Just as Canada is home to some truly quirky attractions – think giant lobsters, potatoes, and a spaceship from Star Trek – Canada is also home to hundreds of different cultures and thus, a few quirky festivals of its own.
Pumpkins in Annapolis, Nova Scotia. Photo by on Flickr.com
So forget the rib festivals and carnival food – follow along with TripAtlas.com as we take you to a few strange festivals taking place across Canada this summer.
Be sure to follow @TripAtlas on Twitter or Fan us on Facebook for daily travel tidbits.
#1. Great Klondike International Outhouse Race in Dawson City, Yukon
It doesn’t get stranger than this. In the streets of Dawson City, Yukon, the annual Great Klondike International Outhouse Race takes each year during Labour Day Weekend, courtesy of the Klondike Visitors Association. The race took place for the first time in 1977.
Teams of five – four runners and one ‘toilet-sitter’ – have to manually maneuver the outhouse on wheels along a 3km course through Dawson City streets. Many teams will have themes for their outhouses and costumes, like the “Whizzer of Oz” or the “Mad Crapper.” Prizes are given for the fastest teams, most original outhouse, best-dressed team, and etc.
#2. Pumpkin Festival in Windsor, Nova Scotia
Not only is Windsor, Nova Scotia the birthplace of ice hockey – but it’s also known (or self-proclaimed) as the “pumpkin capital of the universe.” Every year at the beginning of October, the Pumpkin Festival takes place. Along with activities like pumpkin painting, pumpkin carving, and a weigh-off to find the largest/heaviest pumpkin – there’s also the Pumpkin Regatta – where competitors make boats from giant pumpkins, then race them across the river with paddles.
#3. Spock Days / Galaxyfest in Vulcan, Alberta
In a place named Vulcan, Canada’s Official Star Trek Capital, there’s no getting away from something-and-everything Star Trek-related. From its giant Star Trek Enterprise replica to its Space-Station Information Centre, and many quirky-named drinks & dishes – it’s all about the annual Spock Days or Galaxyfest in Vulcan – the town’s annual Star Trek Convention.
Taking place each year in June, visitors from all over the country (and galaxy), descend into Vulcan for special screenings, celebrity meet + greets, events, slo-pitch tournaments, and more.
#4. Icelandic Festival in Gimli, Manitoba
Better known as “Islendingadagurinn,” the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba takes place annually in Gimli, Manitoba to celebrate Icelandic culture and heritage. Sure, there are midway rides and a pizza-eating contest – but there’s also a living Viking encampment, Viking warfare/tactics demonstrations, and the election of Fjallkona or “Maid of the Mountain” and her maids, who will represent Iceland and her children. The festival usually takes place at the end of July – beginning of August.
While you’re in Gimli, don’t miss out on the New Iceland Heritage Museum, the Gimli Viking Village, or the giant 15-foot-tall Viking statue.
#5. Chocolate Fest in St. Stephen, New Brunswick
As home to the Ganong Bros. Limited chocolate company (makers of many Laura Second chocolates), the oldest candy company in Canada since 1873, it’s no wonder St. Stephen in New Brunswick is known as Canada’s Chocolate Town. Every year, Chocolate Fest takes place over seven days to celebrate the town’s “sweet” history. Festivities include chocolate-themed lunches, a chocolate chip cookie decorating contest, a candy treasure hunt, chocolate cocktail hour, a chocolate pudding eating contest, and more.
When you’re visiting St. Stephen, don’t miss the Chocolate Museum for more chocolate-making history from Ganong Bros Limited with samples during the tour!
Subscribe to TripAtlas
Most Recent Trips
| $500 | Volunteer Abroad |
| $2200 | Romance In Belize |
| $169 | Private Angkor Highlights Tours |
| $872 | Belly Dance Extravaganza Party Cruise |
| $1299 | Enjoy the Himalayas |
more trips
