10 must-visit Canadian beer festivals

Calgary International Beerfest

If you’re missing the Calgary Stampede this year, don’t fret! The Calgary International Beerfest is Western Canada’s largest beer festival and it all happens on May 6-7. There are over 250,000 square feet of breweries, restaurants and beer connoisseurs for you to mingle with and sample. Oh, and did we mention there will be 500 different kinds of beer you can try?

Atlantic Beer Festival

Moncton, N.B. makes the list as the host of the Atlantic Beer Festival. With over 70 breweries on the invite list and some special guests from across Canada, this festival is full of East Coast pride that you just won't find anywhere else. The festival runs from May 26-28 and tickets are $55. It's well worth the trip.

Vancouver Craft Beer Week Festival

VCBW Festival showcases over 100 breweries and cideries. That means there are over 400 beers and ciders flowing every year from all across North America. Running from May 27 to June 5, there are events all week to keep your thirst quenched and spirits happy. Tickets range from $35 to $40 for the main festival and go up in price for other events including live bands, food, and of course lots of beer.

Toronto's Festival of Beer

One of the biggest beer festivals in Canada, Toronto’s Festival of Beer is definitely one to check out. Over 30,000 people swarm into the city to listen to live music, drink Canadian beer and explore Toronto’s downtown core, so tickets sell out quick. The fest has a spring event that runs May 21-22, followed by their main summer event from June 22 to July 24. Prices range from $42.50 to $80.50.

Squamish Beer Festival

Squamish Beer Festival is only celebrating its second year, but who can resist a beer fest nestled surrounded by forests and mountains? With 50 breweries and over 150 craft beers, local food, and Canadian music, this new festival won't disappoint. It happens this year on July 9 in downtown Squamish, so show your support and keep this festival going summer after summer.

Kitchener Ribfest

If you’re a fan of craft beer, BBQ chicken, ribs and live music, then Kitchener Ribfest is where you need to be this summer. One of Ontario’s summer highlights, the Kitchener Ribfest has free admission (but donations to The Food Bank of Waterloo Region are encouraged) and takes place July 15-17. Kitchener really knows how to throw a party, so bring your appetite and dancing shoes.

Seaport Beer Festival

Plan a vacay on the East Coast, where the annual Seaport Beer Festival takes place in Halifax. It includes a mix of craft beer, imports and ciders with over 110 producers and 300 products to taste and discuss. Tickets go on sale in June for the August 5-6 weekend. This year, the fest will even feature a booth dedicated to cask ales.

Niagara Craft Beer Festival

Why not enjoy a beer while surrounded by the stunning regional landscape at the Niagara Craft Beer Festival in Port Dalhousie, Ontario. Featuring over 100 of Ontario’s favorite small-batch craft beers and ciders, the fest also showcases Niagara’s top food trucks and restaurants. Mark down August 5-7 on your calendar—also the dates of the Royal Henley Regatta!

Festibière de Quebec

One special thing about the Festibière de Quebec is that it features artisan cheese makers in addition to microbreweries and cideries. Who doesn’t want some cheese with their brew!? Running from August 18 to 21, this festival takes place in the heart of Quebec City. It’s guaranteed to be a treat for both your taste buds and your ears, as each day also has a musical act.

Ottawa Craft Beer Festival

Ottawa welcomes three days of beer celebration with the Ottawa Craft Beer Festival, running from August 26-28. Hosting 40 craft breweries, plus brewmaster seminars, local food, music and over 150 craft and international beers to sample, this weekend has the best of everything. You can buy one-day tickets for $20 or enjoy a two- ($28) or three- ($35) day pass in advance. Tickets are also available at the door with a $5 price increase.