Top Festivals and Events in Canada

Canada is one of the vast and diverse countries in the world. The festival and events celebrations in Canada is a reflection of the different cultures existing in Canada. There are several Canada festivals and events in Canada happening all through the year which attracts millions of tourists and visitors worldwide. The festivals and events in Canada range from the internationally acclaimed Music & Jazz festivals in Quebec to the vivid celebrations of various festivals across several cultures, including the loved Thanksgiving Festival. There are several agricultural displays, rodeos, rural fairs, comedy festivals, playhouses, seasons, several historical events – you can name the occasion and it is celebrated in Canada.

Listed some of the top breathtaking Canada festivals and events that are a must-visit.

1. Toronto International Film Festival

One of the leading film festivals in the world and it gives a close competition to Sundance and the Cannes film festival. This is one of the popular Toronto festivals which features leading films such as American Beauty, the Big Chill, and Hotel Rwanda. This festival is attended by prominent stars of the Hollywood industry and is held in the month of September each year.

2. Montreal Jazz Fest

This is a 10-day annual event which is held in the months of Jun-July. There are approximately more than 500 concerts that are mostly free of charge making it one of the best things to do in Montreal, Canada. This event hosts around 2000 musicians from across the globe. On an average, more than 2 million music lovers join this musical extravaganza in Quebec. This is also considered one of the best launching pads for new budding talents as you have one of the biggest names in the music industry present.

3. Vancouver Celebration of Light

Held in Vancouver, this is probably one of the biggest fireworks competition held in the world over a period of several nights every summer out here in Vancouver. This Honda extravaganza includes food stalls, concerts, and the Seawall challenge, which is a popular urban adventure race.

4. The Calgary Stampede

Held in Calgary, this is one of the events where you can dress up like a cowboy and spark at the greatest outdoor show on earth. There are more than a million visitors each year to take part in this 10-day stampede party held mostly in the months of July.

5. Winterlude

Even the sub-zero temperatures and waist-high snowdrifts can’t stop the Canadians from celebrating making it one of the top things to do in Ottawa. The Winterlude is one such example held every year in the first three weekends of the month of February. There are exciting events such as ice-skating on the longest rink in the world, a snow playground, ice sculptures, and several concerts.It is the perfect winter vacation in Canada you can ever dream of.

6. Canada Day Celebrations

July 1^st is the official Canada Day and this event is celebrated with a lot of merriment across Canada. This event marks the birth of Canada, the country. The entire population dons red and white outfits and a grand firework display marks the beginning of this grand extravaganza. The celebrations remain intense, and Ottawa is one of the best places to have fun and enjoy this celebration with a round of good Canadian beers.

7. Edmonton Folk Festival, Edmonton

In Edmonton, every August marks a humble beginning of the Edmonton Folk festival which kicked off in the year 1980. The entry passes to this premier folk festival are quite reasonable and it promises a lot of fun and excitement. You can also visit the famous Canadian Rockies which is just a two-hour drive away from Edmonton.

8. Quebec Winter Carnival

Quebec has a major French population and they follow this rowdy custom of coming together to mark the starting of Lent over a round of drinks and revelry. This is one of the biggest winter carnivals held in the world which is held annually in the month of Jan/Feb and witnessing it is one of the best things to do in Quebec City. The cold is just not an excuse for your to embark and embrace this beautiful festival but also enjoy an unforgettable holiday in Canada.

9. Celtic Colors International Festival

The Celtic Colours International Festival is a unique celebration hosted in Cape Breton that showcases the Island’s traditional culture. For nine days in the month of October, you will discover hundreds of events and fun activities that take place in communities across the Island. The festival was introduced in 1997 and now, has grown to become one of the premiere music events in Canada and a wonderful cultural highlight in Nova Scotia. It promises to show the musical culture of Cape Breton to thousands of visitors from more than two dozen countries. You are assured to find some of the finest musicians in the world sharing the stage with the best musicians, singers, and dances of Cape Breton in various venues.

10. Montreal Just for Laughs Comedy Festival

Since the year 1983, this festival is spreading happiness and entertainment for people. The aim is to make people ‘just laugh’. Held every year in the month of July, this festival has immense popularity among not just the Canadian population but also for people all over the world. The festival features some of the greatest comedians in the world and is broadcasted internationally on television and on the internet.

11. Folklorma

Held in Winnipeg, the annual festival of Folklorma celebrates global diversity. The festival has become a great symbol of Canada’s multi-cultured society and the secularity of the people living here. It promises international students an excellent opportunity to explore the rich traditions, customs, culture, and heritage represented in Winnipeg. People of Canada with origins and ethnicities participate to showcase their culture, art, music, folk dances, and of course delicious cuisines. It not only serves as a valuable educational experience for international students but also a symbol of Canadian solidarity.

12. Pride Toronto

Pride Toronto is an annual parade that takes place in Toronto attracting over a million attendees every year to celebrate equality, love, and acceptance. It is a stunning carnival that recognises the freedom and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community in Canada and the entire world. Pride Toronto is one of the biggest festivals in Canada and warmly welcomes International LGBTQ+ students and encourages them to express their true selves without judgement or fear. This festival started in 1981 as a major protest over now-infamous bathhouse raids in Canada. Today, it is a wonderful transformative experience that empowers us to embrace identity while celebrating and contributing to the LGBTQ+ culture and acceptance.

13. Peterborough Music Festival

Peterborough Music Festival is a festival that offers eight weeks of concerts that showcase renowned musicians gathering on the shores of beautiful Little Lake. An electric city is transformed into a fantastic creative city sparked alive by music spills. The best part? The admission is absolutely free! There will be popular bands such as Tegan and Sara, Walk Off the Earth, Our Lady Peace, Carly Rae Jepsen, Tom Cochrane, City and Color, and Terri Clark. The event will feature live cats that generate a sizable economic impact on local businesses and tourist attractions. Peterborough Music Festival is one of the most anticipated events and showcases its uniqueness and sense of community.

14. The Ex

One of the artistic Canada festivals, The Ex is not something related to somebody’s ex! It is simply a short way of referring to The Canadian National Exhibition. It has been held annually since 1879 in Toronto and is an eighteen days long magnificent exhibition that you dont want to miss. The event has historically showcased the commercial and technological innovations of Canada while providing a wide variety of entertainment. It takes place on the shore of Lake Ontario featuring concerts, parades, shopping sprees, ice and stunt shows, agricultural displays, talent competitions, a peewee baseball tournament, carnival attractions, and a spectacular air show.

15. K-Days

K-Days is an annual ten day long extravaganza happening in Edmonton featuring rides, games, music, food, and loads of adventure. The rides will alone leave you speechless and craving for more adrenaline rush. Enjoy the wonderful fireworks that conquer the night sky and cheer for the band onstage. The festival was started in the year 1879 and gained popularity ever since. It was earlier known as Klondike Days and has a rich cultural linkage with the beautiful city of Edmonton. You can have fun all day while savouring the tangy and smoked barbecue rib. Indulge in heavenly freshly fried doughnuts. Don’t forget the gooey, crispy candy apple

16. Canadian Tulip Festival

The largest festival of tulips in Canada features a popular annual event with massive tulip displays, family attractions, and much more. During the month of May, this eleven-day event celebrates the seasonal beauty of the flower and its historic connection to Canada’s capital. It is an outdoor event taking place at Commissioners Park where you can find over 300,000 tulips blooming alongside the scenic Dows Lake of Rideau Canal. Take photos and selfies in the dreamy garden among the endless beds of multi-coloured flowers. Visit the heritage display and learn about the history and the gift of tulips which led to this beautiful creation of the festival.

Conclusion

Canada is undoubtedly a multicultural and secular country with people of different cultural groups living together in harmony. They not only participate in various events and festivals but also warmly encourage international students to discover and accept their true selves. Canada is home to some of the biggest carnivals that celebrate both traditions and life.