Suggested visit
Day 1
Opening ceremonies · livestock barns
Day 2
Ploughing competitions · tented city
Day 3
Queen of the Furrow coronation
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Agricultural · Fall
International Ploughing Match & Rural Expo
Rotates (Ontario), Ontario Mid September · 5 days
Canada's largest outdoor agricultural fair — 80,000+ visitors and a working tented city.
Type
Agricultural
Family Friendly
Yes
Setting
Outdoor
About This Event
The story of International Ploughing Match & Rural Expo
Canada's largest outdoor agricultural fair — 80,000+ visitors and a working tented city.
The IPM travels to a different Ontario host county each September, building a 2,000-tent 'city' hosting horse and tractor ploughing competitions, livestock shows, cooking stages, and the coveted Queen of the Furrow crown.
Why travelers love it
Reasons to go
What makes International Ploughing Match & Rural Expo unforgettable.
01
Tractor & horse ploughing
02
Rural-life demonstrations
03
Cooking & fashion shows
04
Queen of the Furrow
Best areas to stay
Where to stay
Curated accommodations across price tiers and neighbourhoods.
- Local host-county inns
- On-site RV camping
Explore beyond the event
Things to do nearby
Make Rotates (Ontario) the start of a wider Canadian adventure.
- Varies by host county
Make the most of your visit
Suggested itineraries
Plans for every length of stay — from a single day to an extended adventure.
Know before you go
Local insider tips
Editorial advice from on-the-ground travelers.
Weather
Pack for the season and check the forecast the week of.
Transit
Use public transportation where possible — venues fill quickly with festival traffic.
Arrive early
Marquee events draw crowds — give yourself 60 minutes of buffer.
Cash
A small amount of cash speeds up small-vendor and food lines.
Photography
The hour before sunset gives the best festival light.
Photo gallery
A visual taste
A glimpse of International Ploughing Match & Rural Expo and the surrounding destination.
Editorial photography curated by The Canadian Explorer.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Extend your trip
Parks, campgrounds and road trips within reach of Rotates (Ontario).
National Parks nearby
Provincial Parks nearby
Camp nearby
Road trips nearby
Explore more of Canada
Related destinations
Continue the journey from where the festival ends.
Trip planning assistance
Need help planning your visit?
Tell us about your trip and we'll send a tailored plan with recommendations for hotels, transport, itineraries and surrounding destinations. This is travel planning assistance — not a booking form.
Curated by Canadian travel editors