1. Canada Day

Canada Day, also known as Canada's birthday, is celebrated on July 1st every year. It marks the anniversary of the enactment of the Constitution Act, 1867, which united the three separate colonies into a single Dominion within the British Empire called Canada. Festivities include fireworks, parades, concerts, barbecues, and various cultural events.

2. National Aboriginal Day

National Aboriginal Day, celebrated on June 21st, recognizes and celebrates the diverse cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada. This day emphasizes the importance of Indigenous culture, heritage, and language through activities such as powwows, traditional dances, arts and crafts exhibitions, and storytelling sessions.

3. Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a significant cultural celebration for Chinese Canadians. This festival, which falls on a different date each year (usually between January 21st and February 20th), marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year. It is characterized by dragon and lion dances, lantern festivals, firework displays, and traditional meals.

4. Diwali

Diwali, also called the Festival of Lights, is a Hindu festival celebrated by the Indo-Canadian community. It usually occurs between mid-October and mid-November and signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The festivities include lighting oil lamps, exchanging gifts, participating in prayers and religious rituals, fireworks, and feasting on traditional Indian sweets.

5. Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day

Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, celebrated on June 24th, is a cultural holiday in the province of Quebec. It honors the patron saint of French Canadians, Saint John the Baptist. The festivities feature parades, outdoor concerts, bonfires, and fireworks, showcasing the vibrant French-Canadian culture, music, and cuisine.

6. Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is one of the biggest festivals celebrated by Canadian-Germans and beer enthusiasts across the country. This Bavarian-inspired event typically occurs in September or October and includes live music, traditional German cuisine, beer gardens, polka dancing, and carnival games.

7. Caribana

Caribana, also known as the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, is one of the largest Caribbean festivals in North America. This vibrant celebration takes place in Toronto during July and features colorful parades, Caribbean music and dance performances, cultural exhibitions, and a grand finale known as the King and Queen Showcase.

8. Pride Week

Pride Week is an annual celebration of Canada's LGBTQ+ communities. It usually occurs during the last week of June and includes parades, marches, parties, art exhibitions, film screenings, and educational events that promote inclusivity, equality, and diversity.

9. Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi is a Punjabi and Sikh festival celebrated by the Indo-Canadian community. It usually falls on April 13th or 14th and marks the harvest season and the birth of the Khalsa (the Sikh community). Festivities include street processions, singing devotional hymns, martial arts demonstrations, and sharing meals.

10. Winterlude

Winterlude is an annual winter festival held in Ottawa, Ontario, and Gatineau, Quebec. It takes place during the first three weekends of February and celebrates Canada's love for winter activities. The festival includes ice sculpture competitions, snow slides, ice skating on the Rideau Canal, snowshoeing, concerts, and various cultural performances.