Visiting Canada? Don’t Miss out on These 4 Spectacular Festivals

Camping and RVing as a vacation is making a comeback across the country. Years ago, as an economical alternative to visiting the newest amusement park, families across the country and around the world would load up their station wagons, hook up a pop-up camper and head north for some relaxing outdoor time.

Due to its stress-free style, low cost, and the fact it can bring you and your family closer together, packing up the family camper is replacing beach vacations and exotic destinations for many North American families. Whether you purchase your camper at the Winnipeg Boat Show or through a local dealer, you will surely have the time of your life at one of these annual spectacular festivals.

Although there are festivals for every season and reason, these select four covers the four seasons with a variety of activities.

Okanagan Fall Wine Festival

British Columbia, especially the Okanagan region, is well-known for its fall harvest, which includes fruit from the many vineyards.

The Okanagan Fall Wine Festival begins in late September and continues through October. Celebrations are centered around the province’s award-winning wines, top-notch golf courses, special fine dining, wine and cheese tastings.

This region is located along many rivers, lakes and other bodies of water where camping is abundant.

Quebec Winter Carnival

If sub-zero fun is more your style, the Quebec Winter Carnival beginning in February each year is the place to go. This event has been going strong since 1894 and celebrates all things winter.

If you have been to (or seen photos of) Mardi Gras, the yearly winter party in New Orlean, Winter Carnival is similar; only much larger and frostier. There are massive mile-long parades, some taking place at night, ice sculptures, red clothing, Bonhomme, the carnival’s mascot, and many more time-honored traditions.

Most activities are outdoors, so dressing appropriately is a must. The Canadian Board of Tourism has a tip sheet on how to dress for this annual festivity.

Bard on the Beach

If summer is more appealing to your family, head to Vancouver on the Waterfront for all things Shakespeare. Performances of this playwright’s greatest works, from his first play called Henry VI Part II, to his last work, The Two Noble Kinsmen, a collaboration with writer John Fletcher, use the mountains and the sea as the framework for its yearly jubilee.

Other activities include lectures, which are not limited to the works of Shakespeare, fireworks, BBQ, and wine tasting. Camping is a must when taking the family to this outdoor artistic event. Each year, a series of different Shakespearean plays are performed by great local and international thespians. 

Montreal International Jazz Festival

At the end of the spring, typically the end of June and into early July, the Montreal International Jazz Festival opens its doors to all thing Jazz. This music-filled commemoration is entering its 40^th year as one of the region’s largest outdoor music venues.

For this special anniversary, the jazz festival has added a year-long celebration of those who bring this soulful music to our daily lives. Jazz à l’année features performances from Canadian Harry Manx, Indian sitarist Anoushka Shankar, Ziggy Marley, the world-renowned Jamaican singer, and many, many more. 

Heading to Canada for outdoor vacationing is a time-honored tradition many families from around the world undertake at different times each year. Camping alfresco in the beautiful Canadian outback will fill your family with lasting memories. – Travel Feeder