Canada Events

Canada is an expansive, refreshing and friendly part of the world that's constantly growing and changing. Keep up with what's on in your favourite city using our simple guide to Canada events.

Canada Events in Calgary

• Throughout the year

Calagary Zoo (Open daily)
Besides the usual array of exotic wildlife, Calgary Zoo is also home to a botanical garden and prehistoric park. This makes the landmark a little more special than you’d usually expect. Featuring the unique sites of Canadian Cougars and Grey Wolves, it's a must-see for your list of Canada events.

Alberta Ballet (Check local listings)
Consistently host to sell-out events, the Alberta Ballet's subtle and hypnotic performances are hugely popular in Calgary. Throughout the year, you can catch a whole assortment of colourful and enjoyable performances. Be sure to book in advance though, it sells out quick!

Alberta Theatre Project (Check local listings)
Ever entertaining and original, Alberta Theatre Project offer intriguing and atmospheric plays all year around. The stage is always home to some of the best performances in Canada, so it's definitely worth a visit is you have a spare evening free. You can see what's on via the website.

Creative Kids Museum (Open daily)
Burrow into Alberta’s curious landscapes or bend your mind with excellent perception tricks, the Creative Kids Museum is for the young but you’ll still enjoy watching them partake in the fascinating exhibits on offer. One of the most interesting Canada events around.

• May

Calgary International Children's Festival (May 20 - 24)
This not-for-profit festival is another one of the Canada events that's perfect for youngsters. Held annually every May, the festival offers fantastic programs that strive to bring out imagination and artistic talent in spades. More than 60,000 people attend each year, making it a hugely popular time out for the whole family.

4th Street Lilac Festival (May 25)
The 4th Street Lilac Festival manages to draw in around 125,000 happy festival goers every year, making it as busy and bustling as any other of the Canada events. Better yet, it's a free festival which encompasses no less than 13 blocks. The lively stalls range from craft and gifts to food and drink, with something for just about everyone. Definitely one to catch.

Canada Events in Halifax

• April

International Film Festival for Youth (Apr 22 - 26)
The great thing about the annual International Film Festival for Youth from Viewfinders, is that even the jurors are youngsters, making it all the more interesting who wins. This five day showcase of amateur film wonder is always entertaining and you can be sure that the pieces will be anything but ordinary.

Comedy Fest (Apr 23 - 28)
Laughs are assured at the annual Halifax Comedy Fest, with Canada's best all set for the stage. With an astute reputation as one of the best comedy events Canada has to offer, expect five days of side-splitting acts across a variety of stages through the city. A great choice of all the Canada events to really unwind and relax, in a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere.

• May

2008 IIHF World Hockey Championships (Early to mid May)
The 2008 IIHF World Hockey Championships are to be shared between Halifax and Quebec this year, making it a perfect time to catch an Ice Hockey game. Especially if you've never been before since the championships can get particularly heated and will bring some of the best performances around. Be sure to book early, as tickets go quicker than most other Canada events.

Canada Events in Montreal

• Throughout the Year

Piknic Électronik (Sundays)
This weekly musical picnic is perfect to lazing back in the Sunday sun and listening to the sweetest beats around. There's nothing more satisfying than whiling away the day with your friends and this wonderful music.

• May

Mutek Festival (May 28 - Jun 01)
If you like your Electronica, the Mutek festival provides reams of top artists clicking out mixes and beats to incredible visual displays (right). Previous artists included Taylor Deupree and Deadbeat making this festival a definite must for the party-goers.

• July

Just for Laughs (Jul 10 - 20)
As the largest of its kind across the entire world, the Just for Laughs festival is held in quite high regard by many. The ten day Canada event is split into two halves with one being in French and the other English. Many famous names have attended the festival in the past, including Jerry Seinfeld, John Cleese and Bill Hicks.

Montreal Fireworks Festival (Jul 23)
L’International des Feux Loto-Québec, or Montreal Fireworks Festival, is one of the largest firework displays in the world, watched by some 3 millions people each season. The show is a challenge from eight or nine different international pyrotechnic companies to compete for the Gold trophy. This competition ensures the festival has an edge over most other Canada events.

Canada Events in Ottawa

• Throughout the year

Camellia Tea Gatherings (Check website for latest)
Sometimes it's nice to just sit back, relax and let the afternoon go by with a drink. Camellia Tea Gatherings are the perfect place to do just that in Ottawa. Specialising in Japanese tea, these cosy gatherings ensure peace and calm, with some quiet chit-chat to go alongside it.

• May

Canadian Tulip Festival (May 02 - 19)
The world's largest tulip festival (above right) greets over 500,000 people every year. Running for over 50 years, you can expect excellent organisation and the very best displays around. Make sure you check out Commissioners Park and Major's Hill Park for the largest displays around.

• June

Fringe Festival (Jun 19 - 29)
Bringing together a wonderful range of artists, the Ottawa Fringe Festival is one of those Canada events where expressions of art are pushed to every boundary with performances of music and plays both indoor and out. The whole city comes alive with bustling streets of buskers and viewers, all adding to the friendly atmosphere of the festival.

Changing of the Guard (Jun - Aug)
If you're going to see any of the traditional Canada events, you really need to see this. Every day throughout June and August, you can watch the amazing changing of the guards at Parliament Hill. You can watch the Ceremonial Guard of the Canadian Forces bring the streets alive every morning from 10am, providing the weather permits. Get there fifteen minutes early to catch the prior presentation.

Canada Events in Toronto

• Throughout the year

The CN Tower (Daily)
As the tallest free-standing building in the entire world, the CN Tower really has to be climbed. As you reach the top you can creep out over the huge glass flooring and peer down at the rest of the city dotting and dashing around like ants.

• June

North by Northeast (Jun 12 - 15) This excellent four day music festival celebrates its 18th year running with another display of top performances. The volunteer-driven project allows any band to submit themselves, ensuring the final chosen line-up offers a real mix of artistry.

• August

Canadian National Exhibition (Aug 15 - Sep 01)
This is one of the largest Canada events and brings in well over a million visitors every year! The 18 day fair promises two midways with over 50 rides and over 80 games, with a variety of unique food places accompanying them. Not forgetting the largest over-the-water air show in the world, staring the Snowbirds, it's one of those Canada events that cannot be missed!

Canada Events in Vancouver

• Throughout the year

Chinese Gardens (Open daily)
One of the calmer Canada events has to be a visit to the Chinese Gardens. The colourful rocks and incredible architecture glisten in the light and glow with a supernatural edge. In Summer, all plants are beginning to elope and the trees are peaking with vibrancy. Visit before the Autumn sweeps in!

• July

Virgin Festival (TBA)
It's only the third year running for the Virgin Festivals, but they've become very successful in such a short time. Expect popular headliners and big names, rather than niche chamber music, but it's still plenty of fun.

Canada Events in Winnipeg

• Throughout the year

Art Gallery (Tuesday to Sunday)
The Winnipeg Art Gallery is Western Canada's oldest [public] art gallery. It may specialise in artists from Manitoba, but there are regular international displays at the gallery. Excellent holiday fodder if the weather turns up grim.

• June

Winnipeg Jazz Festival (Jun 20 - 29)
Over a week of famous Jazz names for your holiday pleasure come out to play in Winnipeg, during the month of June. From Herbie Hancock to Dave Brubeck, there's always an amazing display onboard the line-up.