Carrot River is close to fields, forests and waterways. Things to do include seasonal snowmobile trails, fossil excursions and events throughout the year. For planning, it’s worth checking the dates first: a winter festival, a festival in June and several events in November and December each have a different focus. You can then plan your stay around the themes that interest you.
Outdoors: Snowmobile Trails and Fossils
The Carrot River Outdoors Club (CROC) has a shooting range. If you’re interested in visiting, check operating details locally in advance. Carrot River is also connected to other communities by an interconnected snowmobile trail network. Along the seasonal routes, the community offers trail-side amenities such as food, fuel and accommodation. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
About 15 minutes outside Carrot River, visitors can search for fossils along the shale banks of the Carrot River at the Big Bert Site. Leave fossils where you find them. A short trail leads to a viewpoint, while another leads to the riverbanks. Weather and water levels affect how accessible these banks are. Take these conditions into account if you plan to follow the trail to the river.
Fossils at Pasquia Regional Park
Pasquia Regional Park is 10 kilometres south of Carrot River on Highway 23. The Dickson Hardie Interpretive Centre houses a permanent exhibit featuring the skeleton of “Big Bert” and other marine-related fossils. Alongside fossil hunting on the shale banks, the centre offers a separate way to explore the subject through an exhibition. Check seasonal access to the centre.
Events Throughout the Year
The Winter Festival takes place every year on the third weekend in March. The program includes a chainsaw competition, a festival breakfast and a bonspiel curling tournament. Exact dates and individual activities may change. The Family Festival takes place every year in June, with a parade, entertainment and afternoon activities for the whole family. This festival’s program may also vary from year to year.
Christmas on Main is held on the Wednesday before Black Friday in November. It includes extended shopping hours, other activities, visits with Santa and a bonfire at Community Square. For the holidays, Winter Wonderland on Ice offers free skating every year on December 23, 24 and 26; check the times for the year you plan to visit. Santa Clause Day is also an annual event. Visitors can expect visits with Santa, photo opportunities and sleigh rides; check these details for the relevant year as well.
The events span March, June and November through December. If you’d like to plan your trip around a particular event, check the calendar for the year in question. This is especially helpful for skating times and individual program details.
Culture and Practical Information
Carrot River has an Art & Culture Center. After the United Church closed, a local non-profit organization took over the property to promote and support arts and culture in the community. Check in advance for current programs and public access.
The Carrot River Visitor Information Booth offers information about what’s happening in and around Carrot River. It is staffed by OUTBACK ambassadors who have lived in the community and surrounding area for many years. If you plan to visit the booth, check the current dates. In 2025, the local library lent out a regional park pass. Ask about current availability and opening hours before visiting.
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