Canadians look forward to festivals and these 2024 summer festivals are worth checking out! Canada is home to some of the biggest and grandest festivals out there. New to Canada? Explore some of its most thrilling festivals. From rodeos to music to fireworks, these 2024 summer festivals are sure to please!

Check out these Exciting Summer Festivals in 2024

Calgary Stampede | Calgary, Alberta

July 5 – 14, 2024

Calgary, and Western Canada in general, has a long farming history. And, most aspects of people’s lives revolved around running the family farm before Canada became a country. Specifically, cattle ranches were the most common type of farm present around Calgary and most of Alberta. So to embrace its modest origins, Calgary hosts a ten-day summer festival each year known as the Calgary Stampede.

The Calgary Stampede is the biggest rodeo event in Canada and among the top rodeos in North America. And, the main attraction is the tournament-style rodeo events.

It also has many other fun activities. Experience the Calgary Stampede PowWow that highlights the diversity of First Nations dancing, singing, and drumming. Or, visit the Stage of Wonders and Le Cirque de la Nuit’s STARSLINGERS. This summer festival provides a range of shows, music, food and drink, and plenty of attractions that the whole family will enjoy.

Discover what the Calgary Stampede has to offer this summer!

Honda Celebration of Light, 2024 | Vancouver, BC

July 20, 24, 27, 2024

The Honda Celebration of Light is the biggest fireworks competition in the world. It is also the longest-running offshore fireworks competition in the world. In 2024, three countries will compete: Portugal (July 20), Malaysia (July 24), and United Kingdom (July 27). The fireworks take place over English Bay in Vancouver, British Columbia. Morton Park, which is close, will host live music events, food trucks, and activities for everyone.

For more details about this spectacular summer festival, visit the festival guide.

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Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana) | Toronto, Ontario

August 1 – 4, 2024

It is only fitting that Canada’s largest festival takes place in Toronto, its largest city. Caribana is North America’s largest carnival. Also known as the Toronto Caribbean Carnival this event celebrates Caribbean culture. The highly-anticipated carnival represents almost all Caribbean cultures and gets its unique theme from all Caribbean Islands.

The festival is now officially known as Toronto Caribbean Carnival. Many know the festival as, “Caribana”, which is what you get when you mix the words, “Caribbean”, and “Canada”. At this summer festival, you’ll discover anything and everything Caribbean. From Caribbean music to food, the carnival has something for everyone. After all, it is the largest carnival in North America.

Some other things you can expect are people in Caribbean clothing and costumes, Caribbean dances, and other traditions found in the Caribbean Islands. To learn more, check out the Caribana Toronto guide.

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Summer is about relaxing, spending time with loved ones, and having fun! Whether you attend a large summer festival or take a walk in the park, make sure to enjoy the wonderful events that Canada has to offer.

These are just some of the many summer festivals taking place in 2024. Each part of Canada has its unique way of celebrating the summer. To search for other summer festivals in 2024, check out some of these events and celebrations in local communities. 

Discover more about living and settling in Canada successfully.

Every year, Canadians start their summer by celebrating Canada Day on July 1. The holiday marks the anniversary of Confederation, the event that created Canada. This nationwide holiday brings people across the country together to celebrate the wonderful things Canada offers including its diversity and culture. Canada Day, 2024, will mark Canada’s 157th birthday. 

In 2024, Canada’s population surpassed 41,000,000 (click on Canada’s real-time population clock to see how the demographics change). A large part of the growth is due to international migration. That’s a great testament to the appeal of Canada as an attractive place for newcomers. Canada Day is a great time for newcomers to celebrate your new home!

Before Canada

It’s mind-boggling how young Canada is in the grand scheme of things. Just two centuries ago, our beloved country didn’t even exist. Instead, the land was a jumble of territories known as British North America. It consisted of British colonies, a vast stretch known as Rupert’s Land, and was largely uninhabited.

The United States had already united to form a country. Many people at the time thought it was looking to expand north. The leaders of that time started to realize that it might be better to unite into one country rather than face external threats alone. Leaders such as Sir John A. Macdonald, George Brown, and Sir George-Étienne Cartier got together to discuss the idea of a union.

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The History Behind July 1

After many discussions, four British colonies decided to unite. On July 1, 1867, the colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada (Quebec and Ontario) got together to form the Dominion of Canada. This event is known as confederation. Every year, we celebrate the anniversary of confederation or “Dominion Day” on July 1st. This year, Canada Day 2024 will celebrate the 157th anniversary of the confederation.

Although Canada originally consisted of four provinces, more British colonies opted to join the Dominion of Canada following the confederation. Newfoundland and Labrador was the last province to join Canada in 1949. Canada, as we know it today, became complete with the addition of Nunavut, when it joined as a territory in 1999. 

Why Do We Call it Canada Day?

The July 1 holiday was not always called Canada Day. Even though Canada became a country in 1867, it did not gain full autonomy and was still under British rule. While July 1 officially became a holiday in 1879, it wasn’t widely celebrated or called Canada Day. When Canada gained complete independence in 1982, July 1 became Canada Day, the holiday we know and love today. 

Canada Day 2024 Celebrations

While Canada Day started as a small and modest holiday, it has evolved into something magnificent. Today, it is one of the most beloved holidays in the country. July 1 is synonymous with large festivals and vibrant fireworks. The summer solstice marks the official start of summer, but for most Canadians, it begins on Canada Day!

From Canada’s West Coast to the East Coast festivals and fireworks occur in small towns and large cities! Such events may include picnics, bonfires, sporting events, parades, water activities (it’s July), and more delicious food. More importantly, these festivals are a great way to spend time with family and friends and meet new people in your community. It’s common for people to dress in red and white to mark the occasion!

Celebrating Canada Day in Ottawa, Canada’s Capital Region

Canada Day festivals generally occur in vast, public places such as large parks or beaches. These festivals are enormous and have activities for everyone. The biggest Canada Day celebration occurs in Ottawa, Canada’s Capital Region.

Taking the Oath of Citizenship

New Canadians from around the world celebrate Canada Day by swearing the Oath of Citizenship at citizenship ceremonies across the country. These ceremonies are a proud moment and accomplishment for the people who have worked hard to attain citizenship.

Is Canada Day 2024 a Statutory Holiday?

Canada Day is a national statutory holiday, meaning most employees get the day off. You will receive statutory holiday pay that is the same as a day’s work. Some businesses remain open, and essential care workers must work on statutory holidays. However, if you must work, you will receive premium pay at 1½ to 2 times your regular pay. If you are not scheduled to work on Canada Day, you can take the next day off while receiving holiday pay.

All government institutions, post offices, and federally regulated banks close on Canada Day.

What if Canada Day Falls on a Weekend?

When Canada Day falls on a weekend, the holiday will move to the following Monday. That is because Saturday and Sunday are not regular working days for most employees. As a result, Canada Day bumps the next weekday. However, some provinces have different policies about when they celebrate the holiday.

While all provinces and territories recognize Canada Day as a statutory holiday, not all will move Canada Day to a weekday. Some provinces and territories don’t have a rule that shifts Canada to a weekday if July 1 falls on a weekend.

Canada Day in 2024 falls on Monday, July 1.

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Canada’s greatest strength is its diversity and July 1 is about celebrating your identity as a proud Canadian. For newcomers, what a great way to celebrate summer, blue skies, long days, and our new home and life! Wishing you all Happy Canada Day!

Visit Settling in Canada for more information to help you settle in Canada with confidence!

Father’s Day in Canada is a special occasion that many countries around the world celebrate. This special day honours and recognizes fathers and father figures such as stepfathers and adoptive fathers. Father’s Day is a time to appreciate the contributions, sacrifices, and love that fathers provide to their families. Discover when Father’s Day is, traditions, and activities to ensure a happy celebration!

History of Father’s Day

Father’s Day began as a humble celebration in Spokane, Washington and the first event was celebrated on June 19, 1910. It was initiated by a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd. Today, more than 100 countries including Canada celebrate the day.

When’s Father’s Day?

Each year we celebrate Father’s Day in Canada on the third Sunday of June. This year it’s on June 16, 2024. The day recognizes the contributions of fathers to their families and society. Because of this, the day is marked by various traditions and activities that bring families together. The day reminds us how important our father figures are, and how they are always ready to handle everyday problems to meet the needs of their family.

Father’s Day Traditions in Canada

Father’s Day is a time to create memories full of love and joy. Here are common traditions in Canada.

Happy Father’s Day Family Gathering and Meal

The main focus of this day is show our fathers how much we appreciate and value them. A family gathering and meal is the most common tradition on Father’s Day in Canada. Family gatherings show how much we appreciate our dads and it can be a cozy dinner at home or a grand barbecue in the backyard. Gatherings fill the atmosphere with love, laughter, and affection as fathers are with their families and loved ones.

Gift Giving 

Gift-giving is a beloved tradition to celebrate your father. Traditional gifts include books, clothes, gadgets and tools. However, the best gift is the one that has thought behind it. Your gift should be unique and only you know what the perfect gift is for your father figure. Personalized gifts like homemade cards and custom-made photo albums are a great idea. Also, gifts that reflect your father’s interests and hobbies can be a great choice too. The whole purpose of giving gifts is to make fathers feel appreciated, supported and loved.

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Attending Events

Father’s Day events are a great way to do something fun with your family. No matter where you are in Canada, there is surely an event taking place near you. Not only that, but you can also find events that will be of interest to your father. If your father is a big fan of cars, you can spend the day at a care show. On the other hand, attending a baseball game could be the move if he enjoys sports.

Things to Do for Father’s Day in Canada

Canada is a vast country full of beautiful landscapes and natural beauty, and this allows for many fun outdoor activities to celebrate the day.

Fishing

Fishing is a popular dad activity. Fathers and their children can spend the day at a river, lake or coastal area trying to catch fish. It can be a relaxing and healthy activity for families and you could potentially catch your dinner! Many provinces such as Ontario allow people to fish for free without a basic fishing license during Father’s Day weekend.

Hiking and Camping

Families can head to walking trails and provincial parks to enjoy a day in nature with their dads. Families can also go hiking and camping to explore Canada’s stunning beauty and wilderness areas. 

These activities offer an opportunity to bond with nature and family while also providing fresh air and healthy exercise.

Other Activities

Celebrate Your Culture

Canada is a multicultural country with diverse cultures from all around the world. Because of this diversity, Canada is home to many unique customs and traditions for this special day. For example, families of Asian and African descent enjoy special feasts for their fathers. Likewise, many families of European ancestry tend to enjoy picnics and outdoor activities with their fathers. On the other hand, First Nations communities like to perform traditional ceremonies like storytelling and honouring the roles of fathers.

Watch Sports

Families can watch a game together as it is a great way to celebrate the day. Families gather to watch their favourite sports team on TV, whether it’s the Stanley Cup, baseball, or cricket.

Visit A Museum

If your father loves history and science, a visit to a museum can be a great activity. Not only is visiting a museum fun, but it is also an educational experience.

Enjoy a Family Movie Night

Family movie nights are fun and they are also a great happy Dad’s Day activity. A nice family film can be an enjoyable activity for the whole family, whether it be at home or a movie theatre.

Dine Out

Taking your dad out to a family dinner at a nice restaurant offers great food and a way to bond as a family. As a bonus, many restaurants in Canada provide special Happy Father’s Day menus and deals.

Father’s Day in Canada is special. It is all about celebrating and honouring fathers for the roles they play in families and communities. Whether through giving gifts, planning fun outdoor activities, or spending time together, there are many ways to make your father figures feel special. These activities and traditions help create lasting memories and show fathers how much they mean to us. Happy Father’s Day to all the special dads who make the day worth celebrating!

Celebrating Pride Season in Canada (June to September) is a time to recognize and support the contributions and achievements of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities and their allies. While Pride 2024 celebrations and events occur in cities across Canada, Toronto hosts the largest Pride event in North America each year in June. Pride events also happen throughout the year in many communities. Learn more about the history, relevance, and Pride 2024 events and celebrations.     

Pride allies show their solidarity by actively:

• Supporting the rights and safety of the 2SLGBTQI+ community

• Supporting systemic change, and 

• Promoting inclusivity. 

Why Do We Celebrate Pride Month?

While celebrating Pride events is a key focus of the season, it’s also a time to focus on Canada’s commitment to human rights. A fundamental human right is the right to live free from all forms of discrimination, including sexual orientation and gender identity. 

Canada is one of the most friendly 2SLGBTQI+ nations in the world. Section 5 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms outlines how each individual has equal protection under the law. The Charter states that people are free from discrimination based on factors such as race, religion, ethnic origin, and sexual orientation. Among other things, this means that: 

• Same-sex relationships are not a crime

• Same-sex marriages are legal and come with rights such as pensions and benefits

• Hate crimes and hate speech are illegal

• Employers cannot discriminate against you based on sexual orientation or gender identity

• Doctors or health care professionals cannot refuse treatment based on sexual orientation or gender identity

• Landlords cannot discriminate, refuse to rent, or harass you based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Canada’s promise of equality makes it a nation of choice for individuals fleeing countries that criminalize sexual orientation.

According to the Human Dignity Trust, “66 countries have jurisdictions that still criminalize LGBT people” because of who they are and who they love. With sentences that range from fines to prison, or even to the death penalty, criminal punishments have profound negative effects. 

Services and Support for LGBTQ+ Newcomers

Recognizing the need for greater support, more settlement agencies now offer services to the LGBTQ community. In addition, more LGBTQ agencies provide services to multicultural communities, especially in large cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. Support services include one-to-one support to identify settlement needs, housing, legal issues, financial insecurity, employment, and questions about refugee claims.

Scotiabank and The 519 Partnership

On June 6, 2024, Scotiabank and The 519, Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQIA+ service provider and community centre announced a $750,000, three-year partnership to equip newcomers, refugees, and asylum seekers with integration and employment support. Learn more about Scotiabank commitment and support to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

With funding from ScotiaRISE, The 519 will launch:

Project Unlock

With this program, LGBTQIA+ newcomers can receive individualized programs and financial aid to get certification for in-demand careers. Participants will also receive mentoring and coaching, and job search support.

El Lugar

The program supports Latin American newcomers with gatherings, workshops, and language support to enter the workforce successfully.

Settlement Agencies:

Here are other settlement agencies that offer LGBTQ+ newcomer support.

Access Alliance (Toronto, Ontario)

Centre for Newcomers LGBTQ+ Newcomer Services (Alberta)

DIVERSEcity | LGBTQ+ Newcomer Services (Surrey, British Columbia)

MOSAIC Services for Newcomer LGBTQIA+ Refugees (Vancouver, British Columbia)

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Celebrating Pride 2024 Events Across Canada

While many of the Pride festivals in Canada began as a protest and demand for equal rights, today’s festivals are more of a celebration with a party atmosphere. Today, Pride events celebrate and recognize the progress that the 2SLGVTQI+ community has made over the years. And, while there is more work to be done, the 2SLGVTQI+ community continues to demonstrate resilience and strength.

Pride Toronto

Pride 2024 Month: June

Parade: Sunday, June 30

Toronto’s first pride parade was in June 1981. At that time, Pride events took place during a seven-to-10-day festival. Since 2016, Toronto has declared June as Pride Month. Today, Pride Toronto is among the largest organized gay pride festivals in the world.

Vancouver Pride

Pride 2024 Festival: July 26 – August 4

Parade: August 4

Vancouver’s first pride parade occurred in 1978. The Pride parade run by the Vancouver Pride Society, is the largest in Western Canada. 

Fierté Montreal

Pride 2024 Festival: August 1 – 11

Parade: August 11

Montreal Gay Pride, or Fierté Montreal was founded in 2007. Formerly, the city’s Pride festival was part of a general arts and music festival that began in 1993. Today, the Montreal Pride Festival is the largest francophone LGBTQ gathering.

Calgary Pride

Pride 2024 Week: August 26 – September 1

Parade & Festival: August 31 & September 1

In 2022, Calgary’s parade focus was the complex intersection of immigration and the 2SLGVTQI+ community. Working with the End of the Rainbow Foundation and the Centre for Newcomers, pride parade marshalls represented countries including Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Iran.   

To the 2SLGBTQI+ community, newcomers, and allies, we wish you happy pride celebrations! It’s time to celebrate and continue building safe and welcoming communities across Canada!