8 fall festivals to check out in Canada
You may start to feel a slight chill in the air during the fall in Canada, but that’s no reason not to celebrate. From coast to coast, communities begin to warm up during the colder months, focusing on community, art, and culture. These eight festivals from across the country are proof.
Mont Sutton Fall Festival - Quebec
You've seen the rugged west coast beaches and the turquoise waters of Alberta, but have you seen the stunning fall foliage in Quebec? As the leaves begin to turn, the area explodes with shades of orange, yellow, and red. The Mont Sutton Fall Festival celebrates this stunning sight with guided hikes, jazz music, BBQs, chairlift rides, and more. Of course, the main attraction is definitely the explosion of colorful trees so be sure to bring your camera.
Jasper Dark Sky Festival - Alberta
Head to Jasper, Alberta in October and you'll be treated to the most stunning views of the stars you've ever seen. At the Jasper Dark Sky Festival, you'll be able to take in the galaxy above, while enjoying a variety of events including celebrity speakers, music, and more. What makes this area of the country so special when it comes to the night sky? Well, in 2011, Jasper was designated as a Dark Sky Preserve for its limited light pollution. With less light from the city, you'll have better opportunities to spot a star or two (million).
Fall Okanagan Wine Festival - British Columbia
BC's Okanagan is known for its vineyards, fruit, and harvest. When fall rolls around, this means the area has everything needed for a stellar wine festival. At the end of September and beginning of October, the Fall Okanagan Wine Festival heats up the region -- from Kelowna to Kamloops, and Lillooet to Naramata. Stop by for tastings, cheeses, awards, golf, special dinners, and more.
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest - Ontario
You don't have to jet over to Germany for a good time in October. Instead, head to the Kitchener-Waterloo region for the second largest Oktoberfest in the world. Attracting over 1 million visitors each year, this festival is all things good: drinking, dancing, and culture. Stop by the Willkommen Platz to get your bearings, then explore the 17 festhallen, and over 40 events.
Culture Days - Manitoba
For three days in October, Manitoba lights up with culture and community. Culture Days is celebrated around the province and allows people from all walks of life to discover art through hands on experiences, exhibitions, and more. Focused on exploring, discovering, and participating in the province's vibrant arts scene, visitors will be treated to a unique look inside what makes Manitoba tick. From museum tours, to art in the park, to dance classes, and Winnipeg's Nuit Blanche, this is a fest not to be missed.
Celtic Colours International Festival - Nova Scotia
Celtic culture is a bit part of Nova Scotia's character, and there's no better way to discover (and celebrate it) than at Celtic Colours International Festival. Here, you'll find where music and culture intersect in the form of concerts all over Cap Breton Island, community events open to all, and a nightly Festival Club. No matter where you wander on the island, you'll find different communities and spaces where you can immerse yourself in the vibrancy and friendliness of Celtic culture.
Nuit Blanche - Ontario
Good things do happen after 2am, and Nuit Blanche Toronto is here to prove it. From sunset to sunrise, discover the streets of the city as you've never seen them before. Focused on contemporary art, this October festival features over 90 art projects and has often been described as an "artistic playground." Roam the streets, grab a late night bite, and see how art can bring light to the darkness of a fall night.
Fall Flavours - Prince Edward Island
Dive into the tastes of Prince Edward Island at the Fall Flavours festival. Running over the course of a month, this delicious festival focuses on highlighting local ingredients and talent. Attend several signature events -- like those that feature celebrity and local chefs -- and enjoy exploring the flavors of this slice of east coast paradise, including oysters, cheeses, wine, and more.
This is just a sampling of all the great things that happen up here as the seasons change. If you're looking for more inspiration, check out the other attractions we've got going on throughout the year.
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