Now that summer has officially arrived it’s a great time to start some adventures of your own. Canada is the world’s second largest country in total area so you wouldn’t find a shortage of great events, internationally renowned outdoor activities, and festivals to make the most of this spectacular season. Here’s our top15 list of things to consider, adding to your calendar with:
Jun 1-30: Sometimes called the “sea canaries” for their strange high-pitched whistles, clicking, chirping and other underwater vocalizations, thousands of beluga whales will begin to inhabit the warmer waters of the Churchill River after the ice breaks up. Up to 3,000 of Hudson Bay’s 25,000+ whales visit the Churchill area between mid June and mid August. Tour operators with Zodiacs and other larger boats will take you out among these intelligent and curious creatures. Listen in on the whales’ conversation using hydrophones and try to figure out what they are saying. If you’re more adventurous, you can venture out in the water – kayaking or snorkeling with these friendly sea mammals. Go to: everythingchurchill.com
Jun 4 to Sept 26: Celebrating its 26th Season in 2015, Bard on the Beach is one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit, professional Shakespeare Festivals. Presented in a magnificent setting on the waterfront in Vancouver’s Vanier Park, the Festival offers Shakespeare plays, related dramas, and several special events in two performance tents. bardonthebeach.org
Jun 24-28: The Yukon River Quest is one of the most spectacular and longest annual paddling races in the world. Participants take off from Whitehorse on June 24 and paddle the 740 km (460 mile) to reach Dawson City in marathon time, usually within 48 hours. You can cheer on the teams as they leave Whitehorse or when they arrive in Dawson. For complete details check out yukonriverquest.com
Jun 27-28: 24 Hours of light is a fun fueled weekend of light mountain-bike races just outside of Whitehorse, Yukon. Not too much sleep though. Check 24hoursoflight.ca for full details.
Jul 1: Canada Day is a great time to gather in any number of communities, from coast to coast, to proudly celebrate all that Canadians have in common. It is an opportunity to celebrate Canadian achievements, which were born from the vision and shared values of our ancestors. Check out this site for Canada Day celebrations in a community near you: http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1433269528456/1433269578395
Jul 3-12: Called the greatest outdoor show on earth, The Calgary Stampede celebrates the community’s western heritage, cultures and community spirit. Last year’s massive event drew in excess of 1.2 million attendees. Take part in this world-renowned 10-day outdoor festival that showcases the world’s top rodeo performers, along with spectacular live music, and a mid-way packed with rides and eclectic food stands. Learn more here: calgarystampede.com/stampede
Jul 4: While you’re in Alberta, take in the Canada vs England semi-final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup that will be played at the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton – Team Canada’s home based for the tournament. fifa.com/womensworldcup
Jul 9-12: The Winnipeg Folk Festival is one of North America’s premier outdoor music festivals hosting over 80,000 people and featuring performers from across North America and the world. Check out more information here: winnipegfolkfestival.ca
Jul 10-26: In Toronto, close to 7,000 athletes from across Latin America, South America, the Caribbean and North America will put their years of intense training, perseverance and sacrifice to the test in world-class competition in 36 Pan Am sports and 15 Parapan Am Sports. toronto2015.org/sports
Jul 20 – 26: Steeped in history and tradition, Oakville, Ontario’s Glen Abbey Golf Club will once again host the 2015 RBC Canadian Open. This world-class event, will host many of the best golfers in the world. rbccanadianopen.com
Jul 23-25: For fans of Baroque music there’s no better festival than the New Brunswick Lameque International Baroque Festival. Over the years, the Festival has grown to be one of the most interesting musical events of its kind in Canada, with concerts respecting the aesthetics of the Baroque era. The Festival presents outstanding performances on period instruments (or replicas). Its program will include vocal and instrumental selections, featuring choral works, chamber music and solo pieces by renowned musicians. festivalbaroque.com/en/?s=festival
Jul 23-26: The three day Nanaimo Marine Festival and World Championship Bathtub Race that culminates in the world championship bathtub race on Sunday July 26th. This is just a fun day. bathtubbing.com/
Aug 2: At least one time in your life you have to experience the energy of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture performed at Victoria Symphony Splash, which is one of the largest outdoor orchestral events in North America, and features fireworks over a floating stage in the Victoria’s magnificent Inner Harbour. victoriasymphony.ca/community/splash/
Aug 7-9: Mumford & Sons will close this year’s Squamish Valley Music Festival. Last year saw more than 105,000 guests entertained over the course of the weekend. This festival brings together performing and visual artists in one of the most stunning locations in the country and is one of the most significant events in the Canadian music industry. squamishfestival.com/
Aug 13: If you’re in Montreal in August you need to check out the Diner en Blanc. It’s a flash mob; bring your own dinner that started in Paris in 1988 and has spread around the world. This year’s event like last year is taking place in an undisclosed location. Guests must sign up online to receive updates, and as the event’s name suggest must come attired in white and bring a table, white chairs, a full picnic basket and china service. montreal.dinerenblanc.info
