Canada is known for its diverse and riveting culture which is shown by its vast and world renowned festivals. Everything from rock music festivals to sophisticated cultural events, Canadian festivals have attracted foreign visitors from all around the world.
| Here we will cover top 10 national festivals in Canada | |
| 1. Canada Day | 6. The Calgary Stampede |
| 2. Winterlude | 7. Canadian Tulip Festival |
| 3. Ottawa Bluesfest | 8. Pacific National Exhibition |
| 4. Folklorama | 9. Osheaga |
| 5. Quebec Winter Carnival | 10. Celebration of Light |
1. Canada Day [View map]
As a Canadian living in London, UK (Sorry Ontario), I find myself explaining what the heck Canada Day is every time the topic comes up. Often times the conversation starts with something like “You have a Canada Day!? What even is that?”, to which I reply (mostly out of laziness), “It’s like the fourth of July but for Canadians”, which isn’t exactly accurate. After going through this cycle several times, I thought it would be worth breaking down when, why, how, and where we celebrate Canada Day.
Bear with me as I briefly explain Canada Day, I promise I’ll get to the fun stuff quickly. The British North America Act (now the Constitution Act) was enacted on July 1st, 1867. It united the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Québec as a domestically self-governing federation; creating Canada. On June 20th, 1868, all Her Majesty’s subjects across Canada (Yep, the Queen of England was/is still our monarch) were asked to celebrate July 1st.
In 1879, July 1st became a statutory holiday called the “anniversary of the Confederation”, which would later be named “Dominion Day”. The holiday that all us Canucks know and love was formed; and we’ve been planning our celebrations every year since! Dominion Day became known as Canada Day in 1982. Canada Day is a day to celebrate everything that makes us Canadian; we celebrate our values, diversity, freedom, and the natural beauty of our country. We also have some fun embracing the stereotypes.
2. Winterlude [View map]
Have you heard about the incredible winter festival that takes place in Canada’s capital every year? If Winterlude is on your bucket list, keep reading! Winter is not really my favourite season. I may be Canadian, but I am definitely NOT a fan of the cold! And while Hubby and the kids love the snow, I could easily do without. However, when I heard about Winterlude in Ottawa, I couldn’t help but be intrigued. This awesome winter festival is family-friendly and has a variety of outdoor activities guaranteed to keep everyone interested.
3. Ottawa Bluesfest View map
Ottawa is a small city. Some locals even refer to the City of Ottawa as a “town. ” It is a quiet, 9:00AM – 5:00PM city. It does not get very loud here. Except in mid-July. Then the city gets loud and chaotic. This is because Ottawa’s world-known festival Bluesfest is happening. The festival first kicked off in 1994, and it became Canada’s fastest growing outdoor music festival. A festival takes place very close to downtown Ottawa. The festival venue is known as “LeBreton Flats. “
It is basically the surrounding empty area around Ottawa’s famous War Museum. Virtually every city bus goes there, so it is very, very easy to access. There are around four to fives stages at Ottawa Bluesfest, so there are always a minimum of two musicians performing at any given time. Perfect for discovering new music.
4. Folklorama [View map]
Folklorama is a multicultural event that runs for two weeks each August in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It is the world’s largest and longest-running multicultural festival. Folklorama began in 1970 as a one time multicultural event to celebrate Manitoba’s Centennial. It was so successful it has returned every year since Today, the fesitval typically draws about 425,000 pavilion visits plus 15,000 visitors to Folklorama Kick-off held the day before pavilions open.
Folklorama provides exposure to cultural groups and brings in thousands of tourists each year, adding to the city’s economy.
5. Quebec Winter Carnival [View map]
Come experience one of the world’s largest winter carnivals in beautiful Quebec City. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to the Québec Winter Carnival to enjoy a host of activities for all ages, including night parades, snow sculptures, and musical performances. Bonhomme Carnaval is the ambassador of this winter celebration. The Quebec Winter Carnival festival, also known as Carnaval de Quebec is a fantastic winter celebration held in Quebec City, Canada.
It’s one of the largest winter carnivals in the world! During the festival you can enjoy activities like ice sculpture competitions, snow slides, sleigh rides and even canoe races on the frozen St. Lawrence River. There are also lively parades, concerts and delicious traditional foods to try. It is a true winter wonderland experience.
6. The Calgary Stampede [View map]
The Calgary Stampede is an annual rodeo, exhibition and festival held every July in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The 10 event which bills itself as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” attracts over one million visitors per year and features one of the world largest rodeos a parade, midway, stage shows, concerts, agricultural competitions, chuckwagon racing nand First Nations exhibitions. In 2008 the Calgary Stampede was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.
The Calgary Stampede festival is such an exciting event. It is known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” and takes place in Calgary, Canada. It is a celebration of Western heritage and culture, featuring rodeo competitions, chuckwagon races, live music, delicious food and thrilling amusement rides. People from all over the world come to experience the cowboy spirit and enjoy the festive atmosphere. It is definitely a go to event if you are a fan of rodeo and Western traditions.
7. Canadian Tulip Festival [View map]
The Canadian Tulip Festival was established to celebrate the historic Royal gift of tulips from the Dutch to Canadians immediately following the Second World War as a symbol of international friendship. The Festival preserves the memorable role of the Canadian troops in the liberation of the Netherlands and Europe, as well as commemorates the birth of Dutch Princess Margriet in Ottawa during World War II—the only royal personage ever born in Canada.
The Canadian Tulip Festival has been celebrating the tulip, an international symbol of friendship and peace, since 1953. The first Canadian Tulip Festival was held at the suggestion of world renowned photographer Malak Karsh.
8. Pacific National Exhibition [View map]
The Pacific National Exhibition is an annual fair held every August taking place over 17 days in Hastings Park in Vancouver. The fair showcases industry and agriculture and is accompanied by a large funfair (Playland) to make a great family day out. The PNE now attracts almost a million visitors annually and it has a history spanning back over 100 years. The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) is a fantastic festival held in Vancouver Canada.
It’s a summer tradition that brings together thrilling amusement rides, live performances, delicious food and exciting exhibits. The PNE offers something for everyone, whether you are re a fan of concerts, fair games, agricultural displays or mouthwatering treats. It is a great way to have fun and create lasting memories with friends and family. Do not t miss out on the PNE if you are e in Vancouver during the summer.
9. Osheaga [View map]
Anyone who knows me well, knows that I love a good music festival. But having been a devoted Coachella goer ever since moving to California, I was a little wary at first when my friend Lauren suggested we do a little something different last summer: Osheaga. Her college friends were meeting up in Montreal for a reunion of sorts and wouldn’t it be a blast? I had never even heard of it. Why would I go to a music festival that clearly no one ever talks about?
Chances are high that if you’re from the U.S., you’ve also never heard of Osheaga, Montreal’s biggest music festival put on every summer at Parc Jean-Drapeau.
Even my most music-savvy friends looked at me with blank stares when I mentioned my travel plans for last July. Osheaga Festival is a popular music festival held in Montreal, Canada. It features a diverse lineup of artists from various genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. The festival takes place over three days and offers a unique and vibrant experience for music lovers. People from all over the world come to enjoy the performances, food, and atmosphere. It’s definitely a must-visit event if you’re a fan of music festivals.
10. Celebration of Light [View map]
Set to light up Vancouver’s skies once more this summer is the greatly anticipated Honda Celebration of Light. One of the city’s signature events, it’s the world’s longest-running offshore fireworks competition attracting competitors from across the globe. Organizers announced their lineup for the 2023 event on Monday. Australia, Mexico and first-timer Philippines are set to dazzle the 400,000-strong crowds that flock to English Bay and surrounding beaches each night of the popular summer festival.
Executive producer Paul Runnels says since Brand Live took over producing the show in 2010, it’s been on a mission to expand the participating countries beyond the usual suspects. The Celebration of Light festival in Vancouver is absolutely amazing. It is an annual fireworks competition where different countries showcase their incredible pyrotechnic displays. The festival takes place over several nights and you can enjoy the fireworks from various locations around the city.