By Kristina Breckon
The drop in temperature doesn’t mean an end to festival season. From the traditional (Christmas Tree Festival) to the delicious (Oyster Festival) here are 10 ways to beat the winter blues this November. (Festivals are listed in chronological order.)
Laurie Blue Bluegrass Festival – Summerside, PEI
Enjoy round-the-clock jams and traditional bluegrass music performances during this annual music festival, created in memory of local bluegrass legend John Laurie Blue. Nov. 3–6
Nova Scotia Music Week – Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
Celebrating its 15th year, Molson Canadian Nova Scotia Music Week brings together the music industry and the public for four jam-packed days of performances and more topped off with a gala awards show. Nov. 3–6
Cinemania Film Festival – Montreal, Quebec
Montreal cinephiles come together to enjoy 10 days of French film during the 17th annual Cinemania Film Festival. English speakers can enjoy all the festivities, too, as all films are shown with English subtitles. Nov. 3–13
Vic Lewis Band Festival – Canmore, Alberta
Enjoy performances by more than 900 talented young musicians as they converge on the Rockies town of Canmore, near Banff National Park, in early November. Nov. 4–9
Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake Taste the Season 2011 – Niagara, Ontario
Buy a Taste the Season touring pass and enjoy a VQA wine and food pairing at each of 26 participating Ontario wineries. Dishes are seasonally inspired and made from mainly local ingredients. Weekends in Nov.
Canadian Finals Rodeo – Edmonton, Alberta
Strap on your boots to witness the most elite rodeo athletes in the country during this six-day festival filled with barrel racing, steer-roping, and bucking broncos. In addition to the competition, there will be a performance by country-music artist Blake Shelton to start the festivities on Thursday night. Nov 9– 13
Clayoquot Oyster Festival – Tofino, BC
Celebrating its 15th glorious year, the Clayoquot Oyster Festival is the highlight of the year for many Tofitians. The oyster is honoured via tastings, farm tours, an under-the-sea costume ball, and more. Nov. 17–19
Saskatoon Festival of Trees – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Professionally decorated Christmas trees, gingerbread-house displays, horn ensembles and a breakfast with Santa are just a handful of the many attractions at this week-long festival. Nov. 18–26
Festival of Northern Lights – Owen Sound, Ontario
Grab a hot chocolate and enjoy the 18 km of magical light displays that line the Sydenham River in Owen Sound. Lights are on daily from 5 pm to 11 pm, following a lighting ceremony on November 18. Nov. 18–Jan. 3
Bay Roberts Festival of Lights – Bay Roberts, Newfoundland
Highlights of this East Coast event—a two-time National Winter Lights winner—are kid’s Christmas parties, one of Canada’s largest light parks, boat lighting and not one but two Santa Claus parades. Nov. 30–Jan 6