Canada is a vast country. It stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific, and from its shared border with the United States to the magnetic North Pole. Being a vast and diverse country, Canada offers many events and festivals that attract most of the tourists all over the world. From a cowboy hoe-down to sophisticated cultural events, Canadian festivals and events entice and charms visitors worldwide.
Getting to Canada is easy by car from the United States, or by plane from anywhere. The US highway system leads into Canada at thirteen points along the border. The busiest entry points are in Detroit, Windsor, and Niagara Falls. One can also enter Canada from the US by bus, train, or ferry. Many of the rules regarding necessary identification have recently changed. It is best to have a passport when visiting Canada, even when entering the US by land. The Canadian dollar, or “loonie”, is roughly on par with the US dollar these days. It’s always best to check exchange rates before traveling. Below are some of the well-known events and festivals in Canada, as well as a list of popular festivals by area.
Best Canadian Festivals
Vancouver Symphony of Fire, Vancouver
Vancouver Symphony of Fire is one of the best events in Canada that one should not miss while exploring Canada. The event is basically the biggest fireworks in the world which are held over several nights every summer in Vancouver. Travelers and visitors should never miss out on this event.
The Calgary Stampede, Calgary
Considering the Canadian events and festivals we cannot miss out on the Calgary Stampede. This event is regarded as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” Every year more and more people visited Calgary to partake in this ten-day party held every July. The city features good old fashioned hospitality combined with cultural diversity.
Edmonton Folk Festival, Edmonton
One of the other festivals in Canada includes the Edmonton Folk Festival. It first began in 1980, and now is one of the world’s premier folk festivals. This festival is held every year in August, the festival’s lineup is always outstanding and ticket prices reasonable.
Toronto International Film Festival, Toronto
Another great event is the Toronto International Film Festival. This film festival is one of the leading film festivals in the world and ranked closely with Cannes and Sundance. The festival is held each September and considered one of the best events and festivals in Canada.
Winterlude, Ottawa
Winterlude is one of the well-known festivals in Canada. This winter festival is held in the month of February every year. This festival features ice-skating on the world’s longest rink, ice sculptures, a snow playground, concerts and more. One can enjoy a lot in this festival watching ice-skating. Read on to know more about events and festivals in Canada.
Montreal Jazz Fest, Montreal
Montreal Jazz Fest is held in June/July every year. Montreal Jazz fest offers approximately five hundred concerts, of which three-quarters are free of cost. The event also hosts about 2000 musicians from different countries roughly 20 countries. More than 2 million visitors visit this event every year becoming the international jazz rendezvous and a laboratory for the creation of new talent.
Quebec Winter Carnival
Quebec winter carnival begins from the end of January and lasted until mid-February. Today, this carnival is considered as the biggest winter carnival in the world.
Other Festivals by Region
Festivals in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls hosts several festivals throughout the year. Niagara Falls festivals are popular and family-oriented events. Major Niagara Falls festivals include:
- Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights
- Spring Festival at the Falls
- The Winter Festival of Lights
Festivals in Ottawa
Ottawa hosts popular world-class festivals throughout the year. Ottawa festivals attract tourists from around the world. Major Ottawa festivals include:
- Canadian Tulip Festival
- Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
- Ottawa Fringe Festival
- Pride Festival
- Winterlude
Festivals in Quebec City
Quebec City hosts renowned festivals for all types of occasions. Festivals in Quebec City are organized primarily for families and children. Major Quebec City festivals include:
- Quebec Winter Carnival
- Quebec Summer Festival
- Grands feux Loto-Québec (fireworks)
- New France Celebrations
Festivals in Toronto
The city of Toronto hosts popular world-class festivals. Every year millions of visitors come to Toronto to experience its incredible events. Major Toronto festivals include:
- The Toronto International Film Festival
- Toronto Downtown Jazz and Blues Festival
- Toronto Fringe Theatre Festival
- World of Comedy International Film Festival
Festivals in Vancouver
Vancouver hosts dozens of annual festivals. Visitors can attend festivals such as Bard on the Beach or the Vancouver Fringe Festival throughout the year. Major Vancouver festivals include:
- Bard on the Beach
- Caribbean Days Festival
- Vancouver Chamber Music Festival
- Vancouver Fringe Festival
- Vancouver International Children’s Festival
- Vancouver International Jazz Festival
Festivals in Victoria
Summer is a busy time in Victoria for festivals. Victoria festivals are popular and attract a worldwide audience. Major Victoria festivals include:
- Annual Manulife Literary Arts Festival
- Classic Boat Festival
- First People’s Festival
- Victoria International Festival
- Victoria Harbour Festival
- UNO Festival of Solo Performance
Festivals in Whistler
Whistler hosts dozens of festivals and annual events every year. Whistler festivals are very popular and attract many participants from out of town. Major Whistler festivals include:
- Oktoberfest
- Whistler Food and Wine Festival
- Whistler Film Festival
- Whistler Winterstart Festival
Festivals in Montreal
Some of the world’s most renowned festivals are held in Montreal. Montreal festivals bring performers and artists from all over the world in front of millions of Montrealers and tourists every year. Major Montreal festivals include:
- Just For Laughs Festival
- Montreal World Film Festival
- Montreal International Jazz Festival
- The Montreal International Fireworks Competition