One of the best (and most delicious) ways to get to know Canada is through its food. From East Coast lobster rolls to West Coast sushi and night-market snacks, the country’s food scene is full of flavours shaped by local traditions and global influence.
At Remitly, we understand that moving somewhere new comes with both excitement and a little uncertainty. If you’re new to Canada, these festivals can be a fun way to explore your city and feel a little more connected to your new home. So we’ve put together this guide to help you plan your food festival adventures across Canada.
Canada’s flavours and the culture behind them
Food in Canada is shaped by geography, history, and community, which means the flavours you’ll find can be very different from one province to the next. Whether you’re exploring a busy city or a quiet prairie market, each region has its own specialties and stories to share.
Flavours across the country
Canada’s size means its food traditions don’t look the same everywhere. In Quebec, you’ll almost certainly spot poutine on the menu, while bannock, an important bread in many Indigenous communities, can be found at festivals across the country in its own regional variations.
And when winter rolls in, BeaverTails are a beloved staple. It’s a warm, fried pastry often topped with chocolate, maple, or cinnamon sugar that’s especially perfect on a cold day.
Regional dishes offer a glimpse into local life, too:
- Atlantic Canada: Fresh lobster, mussels, and oysters served right by the water,
- The Prairies: Saskatoon berries, bison, and local honey appear in desserts and festival snacks.
- British Columbia: A strong Asian influence that shapes fusion cuisine, sushi, and night-market food.
How immigration continues shaping Canada’s food identity
Immigration plays a huge role in sculpting what Canadians eat and celebrate. Festivals such as Taste of the Danforth in Toronto or Folklorama in Winnipeg began as community gatherings and have grown into major events enjoyed by thousands every year.
Over time, food cultures blend and evolve. That’s why you’ll see dishes like butter chicken poutine, fusion sushi rolls, or Canadian-style shawarma. These dishes didn’t exist a generation ago, but now they feel like part of the national food scene.
For many newcomers, seeing their cultural dishes served proudly at a festival can feel meaningful. Food becomes more than a meal; it becomes a way to connect, belong, and celebrate heritage in a new home.
Why food festivals in Canada are worth exploring
Food festivals in Canada offer a fun way to discover new flavours, meet people, and experience the country’s culture in a hands-on way.
Explore diverse flavours
One of the best parts of a Canadian food festival is how many different foods you can try in one visit. You might sample bannock for the first time, enjoy a classic Quebec poutine, or taste dishes from countries like India, Japan, Ethiopia, Jamaica, Mexico, or Lebanon, all without leaving the festival grounds.
Connect with the community
Food has a way of bringing people together. At a festival, it’s easy to strike up conversations in line or hear personal stories from local vendors or chefs. Families, students, tourists, and long-time residents all share the same excitement. If you’re hoping to meet people or simply get a feel for your new community, festivals create a relaxed space to do exactly that.
Experience culture beyond food
Many festivals also feature live music, cooking demonstrations, dance performances, local art, and activities for kids. Even if you’re not planning to try every dish, there’s often something else to enjoy. Food might be the star, but the festival atmosphere brings everything together.
A coast-to-coast guide to top food festivals in Canada
Canada has no shortage of food-focused events worth travelling to. Some people plan their summer around beach weekends or camping trips. Others plan around tacos, seafood samplers, and tasting passports.
Atlantic Canada (for seafood lovers and coastal vibes)
If you love seafood or ocean views, Atlantic Canada is a delicious place to start.
Top festivals to check out:
- PEI International Shellfish Festival, Charlottetown: A major celebration of oysters, lobster, mussels, and lively cooking competitions.
- Savour Food and Wine, Nova Scotia: A culinary festival where Canadian and international chefs cook in breathtaking coastal settings.
- Halifax Oyster Festival, Nova Scotia: A weekend of local oysters, seafood tastings, and shucking competitions.
- Roots, Rants and Roars Culinary Festival, Elliston, Newfoundland and Labrador: A unique mix of storytelling, hiking, outdoor cooking, and regional flavours.
Central Canada (big cities, bold flavour)
Ontario and Quebec host some of Canada’s largest and longest-running food events.
Festivals worth adding to your list:
- Le Happening Gourmand, Montréal, Quebec: Cozy winter dining with affordable fixed-price menus across Old Montréal.
- Taste of the Danforth, Toronto, Ontario: A huge neighbourhood celebration of Greek food and multicultural community energy.
- Niagara Grape & Wine Festival, Ontario: Tastings, vineyard tours, live entertainment, and harvest celebrations.
- Taste of Little Italy, Toronto: Italian comfort foods, desserts, patios, and family-friendly entertainment.
- Montreal RibFest, Montréal: Smoky BBQ flavours, waterfront views, and a fun late-summer atmosphere.
The Prairies (comfort food meets culture)
The Prairie provinces offer festivals rooted in community, creativity, and plenty of comfort food.
Don’t miss these events:
- Taste of Edmonton, Edmonton, Alberta: Western Canada’s largest food festival with sample-sized dishes from dozens of local restaurants.
- Folklorama, Winnipeg, Manitoba: One of the world’s largest multicultural festivals, featuring food, music, and performances from cultures around the globe.
- Regina Food Truck Wars, Saskatchewan: A fun gathering of street-food kitchens competing for the best bites.
- Calgary Stampede Midway Food Experience, Alberta: Creative (sometimes daring) festival foods like deep-fried Oreos, pickle pizza, and other over-the-top inventions.
West Coast (creativity and fresh flavours)
On the West Coast, food festivals highlight fresh ingredients, fusion cuisine, and global influences.
Some favourites include:
- Dine Out Vancouver Festival, Vancouver, British Columbia: A city-wide restaurant event with fixed-price menus, great for discovering new spots.
- Richmond Night Market, Richmond: Bubble tea, dumplings, grilled snacks, bao, desserts, and one of the most lively night-market atmospheres in North America.
- Victoria Cheese and Meat Festival, Vancouver Island: Artisanal cheeses, chocolates, bread, wine, and local meats in a relaxed setting.
- Okanagan Fall Wine Festival, Okanagan Valley: A must-visit for wine lovers, offering harvest flavours in one of Canada’s most scenic wine regions.
Make it a culinary road trip
If you enjoy food and travel, combining the two can turn a regular weekend into an unforgettable adventure. Some newcomers even plan festival “routes,” exploring different food events throughout the year, from winter restaurant weeks to summer street food and fall harvest celebrations. It’s a fun way to learn about Canada one festival at a time.
When to go: A seasonal guide to Canadian food festivals
Food festivals in Canada follow the rhythm of the seasons, so timing your visit can make a big difference.
Winter (December–February)
Winter is all about cozy meals and indoor experiences. In Montréal, Le Happening Gourmand turns cold nights into an excuse to explore local restaurants. On the West Coast, Dine Out Vancouver Festival offers multi-course menus across hundreds of restaurants. It’s a great time to get to know your local food scene without spending too much time outdoors.
Spring (March–May)
Spring is when Canada slowly wakes up from winter mode, and more events start to appear. Farmers’ markets reopen, smaller neighbourhood food events begin to pop up, and local restaurants experiment with seasonal menus.
This is a good time to visit places like Victoria or Niagara if you prefer milder weather and smaller crowds while still enjoying regional food, early wine events, and fresh ingredients.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is peak festival season, and it’s when your calendar can start to look like a food-lovers’ bucket list. In July and August, you’ll find events like Taste of Edmonton, Taste of Little Italy, Taste of the Danforth, and the Richmond Night Market in full swing. Winnipeg’s Folklorama also takes place in August, turning the city into a celebration of global food and culture.
On the East Coast, events like the Halifax Oyster Festival and other regional seafood celebrations make the most of long, sunny days and warm evenings.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is harvest season, which means big flavours and beautiful scenery. The Niagara Grape & Wine Festival takes place as the grapes are being harvested, offering tastings and vineyard events. The Okanagan Fall Wine Festival in British Columbia celebrates local wines and seasonal food in one of Canada’s most scenic regions.
It’s a great time to enjoy Canada if you enjoy outdoor events but prefer sweater weather over summer heat.
Tips for enjoying your festival visit
Food festivals are meant to be fun and relaxed, but a little planning can make the experience smoother, especially if it’s your first time attending one in Canada.
A few simple things that make a big difference
Check ticket details ahead of time, so you know whether an event is free, requires entry tickets, or offers a tasting pass. Start with smaller servings so you can taste more dishes without getting too full too fast. And think about comfort, since most festivals involve lots of walking, standing, and waiting in line.
What to bring:
- A reusable water bottle
- Comfortable shoes for walking or standing
- A small bag or crossbody purse
- Sunscreen or a light jacket, depending on the season
- Transit info or routes saved ahead of time in case parking is limited
Using public transit is often the easiest way to reach busy events, especially in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montréal, where parking fills up quickly.
Once you’re inside the festival, why not treat it like an adventure? Try something familiar, something new, and maybe even something a little unexpected.
Ready to explore (or eat) your way across Canada?
If you’re still settling into life in Canada, experiences like exploring food festivals can help your new home feel familiar faster. Many newcomers say moments like trying a dish from home, hearing their native language at a food stall, or sharing a meal with new friends reminded them that they could thrive here.
Whether you’re trying seafood beside the ocean or sampling street food at a night market, there’s bound to be something you’ll enjoy. Remitly is proud to support you as you engage with local traditions and learn more about your new community, while still staying connected to loved ones.
FAQs
How do I find official festival dates?
Most festivals confirm their 2026 dates toward the end of 2025. The easiest way to stay updated is by checking festival websites or local tourism pages.
Are food festivals in Canada family-friendly?
Yes, most are, especially larger cultural or community events. Wine-focused festivals or ticketed tastings may have age restrictions, so it’s worth checking in advance.
How much does it cost to attend a food festival?
Costs vary. Some festivals are free to enter and let you buy food as you go, while others sell pre-paid tasting passes or ticket packages.
Will there be vegetarian or halal options?
A lot of festivals offer options for different dietary requirements, though availability depends on the event. Checking vendor lists ahead of time can be helpful.