Immerse yourself into Canadian culture this spring/summer. Here are 10 things you can do.

By Gautam Viswanathan

After the cold winter months, where people across the country have sheltered at home, spring brings with it new vibes and an eagerness to spend more time outdoors. With the sun shining and warmer days approaching, what better time for newcomers in Canada to go deeper into their life and absorb the wonders of Canadian culture than the present? From night markets and nature walks to inspiring exhibitions and hands-on activities, here are 10 things to do across Canada as you settle into life in this wonderful country.

1. Catch spring in action on a High Park walking tour in Toronto, ON

One of Toronto’s most well-known public spaces, High Park is where people flock during the spring months to reconnect with nature, and it is an amazing starting point for newcomers to form a deeper connection with their city.

The park was founded by John and Jemima Howard, and their home, Colborne Lodge, today forms the lodestone of a walking tour of the Regency-era property and the surrounding area. Built in 1837, Colborne Lodge was a labour of love by John, one of Toronto’s first architects, engineers, and surveyors. Throughout the year, Colborne Lodge hosts several seasonal events including a harvest festival and Christmas tours, summer camps and workshops.

Where: 11 Colborne Lodge Dr, Toronto, Ontario
When: May 4 to June 30, 2023
Cost: $32 – $63

2. Experience a multitude of cultures in Mississauga, ON

Immerse yourself into cultures from the amazing patchwork of peoples that make up Canada’s migrant populations, including Egypt, the Philippines, India, Turkiye, Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Vietnam, China, and many, many more! The Carassauga Festival of Cultures features a tremendous lineup of dancers, singers, and performers who entertain festival-goers with catchy music, inspiring dresses, and amazing theatrics. A multicultural festival, this one is packed with sensory delights and a host of must-see attractions that make it a fun-filled event for everyone.

Where: Mississauga, Ontario
When: May 27 and 28, 2023
Cost: A pre-purchased Carassauga passport costs $10, while at-door passports cost $12. Transportation to and from the festival is free on all MiWay and festival shuttle buses.

3. Sample the best of Nova Scotia with its community

Atlantic Canada – to which Nova Scotia belongs – has a unique culture of its own that everyone must experience, whether they are a relative newcomer, or have been in the country a lot longer.

Celebrate a Nova Scotian tradition by taking part in the 89th Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival, one of the most recognized and celebrated festivals in the region that celebrates the valley’s rich heritage, culture, and agricultural background.

Where: Bay of Fundy and Annapolis Valley, Kentville, Nova Scotia
When: May 24 to May 29, 2023
Cost: Entrance to most events is free, but cash to spend on vendors is welcome

4. Make scientific curiosity come alive in Montréal, QC

Take your family to the Eureka Festival in the heart of French-speaking Canada, where a multitude of free science-based activities are bound to stimulate your mind. More than a million enthusiastic visitors, including nearly 50,000 students from school groups, have attended the Festival since it began over 16 years ago. It’s known as the biggest science festival in Quebec, with more than 100 free activities!

Where: Parc Jean Drapeau, Montréal, Quebec
When: May 26 to May 28, 2023
Cost: Free

5. Learn about Indigenous culture in Wendake, QC

Immerse yourself into the history of the Indigenous Huron-Wendat culture at Onwha’ Lumina, on an enchanted night walk that celebrates life. As night falls, you will be transported along a 1.2-kilometre pathway infused with the magic of light, sound, and video projections. This multimedia experience will invite you into a collective adventure rich with emotion, that bridges the founding myth to a vision of a bright and promising future. Under the starry sky, immerse yourself in ancestral rhythm and song. Step inside the Great Circle to feel your connection with all living things.

Where: 110, Grand Chef Thonnakona Street, Wendake, Quebec
When: The event runs over a discontinuous period from March to September
Cost: $14.5 for children (6 to 12 years), $21.75 for teens (13 to 17 years), $29 for adults (18 years and up)

Also watch: Experience Canadian culture at the Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto

6. Explore Canada’s maritime history in Newfoundland and Labrador

With a country that has ‘From Sea to Sea’ as its official motto, it is only natural that Canada has a long history of seafaring and maritime prowess that lives on to this day. Set sail on an amazing voyage of learning and discovery at the Wooden Boat Museum in Winterton, a picture postcard-perfect town on the island of Newfoundland. Designed to provide both a cultural and hands-on experience, visitors can also learn about the history behind traditional Newfoundland boats. Workshops provide an overview of basic structure and construction techniques before focusing on one of the four elements of boat building.

Where: 273 Main Road, Winterton, Newfoundland and Labrador
When: May 20 to September 17, 2023
Cost: Boat Building Workshop – Full-Day Workshop: $100; Week-long Workshop: $800; Oar Making: $350; Junior Builders: $25

7. The exciting night market of Calgary, AB is calling

Come rain, snow, or shine, Calgary Night Market will continue to run! An innovative way to understand, appreciate and integrate yourselves with the local community, the night market is planned for four weekends during spring and summer. A culturally diverse family event featuring local entertainment, artisans, and food trucks, the Calgary Night Market is an amazing opportunity to sample delicious foods and shop from a variety of local businesses.

Where: 200 Barclay Parade SW (In Eau Claire Market) – Calgary, Alberta
When: From 7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on May 19–20; June 16–17; July 28–29; and Aug. 18–19 (dates are for 2023)
Cost: Free

8. Take a walk through Canadian culture and history in Saskatoon, SK

From a little boy running after his father marching to war, to Terry Fox running on his Marathon of Hope across the country, and many more emotional and heart-warming images that capture some of Canada’s most iconic moments, the travelling exhibition Snapshots of Canada will provide you an amazing glimpse into the country’s past.

The exhibit at the Diefenbaker Canada Centre pairs compelling images with texts by well-known authors, journalists, and historians. Images ranging from high drama to simple joy are tangible reminders of the triumphs, failures, and sacrifices that have shaped the country.

Where: Diefenbaker Canada Centre, University of Saskatchewan Campus, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
When: February 8 to May 27, 2023
Cost: $7 for adults, $5 for youth and seniors. Entry is free for students of USask.

9. Immerse yourself in Inuit art in Winnipeg, MB

Founded in 1912, the Winnipeg Art Gallery is one of Canada’s first civic art galleries, housed in an iconic modernist building in the heart of downtown Winnipeg. Qaumajuq was opened in 2021 and is a contemporary architectural landmark that connects to the gallery building on all four levels.

The Kenojuak Ashevak Memorial Award (KAMA) is a biennial prize that supports the practice of an Inuk artist by facilitating opportunities for artistic development and career growth. The five shortlisted artists for the 2023 KAMA will be featured in a special group exhibition at WAG-Qaumajuq.

WAG-Qaumajuq features an impressive collection of over 27,000 artworks spanning centuries, cultures, and media, including the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world.

Where: Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Boulevard, Winnipeg, Manitoba
When: May 19 to November 12, 2023
Cost: $18 for adults, $ 15 for people aged 65 and above. Youth under 18 and Indigenous Peoples can enter for free. Entry is free for all on Canada Life Free Sundays, which occur on the second Sunday of the month.

10. Join the Avengers in Burnaby, BC

Get ready for an amazing day that you will remember for a long, long time! The Marvel Avengers STATION, which combines science and modern technology with movie-based props and augmented reality, will explore the history, science, engineering, and genetics of your favourite Avengers.

Get to know what makes the Hulk incredible, why Captain America truly is the ultimate soldier, or how Tony Stark became the awesome inventor he is. Explore the worlds of Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and many more.

Want to join the Avengers initiative? At STATION’s 25,000 sq. ft. facility, complete your training to become an integral member of the Avengers!

Where: The Amazing Brentwood, 4567 Lougheed Hw, Burnaby, British Columbia
When: March 3 to May 28, 2023
Cost: Prices for adults begin at $29, and prices for children begin at $23. Infants (3 and under) enter for free

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