From country-pop’s Shania Twain to heartthrob Justin Bieber and folk icon Joni Mitchell, Canada has a solid record producing some of the world’s best-loved music stars.
And whether your taste is electronic witch house dream pop or hardcore punk, Canada as a live music destination has something for every fan and the chance to see up-and-coming bands in their early stages.
This year Purity Ring, a duo from Edmonton, Alberta, expanded their repertoire with a new album, while Hamilton Ontario’s female-fronted punk metal band Sumo Cyco rocked on hard, as did two Toronto-based alternative bands, the Dead Projectionists and Cancer Bats.
Festivals for 2016 range from the country’s urban centres like Toronto and Vancouver (home of power popsters The New Pornographers, and where Vancouver Island MusicFest will be held in July) to sleepy hamlets and farms set to be transformed when thousands of fans descend to enjoy the latest Canada and the world has to offer.
Canadian Music Week, May 4-14
Canada’s largest new music festival and conference once again brings a prime selection of awards, film, comedy and music to Toronto. This year’s focus is on music from Ireland and the UK.
While you’re visiting, be sure to pop in and see legendary Toronto concert venue The Horseshoe Tavern, running since 1947 at the corner of Queen St West and Spadina. The venue is a staple in the Toronto music scene, and has hosted some of the world’s best artists including The Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson, Arcade Fire and Death Cab For Cutie.
Bestival Toronto, June 10 – 11
Dreamed up by English Radio 1 DJ Rob da Bank (Robert John Gorham), Bestival Toronto is a festival that he curates in both the UK and Canada.
2016’s line-up has not yet been announced but promises to be worthy of the name, judging from last year when Florence + The Machine and Caribou were among dozens of bands who performed at the two-day event.
Digital Dreams 2016, Toronto, June 25-26
Set on the shores of Lake Ontario, Digital Dreams Music Festival at the Flats at Ontario Place offers partygoers a festival unlike any other in the Canadian music landscape. The setting features the lake’s iconic Canadian skyline that adds to the sophisticated destination experience.
Pemberton Music Festival, Pemberton, British Columbia, July 14-17
The festival offers both camping and traditional lodging in this stunning natural setting. Grab your friends and leave the world behind for a four-day celebration of life, music, art, food and dancing.
Last year’s acts included The Black Keys, Hozier, Missy Elliott, The Decemberists, The War on Drugs and Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros.
Osheaga 2016 Montreal, Quebec, July 29–31
This indie music festival features electronic music, indie rock and the occasional hip hop act. There are five Osheaga stages of different sizes to provide a variety of live music experiences, all held at Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île Sainte-Hélène.
The line-up has not been announced but last year’s acts included Florence + The Machine, Of Monsters and Men and Grace Potter.
Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival, Haines Junction, Yukon, June 10-12
The Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival is now well into its second decade, attracting international audiences and world-class performers for some of the best bluegrass in North America to one of the most spectacular settings in the world.
The line-up for 2016 has not been announced but last year’s included the Abrams Brothers and Second Cousins.
Experience a weekend of fabulous music and Yukon hospitality, including opportunities to jam and soak up the midnight sun for three days of concerts, workshops and the festival’s famous Sunday Gospel Show.
Shambhala Music Festival, Salmo River Ranch, British Columbia, August 5-8
This annual electronic music festival is held during the first week of August at a 500-acre family-owned ranch in the West Kootenay mountains, which last year attracted more than 15,000 fans.
Organisers promise an incredibly well-rounded and diverse line-up, exhibiting a top standard of quality across the board.
Last year’s line-up included Adham Shaikh and Datsik. As well as recent crowd favourites, a number of veterans and legends are finally making it to the ranch for their first visit too. They join many newer artists that are just breaking into the scene.
www.shambhalamusicfestival.com
To find out more about Canada and book your visit, go to keepexploring.com.au
