Summer in Canada always seems to be jam packed with things to do, but this summer is shaping up to be a seriously busy one. In addition to annual favourites like the Calgary Stampede and Just for Laughs the warmer months also bring the Pan American Games and the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. With so much going on we decided to created a guide so you can add to your summer must-see and do list.
Honda Indy, Toronto
Strap on your seatbelts because the Honda Indy is back in town from June 12 to 14 at Exhibition Place in Toronto. The annual racing event normally takes place in July, but with the Pan Am Games happening the Indy shifted dates. You can expect tons of car racing, but also many more things to see and do over the three days. There will be driver autograph sessions, a pre-race parade, the chance to get up close and personal to some amazing race cars, food trucks and food vendors along with some free food samples, local craft breweries and a variety of activities to participate in.
2015 Pan Am & Parapan American Games, Toronto and surrounding areas
There’s an added buzz of excitement around summer in Toronto thanks to the Pan Am and Parapan American Games. The Pan Am Games take place from July 10 to 26 and the Parapan Am Games from Aug. 7 to 15, making up the world’s third largest international multi-sport Games after the Olympic Summer Games and the Asian Games. In terms of numbers, 7,600 athletes from the Americas and Caribbean will be competing at more than 30 venues across Toronto and southern Ontario in 36 sporting events. 250,000 visitors and 4,000 media personnel are expected for the games. You can find tickets here.
FIFA Women’s World Cup, across six provinces
In addition to the Pan American Games, Canada is also playing host to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 from June 6 to July 5. The month of exciting football action will be taking place in six host cities, which include Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal and Moncton. There are a variety of ticketing options, which are outlined in this ticketing guide, and you can purchase tickets here. There will be 52 matches in total and 24 teams from around the world participating. The first match on June 6 will see Canada facing off against China, a game that will take place in Edmonton.
Calgary Stampede, Calgary
Dubbed “the greatest outdoor show on earth”, the Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Alberta is happening this year from July 3 to 12 at Stampede Park. The park is on the southeast side of downtown Calgary and can be accessed by car, taxi, public transportation or on foot depending on where you’re staying. The 10 day event is packed with things to do including the Calgary Stampede Rodeo, live music, a nightly grandstand show, a parade, rides and games, a themed area, good food and so much more.
Just for Laughs Festival, Montreal
If you love to laugh (and who doesn’t) you might want to consider a visit to Montreal this summer. From July 8 to 28 the Just for Laughs Festival will be rolling into town for nearly three weeks’ worth of comedy taking place across the city in venues of varying size. The entire line-up has yet to be released, but some of this year’s headliners include Bill Burr, Margaret Cho, Kevin Hart and Sebastian Maniscalo.
Rogers Cup, Montreal and Toronto
Tennis fans will want to think about getting tickets to the Rogers Cup happening Aug. 7 to 16 at Montreal’s Uniprix Stadium and at Toronto’s Rexall Centre at York University. Montreal will be hosting the men, while Toronto is hosting the women. The Rogers Cup is the third-oldest tournament in all of tennis, behind Wimbledon and the US Open. Some of the biggest names in tennis will be present including Venus and Serena Williams, Eugenie Bouchard, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Milos Raonic and Andy Murray.
Honda Celebration of Light, Vancouver
The Honda Celebration of Light in Vancouver takes place July 25, July 29 and Aug. 1 and is British Columbia’s biggest event. It’s the longest-running offshore fireworks competition in the world and attracts up to 400,000 spectators. The event is free and the fireworks start at 10 p.m. on each night lasting about 25 minutes. Some of the best areas to get a good view include English Bay, Kits Point, Vanier Park and various spots around the West End, Sunset Beach and Stanley Park. You can also purchase tickets to the Keg Lounge, YVR Observation Deck and the Clearly.ca Lounge for guaranteed views and good seating.
Craven Country Jamboree, Craven
Dubbed “The World’s Greatest Country Music Festival” Craven Country Jamboree takes place July 9 to 12 in Craven, Saskatchewan. The country fest is the longest running multi-day music festival in Canada and has been going strong for 30 years. The festival has seen many big names in country grace its stage including Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson, Tim McGraw and Clint Black. In addition to great music on the main stage there will be beer gardens, food vendors, various activities and festival merchandise to browse.
A few other noteworthy summer events and festivals in Canada are listed below.
- Cavendish Beach Music Festival (July 10 to 12)
- Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival (Aug. 9 to 11)
- Ottawa Bluesfest (July 8 to 19)
- The Fair at the Pacific National Exhibition (Aug. 22 to September 7)
- Canadian National Exhibition (Aug. 27 to September 7)
- Montreal International Jazz Festival (June 26 to July 5)
Featured image: Alex Indigo
