Credit: Sutton Fair
Our country has some of the world’s most spectacular scenery with events to showcase it all. From the wildlife you can come face to face with, to the outdoor festivals that will keep you smiling for days after, this August, plan a trip to one of the many amazing places that are waiting to host you.
We came up with a few reasons for each province and territory for why you should visit them this August. Each location has something unique to their culture that is fun for the whole family.
British Columbia
British Columbia is beautiful any time of year, but especially during the summer months. Image all the amazement Canada has to offer, packed into the borders of the coastline and you have BC. Between Whistler and the Okanagan Valley, to Vancouver Island, this province has many things to offer tourists from all over.
In August specifically, BC plays hosts to many festivals and adventures waiting for you to come and try. One of the most popular and well-known festivals in BC is the Shambhala Music Festival. Since 1998, Shambhala takes the underground electronic music scene and brings it to the surface. Hitting the waters of Shuswap’s Lake is also a must when visiting BC. Rent a large houseboat for a couple of days to relax and let loose. Add visiting Mt. Revelstoke National Park to your list, and you’re on your way to one of the most memorable trips to BC.
Alberta
The western part of Canada holds some of the most beautiful and unique features that Canada has to offer, and Alberta is no exception to that. From the southernmost part to the northernmost part of the province, there is something to do and see that will make every member of the family happy. Hit up one of the famous festivals, hike the mountains, or relax at one of the hot springs across the province.
Alberta is home to some wild and entertaining music festivals. The Chasing Summer Festival happens at the start of the month and includes big DJ headliners like Martin Garrix and Kaskade. Try out something unique like the Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash that opens every summer. You and your friends can race across the inflatable obstacle course that you typically won’t find anywhere else. However, an Alberta trip isn’t complete unless you visit Canmore and take on one of the cave tours.
- Things to Do During August in Alberta
- Things to Do During August in Edmonton
- Things to Do During August in Calgary
- Free Things to Do During August in Calgary
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan may not seem like the province of choice for many when it comes to visiting, but it should be. This province has so much to offer regarding unique sightseeing, events, and culture. Saskatchewan is known for its wheat fields and small towns (almost ghost towns) that are across the entire province.
Stopping in Saskatchewan during the month of August is a must. The city of Regina holds the annual Regina Folk Festival that is highly anticipated throughout the year. While in Regina, stick around for the Queen City Ex that sometimes sees as many visitors as Regina has for residents. If you are looking for something in the northern part of the province, a new addition to the Saskatchewan music festival scene recently came to life. The Electric Sky Electronic Music & Arts Festival happens once a year with glamping sections available for visitors.
Manitoba
Ever considered spending August in Manitoba? If you haven’t yet, you should strongly consider it. Whether you want to drive from border to border to see all the fields before harvest or check out one of the many events available to the public, Manitoba is the place to be in August.
A widely known festival in Manitoba is the Icelandic Festival in Gimli. This festival goes back to 1874 and is still running strong today. Every year, people from all over gather to enjoy music and events of the Icelandic and Viking culture. Gimli is home to the largest population of Icelandic people living outside of Iceland. The small town of Morden in the southern part of Manitoba hosts the Corn & Apple Festival. Every year, downtown Morden shuts down to turn into a street fair with rides, food, entertainment, and of course, corn stands. Add the MEME Festival in Winnipeg to your Manitoba in August itinerary. The Manitoba Electronic Music Exhibition brings electronic music to the streets for free.
Ontario
The biggest province has Canada’s largest city and the country’s capital, so you know there will be something worthwhile to do in August. As you make your way to central Canada, Ontario is full of opportunity for residents and fun for visitors.
Of course, a list of things to do in August in Ontario isn’t complete unless it has one the province’s most anticipated country music festivals of the year. The Boots & Hearts is the second week of August and is for all the country lovers and partiers around. Something new to Ontario this August is the travelling I Love the 90s Tour at Burl’s Creek. Go through a time warp as you listen to the popular names of the 90s in rap, hip-hop and R&B. Don’t forget the Veld Music Festival at the start of August for the electronic music lovers.
- August in Ontario
- Things to Do During August in Toronto
- Free Things to Do During August in Toronto
- Things to Do During August in Ottawa
Quebec
Spend August in Quebec, the heart of French Canada. Explore the unique beauty of this province, and learn the history of the French Canadian. You may soon find yourself falling in love with Quebec over one visit in August.
Start yourself off with the historical New France Festival at the beginning of the month. This festival is to celebrate the arrival of the first Europeans on American soil. You’ll experience music, entertainment, and parades galore. Over August, the Quebec circus troupe Flip FabriQue brings out a new show that is free for the public. Be amazed and entertained with their outdoor acrobatics. Only in August can you experience the Grands Feux Loto-Quebec, the magnificent fireworks show from the bank of the St. Lawrence River. Quebec has much to offer Canada making it worth the trip out.
Nova Scotia
Visiting Nova Scotia is a must at any point of the year. However, if you’re trying to figure out the best time to go, August is an excellent time. This province is another one that has history, culture, and entertainment all wrapped into its borders.
The Halifax International Busker Festival is the first week of August. You will witness crazy, amusing, and breathtaking entertainment that is unique to this province. Some of the world’s best street performers come to Halifax just for the Busker Festival. Do you like craft beer? Halifax also hosts Atlantic Canada’s largest gathering of craft beer at the Halifax Seaport Beerfest. Over 110 producers come to hand out samples and showcase their unique beer. Another reason to add to the list to visit Nova Scotia, the Festival Acadian de Clare, the oldest Acadian festival in the world. You’ll attend one of the noisiest celebrations you’ll ever hear.
New Brunswick
Nestled along the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick is the place to go for outdoor adventures. Between the whale watching, hiking, kayaking, festivals, and cultural events, New Brunswick is full of adventure and entertainment that will keep you coming back every summer.
One of the largest Canadian Francophone festivals east of Quebec is the La Foire Brayonne in New Brunswick. Over 100,000 visitors come to this festival that is along the banks of the Saint John River. What about New Brunswick’s Miramichi Folksong Festival? This is the longest running folk festival across the whole country. Although the name may not sound exciting, the SappyFest in Sackville makes this small town famous during the summer. Punk-rock and rock lovers descend to SappyFest from across the entire country.
Prince Edward Island
Although it may be small, Prince Edward Island is mighty when it comes to summer activities and festivals. This August, plan a trip to PEI to see the culture, history and entertainment you won’t find anywhere else. The outdoor adventures are second to none, and the landscape offers some of Canada’s most beautiful scenery.
Experience PEI’s agriculture lifestyle during the Old Home Week. This family fun fair has fair rides and food, entertainment, horse shows and racing, and so much more. Get a feel of what life is like on the island with one of the most popular events in the area. The Island Folk Festival takes the small town of Georgetown and turns it into one large festival. From headliner shows to the relaxing gardens, PEI’s Folk Festival is one of a kind. A unique festival in PEI is the Gran Fondo PEI. Typically, a festival is about music and entertainment. However, the Grand Fondo PEI is a three-day cycling festival that takes you through the culinary and historic parts of the island.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Heading to the Maritimes of Canada is a must in the summer, especially during August. Newfoundland and Labrador are first on the list. The landscape and scenery are enough to draw a visitor in. However, with everything you can do and events the whole family can attend, that makes the visit that much better.
Start your trip off with the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival. Every province may have their version of a folk festival, but Newfoundland and Labrador’s version is worth the visit. The two day festival is full of Scottish and Irish origin music and entertainment to pay homage to the heritage of the province. Check out North America’s oldest sporting event right in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Royal St. John’s Regatta began in 1816 and continues on today. It’s a rowing race on the Quidi Vidi Lake that brings in over 50,000 spectators. Another famous festival in the province is The Gathering in Burlington. The festival attracts famous country artists and provincial entertainment that is fun for everyone.
Nunavut
Have you considered heading north to the territories during the summer months? The days are long and full of sunshine, with land waiting for you to come and explore. Nunavut is no exception to that. As the youngest territory in Canada, Nunavut is full of excitement all year round. If the sky’s and landscape isn’t enough, everything you can do and explore will help give you the push to visit Nunavut.
Northwest Territories
Who wouldn’t want to visit the Northwest Territories? The adventure, history, and culture are worth the trip, along with all the festivities around in August.
The Old Town Ramble and Ride happens at the beginning of August to highlight the unique city of Yellowknife. This festival brings around merchants, artists, and musicians to give visitors a taste of what the territories are like in Canada. The family-friendly event is worth a visit in August. A fun festival to attend is the Slave River Paddlefest at the beginning of the month. Take a trip down the whitewater that is perfect for all skill levels. The weekend-long event also consists of games, entertainment, rides, hikes, and so much more. Finish August off with The Bacha & Wood Buffalo Dark Sky Festival. Put on by the Astronomical Society, this festival shows you the night sky that you won’t get to experience anywhere else.Yukon
Why visit the Yukon? Well, in 2016 the Royal Family visited the province so it must be worth the trip for everyone else. However, there’s more than just that reason to come. The Yukon is a playground for everyone who loves adventures. You’ll experience a journey of a lifetime.
The Discovery Days Festival at Dawson City celebrates the gold rush history of the Yukon. There is everything you can imagine a festival would have, including even a golf tournament, packed into the weekend event. How about the Great Klondike International Outhouse Race? Although this may seem like an odd reason to make the trek to the Yukon, it is completely worth it for this event. The race involves teams to dress up themselves, and their outhouses, to race a challenging course. Add the Yukon Culinary Summer Festival to the list, and you have all the reasons you need to visit the Yukon in August.