What to do and see in Niagara, Canada: The Best Events

Over three weeks, Toronto explodes with the fast and vibrant rhythms of Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Chutney, Steel Pan, and Brass bands. Over a million people take over the streets and venues to dance alongside the passionate dancers wearing eye-popping and colorful costumes. The music styles integrate the staple Calypso beat that has been a part of the festival since its first debut in 1967 and newer music styles like Soca. The main events include the Carnival Ball, and the Grand Parade (the largest Caribbean parade in North America).

A showground, fairground, carnival, concerts, horse show, farmyard, garden show, food hall, restaurants, and a fabulous Mardi Gras parade are all rolled into one for the Canadian National Exhibition, held in Toronto each year. For 18 amazing days leading up to and including Labor Day on the first Monday in September, about 1.5 million visitors flock to Canada’s largest fair, The Ex, in Exhibition Place by the shores of Lake Ontario. It's a far cry from its beginnings in 1879 to promote farming, industry, and arts as today the fair acts as a showcase for the nation. It is a fabulous annual tradition to head to the city for amazing, old-fashioned fun for all the family and, for many, it is seen as a celebration of the end of summer.