Your Great Canadian Summer Starts Here!

This summer, discover why Canadians are choosing to explore the extraordinary adventures waiting in Ontario. Whether you’re seeking family fun, couples’ retreats, or outdoor adventures, this curated collection proves the best experiences are often close-to-home.

Explore charming towns and urban neighbourhoods, stunning landscapes and waterfronts, and immerse yourself in Ontario’s First Nations traditions, vibrant arts scene, local cuisine, award-winning craft breweries and much more. Browse the blogs below for your perfect day trip or multi-day excursion, check our events calendar, and start planning your great Canadian summer.

Festivals and Events View All >>

Now thru July 27 Hamilton Fringe Festival 2025

Now thru July 25 Two Row on The Grand 2025

Join the tenth annual “Two Row (Wampum) on the Grand (River)” and paddle down the Grand River with Haudenosaunee Nations!

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July 17 Brott Music Festival presents – Bizet’s CARMEN

July 18 - 20 Northern Heat Rib Series ’25 – Stoney Creek

July 18 - 20 Burlington Food Truck Festival 2025

July 18 - 19 CallHome Music Festival 2025

CallHome Music Festival is coming to Lions Park in Brantford, ON on July 18 & 19, 2025!

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July 18 - 27 Raccacloon by Playdough Productions

July 19 Brott Music Festival presents – JEANS ‘N CLASSICS

Now thru July 19 Spanish Language Day

July 20 Paddle Stock: Two Row on The Grand 10 Year Anniversary!

July 24 Brott Music Festival presents – HOLLYWOOD & THE RITE OF SPRING

July 25 - 26 Rockton Ram Rodeo 2025

Strap on your cowboy boots for the Rockton Ram Rodeo in Rockton on July 25 & 26!

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July 26 - 27 Women of War

July 26 Brott Music Festival presents – BROADWAY DREAMS

July 25 - 27 Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow

July 31 Brott Music Festival presents – POSTCARDS FROM THE SKY by candlelight

August 1 - 3 Lucky Lion Night Market 2025

Celebrate the vibrant Asian culture and amazing cuisine as the Lucky Lion Night Market returns to Hamilton this summer.

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August 2 - 10 Sunflower Fest 2025

August 2 Brantford Beats & Eats 2025

Now thru August 2 Brott Music Festival presents – BROTT ON THE WATERFRONT

August 7 Brott Music Festival presents – BEETHOVEN IMMERSIVE II

August 8 - 10 Brantford Kinsmen Ribfest 2025

August 8 - 10 Jazz on the Plaza

Jazz on the Plaza is an annual free concert series.

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Now thru August 9 Ukrainian Language Day

August 14 Brott Music Festival presents – I DREAM OF ITALY

Now thru August 14 HMCS Haida Artillery Experience

Now thru August 16 Arabic Language Day

Now thru August 22 Music from the Rooftop

Spend a summer evening listening to local musicians while enjoying a panoramic view of Lake Ontario! Join us on the Rooftop Terrace at Joseph Brant Museum at 7:30pm on July 11 & 25 and August 8 & 22 for our “Music From the Rooftop” series. Each evening will feature a performance by a local musician, lawn games, and light refreshments and popcorn. Doors will open at 6:30pm to allow guests the chance to browse the museum galleries prior to the performance. Galleries currently include the feature exhibition, “Game Changers.”
Tickets are $20/adults, $15/seniors and students.* Ticket includes 1-hour live musical performance, lawn games, light refreshments and popcorn, and admission to the museum galleries. This is a 12+ event.
Thank you to our event sponsor SB Partners.
July 11 – Josh Edwards
July 25 – Hayley Verrall
August 8 – Natalie Reis
August 22 – Warren Jones
* In the case of inclement weather, performances will happen inside Joseph Brant Museum’s Lakefront/Shoreline rooms.

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August 23 Classic Cars & Carnival at Ireland House Museum

Step back in time and explore the grounds of Ireland House Museum during our Classic Cars & Carnival event! Enjoy a nostalgic array of classic cars, play carnival games, and treat yourself to timeless treats like popcorn and candy apples. There will be family friendly entertainment throughout the day, a food truck, and tours of the historic house will be available for booking (regular tour rates apply).

Admission to the event is by donation. Suggested donation of $5/person. All proceeds from the event support the development of our education programs and management of collections at Ireland House Museum. Tours of the historic home can be added on, regular admission rates apply. Pre-registration is not required.

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August 23 - 24 HMCS Haida Birthday Weekend

August 22 - 24 Winona Peach Festival 2025

Now thru August 26 Salsa on the Waterfront

Now thru August 28 Music in the Gardens

Now thru August 28 Music on the Waterfront

Live music event by the waterfront.

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August 29 - September 1 Burlington’s Rotary Ribfest 2025

Enjoy BBQ on Burlington’s Lakeshore at Burlington Ribfest!

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Now thru September 5 BBQ Fridays at Backed by Bees

Backed by Bees’ BBQ Fridays are BACK until the Fall!

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September 6 - 7 Fairy & Iron Renaissance Faire

September 13 Head for the Hills: Craft Beverage Festival 2025

Now thru September 13 Farm Crawl Hamilton

Now thru September 13 Game Changers: Special Exhibition

Get your game on! Game Changers takes you on a fascinating journey, examining the intersection of audio, storytelling, graphics, and gameplay to create the immersive environment of current video gaming systems. Live the video game evolution, from memorable Pong to the photorealistic games of today. Game Changers is a travelling exhibition created by the Canada Science and Technology Museum. The exhibition is on view at Joseph Brant Museum from May 10 – September 13, 2025.

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September 14 Brantford Kinsmen Car Show & Swap Meet

September 12 - 14 Supercrawl 2025

Now thru September 21 Train Days with the Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers

Now thru September 27 Summer Music Nights at Chudleigh’s

September 27 - November 1 Pumpkins After Dark

September 28 Chris McKhool: Fiddlefire!

Join Chris McKhool to play rare percussion instruments from around the world!

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October 2 Oscar Peterson Centennial

This unique concert will highlight Mr. Peterson’s most famous and appreciated compositions.

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Now thru October 8 Ancaster Farmers Market

October 10 - 13 The Rockton World’s Fair

Now thru October 10 Art Crawl on James North 2025

Come explore Art Crawl, where you’ll be met with the friendly welcome of a block party and the excitement of a street festival where you never know what you might stumble across.

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