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Indigenous People participate in the Calgary Stampede Parade, one of Canada's greatest summer festivals in 2024.
Indigenous Peoples participate in the Calgary Stampede Parade.

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

Montreal International Jazz Festival | Montreal, Quebec

June 27 – July 6, 2024

The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal has been thrilling music lovers since its first festival in 1980. It takes place in the heart of downtown Montreal, in the Quartier des Spectacles. In addition to jazz, this festival offers more than 350 shows and more than two-thirds are free. Check out some of the headliners at the 44th edition of the jazzfest!

A cowboy rides a bucking bronco at the Calgary Stampede, Alberta, Canada

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!

Fireworks competition in Vancouver, British Columbia over English Bay.

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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Settle in Canada with Confidence and Ease

Canada Day 2024! Celebrating Canada’s 157th Birthday

Caribana is an exciting summer festival in 2024 that takes place in Canada. A highlight is the stunning Caribbean costumes such as the ones these women wear.
A highlight of this summer festival is the stunning Caribbean costumes.

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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Edmonton Heritage Festival | Edmonton, Alberta

Aug 3 – 5, 2024

Canada has achieved what so many countries have failed to in the past. That achievement is building a culturally accepting environment where people from different backgrounds can live together peacefully. To celebrate this achievement, Edmonton hosts the largest celebration of multiculturalism in the world.

The Edmonton Heritage Festival is a fun and light-hearted three-day event that celebrates the beautiful cultures in our country. The festival represents over 60 nations that each set up outdoor pavilions at Edmonton Exhibition Lands and Borden Parks. From traditional live music to iconic cultural foods, the Edmonton Heritage Festival has something for everyone. It is a great way to have some fun while also learning about the wonderful cultures that make up Canada.

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.

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.

A family is sitting on a sofa watching a movie and eating popcorn to celebrate Father's Day.

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!