20 Best Places to Travel in Canada for 2023: Montreal Tops for Music Tourism

Vacay.ca Editors and Writers Adrian Brijbassi, Rod Charles, Diana Ballon, Claudia Laroye, Michelle Hopkins, Petti Fong, and Jacqueline Louie contributed to this report; Brijbassi edited it.

The 2020s, so far, isn’t a decade many people want to rejoice. The worst global pandemic in a century, a heartbreaking war, a rate of inflation so steep we haven’t seen anything like it in 40 years, political instability brought on in part by domestic terrorism, and environmental catastrophes happening at a relentless pace. We are in a predicament, globally and nationally.

What do you do?

Historically, humans have sought to escape challenging times. Space tourism isn’t yet a thing for the masses so we need to find escape the old-fashioned way — through song, dance, and gatherings that inveigle communal uplift.

Blues and jazz grew in popularity during the Great Depression of the 1930s. The swing era in Germany occurred as an underground movement in the midst of the Nazi regime. Folk music for many cultures — think Irish dirges and flamenco from Spain — has been an outlet to cope with and document the challenges of everyday life. Songs are what helped oppressed populations — Black slaves and Indigenous peoples — persevere through the hardest of times.

In Canada, the heartbeat of our contemporary and traditional music scene has been in urban centres and East Coast communities. Not surprisingly, it is such destinations that lead the “Vacay.ca 20 Best Places to Travel in Canada for 2023”. The digital magazine’s editors and writers created the annual ranking, which for this year is focused on music tourism as Canadians and visitors to the country, having emerged from the pandemic but not its after-shocks, seek out celebratory moods where they can find them. With a tough winter in retreat, warmer weather brings the chance to convene for festivals and events with music at their core.

No. 1 Montreal edges out Toronto because of its francophone culture and sensational lineup of annual fêtes. Meanwhile, the Atlantic provinces place six destinations in the ranking, including No. 3 St. John’s.

1. MONTREAL, Quebec

Why You Should Go: The mural of Leonard Cohen near bustling Sainte-Catherine Street graces the city with an eternal note on his music and his mannerisms. It’s Cohen — an accidental rock star from an anglophone neighbourhood of the largest French-speaking city in the western hemisphere — who defines the aesthetic of Montreal. Forever charming and flirtatious, always imaginative and boundary-breaking, and staggeringly complicated: at once religious and sinful; French but everything else too; romantic in every sense and just as sexual. It should be no wonder that the city so deep with complications and so openly trying to navigate what human life is should be fertile ground for songwriters.

Cohen is the poet of the city but he is one of many notable names whose musicianship has been tied to Montreal. At the start of the century, the Montreal music scene was a global thing, spurred by cheap rents, outstanding small venues — like Casa del Popolo and La Sala Rossa — on The Plateau and Mile End, and one significant breakthrough act that inexplicably won a Grammy Award for Best Album of the Year in 2010. That Band that Shall Not Be Named has fallen out of favour now that its lead singer from Texas has been credibly accused of un-Cohen-esque behaviour toward women. But the proving ground that gave the group space to groove and find their sound still thrives and the next great thing only ever seems a weekend night away.

Key to everything fantastic in Montreal is all of its festivals — and at the heart of each one is music. The legendary Montreal Jazz Fest (June 29 to July 8) — which annually features free concerts throughout the city and into its suburbs — is worthy of a Canadian Heritage Minute. Diana Krall and Buddy Guy are among the headliners for 2023. The jazz fest acts as the perennial launch of summer good times for Montreal, spreading vibes to Olympic Park and Verdun.

Not long after the final jazz fest note has played, Osheaga (August 4-6) lures crowds to Île Sainte-Hélène. Big contemporary names, such as Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar, attract a massive audience to Parc Jean-Drapeau.

It’s not just about the touring big names, though. Hardly.

What makes Montreal the No. 1 destination for music in Canada? More bluntly, what makes it stand apart from second-place Toronto? Interestingly, it’s the French culture. Toronto and Montreal are both abundant in diversity and celebrations from around the world, but it’s Montreal that you get a richness of French music — along with Latin, African, and Asian productions. That sense of place and identity, the unending joie de vivre of the city, is why Montreal forever plays on your heart and imagination. It is “Hallelujah” come to 3D life — sweet and tortured, religious and profane, mischievous and earnest. Worthy of many days of exploration and frivolity, especially at those times in life when you need uplift and distraction from the blues.

Beyond Music: If song fills the heart of Montreal, the food scene nourishes its soul. Incredible restaurants run throughout the city and — like the music — they are as diverse as the people. Joe Beef and Au Pied de Cochon are among the long-standing foodie destinations, though you’ll no doubt find your own favourites that will tempt you to return over and over again. For those who like to try a variety of choices, food halls have popped up in the city, including the Time Out Market and Le Central on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. You can sample the cuisine of leading chefs from Montreal and elsewhere in Quebec. (Try the lobster at Gaspésie Camion Gourmand in Le Central.)

Boutique hotels in Old Montreal are as lovely as you can get. Hotel Nelligan, named after a poet, is one for arts lovers to put on their list of desired places. The Montreal Marriott Champlain has recently been taken over by new owners — who happened to be devoted patrons of the hotel — and the property has undergone a significant renovation that updates its decor, dining, and amenities.

Trippzy Travel Trivia: Did you know the origin of the name of Montreal’s Osheaga festival is still up for debate? The word has historic connections to the Iroquois and could refer to the Lachine Rapids or to the beaver dams built in the area that is now home to the festival site, Parc Jean-Drapeau.

2. TORONTO, Ontario

Why You Should Go: When we think of Toronto in terms of music we often think of big-names concerts. Madonna, The Chicks, André Rieum, Shania Twain, Lionel Ritchie, and Bruce Springsteen are among the superstars scheduled to appear this year at Scotiabank Arena — and that’s only one venue.

But Toronto is much more than a venue or genre. The city is ripped with talented musicians from across Canada and around the world. The music is the product of a deep cultural mix that is reflected not only in festivals, plays, and concerts but in food and neighbourhoods that dazzle visitors.

If you’re heading to the Ontario capital, scan listings to learn who is bringing their talents to the city. Head to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Danforth Music Hall, Budweiser Stage, Phoenix Concert Theatre, and venerable Massey Hall to hear the best of the best perform. There are also several smaller venues like the Dakota Tavern, Drake Hotel, C’est What, Cameron House, and Bovine Sex Club that showcase an array of artists.

Another reason Toronto rules is because of countless festivals and events — with one of the biggest being Canadian Music Week (June 5-10), a three-day summit covering all sectors of the industry. It marks its 41st anniversary in 2023.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary is the TD Toronto International Jazz Festival (June 24 to July 3) and it has Herbie Hancock as a headliner. Since 1995, the NXNE Music Festival (June 14-19) has showcased thousands of emerging artists, often just before they break. The first wave of announcements this year include Broken Fires (London, UK), Blvck Hippie (Memphis, Tennessee), and Housewife (Toronto).

Toronto Summer Music Festival (July 6-29), Toronto Caribbean Carnival (August 3-7), VELD Music Festival (August 4-6), Riot Fest (September 15-17), Beaches Jazz Festival (July 2-24), and TD Salsa In Toronto (July 8-9) are other events that each draw thousands of concert-goers. It all kicks off with Ziigwan (March 24-26), an Indigenous spring arts and music festival produced in collaboration with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund.

Outstanding music isn’t just limited to festivals and concerts. Mirvish Productions announced the iconic play “Hamilton” will be performed at Princess of Wales Theatre. Another music-focused stage show to look forward to is the “Simon and Garfunkel Story”. And for opera fans, stop by Bluma Appel Theatre  for Scott Joplin’s “Treemonisha” (June 6-17), which will feature a musical reimagining of one of history’s first Black operas. The production will feature an all-Black cast and orchestra, and has a core creative team of Black women.

Beyond Music: The Toronto Holocaust Museum will open this spring thanks to an extraordinary contribution of $12 million from the Azrieli Foundation. Founded by Holocaust survivors in 1985 as a place dedicated to sharing stories with students, the state-of-the-art facility in the Sheff Family Building will inspire visitors to think deeply about the tragedies and to make connections between the Holocaust, world events, and contemporary Canadian life.

Hot Docs Festival (April 27 to May 7) celebrates its 30th anniversary by looking back at three decades of outstanding stories and the filmmakers and audiences who have shared them.

Trippzy Travel Trivia: Toronto has had many fabulous concerts over the years but did you know that the largest concert ever in the city was Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto? The benefit concert was held on July 30, 2003, and included performances by Justin Timberlake, Rush, AC/DC, and the Rolling Stones. Also known as “SARSStock”, the concert is estimated to have been seen by 500,000 attendees and is the largest outdoor ticketed event in Canadian history. Its proceeds benefitted the fight against the SARS outbreak that year.

3. ST. JOHN’S, Newfoundland & Labrador

Why You Should Go: The George Street Festival (July 27 to August 2) captures the fun-loving, ready-to-party, quick-with-a-hug-and-smile character of Newfoundland. The best part? The lightheartedness isn’t manufactured. Newfoundland has music in its soul. The Irish heritage runs deep and the Emerald Isle’s musical spirit is laden in the easternmost province’s sea shanties, wistful dirges of lost love, and folk songs about the hard life on The Rock.

The hit Broadway production “Come From Away” captured that essence in its ode to Newfoundland friendliness and charm. The play brought attention to Newfoundland and Newfoundlanders as a fresh set of travellers arrive to experience the now legendary hospitality and grace. While the play takes place in Gander, more than four hours by car north of St. John’s, it is the province’s capital that is the gateway for most visitors to the island’s culture. You can find the music-rich atmosphere on George Street any day of the week — not just during the festival. Take in nightly music, get screeched in, and maybe find yourself as a guest at a shed party.

The George Street Fest is the most notable music celebration in St. John’s but if you can’t make that event you have other options. Festival organizers have also launched a Canada Day celebration called the Big Birthday Bash (June 30 to July 1), with Celtic punk rockers Dropkick Murphys as headliners for 2023. The Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival (July 7-9) is held at Bannerman Park and is even richer in traditional culture than the George Street Festival.

No need to plan your calendar around major fêtes to enjoy the music either. Cocktail lounge Sláinte features musicians playing in a picturesque room that overlooks the harbour while the Celtic Fiddlers make regular appearances at venues around St. John’s.

Beyond Music: St. John’s is notable for its historic landmarks, including National Historic Sites at Signal Hill and Cape Spear, and the growth of its culinary tourism offerings. Deserving of your reservations are Mallard Cottage in the lovely village of Quidi Vidi, Terre at the Alt Hotel, and sushi-focused Basho. And don’t forget the Duke of Duckworth for its beloved fish and chips.

Once you’ve explored the gorgeous capital city by foot, take to the road and venture to the nearby coastal communities, such as beautiful Portugal Cove to the north and Ferryland and Petty Harbour along the southbound Irish Loop. Spectacular views, sublime experiences, and more encounters with welcoming locals await.

Trippzy Travel Trivia: The sea shanty genre had a moment in 2021 when it became a TikTok and Instagram trend for a few weeks. Great Big Sea frontman Alan Doyle was counted on to explain the songs and he pointed out what few realized — sea shanties were written to coordinate work on a boat, making sure tasks were done on time and in rhythm. Great Big Sea has made a career of taking the foundation of sea shanties and reimagining the genre for powerful contemporary songs, many of which focus on Newfoundland and its landscape and heritage.

4. CALGARY, Alberta

Why You Should Go: The National Music Centre at Studio Bell is a landmark attraction that continues to improve its programming. Interactive elements include the chance to play instruments and sing in a recording studio. The artifacts feature one of Elton John’s earliest pianos as well as instruments used in some of modern music’s most well-known recordings. A rare and huge massive orchestral synthesizer called a TONTO — played on Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition”, among notable hits — can be seen with a behind-the-scenes tour.

One of the best additions since Studio Bell launched in 2016 has been the revamped King Eddy, with its nightly music acts that appear on the ground floor of the facility. A former hotel, the King Eddy is a home for emerging acts from country, folk, blues, and rock. While you enjoy a show and the quality food and drinks you can order, check out the Rolling Stones MiniBus that was an iconic part of the band’s history. It’s among the National Music Centre’s artifacts and it sits adjacent to the King Eddy in its own dedicated room.

Among the impressive feats of Studio Bell are what it has inspired beyond its walls. More musicians are moving from outside of the province to take advantage of opportunities to perform and use new recording spaces. For visitors, that means you’ll find an assortment of shows in the city and a growing music culture that is certain to enrich tourism.

The Calgary Stampede (July 7-16) is the big event in town and with it comes major names worthy of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. For 2023, Lord Huron and country legends Alabama are among the first acts announced to appear. The Nashville North tent on the Stampede grounds always has a roster of musicians to ignite the bombastic spirit of the festival.

Beyond Music: The Dorian Hotel‘s 2022 debut brought fresh flair and style to downtown Calgary. Featuring artwork and decor inspired by Oscar Wilde, author of “A Picture of Dorian Gray”, the Marriott Autograph Collection property boasts rooms with plush beds and an exceptional rooftop restaurant.

Dining is a hot topic in Calgary. D.O.P. is a favourite with its Italian plates made from family recipes and Alberta ingredients. Try the Raviolo — filled with golden egg yolk and topped with the province’s Taber corn. Chef Roy Oh’s Korean Kitchen shows the city’s diversification that makes it more attractive as a tourism destination.

Trippzy Travel Trivia: Chances are you’ll hear “Four Strong Winds” plenty of times in Calgary this year. The country-folk song about a protagonist who beckons a love interest to Alberta is the unofficial anthem of the province. The passing of songwriter Ian Tyson in December 2022 brought renewed attention to the classic. But fans may not know the song was written in Greenwich Village after Bob Dylan first played his newly penned “Blowin’ in the Wind” for Tyson, who was among the community of folk singers in Manhattan in 1962. Tyson wrote “Four Strong Winds” the day after hearing the Dylan tune.

Read More: Calgary’s Music Scene Is In a Groove

5. CAPE BRETON ISLAND, Nova Scotia

Why You Should Go: Held annually in October, the Celtic Colours festival is a showcase of traditional music with roots in Ireland and Scotland. The celebration features Gaelic musicians from around the world and involves nearly the entire local community, including the Indigenous Mi’kmaq, who host cultural workshops during the event. The festival (October 6-14) is a highlight for a region where music is at the core of life. More fiddlers per capita reside on Cape Breton than anywhere else in the world and their music is so richly woven into the air and culture it’s as if you can hear the bow’s twine scratching against the strings when the wind swirls above your head, piercing against your ears.

Explore the distinct Maritime culture in locations such as the Red Shoe Pub in Mabou that is owned by the Rankin family, the acclaimed folk-country musicians. Get your toe-tappin’ at a cèilidh (pronounced “kay-lee”), a gathering of locals and those who are eager to get to know them. You’ll find cèilidhs at pubs and hotels throughout the island, and maybe you’ll earn an invite to a kitchen party, too.

In fact, Kitchen Fest (June 30 to July 8) is a celebration of just that — the tendency of island residents to mill about the stove and hearth while music plays and laughter churns. If you plan on visiting Cape Breton during the the summer, aim to attend that festival or the Rock the Hill concert on Canada Day weekend.

Beyond Music: Golf has become a calling card to Cape Breton that rivals the music attractions. Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Links are the top-rated golf courses in the country — and for good reason: They’re exquisite in every way, not overly difficult to play, and poetic in their layout, with holes that all run along the water in true links fashion. The Cabot Links experience also includes a decadent restaurant, Panorama, and high-end accommodations. About two hours away is Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Highlands Links golf course, a third gem on the island for players.

New accommodations on the island include geodomes and glamping spaces. Cape Smokey, a ski hill, has recently upgraded its offerings to include a gondola ride to the top, making it an all-season attraction. Tours that offer the chance to get onto the water include lobster fishing adventures and whale-watching outings. The Cabot Trail, of course, is always a road trip worth taking, with mesmerizing Atlantic views and numerous fun stops along the way to enjoy the traditional songs and culture of Cape Breton.

Trippzy Travel Trivia: The most famous sound associated with Cape Breton isn’t from a fiddle, but a bell. Alexander Graham Bell adored his life in Cape Breton. Although he invented the telephone elsewhere and found fortune in the United States, his home in Baddeck, a lovely village on the Cabot Trail, is where his legacy thrives with a museum and National Historic Site dedicated to his many achievements.

6. OTTAWA, Ontario

Why You Should Go: Canada Day, period.

There is no city that does Canada Day like Ottawa. If you have never had the pleasure of celebrating July 1 in the nation’s capital then you are missing out.

Fireworks, parades, vibrant colours, delicious food, and the sound of music are only a few reasons why tens of thousands of people will flock to Ottawa this year. The giant stage at Parliament Hill is usually the official Canada Day party headquarters, where visitors arrive to see performers such as K’naan, Charlotte Cardin, and Metric. This year, because of renovations on Parliament Hill, celebrations will take place at LeBreton Flats Park just outside of the Canadian War Museum.

Canada Day will always be the main event in Ottawa when it comes to entertainment but that doesn’t mean the fun stops on July 2.

LeBreton Flats will also be the location for the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest (July 6-16) — the largest such festival in Canada and the second largest in North America. This year’s incredible lineup includes Shania Twain, Weezer, Pitbull, Death Cab for Cutie, and Foo Fighters. Another huge draw is the Ottawa Jazz Festival (June 23-30), which coincides with the EDM-focused Escapade Music Festival (June 23-25). Escapade’s 2023 lineup at Lansdowne Park is a raver’s dream: Kygo, Deadmau5, and Tiësto are the headliners.

Ottawa Chamberfest (July 20 to August 3) can sometimes get lost in the crowd with so many great events going on but it should not be missed. Past years have hosted more than 100 concerts with a total of 80,000-plus listeners. With an eclectic mix of performers, CityFolk Festival is a celebration of music, dance, and community.

Ottawa is also known for delightful neighbourhood music venues. Head over to the ByWard Market to Heart & Crown Irish Pub, which offers live music seven nights a week with two stages on weekends. Château Lafayette, Ottawa’s oldest tavern dating back to 1849, and Overflow Brewing are other venues to check out to hear local musicians.

“The music scene in Ottawa is incredibly diverse and exciting,” says Deek Labelle, general manager of Château Lafayette. “Festivals like RBC Ottawa Bluesfest bring in top-notch international talent but the real gems are found in smaller venues, open mic nights, and through contact with the close-knit community of musicians that live here. At the Laff — where some of our regularly scheduled performers have held their weekly spots for more than 20 years — we’re proud to offer live music or DJs every single day … with no cover charge.”

Last but not least, you can’t talk about music without giving a holler to the RCMP Musical Ride. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police will celebrate their 150th anniversary this year. The RCMP Musical Ride Stables (where horses and riders are trained to perform intricate equestrian manoeuvres) offer tours on weekdays starting May 8.

Beyond Music: The Diefenbunker, Canada’s Cold War Museum commemorates its 25th anniversary as a museum. Formerly known by its military designation, Canadian Forces Station Carp, The Diefenbunker is a large underground reinforced concrete bunker and nuclear fallout shelter that was build during the Cold War, when John Diefenbaker was the prime minister.

On the arts scene, the Ottawa Art Gallery will celebrate its 35th anniversary and fifth year in its current location. The National Gallery of Canada has a permanent collection that includes more than 93,000 works. The gallery is also home to one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of photographs and related materials. If all of that isn’t cool enough, visitors can also see Maman, a 9-metre (30-foot) sculpture of a spider by Louise Bourgeois!

Other wild encounters can be enjoyed with a short drive outside of Ottawa to Parc Omega. Visitors can stay overnight in yurts and teepees or luxury lodges that overlook a wolf enclosure. The wolves, with their collective howl, make for one of nature’s truly awesome choirs.

Trippzy Travel Trivia: Here’s a song you may not necessarily link to Ottawa — “Hail to the Chief”! On February 19, 2009, President Barack Obama visited Ottawa and made a quick stop at Le Moulin de Provence to buy a cookie. Ever since that visit, ”Obama Cookies” have been a city favourite. The current President of the United States visited Canada on March 23. No word yet if we will see a “Joe Biden Ice Cream Sundae” in the future?

7. QUEBEC CITY, Quebec

Why You Should Go: Quebec City is famous for many things — Quebec Winter Carnival, the Historic District of Old Quebec, and Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, to name a few. What often gets overlooked is the contribution that Quebec City makes to the North American music scene.

One of the most important music festivals in Canada, Festival d’été de Québec (July 6-16) is a true heavyweight and national treasure that includes two concert venues and more than 500 shows attracting greater than 630,000 fans. Founded in 1968, Festival d’été (FEQ) has hosted a wide array of diverse artists such as Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and Elton John. This year it has been announced that fans can look forward to seeing the Foo Fighters, Pitbull, Green Day, Les Cowboys Fringants and Lana Del Rey. If enjoying summer in Quebec City during Festival d’été isn’t on your bucket list then may we suggest you change your wayward ways.

“Festival d’été is a city festival in the heart of Quebec — its venues are located in historical parks, all within walking distance of one another. During FEQ, the whole uptown area entirely morphs into an open-air party, and the city becomes a vibrant playground for 11 nights,” says Samantha McKinley, Vice-president, Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs at BLEUFEU. “Affordable ticket prices, big international music stars, and typical joie de vivre attitude from the locals make for an explosive and memorable combination.”

Of course, exceptional live music can be heard in Quebec City all year long and not only on the Plains of Abraham. The city boasts several bars and restaurants that feature live music. Among them are Pub Saint-Alexandre, right next to the Saint Jean’s Gate in Old Quebec, and Les Voûtes de Napoléon. One venue every music lover should add to their list is Impérial Bell, a favourite with locals who are treated to outstanding acts throughout the year.

Beyond Music: No one will ever grow tired of discussing the beauty, history, architecture, and restaurants of Quebec City. The city is so charming even ordinary streets turn heads. The oldest commercial district in North America, rue du Petit Champlain, is home to artisan shops, boutique retailers, fine restaurants, and a stunning mural that depicts the quarter’s history. It is also a street that Vacay.ca recognized as the most beautiful in Canada.

Summer is breathtaking but Quebeckers know how to have fun when the temperature drops. The Quebec Winter Carnival is renowned for its fun-filled activities and if you need a place to stay, go to historic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (the most photographed hotel in the world) or Hôtel de Glace (a chilly spot with warm experiences).

Trippzy Travel Trivia: Did you know traditional music from Quebec is the result of many mixtures of influences from the first French settlers, the British, the Irish and Scottish immigrants, and Indigenous peoples? Emanating from popular culture, it is now recognized as a musical style in and of itself, in the same way as jazz and blues.

8. HALIFAX, Nova Scotia

Why You Should Go: Halifax will host the 2024 JUNO Awards and music will be an even bigger part of the city’s identity in the lead up to that celebration of the nation’s music scene. The 35th East Coast Music Awards (May 4) takes place at the Scotiabank Centre and includes a five-day festival that spotlights the music of Atlantic Canada.

You can get a taste of that musical richness almost any evening on Argyle Street. Known for its wild nights and boisterous crowds, the pedestrian-friendly strip has been a magnet for music lovers and rising musicians for generations. Thriving among the sometimes chaotic scene, the music culture on Argyle Street has made the Nova Scotia capital a place to go to enjoy high-calibre performers and search out old and new Maritime stars.

Joel Plaskett, Matt Mays, and Adam Baldwin are among the notables who got their first taste of regional and national attention in Halifax. The rock and country scene are always grooving; so too is the blues, which is centred at Bearly’s House of Blues and Ribs. It’s near to the Westin Nova Scotian but wouldn’t seem out of place in Memphis.

The city’s main festivals include the 38th TD Halifax Jazz Festival (July 11-6), headlined by Feist and Fleet Foxes. Not to be outdone is Dartmouth, the up-and-coming destination across the harbour from Halifax. It hosts the Rock the Harbour classic rock concert series (August 18-20) that will please many a Gen-Xer with headliners such as Honeymoon Suite, Tom Cochrane, and Lee Aaron.

Beyond Music: The remarkable Queen’s Marque waterfront district is a must-see for anyone visiting Halifax. It’s where most people will now want to base their stay. Prior to the revitalization project, the city’s waterfront was empty after dark and void of interesting things to do beyond a tour of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Now, with the spectacular renovation, the waterfront hooks you in and a number of businesses and activities are eager to convince you to stay awhile. They include the Muir Hotel, a masterpiece that is a shining new star for Canada with luscious accommodations, culinary panache, and even a secret speakeasy-style cocktail bar.

A ferry to Georges Island is a new attraction that sails visitors to the Parks Canada National Historic Site for splendid views of the city and a chance to learn about the former military fort on its premises.

Other essential activities include a hike to Citadel Hill for more fantastic views, a sampling of lagers and ales from the city’s stellar craft breweries, a ghost tour where you’ll learn about some of the historic calamities that have touched Halifax, and, of course, a late-night donair just to say you did.

Trippzy Travel Trivia: Liverpool has its College of Art & Design, where John Lennon studied. Halifax has the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, where Sarah McLachlan, members of Sloan, Jenn Grant, and Jimmy Rankin all went to school. It is a worth a visit just to see if you can find its source of inspiration for so many of the east coast’s most influential musicians.

Read More: Muir Hotel Makes Waves on the Halifax Harbourfront

9. FREDERICTON, New Brunswick

Why You Should Go: Once thought of as the pass-through province between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, New Brunswick has emerged as a destination for distinct experiences and many fun activities. At the heart of the good times is its capital city. Fredericton has placed New Brunswick on the musical map in a big way. In the last 25 years, the city of 58,000 residents has emerged as one of Canada’s finest places to celebrate all that makes music great. Held in late summer, the Harvest Music Festival (September 12-17) is the largest music festival in Atlantic Canada. During the six-day event, 400 artists perform and upwards of 50,000 fans converge in downtown. Some of the hottest names in music have performed at Harvest, including Jason Isbell and Nathaniel Rateliff.

Other notable festivals include the Living Roots Music Festival (June 8-11), FLOURISH Festival (June 15-18), and Afro-focused Summer Soulsa (dates forthcoming).

The local music scene thrives around the Capital Complex, aka The Cap, which includes a nanobrewery and intimate stage that also hosts touring musicians.

Beyond Music: The glamping craze has come to Off Grid Ales — New Brunswick’s first and only microbrewery with a reputation for crafting premium ales using solar energy. New owners not only reopened the brewery on Magaguadavic Lake, they added a unique luxury nature retreat with lakeside domes and cabins showcasing saltwater hot tubs. Imagine sitting by the fire pit, a glass of fine wine in hand while taking in stunning lake views.

Aside from music, Fredericton has a thriving arts scene, including the must-visit Beaverbrook Art Gallery that features a towering Salvador Dali painting and the world’s largest collection of artwork from Canadian master Alex Colville.

Trippzy Travel Trivia: What internationally renowned Canadian singer-songwriter launched a world tour in Fredericton? That would be Leonard Cohen. Considered by many as a rebirth of sorts, after a 15-year hiatus from touring, Cohen kicked off his monumental tour in the Fredericton Playhouse on May 11, 2008 to a lucky group of 700 attendees, the maximum the venue could hold.

Read More: Artsy Fredericton Just May Rock Your World

10. EDMONTON, Alberta

Why You Should Go: While Edmonton typically flies under the radar as a tourism destination, Alberta’s capital has much to offer, including a vibrant music scene. In March, the city streaked to the forefront as host of the JUNO Awards and JUNO Week celebrations, Canada’s largest music bash. Held at Rogers Place, the awards show launched what promises to be a fantastic year for the city’s events calendar.

“We are Canada’s festival city,” says Quinn Phillips, Explore Edmonton’s manager of strategic communications. “There are more festivals than weeks in a year in Edmonton — it’s a real testament to the arts and culture scene.”

Notable 2023 music festivals and concerts include: JUNO Hall of Fame inductees Nickelback making an appearance on their Get Rollin’ Tour (June 24); the TD Edmonton International Jazz Festival (June 28 to July 2); and K-Days (July 21-30), with both free and ticketed concerts; the acclaimed Edmonton Folk Music Festival (August 10-13) at Gallagher Park/the Edmonton Ski Club; the Edmonton Blues Festival (August 25-27); and Heritage Festival (August 5-7), which coincides with World Music Week.

Edmonton is fortunate to have a wide range of venues: Rogers Place, the Jubilee Auditorium, and the Winspear Centre, home of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, with classical music and more, where “acoustics are beyond anything you can imagine,” Phillips opines.

Downtown, there’s the iconic Starlite Room, where in the late ’80s and early ’90s then-unknown American bands Nirvana and Green Day played. And you’ll find a number of small clubs and music venues on or near Whyte Avenue.

Beyond Music: Edmonton, with a metropolitan population of more than one million, has a diverse food scene. Notable newcomers include: Fu’s Repair Shop, a downtown Asian noodle and dim-sum spot with a hip-hop and speakeasy vibe; Hayloft Bake + Fish in Cameron Heights on the city’s west side, offering high-end steak and seafood; and Pei Pei Chei Ow — Indigenous Cuisine, located in the Whiskeyjack Art House.

Also of note is Edmonton’s burgeoning brewery scene. South of Whyte Avenue on 99 Street, known informally as Happy Beer Street, you’ll find seven craft breweries (and counting). The city is home to a number of fine distilleries as well.

Trippzy Travel Trivia: An Edmonton-based trio of siblings, the McDades have played together since childhood. They won a JUNO in 2007 and were nominated in 2023 in the Traditional Roots Album category. Shannon Johnson, Solon McDade, and Jeremiah McDade are among Canada’s prominent family acts.

11. VANCOUVER, British Columbia

Why You Should Go: What Vancouver lacks in a strong independent local music scene it makes up for in outstanding small venues that consistently attract a fantastic roster of visiting musicians. The Commodore Ballroom has long been one of the top-rated small music halls in Canada while The Orpheum, home to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, is regarded for its beautiful theatre space and acoustics. Newer venues include The Shipyards in North Vancouver, home to free concerts each Friday (May 13 to September 2) and adjacent to the Lonsdale Quay market where you’ll find tasty food options and artisan gems.

Superstar acts appearing in 2023 at Rogers Arena or B.C. Place include: Drake, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Shania Twain, Coldplay, Pink, Madonna, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many more.

The Vancouver International Jazz Festival (June 23 to July 2) has turned into a premier summer event with performances taking place at the Vancouver Art Gallery, on Granville Island, and in venues around the city. Ticketing options for the 38th annual edition include a Roamer Pass ($295 per person) that gets you into 22 shows on Granville Island during the course of the festival, as well as two tickets to the opening night party.

While the jazz fest runs more than a week, the Burnaby Blues and Roots Fest packs all of its action into a single day (August 12). A family-friendly event, the concert takes place at Deer Lake Park in the suburban city just east of Vancouver. The 2023 headliners have yet to be announced but you can count on the act possessing high-quality musicianship and a devoted fan base (War on Drugs were the marquee name for the 2022 edition).

Among the events growing in popularity is Carnaval del Sol (July 7-9), which celebrates the city’s Latin American community with a showcase of music, food, dance, and artisan crafts from Central and South America.

Beyond Music: Vancouver has turned a former motel on Main Street into a mural village and artists’ residence that adds some colour to a drab block of town. While the mural village doesn’t figure to be around long — the motel’s new owners are allowing the artists to use the space until their land redevelopment permits are approved and they can build a new real-estate project — it is a source of youthful energy and entertaining events, including concerts with local musicians. The 2023 edition of the Vancouver Mural Fest (August 3-13) will include music, crafts, and food trucks.

The Stay Vancouver initiative that has provided travellers with consistent hotel deals throughout the year continues and is worth looking into as you can earn gift certificates or attractions discounts that can help your trip budget.

Trippzy Travel Trivia: Did you know that Jimi Hendrix’s father was born in Vancouver? In fact, his grandparents moved from the United States to Vancouver in 1912 and had four children there, including their youngest son, James. In 1940, James “Al” Hendrix would relocate to Seattle to pursue a boxing career. His son, Jimi, was born in the Washington city in 1942. The guitar legend’s grandmother died in Vancouver in 1984 at age 100 and in 2019 was honoured by the city for her contributions to the community. Nora Hendrix Way near Main Street is the first street in Vancouver named after a Black woman.

12. NIAGARA FALLS & NIAGARA REGION, Ontario

Why You Should Go:  The city of Niagara Falls is known for culinary excellence, history, and entertainment, and it is continuing to build on its reputation as one of the finest live music destinations in Canada. In recent years, it has consistently hit the right notes with travellers who love music. 

 Every year, people gather at Niagara Falls for arguably the best New Year’s Eve party in the country, a spectacle that includes breathtaking fireworks and live music. The celebration is bolstered by Niagara Falls MUSIC LIVE, a seasonal event that culminates in a week-long bash at the end of December. It features more than 80 performances by top Canadian acts across 20 venues. Past headliners have included Blue Rodeo and Serena Ryder. Live music takes place throughout the year at restaurants and bars such as Doc Magilligans, Niagara Brewing Company, and Spyce Lounge. 

And, of course, the Falls themselves, a jaw-dropping landmark that’s a magnet for travellers, is the number one reason why people journey to the Niagara Region. And the song of the thundering water is an eternal ode that impacts so much of life in southern Ontario.

Just outside Niagara Falls, only 15 minutes away, is Niagara-on-the-Lake, a pretty town with an immense amount of history to explore and the famous Shaw Festival Theatre. This season, the musical “Gypsy“ will be presented and “The Amen Corner” will also have a strong musical component. For the holidays, fans can look forward to seeing “Brigadoon”. 

Beyond Music: The architecturally stunning Niagara Parks Power Station was magnificently restored and opened in 2021 with exhibits during the day and “CURRENTS: Niagara’s Power Transformed”, a breathtaking immersive sound and light experience, each night. 

Another city event is Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, is Canada’s largest and longest running free outdoor light festival with 101 nights of twinkling lights (from November to February).

Taking place throughout the nearby Niagara Wine Region, the largest and most concentrated winemaking region in Canada, The Niagara Grape and Wine Festival (June 16-18 and June 23-25) and Niagara Ice Wine Festival (January 12-28, 2024) are among the celebrations of the Niagara Region’s viticulture scene.

And, of course, the Falls themselves, a jaw-dropping landmark that’s a magnet for travellers, is the number one reason why people journey to the Niagara Region. And the song of the thundering water is an eternal ode that impacts so much of life in southern Ontario. 

Trippzy Travel Trivia: Did you know that the iconic rock band Chicago wrote a song called “Niagara Falls” as a tribute to the natural wonder?

13. NELSON, British Columbia

Why You Should Go: From folk to jazz, rock to EDM, the Nelson and Kootenay Lake region of British Columbia has been a music hotbed for decades. The Nelson area is home to venues that range from large festival grounds to intimate clubs and theatres where guests can get up close and personal to musicians and performers.

Canada’s premier electronic music festival, Shambhala (July 21-24), takes place at the Salmo River Ranch. Featuring cutting-edge DJs and artistic talent performing on six uniquely themed stages, Shambhala is the biggest summer draw to a region known for its ski and snowboard experiences and incredible fall hiking.

The area is also home to the Kaslo Jazz Etc Festival, celebrating its 30th year from August 4-6, with musicians performing on a marvellous floating stage in Kaslo Bay. For families seeking a great kid-centric musical festival, Starbellyjam (July 28-30) is held in Crawford Bay while Tiny Lights (June 16-18) in Ymir focuses on a curated mix of art, music, and spoken-word performances.

Beyond Music: Around Nelson and Kootenay Lake, the musical fun isn’t limited to popular festivals. DJ sets and live bands can be enjoyed many nights of the week alongside incredible farm-to-table food and locally brewed craft beer and spirits at Red Light Ramen, Pitchfork, The Royal, Finley’s Bar & Grill, the Library Lounge, Spiritbar, and the Black Cauldron.

For a fantastic stay, reserve a room at circa 1899 Hume Hotel & Spa, where local musicians play in the Library Lounge while you sip and savour cuisine by the mountains.

In Kaslo, be sure to pop into Canada’s Smallest Music Shop, the Mountain Fruit Folklore Centre.

Trippzy Travel Trivia: The 500-acre Salmo River Ranch is home to much more than just Shambhala. While festival-goers are there for just a few days of the year, cows, horses, farm dogs, pigs, chickens, miniature donkeys, and the Bundschuh family call Salmo River Ranch their place of residence. The Bundschuhs have worked to make the festival what it is today. The family invites organizers and guests back to their farm year after year to celebrate music and the beauty of the Kootenays.

Read More: Keeping It Real In the Kootenays

14. WINNIPEG, Manitoba

Why You Should Go: Winnipeg will host what promises to be a remarkable and significant contemporary exhibition on the history of music as a potent instrument for social justice. “Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change” is slated to debut at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) in December and run until late 2024. The exhibit will put a spotlight on musicians who used their platform to motivate political change. “Beyond the Beat” integrates with Winnipeg’s musical landscape, which is notable for the Guess Who and Neil Young but also the National Ballet of Canada and numerous emerging acts.

The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, a provincial powerhouse that has delighted classical music lovers since 1948, has upcoming performances that include “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Concert“, “Brahm’s Requiem”, and “The Ultimate ABBA Tribute with Rajaton“.

Pyramid Cabaret, High and Lonesome Club, and The Handsome Daughter are other venues where visitors to Winnipeg can get their live music fix. Canada Life Centre, home to the Winnipeg Jets, draws major concerts each year.

Beyond Music: Festival du Voyageur (February 16-25, 2024), Western Canada’s largest winter festival, Nuit Blanche Winnipeg (September 23), and the city’s Pride Festival (May 26 to June 4) are all events that get the crowds out to enjoy arts and culture. But the must-see-before-you-die Winnipeg event is and always will be Folklorama (August 6-19), where visitors can literally get a taste of the entire world at one festival. The largest and longest-running multicultural festival in the world, Folklorama offers entertainment, music, and authentic cuisine.

Assiniboine Park Conservancy is the city’s venerable attraction for splendour and family activities while The Forks is the gathering place for market flavours and artsy community events. Foodies should check out Feast Café Bistro, which is owned and operated by Christa Bruneau-Guenther, a member of the Métis community who has appeared on “Top Chef Canada”.

Trippzy Travel Trivia: Who says persistence doesn’t pay off? Bruce Springsteen’s upcoming tour stop on November 10 at Canada Life Centre is thanks to the relentless efforts of a social media fan account. Springsteen2Wpg has implored The Boss and his E Street Band to come to Manitoba and this fall they finally will!

15. CAVENDISH, Prince Edward Island

Why You Should Go: For a community of only 7,500 people, Cavendish has managed to latch onto something very big. The Cavendish Beach Music Festival (July 14-15) has attracted A-list names to the island’s shores. Taylor Swift, Luke Combs, Tim McGraw, and Lady A are some of the musicians who have made their way to Canada’s tiniest province to perform under the summer sun. This year is no different. Headlining the 12th annual festival is Chris Stapleton, winner of multiple Grammy, Country Music Association, and Academy of Country Music awards. He will be joined by fellow headliners Kane Brown and Jake Owen, among others.

Nestled in a pretty coastal resort community, the festival sells out every year, thanks to its star-studded lineup and its uniqueness as one of Canada’s only beach festivals. More than 60,000 people are expected to attend, turning Cavendish into a hot party town for a weekend. What’s not to love about dancing on one of the province’s most iconic and picturesque beaches to great foot-stomping tunes?

In 2022, there were 45 performances during the festival, which rebounded after the pandemic forced its hiatus the previous two years. The 2023 edition figures to be the most well attended and joyous yet as concert-goers revel in getting back to partying like it’s 2019.

Beyond Music: Opening just in time for the summer is the Lone Oak Beer Garden. Popular with locals and travellers alike, this is the local brewery’s fourth location and it will be in Cavendish’s Avonlea Village. As the official sponsor of the 2023 Canada Winter Games, the brewery earned a reputation for its innovative craft beers and great grub. During the summer months, there will be live entertainment.

Cavendish is arguably best known as the birthplace of Anne of Green Gables. Millions of fans from around the globe come to Cavendish to discover what inspired author Lucy Maud Montgomery’s famous heroine. You can take in everything Anne at the Green Gables Heritage Place and Montgomery Park — which are the starting points for the Montgomery Literary Tour.

Trippzy Travel Trivia: Who is the most requested musician fans want to see at the Cavendish Beach Music Festival? According to festival CEO Ben Murphy the answer is Luke Combs. The country sensation from North Carolina headlined in 2022 and fans can’t wait to have him back.

16. ACADIAN SHORES, Nova Scotia

Why You Should Go: Festival acadien de Clare, the world’s largest Acadian festival (July 29 to August 5; and August 15), sees visitors from around the world arrive to the region that is about three hours by car southwest of Halifax. If you’re there for it, you’ll likely enter grou tyme, Acadian slang for “party time”. Energetic fiddling is the foundation of the musical culture that dates back centuries and on the Acadian Shores the communities have preserved their heritage despite political obstacles.

What’s particularly fascinating about Festival acadien de Clare is it is a distinctly Canadian event, even though Acadians trace their history to rural France. In the 1600s, the French began colonizing what they called Acadie, a region that was comprised of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Maine, and which was named Wabanakik by the Indigenous Mi’kmaq people. Cut off from France, the Acadians developed their own culture and language, which offended the British military that would eventually win control of the region. The Great Expulsion followed in 1755 and 200 years later the Acadians marked the tragedy by vigorously celebrating their culture and their ability to survive that existential threat. Launched in 1955, Festival acadien de Clare is the oldest Acadian festival in the world.

It includes Le Tintamarre, the fest’s final event that takes place on August 15, the annual Acadian National Day, and includes the community members marching through their towns with loud merrymaking as if to signify to everyone — and perhaps to the British, most especially — that they are still there.

Along with music, the festival includes the donning of Grosses Têtes (Big Heads), paper mache masks and garb that once depicted figures in the Bible but now are created to represent anyone, including other historic characters or members of the community.

If you can’t make it for the festival, be sure to drop in on the pubs and eateries in the area, and do your best to reach Belliveau Cove for a Beaux Vendredis seafood supper. Taking place on Friday evenings in the summer, the celebration of lobster, crab, and the area’s beloved scallops features local music.

Beyond Music: Yarmouth is the primary municipality in the Acadian Shores while Digby to the north is a gateway to Nova Scotia’s wine country in the Annapolis and Gaspereau valleys. A road trip through the area is filled with sublime coastal views, what you’ll agree are the world’s best scallops, and a fascinating blend of cultures that sometimes still struggle to get along. But they’ve managed to carve out some beautiful towns in the Maritimes.

Spend time in Bear River, located on an estuary, where the first wines ever produced in Canada were made in 1611. The area now has its own varietal, L’acadie Blanc. Bear River also has a short main street that includes an art gallery and coffee shop with gourmet chocolates. In Digby, enjoy those scallops at several restaurants, or take in the annual Digby Scallops Days festival (August 10-13).

Closer to Yarmouth is Inner Oaks Holistic Approach, a spiritual wellness centre operated by a former restaurateur. In 2023, the property will feature overnight stays with a culinary experience meant to nurture the soul.

Trippzy Travel Trivia: “Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie” follows a fictional Acadian heroine as she flees to the United States during the Great Expulsion. The epic poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow remains a monumental part of Acadian lore and was the inspiration for “Evangeline”, a song written by The Band and popularized in their 1978 rendition with Emmylou Harris.

Read More: “Soul Searching in the Poetic Acadian Shores”

17. LANAUDIÈRE-MAURICIE, AUTHENTIC QUEBEC REGION, Quebec

Why You Should Go: No matter who takes the premier stage in Trois-Rivières, the chances are the star of the show will be the venue. The Cogeco Amphitheatre is a sleek-designed beauty that rises along the confluence of the St. Lawrence and St. Mauricie rivers. It has covered seating for 3,500 and additional outdoor capacity for another 5,500 spectators. Located 90 minutes northeast of Montreal, the venue is an easy added stop for travellers and it can sometimes attract touring musicians too. The combination of location and quality facility makes a trip to Trois-Rivières even more attractive for arts lovers.

The significant headliner for 2023 is none other than Cirque du Soleil and its show that honours a Quebec legend. “Hommage à Guy Lafleur” (July 19 to August 19) — presented exclusively at the amphitheatre — is a tribute to the Montreal Canadiens’ superstar who passed away in 2022. Tribute bands, musicals, and emerging Quebec artists are among the other performances scheduled for this year.

A 10-minute walk from the amphitheatre is Parc Portuaire, home to Festivoix de Trois-Rivières (June 29 to July 9), an annual celebration along the riverbanks that in 2023 will be headlined by Sean Paul. The city’s winter festival, Artikfest, features two days of EDM and partying.

Another amphitheatre in the Lanaudière-Mauricie, Authentic Quebec region that has earned acclaim is in Joliette, a city of about 20,000 residents halfway between Montreal and Trois-Rivières. Amphithéâtre Fernand-Lindsay hosts the largest classical music festival in Canada. Festival International de Lanaudière (July 7 to August 6) benefits from the 2,000-seat amphitheatre’s outstanding acoustics and Joliette’s reputation as a gracious host city.

Beyond Music: Route des Brasseurs introduces you to one of the most outstanding craft-beer trails in Canada. Quebec is known for its delicious and inventive craft breweries, and in Trois-Rivières you can explore a handful of gems while getting to know the regional cuisine and culture.

Lanaudière-Mauricie, Authentic Quebec is renowned for its nature and spa escapes. Among the destinations you’ll want to experience is the pioneering Le Baluchon, a four-season eco-resort that has every kind of relaxing activity you could imagine in the heart of La belle province: kayaking, outdoor yoga, horseback riding, fat biking, cross-country skiing, archery, and more. It has a Nordic spa and a health spa with a range of treatments.

With more than 30,000 lakes, Lanaudière-Mauricie, Authentic Quebec is a massive outdoor playland with secluded properties, wildlife experiences, and exquisite scenery, particularly in fall when the autumnal colours radiate.

Trippzy Travel Trivia: Perhaps Quebec’s most famous daughter, Celine Dion, was born in Lanaudière. Charlemagne, the famous singer’s hometown, has a sculpture of her and dedicated a main street in her honour.

18. GEORGIAN BAY REGION, Ontario

Why You Should Go: Sadly, the Collingwood Elvis Festival is no more, with town officials blaming declining attendance in recent years.

But that doesn’t mean the area of Georgian Bay isn’t still a great place to get all shook up. Plenty of fun will be had at Summerfolk (August 18-2), where headliners include Matt Andersen and Serena Ryder. Meanwhile, every year, thousands of people flock to the Blue Mountain resort village for festivals, restaurants, Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain, and, of course, the skiing and snowboarding. TD Salsa At Blue Mountain (June 23-25) is back with colourful sights and spicy flavours associated with Latin American culture. Dance to the beat as you enjoy the start of summer.

Blue Mountain is where many tourists focus their visit in this delightful region but there is much more to Georgian Bay. A community of close to 100,000 people, Georgian Bay enjoys one of the largest concentrations of artists in Ontario. The area about 90 minutes north of Toronto is brimming with painters, photographers, sculptors, ceramic artists, actors, dancers, writers, and you guessed it — musicians.

Have an adventure at Wasaga Beach with Jazz in the Park (July 5 to August 30), an annual event that takes place at the RecPlex Rotary Band Shell. Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues (September 15-17) is another draw for music lovers. The Live & Original Summer Concert Series takes place every weekend at Shipyards Amphitheatre in Collingwood. Another event to put on your calendar is the inaugural Collingwood Music Festival (July 8-15).

Lastly, if you get a chance, be sure to head over to the Meaford Hall Arts And Cultural Centre, a beautifully restored and renovated landmark that has musical performances throughout the year.

Beyond Music: While the village of Blue Mountain is the star attraction to the region, the communities of Collingwood, Thornbury, and Meaford are all charming, with antique shops, art galleries, and lively pubs. While venturing around the area, be sure to make it to Millennium Park for views of Nottawasaga Bay (which connects to Lake Huron) and the Blue Mountain scenery.

Stratford and Niagara-on-the-Lake are two southern Ontario regions that come to mind when we think of stage performances but let’s be sure to give a tip of the hat to Collingwood, specifically Theatre Collingwood — home to first-class productions.

Also add Manitoulin Island to your itinerary. It’s a unique place with eco-tourism activities and an Indigenous community whose events are increasing in participation.

Trippzy Travel Trivia: The award-winning Georgian Bay Symphony, located in Owen Sound, was founded in 1972 and presents five main concerts each season, performing for audiences of approximately 650.

19. EASTERN TOWNSHIPS, Quebec

Why You Should Go: The bucolic region south of Montreal known for its history and gastronomy is abundant with festivals. In all, there are 11 celebrations from May 5 to August 27 this year worth considering. Their diverse themes include classical, blues, fiddling, world music, and hard rock. The venerable Sher Blues & Folk Festival (July 4-8) celebrates its 15th edition in 2023. Fête du Lac des Nations (July 18-23), also in Sherbrooke, draws families each year with its fireworks celebrations, circus stunts, and more than 40 musical performances. Festival international de la chanson de Granby (August 10-20) has been a proving ground for rising Quebec talent for more than half a century. About 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of Sherbrooke is quirky ShazamFest (July 13-16) in the village of West Barnston. Billed as the place “where misfits fit in”, ShazamFest is a vaudeville-style event with circus acts, DJs, burlesque performers, and fireworks — all on a farm whose roots include being a place for Indigenous gatherings of the Abenaki community.

The Eastern Townships include 15 towns and a number of other smaller villages within a two-hour drive of Montreal. They have a diverse history and eclectic mix of citizens who celebrate cultures with a consistent schedule of events and activities. Once you visit you’ll understand why it has long been a favourite retreat for Montrealers and northeast Americans.

Beyond Music: Quebec’s viticulture scene is gaining recognition and the Brome-Missisquoi Wine Route demonstrates why. Celebrating its 20th year, the wine route features 22 vintners along a 140-kilometre (87-mile) stretch. Their products include fruit wines, ciders, and — surprisingly — Champagne that’s sold only in Quebec (see the trivia entry below).

Not to be outdone is the Townships’ craft-beer makers, who have their organization, Brasseurs des Cantons, and a quality trail to enjoy. Drop in on your choice of 30 breweries, including idyllic La Ferme Brasserie located on a farm in Mount Sheppard.

Want more culinary-themed trails? There’s a Cheesemakers Circuit where you can learn how cheese is made at the fromageries and sample products unique to the Townships. No doubt you’ll find a favourite for your next poutine!

Luxury accommodations and incredible culinary experiences await at the exquisite Manoir Hovey. The Relais & Châteaux property is launching a 9,000-square-foot spa in June that includes an array of choices: a hammam, cold plunge basin, a Himalayan salt shower, and more. A hallmark of the property’s experience is its culinary journey, which continues to improve with local ingredients and outstanding gastronomical techniques.

Trippzy Travel Trivia: Here’s something to sing about — did you know that Quebec has its own Champagne that’s sold only in the province? The Scieur family immigrated from Champagne, France and launched Le Cep d’Argent winery. They still produce the grapes for the bubbly in their homeland but sell it exclusively in their winery in Magog. Hence, Quebec can make a claim to the Champagne, though it has a “Product of France” label that complies with the strict regulations surrounding the designation of that wine.

20. SASKATOON, Saskatchewan

Why You Should Go: Home to The Sheepdogs, Saskatoon has been the subject of several hits. Did you know the Man in Black, aka Johnny Cash, wrote a song called “The Girl In Saskatoon” in 1968? Canadian rockers The Guess Who wrote “Running Back to Saskatoon” in 1972 and “Wheat Kings” by the Tragically Hip talks about the “Paris of the prairies,” the city’s nickname for itself. Music has meaning in the city and annual events keep a consistent rhythm for music lovers.

For 10 days each summer SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival (June 30 to July 9) creates thrills for more than 85,000 fans as it hosts hundreds of world-class artists. Past headliners include Lauryn Hill, The Flaming Lips, The Roots, and City and Colour.

Another wonderful draw is the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, which has existed for more than 85 years. While the Saskatoon Blues Festival already celebrated its 15th anniversary this year in the midst of winter, the blues remain a beating part of the city’s nightlife. Buds on Broadway and Capitol Music Club are two of the leading venues in the prairie provinces for live music. The Saskatoon Folkfest (August 17-19) is a late-summer event that will please fans of yet another genre.

Beyond Music: Saskatoon has more than 65 annual events, including 40 in the summer alone so there is no shortage of things to do including experiencing restaurants, nightlife, and museums. Several trails and outdoor spaces will also delight nature lovers. The Meewasin Trail alone consists of more than 80 kilometres (50 miles) of pathway, most of which runs along the South Saskatchewan River. The river views are exceptional and eight bridges span it in Saskatoon, adding to the photographic appeal of the city.

The arts scene includes the Shakespeare On The Saskatchewan Festival, which stages “Romeo & Juliet” and “As You Like It” in 2023, and the world-renowned Remai Modern. Situated along the west bank of the South Saskatchewan River, the 130,000-square-foot gallery of modern art will floor you. Current exhibitions include “Stan Douglas: 2011 ≠ 1848”, which presents a series of works inspired by historical events of social and political turbulence. Others are “Storied Objects: Métis Art In Relation” and “Funcitonal Picasso”.

The culinary scene has exploded thanks in large part to one masterful chef. Dale MacKay, the Season 1 winner of “Top Chef Canada”,  continues to pour his talent into the his hometown. During the past eight years, he and business partner Christopher Cho have opened five award-winning restaurants, including Ayden Kitchen and Bar, Little Grouse on the Prairie, and Sticks and Stones.

Trippzy Travel Trivia: Among the visitors who have been wowed by Saskatoon’s musical heritage is Nile Rodgers, who produced hits for David Bowie, Diana Ross, and Madonna. While opening for Cher as part of his band Chic, Rodgers took to social media to comment about the city’s music-related heritage, noting that one of his influences, Joni Mitchell, spent her early career playing in Saskatoon clubs. Clearly impressed by the city, Rodgers even used its marketing hashtag, #Saskatooning, during his posts.

Read More: Road Trip Through Saskatchewan’s Culture-Rich Indigenous Corridor