The curators of the Sled Island Music Festival, held every summer in Calgary, hope to push you into new experiences and instill a sense of euphoria before you shuffle out of Alberta. This four-day art event features films, more than 250 alt-rock bands and a free, massive block after-party. Sled Island was cancelled in 2013 due to floods.
Evolve sets itself up to be more than a music festival; it's an awareness event. You will have to make a "clean concert pledge" to the 225 acres of private woodlands near Nova Scotia's Atlantic Coast, where the three-day annual summer festival takes place. Pop that tent, exchange some free hugs, attend an awareness workshop and rock out to some music in the wilderness.
Osheaga is Canada's largest and most popular music festival. It features internationally renowned acts such as The Black Keys, Sigur Ros and MGMT all on five different stages near the banks of the St. Laurent River. Make sure to wrap up accommodations as early as possible because Montreal can get pricey over this annual summertime weekend.
Georgia Straight called Dawson City, “Canada’s tiny, perfect festival." It may not be large, until you consider the location. Sitting halfway up the Yukon in Northern Canada, the festival started in 1980 as a not-for-profit organization set to enhance the culture of the Great White North. Some just say it causes a ruckus. Local police reported a record high of 38 calls over the 2013 weekend.
The summertime-hot Wolfe Island, located off Kingston, Ontario, requires a ferry, so there's a chance you will ride with your favorite band. Festival goers know Wolfe Island for being on the cutting edge of the Canadian music scene and for the food vendors. Be sure to check out Vendors Village for some genuine local fare.
Toronto becomes inundated for the NxNE festival every summer as the event takes over 50 stages in multiple venues across the city. These venues can include bars, parks, restaurants and concert halls. It features more than 1,000 bands, 150 comedians and an untold number of art installations. Making an itinerary for this five-day event can be a nightmare, so make sure to schedule a night of planning with your friends.