Top 22 Festivals In Canada

festivals in canada
Catherine
Catherine 
Updated
| 10 min read

One of the most picturesque nations you can find on the planet, Canada is awash in beautiful forested terrain, majestic mountains, and sparkling lakes. However, this northern-most country on the North American continent isn’t just the perfect destination for outdoorsy adventures in amazing natural splendor. Canada also offers no shortage of colorful and culturally rich cities like Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal. To better explore the unique character of this compelling section of the world, visit captivating community events and fun festivals. And to completely bask in the glory of these great Canadian festivals, one must choose a comfortable retreat; you can pick among the best yurts and treehouse hotels for a unique experience. Ready to explore all Canada has to offer? Then you must read on to see the best festivals in Canada.

1. Celebration of Light

Canada's fireworks at the 2013 Celebration of Light in Vancouver, BC
Source: Photo by user Stefan Ritt used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Celebration of Light is the world’s biggest fireworks competition. Competing over several eye-popping nights, this extravaganza of pyrotechnic excellence is a crowd-pleaser for locals and tourists. Along with fireworks, this event goes full force with dynamic music concerts, an array of food stalls selling delicious grub, and a very popular urban-adventure race called the Seawall Challenge. But the fireworks are the star of this show. Lighting up Vancouver’s night sky, these rockets of illumination are stirring, grandiose, and inspiring. Celebration of Light truly lives up to its name and shouldn’t be missed.

Celebration of Light

Address: Vancouver, Canada

Website: Celebration of Light

Takes place: July

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2. Folklorama

Folklorama India Pavilion 2012
Source: Photo by user Ccyyrree used under CC0

An all-out celebration of Canada’s diverse experience and people, Folklorama is a multi-cultural, summer-holiday event featuring a wide range of fun and frivolity. With so much going on, it’s difficult to absorb everything, but do try, as many of the world’s cultures are on full display. Enjoy a showcase of delectable and interesting authentic cuisines, relish first-rate entertainment like robust folk dancing, admire attractive cultural displays, and enjoy warm hospitality from the biggest and longest-running multi-heritage festival of its kind on the globe.

Folklorama

Address: Winnipeg, Canada

Website: Folklorama

Takes place: July to August

Price: 5 USD

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3. Just for Laughs Comedy Festival

Juste pour rire 2014 - 001a
Source: Photo by user Jeangagnon used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Since its inception in 1983, Just for Laughs Comedy Festival has been making Canadians laugh. Boasting the biggest names in comedy, this event - also known as the Montreal Comedy Festival - is a raucous laugh-fest and one of the main attractions on Montreal’s entertainment calendar. This annual festival hosts the best comedians, many of whom have gone on to star in top-rated TV shows. This laugh-inducing event is very popular and many segments of the show are broadcast by national and international television channels. Your eyes will water and your belly will ache from all the laughter.

Just for Laughs Comedy Festival

Address: Montreal, Canada

Website: Just for Laughs Comedy Festival

Takes place: July

Price: 38 - 95 USD

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4. K-Days

Edmonton K-Days Exhibition - 2015
Source: Photo by user IQRemix used under CC BY-SA 2.0

What began in 1879 continues to draw huge crowds every year. Originally called Klondike Day, K-Days is a beloved tradition and oozes a wonderful lighthearted carnival atmosphere. Boasting the best 10 days of summer, K-Days offers a myriad of amusement rides, exciting game booths, enthralling children’s programs, live music, and ample shopping opportunities. Devour fave carnival foods like sweet candied apples and fluffy cotton candy. There’s even hearty fare like tangy barbecue. Marvel at the vibrant parade that features energetic brass bands and colorful floats. At the end of the day’s activities, be dazzled by the amazing fireworks!

K-Days

Address: Edmonton, Canada

Website: K-Days

Takes place: July

Price: 15 USD

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5. Montreal Jazz Festival

Festival international de jazz de Montréal (7663611432)
Source: Photo by user Matias Garabedian used under CC BY-SA 2.0

If you’re looking for the largest jazz festival found anywhere in the world then head to the Montreal Jazz Festival. A most exuberant event, this music-fest is historic and offers more than 20 stages where top performers strut their musical talents. Awash in a bacchanal-like atmosphere, the Montreal Jazz Festival beckons concertgoers by the millions. Every music genre is showcased from jazz and rhythm and blues to rock and pop to reggae and electronic. Past performers have included award-winning artist Norah Jones, Diana Krall, and the late “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin. If you’re a jazz fanatic or just a lover of quality music then this top music festival in Canada is for you.

Montreal Jazz Festival

Address: Montreal, Canada

Website: Montreal Jazz Festival

Takes place: June to July

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6. Osheaga Festival

Garbage at Osheaga music festival Montreal 2012-08-04
Source: Photo by user velkr0 used under CC BY 2.0

Enjoy a wondrous music and arts event in an idyllic setting at the Osheaga Festival. Established in 2006, this lively indie music festival is held at Montreal’s lovely Parc Jean-Drapeau on Saint Helen’s Island and is one of the most high-profile attractions in the entire country. Osheaga Festival is dedicated to showcasing local and national newbie talent and providing them the chance to perform alongside headliners like Radiohead, Childish Gambino, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Arcade Fire, and more. Attracting music fans from all over the globe, this festival turns a spotlight on not only great music but fine visual-arts presentations. For those seeking great music and art, Osheaga Festival amply provides it.

Osheaga

Address: 1 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montréal, QC H3C 1A9, Canada

Website: Osheaga

Takes place: July

Price: 242 USD

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7. Toronto Carribean Festival [Previously known as Peeks Toronto Caribbean Carnival]

Caribana 2009 (4)
Source: Photo by user Loozrboy used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Experience full-blown revelry at the Peeks Toronto Caribbean Carnival. A rambunctious festival formed by Caribbean immigrants, this event is filled with colorful masqueraders, talented steelpan performers, and a mix of upbeat music from soothing melodies to pulsating island-infused music. Come hungry so you can sample scrumptious Caribbean cuisine and then stay for the biggest street-performance parade in North America featuring thousands of lively costumed performers. A feast for the eyes, this carnival is a true jaw-dropping spectacle of visual and performing arts you won’t soon forget.

Peeks Toronto Caribbean Carnival

Address: 15 Saskatchewan Road, Toronto, Ontario Canada

Website: Peeks Toronto Caribbean Carnival

Takes place: July

Price: Free entry

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8. Future Forest

Posted by Future Forest on Friday, 29 November 2019

A one-of-a-kind festival in appealing surroundings, Future Forest is a superb showcase of hypnotic electronic music and beguiling art. Situated along a sparkling river on a beautiful wilderness preserve comprised of 200 glorious acres (81 hectares), visitors can watch more than 140 awesome local and international musicians perform on whimsically lit stages constructed into the natural landscape for an unforgettable sight. Attendees can enjoy many visual and performing artists and talented painters as well as a platoon of food vendors to keep them fed and content.

Future Forest

Address: New Brunswick, Canada

Website: Future Forest

Takes place: August

Price: 132 USD

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9. Winterlude


When the temperature drops and the snow falls heavily Canadians take it in stride and revel in an awesome festival called Winterlude. Instead of complaining about the wintry weather residents of the nation’s capital embrace it at this incredible winter wonderland. Lace-up your skates and glide on the world’s lengthiest ice rink. Marvel at phenomenal and mesmerizing ice sculptures. Enjoy a variety of music concerts. Play on giant icy and slippery slides made of ice. Have a snowball fight at the snow-filled playground. Needless to say, this winter carnival in Canada is a big tourist attraction and a great way to brighten the gloomy days of winter.

Winterlude

Address: Ottawa, Canada

Website: Winterlude

Takes place: February

Price: Free entry

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10. Calgary Stampede

Calgary Stampede Rodeo final day 17 - 2011
Source: Photo by user Gnosis used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Calgary Stampede aims to celebrate and commemorate Canada’s rich western legacy. This uproarious event attracts over one million visitors every year and features thrilling midway rides and exhilarating bucking-broncos action. If you’ve never seen a genuine rodeo then Calgary Stampede is the go-to site for fast-paced barrel racing, steer roping and wrestling, and so much more. Calgary Stampede even goes a step further and presents exciting chuckwagons races! One of the most anticipated festivals in the country, this festival is a unique experience that’s sure to create lasting memories.

Calgary Stampede

Address: 650 25 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4K8, Canada

Website: Calgary Stampede

Takes place: July

Price: 14 USD

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11. Pride Toronto

Toronto Gay Pride 2008
Source: Photo by user Neal Jennings used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Taking over 22 of Toronto’s city blocks is the spirited Pride Toronto. A joyful ambiance is tangible at this celebration in Canada which is one of the largest gay-pride fests in the world. This event is a celebration of the LGBTQ community and its wide diversity. Pride Toronto offers a collection of stages where live performances and professional DJs entertain the bustling crowds. A grand and dazzling gay-pride parade is the highlight as well as several clamorous cavalcades like Dyke March and Trans March. Even Canadian President Justin Trudeau has made an appearance and marched alongside participants of this truly memorable event!

Pride Toronto

Address: Toronto, Canada

Website: Pride Toronto

Takes place: Usually held in June

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12. Montreal Fireworks Festival

L'international des feux Loto-Québec (7758689812)
Source: Photo by user Matias Garabedian used under CC BY-SA 2.0

As many as three million fireworks-loving spectators come from nearby towns and faraway cities to watch the amazing pyrotechnic competition at the Montreal Fireworks Festival. Also known as L’International des Feux Loto-Québec, this annual festival is held at Le Ronde amusement park that overlooks shimmering Dolphin Lake and is considered one of the biggest fireworks festivals on earth. Pyrotechnic pros from around the globe descend on Montreal to compete. Throughout the course of the event over 6,000 fireworks are blasted across the lovely Montreal skyline giving you plenty of Instagram-worthy shots.

Montreal Fireworks Festival

Address: 22 Chemin Macdonald, Montréal, QC H3C 6A3, Canada

Website: Montreal Fireworks Festival

Takes place: June to July

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13. Pacific National Exhibition Fair

Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) (29442125565)
Source: Photo by user GoToVan used under CC BY 2.0

Pacific National Exhibition is a non-profit organization that hosts many fun community events. One of the most popular is the delightful fair that traditionally ends the summertime season in Canada. This fair is packed with must-see attractions from mechanical bull riding and knight jousting to pig races and dog shows. There are lots of carnival-style entertainment like mystical hypnotists and night-time action featuring wonderful music concerts and incredible fireworks displays. Two standout activities of this fair are shopping at the numerous stalls and eating various delicious food from the best vendors.

Pacific National Exhibition

Address: Vancouver, Canada

Website: Pacific National Exhibition

Takes place: August to September

Price: 14 USD

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14. Veld Music Festival

Martin Garrix at Veld
Source: Photo by user Veld Music Festival used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Leaving an indelible impression on festival-goers annually is the zealous Veld Music Festival. Established in 2012 and held every year at Toronto’s sprawling and leafy Downsview Park, Veld Music Festival is a fantastic two-day gathering that rattles the park’s trees with pulsating electronic dance music and heavy-hitting hip-hop vibes. This extraordinary music festival always delivers an impressive line up of talented musicians. Groove and bump to electrifying sets by notables in the industry like Tiesto, Kygo, Cardi B, Skrillex, and many more.

Veld Music Festival

Address: Toronto, Canada

Website: Veld Music Festival

Takes place: Usually held in August

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15. The Ex

Canadian National Exhibition 2012
Source: Photo by user Kotsy used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Canadian National Exhibition, or simply called The Ex, is a marathon 18-day-long exposition promoting the best technology, bountiful agriculture, and dynamic diversity that comprises Canada. If there’s a cat lover in your party check out the Cat Show where more than 100 prim and proper felines compete. Don’t forget to take a whirl on the Sky Ride to get a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the exhibition activities and an awesome glimpse of the magnificent CN Tower dominating the Toronto skyline. When it’s time to eat The Ex devotes an entire building to great eats from decadent donut sandwiches to juicy bacon cheeseburgers to gooey macaroni and cheese.

The Ex

Address: Toronto, Canada

Website: The Ex

Takes place: August to September

Price: 12 USD

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16. Toronto International Film Festival

festivals in canada | toronto international film festival
Source: instagram

The Toronto International Film Festival has become so popular it’s giving notable film festivals like Sundance and Cannes some competition for the movie-premiere spotlight. Beginning in 1976, this high-profile, star-studded venue has seen successful films like the Academy Award-winning Slumdog Millionaire and American Beauty, along with Black Swan and 127 Hours score top honors at this festival. The Toronto International Film Festival is an ideal venue for burgeoning filmmakers to screen their work and possibly launch a rewarding movie career.

Toronto International Film Festival

Address: Toronto, Canada

Website: Toronto International Film Festival

Takes place: September

Price: 8 - 45 USD

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17. North by Northeast Festival

NXNE (10)
Source: Photo by user Shane K used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Held in various venues throughout Toronto, the North by Northeast Festival is the granddaddy of music festivals. Don’t be surprised if you hear this festival’s headlining bands playing in city parks, at the airport, and on various modes of transportation like ferry boats and streetcars! This stupendous extravaganza provides a wealth of entertainment: lively showcases, fun parties, engrossing art installations, exciting gaming, and much more. Yonge Dundas Square is ground zero for this festival that includes a three-day music concert that also features hilarious comedy acts, tasty food, beautiful art, and amusement park rides and games.

North by Northeast Festival

Address: Toronto, Canada

Website: North by Northeast Festival

Takes place: June

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18. Pop Montreal

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Possessing over 450 bands performing at more than 50 venues throughout the city, Pop Montreal is an ideal event for music-loving locals and fun-seeking tourists who also want a taste of compelling art. This five-day melodic and art-centric festival boasts an irreverent air and shines a spotlight on emerging and underdog-type musicians from across the globe. Pop Montreal is also dedicated to supporting independent art forms so attendees can admire lovely and arresting work by talented artists. If you want to see uncommon music presentations like avant-garde legend Laurie Anderson jam with saxophonist Colin Stetson and cellist Rebecca Foon then Pop Montreal is the place.

Pop Montreal

Address: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Website: Pop Montreal

Takes place: Usually held in September

Price: 8 - 34 USD

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19. Shambhala Music Festival

TICKET UPDATE Tickets on Sale TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH 12PM PST We are so sorry Farmily. We had NO IDEA that so many...

Posted by Shambhala Music Festival on Monday, 16 September 2019

Each year the lush green land of Salmo River Ranch is transformed into a music-fuelled forest for the Shambhala Music Festival. This is the country’s top-tier electronic music fest featuring cutting edge talent and sensory experiences of light and sounds. This festival offers stages packed with a fabulous line-up of performers. Throw in some enticing art and you have an incredible outdoor gathering filled with contagious feel-good vibes. Attending the Shambhala Music Festival is sure to be a standout memory of your summer.

Shambhala Music Festival

Address: Salmo River Ranch, British Columbia, Canada

Website: Shambhala Music Festival

Takes place: July

Price: 340 USD

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20. Chasing Summer

Posted by Chasing Summer Music Festival on Monday, 12 August 2019

The annual Chasing Summer festival is a two-day epic display of outstanding electronic dance music held on the grounds of the Max Bell Center ice rink. This festival is the biggest outdoor EDM gathering that lures people to the vast golden prairies of Western Canada to dance from sun up to sundown to heart-pounding beats and synthesized rhythms. A primary summer festival in Calgary, Chasing Summer provides a collection of some of the world’s most in-demand headliners in EDM and you’d be crazy to miss this popular event.

Chasing Summer

Address: 1001 Barlow Trail S.E., Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Website: Chasing Summer

Takes place: Usually held in August

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21. Dreams Festival [Last event in June]


Growing quickly in popularity over the past few years, Dream Festival is a multi-day outdoor event that is today touted as one of the largest electronic music festivals in the country. Dreams Festival provides three expertly constructed stages offering fantastic electro, techno, and trance music from a collection of top DJs from across the globe. This eclectic festival is the go-to attraction for EDM lovers with discerning tastes. Dreams Festival is also enhanced by the dreamy locale: on the sandy shores of Lake Ontario at the lovely Echo Beach concert space in downtown Toronto.

Dreams Festival

Address: Echo Beach, Toronto, Canada

Website: Dreams Festival

Takes place: June

Price: 76 USD

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22. Astral Harvest [Event has passed]

Throwback Thursday ! Here is a glimpse back to 2012. We have come a long way, and we keep building on the magic. 2019...

Posted by Astral Harvest Festival on Thursday, 11 April 2019

Want to attend a festival where you can indulge in reinvigorating yoga, dance the night away to great music, learn juggling, marvel at fire-spinning, and more? Astral Harvest is dedicated to getting participants to explore a new skill or master an old one. This intimate festival is a rare combination of music, art, yoga, and interesting learning experiences. Creating a sense of community, people of every skill level are encouraged to attend the stimulating workshops. Aside from the workshops, Astral Harvest is a nice celebration of fine music and inspiring art.

Astral Harvest

Address: Driftpile, Alberta, Canada

Website: Astral Harvest

Takes place: July

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Canada's awesome festivals

You’ll get a full spectrum of Canada’s character and culture when you add to your list of tourist attractions a few of these delightful festivals to experience. From boisterous rodeo festivals to cool-grooving jazz festivals, Canada knows how to throw a party and make every traveler feel welcome.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Catherine has written professionally for over 10 years, and a sizable amount has been travel writing. Her desire to see the world was sparked at a very young age. Growing up, there were many family...Read more

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