 Science Festival Events:
- SCIENCE AT SNOWDAY ON THE WATERFRONT
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Come visit Science Festival partners at SnowDay on the Waterfront! This annual event organized by the City of Thunder Bay is a great way to get outside for some fun this Family Day weekend. For additional SnowDay information visit: thunderbay.ca/en/recreation/snowday.aspx
Date: Monday, February 20, 2023
Time: 12:00pm–5:00pm
Location: Festival Area – Marina Park
Cost: FREE - CODING FOR CAREERS
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Get inspired to pursue a career in STEM by participating in Science North’s Coding for Careers series! Learn about the diverse professionals who use coding or digital skills in their careers via a live interview by our bluecoat and an opportunity for open Q&A.
Presented in English and French
Date: Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Location: Online
Registration: FREE! Registration for high school students and school groups — please email us at breanna.pyott [at] sciencenorth.carel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" for registration details. - NERD NITE
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Join us for an exciting night of nerding out at Sleeping Giant Brewing Company. Entertaining speakers, science experiments, and knowledge-testing trivia with Trivia-Master Dave await!
Presented in English
Date: Thursday, February 23, 2023
Time: 7:00pm–9:00pm
Location: Sleeping Giant Brewing Company
Cost: FREE - NORTHERN ONTARIO YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT
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Students from grades 9 to 12 are invited to this two-day interactive conference to learn, be inspired, and take action on climate change. On day one students will hear from speakers and participate in interactive workshops and on day two students will get out into their community to participate in an action project and begin forming their own Climate Action Plan to implement in their school or community.
Date: Wednesday, February 22 and Thursday, February 23, 2023
Location: Fort William Historical Park
Registration: Special (FREE!) registration for school groups only — please email us at grace.schmidt [at] sciencenorth.carel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" for registration details. - SCIENCE CARNIVAL
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This one-day community event provides families with the opportunity to participate in engaging and fun science, innovation, and technology activities. Visit with exhibitors showcasing hands-on presentations, labs and attractions, all using local and global science concepts and engineering principles. Also, enjoy spectacular live science shows and entertainment.
Date: Saturday, February 25, 2023
Time: 11:00am–4:00pm
Location: The Heritage building on the CLE grounds
Cost: FREE
A Collaborative Venture Under the Direction Of:
In partnership with:
A Proud Member Of:
Funding Provided By:
In Collaboration With:
For any questions regarding the festival, if you are interested in sponsoring the festival, or would like to be considered as an exhibitor, you may contact us at: nicholas.barclay [at] sciencenorth.ca.
NORTH BAY SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Thank you for joining us for the 5th annual North Bay Science Festival! Congratulations to all of our partners on a successful weekend of science, innovation and fun!
2022 Science Festival Events:
- FIRST GATEWAY CONFERENCE: 1305 STEM DAY
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This conference is for anyone who loves to build Lego contraptions, coding, robotics driving robots, and learning! Please join the 1305 Team for a day of fun and prizes. This event is for students in grades 7 to 12 and has a $20 admission cost that includes lunch.
For more information and registration, go to team1305.org/stemday.
Date: Saturday, October 22, 2022
Time: 9:30am–4:30pm
Location: Canadore College, 60 Commerce Crescent, Room E208, North Bay, ON, P1B 8K9
Cost: $20 (admission cost that includes lunch!) - PUMPKIN HUNT
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We invite you to a pumpkin hunt! Join us for horse carriage rides, pumpkin colouring, bowling, maze, food, and family games in Champlain Park.
Date: Saturday, October 22, 2022
Time: 11am–2pm
Location: Champlain Park, North Bay, ON, P1A 2J3 - SCIENCE TRIVIA NIGHT AT CECIL'S
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Join us for a night of Science Trivia at Cecil’s Brewhouse and Kitchen! Hosted by the amazing John Miller, grab a tablet and some friends for a night of bonus questions, lightning rounds, guess the species and…science! Don’t worry, you do not have to be an Einstein to enjoy this event!
Date: Thursday, October 27, 2022
Time: 7:30pm–9:30pm
Location: Cecil’s Brewhouse and Kitchen, 300 Wyld Street, North Bay, ON, P1B 8K3 - FALL CURIOSITY HIKE
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Spend some time with Lucy, local naturalist and mushroom lover, and honour the way everything in the forest is shifting seasons to prepare for winter. Take time to explore the ways dynamic forest ecosystems and their web of connections can teach us how to connect with each other and expand our relationship with nature.
Attire: dress for the weather! You may also enjoy binoculars or a camera, however, nothing but curiosity and attention are mandatory!
Date: Friday, October 28, 2022
Time: 1pm–2pm
Location: (Monastary Trails) Nipissing University, 100 College Drive, North Bay, ON, P1B 8L7 - SPOOKY SCIENCE CARNIVAL
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This one-day community event provides families with the opportunity to participate in engaging and fun science, innovation, and technology activities. This year, we're adding a spooktacular twist! Visit with exhibitors showcasing halloween themed hands-on presentations, labs and attractions, all using local and global science concepts and engineering principles. Also, enjoy spectacular live science shows and entertainment.
Date: Saturday, October 29, 2022
Time: 11am–4pm
Location: 29 Duxford Road, Hornell Heights, ON, P0H 1P0
A Collaborative Venture Under the Direction Of:
In Partnership With:
A Proud Member Of:
For any questions regarding the festival, if you are interested in sponsoring the festival, or would like to be considered as an exhibitor, you may contact us at: harper.gilbert [at] sciencenorth.ca
