Weekend #1
Friday November 27th to
Sunday November 29th, 2026
Weekend #2
Friday December 4th to
Sunday December 6th, 2026
Weekend #3
Friday December 11th to
Sunday December 13th, 2026
SCHEDULE of EVENTS
Some variation to the schedule may occur between weekends. A detailed schedule will be provided during check-in.
See description of meals options provided under “Package Price includes…”. Families are encouraged to bring additional foods to accommodate dietary/picky needs.
FRIDAY
Afternoon: Arrive anytime after 3pm (contact us if you would like an earlier check-in)
Dinner: BYO or head into Mattawa
6pm-8pm: Return of the Christmas Coffee House and Movie!
- Bring your potluck snack to share
- Hot Chocolate/Coffee/Tea provided by CEC.
- Kids friendly movie playing at same time
- Board games available
Campfire available for family use!
SATURDAY DAY
8:00-9:00am: Breakfast
Morning Activities:
9:30-11:00: “Elfin Agility Academy” Games and Challenges for all ages
11:30-12:30: Lunch
Afternoon Activities:
2:00-2:30pm: Reindeer Hoofball
1:00-4:00pm: Campfire available for marshmallow and hot-dog roasting
3:30-5:30pm: Visit with Santa!
*3:30-4:30: Dinner Grp. #1
*4:30-5:30: Dinner Grp. #2
SATURDAY - ALL DAY!
Time: 10am to 4pm
Craft and Cookie Decorating Room
- Creative Christmas Crafts!
- Family Cooking Decorating
- Hot Chocolate and Coffee/Tea station
Candy Cane Lane – Follow the candy canes to learn all about how a forest heals and regrows (and some treats along the way of course!)
“Eco” the bear’s Great Christmas Scavenger Hunt – Eco needs your help once again this Christmas season!
SATURDAY EVENING
5:00pm/6:00pm: Dinner Seating #1 and #2
Evening Activities:
6:30pm – 8:00pm: Campfire Sing-a-long with John the Elf!
7:00/7:30/8:00pm: Night walk and wolf howl
*campfire available for families
SUNDAY
8:00-9:00am: Continental Breakfast
Stay for the morning and enjoy family time in the park before your departure.
Payment Policy
A non-refundable deposit of $150 is required at the time of registration to reserve your event date.
The remaining balance is due one (1) month prior to your scheduled event date. Reservations with an outstanding balance after the due date may be cancelled at the discretion of the Canadian Ecology Centre.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change. As Christmas in the Forest is a limited-capacity event that requires advance planning, staffing, and preparation, the following cancellation policy helps us manage reservations while ensuring we can provide a memorable experience for all of our guests.
Cancellation by Guests
More than one (1) month before your scheduled event date
- The $150 registration deposit is non-refundable.
- Any additional payments made beyond the deposit will be refunded in full.
One (1) month to 14 days before your scheduled event date
- A refund of 50% of the total booking cost (including the $150 deposit) will be issued.
Within 14 days of your scheduled event date
- No refunds will be issued.
Transferring Your Reservation
If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your reservation to another person at no additional charge by notifying the Canadian Ecology Centre at least 24 hours before your scheduled event.
Subject to availability, we may also be able to transfer your reservation to another Christmas in the Forest date if requested at least 7 days before your scheduled event. A transfer fee may apply.
Cancellation by the Canadian Ecology Centre
If the Canadian Ecology Centre must cancel your event due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including severe weather, public health restrictions, or other Force Majeure events, you will be offered the choice of:
- A full refund of all monies paid; or
- A transfer to another available Christmas in the Forest date (subject to availability).
Weather & Travel
Christmas in the Forest is an outdoor winter experience and operates in a variety of weather conditions. We encourage guests to monitor weather and road conditions before travelling and to dress appropriately for the forecast.
Many of our guests travel several hours to attend. If weather, road conditions, or other travel disruptions prevent you from reaching the Canadian Ecology Centre, our standard cancellation policy will apply. Refunds or credits cannot be provided unless the event itself is cancelled by the Canadian Ecology Centre.
We recommend that guests travelling long distances consider purchasing trip cancellation/interruption insurance, where available, to help protect against unforeseen travel disruptions.
No-Shows
Guests who do not attend their scheduled event without prior notice will not be eligible for a refund or credit.