The 20 Best Festivals in Canada [2019]

Osheaga started as a vision to bring a giant European style festival to Canada. It’s safe to say they've succeeded. Osheaga consistently brings a world-class lineup to the shores of Ile Sainte-Helene during the height of summer. It’s become so popular that organizers have added a second weekend of just metal (Heavy Montreal) and a third weekend of EDM (IleSoniq).

Like its more mainstream counterpart Osheaga, Heavy Montreal channels the vibe of the best open air European festivals but in metal form. Maybe it’s the sunshine, maybe it’s Canadians, but the crowd has to be one of the friendliest crowds we’ve ever partied with. Simply one of the best destinations in North America for fans of rock, punk, and metal.

At this point, Canada’s favorite DIY festival lives in a class by itself. Consistently chosen by fans as their favorite festival of the summer, this five day camping marathon features a wide array of music and art set admist the beautiful BC backcountry. It’s not a surprise that Shambhala is leading the way as a transformational festival.

Canada’s answer to Austin’s SXSW follows a similar recipe – take hundreds of artists, mix with a huge industry conference, add comedy, art, and film to produce an epic sized showcase festival. Make sure to hit the free shows at Yonge-Dundas Square which have featured performances by St. Vincent, Sleigh Bells, The National, DEVO, and The Flaming Lips.

This annual five day music and arts festival from Calgary brings in more than 300 artists, comedians, and filmmakers in more than 30 venues across the city. Each year, Sled Island selects a guest curator to help set the tone and direction of the current edition. Past curaters include Peaches, Andrew W.K., and Godspeed You! Black Emperor.

Wake up! It’s time for the annual Dreams Festival on East Island in Toronto. The two-day EDM bash dances up a sandstorm on Echo Beach along with smaller stages tucked around the venue. Celebrate the Canada Day holiday weekend in style at this 19+ event.

Don’t call it a rave. Bass Coast is a DIY indie electronic festival that thrives on the natural beauty of its British Columbia location and strong roster of local and international talent. This festival encourages artists to experiment and “share their hard work without fear of judgment”. The boutique event has cemented its reputation as a home for creatives with incredible art installments, panel discussions, and a thoughtful venue layout.

Back in 1974, the idea of setting up a folk festival in the urban prairie of Winnipeg may have seemed like a laughable idea, but more than 40 years of the Winnipeg folk festival have long since silenced the critics. With 60,000 annual visitors to the early July festival, the organization has grown large enough to bring concerts and events to the region all year long.

Canada’s capital city of Ottawa comes alive every June when the Escapade festival drops in downtown. The electronic festival mixes together trance, techno, and house for a full weekend of artists that have included Eric Prydz, Kaskade, Krewella, Above & Beyond, Avicii, Afrojack, Excision, and Calvin Harris.

Winning the title for “festival that sounds least like its name”, the Ottawa Bluesfest hits almost every genre even including a little bit of blues. Starting as a small fest over twenty years ago, they have grown exponentially to a ten-day mult-stage event that’s one of the highlights of the Canadian summer.

Head deep in the forest of New Brunswick for the flashing lights and steady beats of Future Forest. The 200-acre site is eight kilometers from the nearest paved road, which means plenty of privacy for a full-blown weekend of electronic revelry.

The largest outdoor EDM event in Western Canada returns to Alberta for this two-day annual electronic fest in August. Take advantage of the last days of summer to party at the Max Bell Centre in Calgary and dance from sunrise to sundown with this jam-packed lineup.

Started in 1993, The Big Valley Jamboree has become a country music institution in Camrose, Alberta. Settle in for three days of hard partying with 75,000 other country music festies -- and make sure to stay in the campgrounds where the real show is happening.

Country music heads north when Canadians turn out in droves for the Boots and Hearts Festival in Toronto. Taking place at the 750-acre Motorsport Park, there’s plenty of room to camp in between the astonishing lineup of world-class country artists that visit the festival each year.

The Montreal-based MUTEK is dedicated to the promotion of electronic music and the digital arts with a focus on discovery, exclusive appearances, and artistic ingenuity. Their unique take on this festival genre has led to editions around the world with each year seeing MUTEK embark on creatively entertaining directions.

Since 2008, Rifflanida has made a name for itself as one of the best showcase festivals of the fall. Taking place across downtown Victoria in British Columbia, there’s now 20 venues with 150 performances over four days and nights. Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, Big Boi, Courtney Love, Moby, and The Flaming Lips have all played the festival.

Wonderfully weird and beautifully under-appreciated, Pop Montreal is your best excuse to visit the city in the fall. Venues are scattered across the city from the largest clubs to unique venues (parks and cathedrals) to a single dude singing in the back of a vintage clothing store. And when you need a break from the crowds and music, it’s easy to slip into one of Montreal’s amazing restaurants or bars.

Get back to nature with this 25+ year old festival located on picturesque Shuswap Lake in British Columbia. The non-profit Roots & Blues Festival features a culturally diverse lineup, artist experiences, and daytime workshops.