While most non-Canadians might call it Winter-Lite, Autumn in the Great North is a sight to behold. Celebrate what makes fall one of the best times to see Canada with these 10 events throughout the country. No pumpkin spice-flavored anything necessary.
Mont Sutton Fall Festival, Sutton, Quebec
Sept. 16 – Oct. 15
Spanning five weekends, this ski destination transforms into a fall paradise. To take in Mother Nature’s stunning display, hop on a chairlift ride up the mountain. Bonus: admission is free with many free events planned, like Saturday morning yoga on the Mont and obstacle courses for the kids. Willing to spend a little? Take part in a regional wine tasting or rent a mountain bike and hit the trails.
Okanagan Wine Festival, Okanagan, British Columbia
Sept. 28 – Oct. 8
Canadians love their red and white. Okanagan Wine Festival’s annual event is 11 days of celebrating the finer things in life. Find out which BC wine tops the rest, cheer on young chefs in a culinary survival of the fittest, or pick up artisan goods at the Cropped Farmers Market. Daily events like lessons on foraging for food and a grape stomping party round out the fest. So, drink up.
Toronto Nuit Blanche, Toronto, Ontario
Sept. 30
Start preparing your body for an all-nighter because this one-day-only art event starts at sunset. From dark til sunrise the city is temporarily transformed by exhibits in the most unusual places. Go on an art hunt or pick up a map to find each curated spot. Best part is, each experience of this sleepless night is 100% free.
Indulge Food & Wine Festival, St. Andrews, New Brunswick
Oct. 13 – Oct. 15
Spend your weekend by the sea and with a glass in hand at all times. This food and wine festival includes Taste of New Brunswick, live music, a golf tournament and plenty of tastings. Come because you heard there’d be mulled cider, stay because you inadvertently signed up for the blueberry pie tasting contest.
Oktoberfest, Kitchener, Waterloo, Ontario
Oct. 6 – Oct. 14
Cheers! Raise your glasses to Ontario’s largest Bavarian festival. But it isn’t all pretzels and beer (though, it can be if that’s what you’re into). Let the spirit of Gemuetlichkeit (that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when sharing a pint with friends) propel you into events like Pride-toberfest or a pre-beer 5K Fun Run.
Celtic Colours International Music Festival, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Oct. 6 – Oct. 14
Celtic music has a grand tradition in Eastern Canada. And Cape Breton’s music festival brings the best of Irish music together. With dance workshops, concerts and other cultural offerings, you can let out your inner Eire.
Jasper Dark Sky Festival, Jasper National Park, Alberta
Oct. 13 – Oct. 22
Swap your screens for the sky. For 9 days, the feature attraction is found at Jasper National Park’s Dark Sky Preserve. While entrance to park is free for stargazers, you can splurge on tickets for events like the keynote series and “Symphony Under the Stars.” Whether you’re an amateur or advanced astronomer, there’s no denying that watching this expanse of sky is breathtaking.
St. John’s International Women’s Festival, St. John’s Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Oct. 18 – Oct. 22
Okay, ladies, now here’s your information. This festival is the longest-running women’s film festival in the world. It celebrates all the entertaining, challenging, devastating and uplifting films produced, written and directed by women. You can attend workshops, community events or simply watch epic works of cinema. Girl power.
Haunted Ghost Town 2017, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Oct. 21
We’re suckers for all things spooky this time of year. Located at Sunkanen Ship Pioneer Village & Museum, this scary site is where ghosts and ghouls come out and play. Following the tragic story of its namesake, Tom Sunkanen, visitors are taken on a tour of thrills and chills throughout the village, including Sunkanen’s unfinished ship. Tip: this isn’t for the faint-hearted or the under-8 crowd.
Central Canada Comic Con, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Oct. 27 – Oct. 29
In case you needed another excuse to wear a costume in October, the Comic Con in Manitoba brings together over 250 comic- and game-themed vendors, panelists and guests. Bring your A-Team and geek out over the next superhero issue, your favorite graphic artist or a limited edition action figure. Plus, there are plenty of fantasy-themed tournaments and duels to participate in to keep things interesting.
Excited for fall in Canada? You should be. Whether you’re headed to one of these events or want to explore the Great North, we’ll make sure you have the information you need to plan your best Canadian adventure yet.
Looking for other ideas on what to do? Find out what you can do — for less, in Canada.
Methodology: Hotel prices based on a double-occupancy room for check in: Friday, September 1 until check-out: Saturday, September 2, unless otherwise stated. Prices, availability, and cancellation policies may vary. Please check actual provider policies before making a reservation.
Header Image Attribution: kavram/Shutterstock.com
