Summer Food Festivals from Coast to Coast to Coast Along the Trans Canada Trail
Summer fun list: Food — check. Festivals — check. Trails — do you even have to ask? Of course! From scallops to strawberries to chocolate, the flavours of Canada are on display this summer along or near the Trans Canada Trail. Check out our list of food festivals below, from west to east.
False Creek Crab Fest
The second annual False Creek Crab Fest takes place on July 27 along the City of Vancouver Trail. Find freshly caught Dungeness Crab, beer and wine from local suppliers, ice cream and more.
Calgary Ice Cream Fest
From July 19 to August 5, stay cool and sample the fare from several local ice cream makers across Calgary. It makes the perfect treat post-outing along the City of Calgary Trail, plus it supports Calgary Meals on Wheels at the same time!
Food Truck Wars
On July 26 and 27, explore food truck culture in Saskatoon at Food Truck Wars. Head out for an adventure on the Meewasin Trail, then pop over to the battle afterwards for lunch or a snack. Plus, right next door, you’ll find YXE Beer Wars!
Corn and Apple Festival
Corn! Apples! Need we say more? In Morden, Manitoba, the Corn and Apple Festival welcomes guests to a three-day festival from August 23 to 25 for music, kids’ activities, a farmers’ market, and free corn and apple cider! Find it near the Stanley Trail.
Toronto Waterfront Night Market
The Toronto Waterfront Night Market brings Pan-Asian food, floating lanterns and live music right next to the Waterfront Trail – Martin Goodman Trail. Toronto has tons of food festivals and events on offer, and while we can’t list them all, honourable mentions go to Jerk Fest in Etobicoke and the Street Eats Market – including the International Food & Drink Festival in Toronto and the Fried Chicken Fest in Mississauga.
Winona Peach Festival
Winona Peach Festival is a bit of a detour from the City of Hamilton Trail, but because Ontario peaches are essentially peak summer perfection, we’re including it on our list anyway. From August 25 to 27, enjoy festival events, then sample peach pie, peach salsa, peach drink, peach sundaes and more. For more peach goodness in August, Peach Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake near the Niagara River Recreational Trail is another great bet.
Festival of India
On July 20, celebrate Indian culture in Thunder Bay, Ontario, with music, singers, dancers and (drum roll, please …) a free vegetarian feast! Find it on the City of Thunder Bay Trail.
Northwest Territories Culinary Festival
From July 25 to 28, the Northwest Territories Culinary Festival comes to Yellowknife, in several locations in the city, including near the City of Yellowknife – Frame Lake Trail. Enjoy a fish fry, cocktails and canapés and more. Also in Yellowknife, check out Rib Fest from August 2 to 4!
Taco Fest
Wrap up summer with delicious tacos, right along the Ville de Montréal Trail in Old Montreal! From August 31 to September 2, sample tacos, check out the hot sauce bar, enjoy mariachi music and more. Montreal is home to many food events all summer long, from weekly farmers’ markets to Haiti en folie, a weeklong celebration of Haitian culture (including delicious food) at Parc Lafontaine, along the Trans Canada Trail!
Bières et saveurs festival
Right along the Ville de Chambly Trail — the oldest Trans Canada Trail section in Quebec! — the Bières et saveurs festival is a celebration of local beer, cider and food, running from August 30 to September 2.
Chocolate Fest
A festival of chocolate? In scenic St. Stephen, New Brunswick? Sign us up. From August 5 to 8, the “sweetest celebration of the year” comes alive with chocolate tasting, kids’ activities and more. Find it near the Coastal Link Trail.
Fall Flavours
Kick off fall with deliciousness at the Fall Flavours Food and Drink Festival in several locations around Prince Edward Island, near the Confederation Trail. Experience Mi’kmaq cuisine, a lobster party and more.
Digby Scallop Days Festival
Nova Scotia and food go hand in hand. From August 8 to 11, head over to Digby, near the Dibgy Railbed Trail, for its renowned scallop fest. For more Nova Scotia flavours, the Wild Blueberry Harvest Festival takes place from August 17 to September 2 in several communities in the province, with some spots along the Short Line Railroad Trail.
Deer Lake Strawberry Festival
Celebrating its 41st year in 2024, the Deer Lake Strawberry Festival celebrates all things strawberry with live music, food vendors and more. Find it along the Newfoundland T’Railway from July 19 to 21.
