Canadian Summer Festivals

There are many different types of festivals to choose from, depending on what fits into your needs and wants. Some choices of festivals include Arts, Cultural, Food, LGBTQ+, Film, Fairs, and Music. No matter what you enjoy, you will be find at least one (or more) to attend!

Being a large country, Canada has many areas where festivals can take place. You can find festivals in most major cities and throughout smaller cities and towns in each Province and Territory. Often, it will be hard to find accommodation for these as well, as the surrounding hotels can be reserved by other festival go-ers. Luckily, CanaDream has seven locations that you can pick up a vehicle from, that are in close proximity to plenty of festivals and allow you to have your own space to get ready, eat, and sleep. To find the best festival for you, choose your pick-up location, find the type you want to go to, and start your roadtrip!

Vancouver

Found in Comox Valley, British Colombia, the weekend of June 21 – 23, 2024 will be full of clams, halibut, mussels, and many more kinds of seafood. The event draws many of the country’s best chefs, features sumptuous dinners, tours, competitions, and tastings over ten delicious days. Favorite events include an oyster shucking competition, a clam chowder cook off and a spicy Caesar cocktail competition to discover winning flavour combinations! Learn even more at bcseafoodfestival.com!

Calgary

Nearby town, Didsbury, is home to the Days of Yore festival from August 3-4, 2024 at the Rosebud Park. Travel through time and experience an outdoor living history festival, used to entertain and educate festival Guests of all kinds. Learning about cultural traditions, lifestyles, and activities of bygone eras through authentic representation of those times is the main theme of the weekend and is sure to be a big hit with all ages. Learn more at daysofyore.com!

Edmonton

Dive into arts and design in Edmonton, Alberta for The Works Art & Design festival from June 27 – July 1, 2024. Attracting artists and designers from around the world, this unique festival boosts creatives' imagination and inspiration through one-of-a-kind exhibits, large scale Installations, multi-disciplinary performances, demonstrations, and workshops. Learn more and find the right exhibit for you at theworks.ab.ca.

Whitehorse

From July 19-21, you can find the Dawson City Music Festival, ready to celebrate over 24 artists and bands from all over Canada. The Dawson City Music Festival (DCMF) has been a treasured music and cultural event in the Yukon since 1979. Enjoy great music, a walking 'concert crawl' at different Dawson City venues, delicious food, markets, a lively beer garden, friendly people, and an authentic grassroots spirit in the heart of Yukon’s Klondike. Find out all the details through dcmf.com!

Toronto

During the weekend of July 10-14, 2024, you will find a great family friendly festival in Scarborough called the Family Fest by Guild Festival Theatre. Serving up an energetic three-day celebration for young audiences (and the young at heart) featuring a variety of different theatrical performances, workshops and activities perfect for every member of your family! From circus performers to puppet theatre and musical acts, Family Fest is sure to astound and add whimsy to kick off your start of summer! Look out for the lineups on guildfestivaltheatre.ca!

Montréal

Including a lineup made up of the most popular artists, you can dance along to some great music at Osheaga from August 2-4, 2024. Montréal's music & art-loving residents and Guests are able to enjoy three monumental days packed with live concerts, mind-blowing visual arts, cutting edge fashion and fabulous food events. Osheaga is hosted at a stunning, lush park situated on a small St. Lawrence River Island in the heart of historic Montréal and gifts attendees unforgettable viewpoints of the city. Visit Osheaga.com for further details and purchase tickets.

Halifax

If you are “shore” you want to get out and celebrate with stories, songs and learn about the sailors who forged their nations, you are in luck. Take some time to go and visit the Fundy Sea Shanty Festival in New Brunswick during the weekend of August 9-11, 2024. Delight in energetic sea shanty performances, dance a jig, browse the 'Harbour Bazaar' and enjoy interactive historical presentations! Many activities for the whole family are free to be enjoyed! Visit fundyseashantyfest.com for further information.