Published December 15, 2022 · Updated September 29, 2026
My JIL Family with Cranston Berry
Oh, there’s a place called BALA?! Do you know that Bala is my paternal grandmother’s family name? Growing up, I didn’t really like it much because bala means “bullet” in English and I got bullied for that. However, it’s a famous family name in our hometown so I am always proud being a Bala with our trademark “pretty-well” noses. Lol! Yeah, we’ve inherited our true-blue Filipino noses from the Balas! Anyway, learning that there’s Bala, Ontario tourist attraction fall made my heart giddy! Our family name is a name of a place here in Ontario with an annual celebration of cranberry festival! I must be so proud! And thanks to my JIL family for the opportunity to experience my very first fall festival here in Canada!
The Cranberry Festival in Bala, Ontario tourist attraction fall is celebrated every midweek of October since 1984 to extend the tourist season and to improve the quality of life in the local community. It aims to promote over a hundred local businesses in metal, leather, and wood creations, body care, visual and literature arts, culinary delights with all the cranberry delicacies, pottery, clothing, jewelry, etc. As a small business owner in the Philippines, local enterprises are dear to my heart. With every product made of love, one cannot question the authenticity and honesty of it. Apart from that, when purchasing locally made products, one is not only buying but also supporting local businesses that support us and our local community. So being there at Ontario tourist attraction fall festival was also like being in a trade fair of artistic, creative, homemade, and handmade products. Do drop by for the list of exhibitors and photos here!
Aside from the exhibiting vendors, there were also the amusement rides, inflatables, Lego giant blocks, and other activities for the kids! Not only Yassi and Randy enjoyed but also the kid in Tita Mae delighted in everything kiddie! We did the corn maze, the chuchu train, the Ferris Wheel, etc.! It was like going to a carnival when I was little. It was just great now because I didn’t have to pay for each entry (in the Philippines we do). The festival admission already includes everything! If you’re planning to visit next year, book your tickets in advance as they sell out too quickly! Visit the festival’s official website here.
Additionally, music is the heart of the Cranberry Festival in Bala, Ontario tourist attraction fall. Just like the Balas of Ozamiz, locals of Bala are very talented musicians. It was a great privilege and honor to me to have experienced playing the native drums with some of the Native Americans of Canada! Kuya Jason also enjoyed jamming along with Yassi and Randy. Everybody had a blast with one rhythm and in one accord!
Lastly, what is a Cranberry Festival in Bala, Ontario tourist attraction fall when the famous stepping on cranberries is not performed? It is the highlight of the festival, the ritual and tradition of crushing cranberries by foot! It is hosted in a different location with different admission. Visit the Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery for more information about the cranberry plunge. And in the festival, you can get a free take home photo at the cranberries photo booth too!
I only have a few photos to share with you here and for a complete coverage of our day at the Cranberry Festival, watch my short vlog below!
Thank you, my JIL family for this post-birthday gift for me! 🙂
Want to learn more about this Ontario tourist attraction fall? For questions, invites, and collaborations, direct message me on Facebook. For updates on my whereabouts and whatabouts, follow me on Twitter and Instagram! Also subscribe to my YouTube channel! 🙂
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Years Later, Bala Means Something More
When I first wrote this story in 2022, I was simply excited about discovering a town that shared my grandmother’s family name.
It felt amusing, almost unbelievable, that a name so familiar to me growing up in the Philippines could appear on road signs in a little town in Ontario.
But looking back, I realize that what made this experience memorable wasn’t just the coincidence.
It was being there with people who had become part of my new life in Canada.
I remember the laughter, the children’s excitement, the local artisans, and the music. I remember being a newcomer, discovering yet another Canadian tradition, and feeling grateful that I had people to share it with.
Perhaps that’s what I’ve come to appreciate about exploring beautiful places.
Sometimes, we travel somewhere because of its scenery, attractions, or reputation.
Other times, a place captures our hearts because it reminds us of something—or someone—we carry with us.
For me, Bala was a little bit of both.
A new place in Canada.
A familiar name from home.
And another beautiful memory added to my journey.
Planning Your Own Visit to the Bala Cranberry Festival?
If this story has inspired you to experience Bala during autumn, here are a few things worth knowing before your trip.
The festival takes place annually in October, bringing together local vendors, live entertainment, seasonal food, and family-friendly activities throughout the town.
For current festival dates, admission, schedules, and parking information, visit the official Bala Cranberry Festival website.
→ Visit the Official Bala Cranberry Festival Website
If you’re also interested in experiencing the Cranberry Plunge or exploring a working cranberry farm, check Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery separately. Its harvest experiences require their own bookings and are not included in general festival admission.
→ Explore Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery
Discover More of Muskoka and Ontario
Bala was one of the little places that made me appreciate just how much Ontario has to offer, especially during autumn.
Over the years, my journey has taken me to more beautiful corners of Muskoka, from Gravenhurst and Huntsville to quiet waterfronts, scenic roads, and other places that have become part of my Canadian story.
I’ve included Muskoka among the destinations in my cornerstone guide:
→ 20 Beautiful Places in Ontario That Could Capture Your Heart
If you’re planning a fall road trip, you might just find a few more places to add to your itinerary.
Continue Your Journey
My first Bala Cranberry Festival reminded me that exploring somewhere new can sometimes bring us closer to something familiar.
Whether it’s a family name, a childhood memory, or simply the joy of sharing an experience with people we love, beautiful places have a way of becoming part of our personal stories.
If you’d like to keep exploring, here are three ways to continue your journey.
Explore Beautiful Places
From Muskoka’s colourful autumn landscapes to charming Ontario towns, waterfronts, and quiet nature escapes, discover more places that have become part of my journey.
Discover Everyday Beauty
Sometimes, beauty is in the little things we experience along the way—a familiar name, the colours of fall, handmade creations, children’s laughter, or the simple pleasure of spending a day with friends.
Reflect on Meaningful Stories
Some places unexpectedly connect us to our roots, the people we love, and the different chapters of our lives. Explore more personal stories about memories, belonging, change, and finding meaning along the way.
→ Reflect on Meaningful Stories
What Little Things Remind You of Home?
Sometimes, the smallest discoveries bring back the most meaningful memories.
A familiar name. A favourite food. A celebration. A place that reminds us of someone we love.
These are the little connections we might overlook when life becomes too busy.
If you’d like to slow down and rediscover more of the beauty already surrounding you, I’ve created The Beauty Around You, a free 7-day journey filled with gentle reflections and writing prompts to help you notice more, appreciate everyday experiences, and discover the stories woven into your own life.
→ Begin Your Free 7-Day Journey