From star-studded TIFF to the million-strong Caribana carnival, Canada’s cultural attractions are attracting global crowds.
1) Vikings
Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau, Quebec
Dec. 3, 2015 – April 17, 2016
Go beyond the myth of horned helmets to discover a fabled Scandinavian culture in an interactive exhibition featuring 500 artifacts exploring domestic life, craftsmanship, trade, and the power and symbolism of those mighty Viking ships.
2) Adäka Cultural Festival, Whitehorse, Yukon
July 1-7, 2016
When fancy shawl dancing and Innu rap mingle on the waterfront in the beautiful Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre, it’s just one stirring expression of this festival’s eclectic mix of indigenous dancing, drumming, song and storytelling.
3) Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Stratford, Ontario
April to December 2016
If you tickle us, do we not laugh? Catch the North American stage premiere of the comedy-dramaShakespeare in Love and the Bard’s haunting classic Macbeth alongside hit musicals, as part of Stratford’s new 2016 season.
4) Celtic Colours International Festival, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
October 7-15, 2016
When autumn colours shine, some 70 Cape Breton communities transform into one international stage celebrating the island’s First Nations, French, Scottish and Irish inhabitants. Learn to sing Gaelic, stomp with Irish fiddlers and absorb the power of Mi’kmaq drumming.
5) Pompeii: A Roman City
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Montréal, Quebec
Feb. 6 – Sept. 5, 2016
What happens when a city frozen in time is forgotten for more than 15 centuries? Both Pompeii and its neighbouring city, Herculaneum, were buried after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Here’s your chance to uncover 200 archeological artifacts from the Roman Empire.
6) RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest, Ottawa, Ontario
July 8-19, 2016
Rub shoulders with musical legends at a festival whose roots started in R&B, but now stretch into gospel, world, rock, pop and even country.
7) Egyptian Magic
Musée de la Civilisation, Québec City, Quebec
To April 2016
Journey into the heart and heritage of Quebec and take a side trip to explore the magic books, talismans, amulets, figurines, jewellery and remarkable vases on loan from some of the largest Egyptian collections in the world.
8) Folklorama, Winnipeg, Manitoba
July 31 – Aug. 13, 2016
Kick off a powerhouse Winnipeg summer at one of the largest multicultural events in the world. Go pavilion hopping to try Caribbean food, see Japanese drumming and watch colourful Ukrainian dance. With 43 pavilions to explore, it’s like travelling the globe in a few days.
9) Festival Acadien de Caraquet, Caraquet, New Brunswick
Aug. 1-15, 2016
A flotilla parade through Caraquet Harbour launches this passionate celebration of Acadian and other French culture. Join the festive soirées of Acadian chanson, classic music, jazz and storytelling, attend some méchant partys (madcap parties) and make noise during the boisterous Tintamarre Parade.
10) Festival d’été de Québec, Québec City, Quebec
July 7 to 17, 2016
It’s never the same experience twice. A wild mix of world headliners and breaking bands lead an 11-day global dance party serenading crowds with hip-hop, electro, jazz, classical, Francophone and world music. Also catch the street performers roaming Quebec’s lively cobblestone streets.