There’s no better way to immerse your students in the authentic culture of a city, region, or community than with a trip to a local festival. Here are some of our favourite student-friendly festivals in Canada to plan your next student tour around!
Carnaval de Québec in Québec City
February 5 - 14, 2027
Encourage your French language learners to take their vocabularies out into the real world at this immersive winter event. Since 1955, Carnaval has been lifting spirits during the deep winter season as Québec City is transformed into a festive celebration.
Today, residents and visitors from around the world come together to celebrate Québécois culture with towering snow sculpture contests, ice canoe races across the St. Lawrence, and traditional music performances. If your students keep their eyes peeled, they could even catch a glimpse of the festival’s iconic patron, Bonhomme!
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Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg
February 14 - 21, 2027
Festival du Voyageur began in 1970 as a way to celebrate Manitoba’s French-Canadian and Métis heritage, honouring the voyageurs who once paddled canoes, traded furs, and forged cultural ties along the Red and Assiniboine rivers. A yearly highlight on the Manitoba festival calendar, this exciting festival (the largest winter gathering in Western Canada!) offers attendees the chance to enjoy traditional Métis and French-Canadian music, storytelling, and dancing, and watch historic reenactments.
At the festival, your students can learn about Canada’s rich history of fur trading and grow their appreciation for the winter traditions of the local Indigenous and French-Canadian communities, including delicious samples of sweet maple taffy on snow.
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Montréal en Lumière
February 18 - 28, 2027
Experience the thrill of Montréal's signature winter celebration, celebrating its 28th anniversary next year. Your class can look forward to outdoor concerts, ice skating, a picturesque Ferris wheel ride, and Luminothérapie, the interactive light exhibit that illuminates the Quartier des spectacles.
For a truly unforgettable experience, plan to attend Nuit Blanche, the all-night celebration that marks the festival’s close. Museums, galleries, theatres, and public spaces stay open until sunrise and Montréal’s artistic energy really comes to life.
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Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa
Spring 2027, dates to be announced
Bring your students to Ottawa when the city bursts into colour for the Canadian Tulip Festival. What started as a gift of tulips from the Netherlands has grown into a celebration that fills the capital with flowers, music, art, and activities.
Your students can wander through colourful tulip displays, explore the festival grounds, and learn about the special connection between Canada and the Netherlands. And with Parliament Hill, museums, and plenty more to explore around the city, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your itinerary.
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Montréal International Jazz Festival
June 25 - July 4, 2027
Turn up the volume on your Montréal trip at the Montréal International Jazz Festival! Every summer, the Quartier des Spectacles fills with music as artists from around the world take the stage.
Your students can catch free outdoor performances, explore the lively festival atmosphere, and experience Montréal’s love of music and the arts. Add in the city’s neighbourhoods, food, and French-speaking culture, and you’ve got plenty to keep your group busy between shows.
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Les Francofolies de Montréal
June 11 - 19, 2027
Thrill your students with a trip to the world’s largest French language music festival, where musicians come together to celebrate the diversity of la Francophonie. What started in 1989 as a celebration of la chanson Québécoise has today expanded to include artists from across the French diaspora, making it a global stage for French music and culture. Rising stars play alongside musical legends like Jean Leloup, Stromae, Charlotte Cardin, Angèle, and Loud at this festival, where free outdoor shows draw crowds to the heart of downtown Montréal.
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And as proud Montrealers, we have to give a special shout-out to MURAL Fest, which often overlaps Les Francos de Montréal! Every June, artists turn building façades along Saint-Laurent Boulevard into massive works of art, transforming the city into an open-air gallery. It's another great way to experience Montréal's vibrant arts and culture scene with your students!
Stratford Festival in Ontario
End of April – Early November 2027
Whether they were made to shine center-stage, be part of the crew, or be an attentive audience member, your students (and you!) are sure to enjoy the immersive experience of the Stratford Festival.
Founded in 1953 with a simple tent theatre and a production of Richard III, the event has grown into one of the world’s premier theatre festivals, putting on a wide repertoire, including modern hits, and offers special access for students, including matinees, backstage tours, and interactive workshops with actors and directors.
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Planning your student trip around a festival is a natural way to build excitement and depth to the experience (often without adding any extra cost!). Whether your students are exploring winter traditions in Canada or taking a selfie with the colourful beds of tulips in Ottawa, there's a festival to make your Canadian tour even more memorable.
Ready to add a little festival magic to your next student trip?
