Harvest festivals mark an end to the growing season and serve as a celebration of abundance. They provide an opportunity to enjoy local produce, become more involved in the community, or even see new parts of Canada if you want to make a trip out of it. Let’s take a tour of some of the most notable harvest festivals across the country, each offering a unique blend of local culture, history, and flavours.

Pumpkinfest – Port Elgin, Ontario

Port Elgin’s Pumpkinfest is a celebration of all things pumpkin. This vibrant festival, scheduled for October 5 and 6 this year, draws visitors from far and wide to marvel at giant pumpkins, some weighing over a thousand pounds. In addition to the pumpkin weigh-off, there’s a classic car show, craft vendors, and a variety of family-friendly activities. The festival also features pumpkin-themed foods, from pies to soups, showcasing the versatility of this iconic fall vegetable.

PEI Fall Flavours Food & Drink Festival – Prince Edward Island

The PEI Fall Flavours Festival, which runs until October 12 this year, is a celebration of Prince Edward Island’s culinary scene. This three-week, island-wide celebration is a beloved event that has been held annually since 2007. The festival highlights local produce, seafood, and artisanal products, offering visitors a chance to taste the best of the island’s harvest. It includes a series of food-focused experiences, from farm-to-table dinners and lobster boils to culinary demos by celebrity chefs.

UBC Apple Festival – Vancouver, British Columbia

The UBC Apple Festival, which will take place on October 19 and 20 at the University of British Columbia’s Botanical Garden in Vancouver, is an annual celebration of all things apple! The festival showcases over 200 apple varieties, many of which are rare or heritage types. Visitors can sample apples, purchase trees, and enjoy apple-related products like cider, pies, and jams. The festival also includes educational exhibits, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities, such as apple bobbing and orchard tours.

Taber Pheasant Festival – Taber, Alberta

The award-winning Taber Pheasant Festival, set to take place from October 19 to 26, emphasizes both hunting and conservation in southern Alberta. This unique event offers participants the opportunity to hunt pheasants in designated release sites, promoting responsible hunting practices and wildlife management. The festival also includes a variety of activities, such as a wild game tasting, a culinary event featuring professional chefs, a scotch tasting session, educational workshops, a silent auction, and more.

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair – Toronto, Ontario

Although not strictly a harvest festival, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is one of Canada’s premier agricultural events. It showcases the best in Canadian food and agriculture by featuring local produce, culinary demonstrations, equestrian shows, and livestock competitions. Visitors can taste award-winning cheeses and fresh produce and even participate in butter sculpting! The fair is a great way to say goodbye to the harvest season as winter approaches. It will be taking place from November 1 to 10 this year at Exhibition Place.

Harvest festivals across Canada are as diverse as the country’s landscapes and cultures. From the pumpkin patches of Ontario to the apple orchards of British Columbia, these events offer a chance for thanksgiving and festivities.