Art! Culture! 20 Great Summer Festivals Along the Trans Canada Trail
Summer is almost here, which means it’s festival time! There’s a ton of summer fun on offer from coast to coast to coast. And because we hold the proud distinction of being the world’s longest recreational trail, it just so happens that a lot of these festivals are on or near the Trans Canada Trail. Check out our recommendations below – and remember that this is just a sample of all the great festivals out there, so check out your local event listings!
Asinabka Festival
This Indigenous arts festival takes place in and around Ottawa, in Algonquin territory, and includes screenings, live music and art exhibitions.
Cinéma sous les étoiles
Cinéma sous les étoiles: Bonjour Manitoba
At the Cinéma sous les étoiles festival in St. Boniface, Manitoba, you can watch French-language movies under the stars. The festival runs from June to August.
Crankworx Whistler
Crankworx Whistler: Tourism Whistler
Mountain-biking enthusiasts will love this 9-day event that includes racing, slopestyle competitions, demos and more. Check it out from July 19 to 28, then head over to the Sea to Sky Trail for some nature time.
Weengushk Film Festival
In Little Current, Ontario, the Weengushk Film Festival promises storytelling through an Indigenous lens. Check it out July 12 to 14 – and then head over to the Manitoulin Island – Bebamkamwe Memorial Trail!
Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
Toronto Outdoor Art Fair: @torontooutdoorart
As the name suggests, this festival is all about art … outdoors! Peruse the views at Nathan Phillips Square from July 12 to 14.
Great Northern Arts Festival
Time to head north … way north! At the Great Northern Arts Festival in Inuvik, NT, you’ll find Arctic art and music from about 100 artists. The festival runs from July 10 to 15.
Nelson International Mural Festival
Nelson International-Mural-Festival: Nelson District Arts Council
In B.C.’s Kootenay region, the Nelson International Mural Festival welcomes street artists and muralists from around the world to create and celebrate. Find murals along the City of Nelson Trail and nearby.
Honda Celebration of Light
One of several fireworks competitions and exhibitions you can find across Canada, including festivals in Montreal, Ottawa and more, Vancouver’s version runs from July 20 to 27 and takes place at beautiful English Bay along the City of Vancouver Trail.
Saskatchewan Festival of Words
Literary fans, rejoice! The Saskatchewan Festival of Words in Moose Jaw welcomes over 20 authors and presenters as part of the biggest literary festival in the province. And it’s right near the Wakamow Valley Trail!
Up Here
The Up Here arts festival describes itself as transforming downtown Sudbury, Ontario, into an “urban art gallery,” complete with music, muralists and art installations. Experience it from August 15 to 18 in locations on or near the City of Greater Sudbury trails.
Fierté Montréal
Fierté Montréal: @fiertemontreal
You’ll find Pride festivals across Canada, including Halifax, Toronto, Victoria and many more. For those in or visiting the Montreal area, Fierté Montréal runs from August 1 to 11 in locations around the city.
CNE Toronto
A visit to Toronto in late August wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the CNE, or the Ex. The exhibition features music, rides, sports competitions, tons of food and much more. It runs from August 16 to September 2 along the Martin Goodman – Waterfront Trail.
Calgary Stampede
Calgary Stampede: @calgarystampede
The world’s largest outdoor rodeo runs from July 5 to 14 and can be found along the City of Calgary Trail. In addition to the stampede, the event includes a powwow and even a floral exhibition!
Adaka Festival
From June 28 to July 1, Whitehorse, Yukon, is the place to be. The Adaka Festival honours Indigenous cultures through art, music, stories and more. You can find it along the City of Whitehorse – Millennium Trail.
Mosaïq Fest
Mosaïq Fest: @mosaiqmoncton
Mosaïq Multicultural Festival comes to Moncton, New Brunswick, on September 7 and 8. Its mandate is to “bring you the sights, sounds and flavours of the world that live within [Moncton’s] community.”
International First Peoples Festival
Also known as Présence autochtone, this Montreal-based arts and culture festival runs from August 6 to 15 and features live music, dance, poetry and film screenings, with a focus on Indigenous culture.
CB Nuit
Head all the way east to Corner Book, Newfoundland and Labrador, for a “magical night of art under the stars.” You can find it right on the Corner Brook Connector!
Powell Street Festival
Celebrate Japanese Canadian art and culture in Vancouver at the Powell Street Festival, running from August 3 to 5. Take part in guided walks, kids’ activities, dance performances, music and more.
Toronto Caribbean Carnival
This huge celebration of Caribbean culture takes place in the Toronto area. Events start in June and culminate with a parade on August 3.
Canada Day in Ottawa
Celebrate Canada Day at Le Breton Flats Park – daytime and evening activities are on offer, plus fireworks! Or, find an event in your community.
Check out our list of music festivals here!
