Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/651528
TRAVEL GUIDE TO CANADA C anada's enormous geographic and ethnic diversity make it ripe for celebration. That's why thousands of visitors fl ock to the country's many festivals every year. The choices are dizzying, from witnessing the annual migration of whales in B.C. and experiencing unrivalled views of stars in the northern skies, to watching movies at one of the world's premier fi lm festivals in Toronto. That's not to mention dozens of music festivals in every genre, and the fact that Canada boasts the world's largest annual indoor show and the world's greatest annual outdoor show. RUB SHOULDERS WITH BLUES GREATS Canada plays host to many great music festivals, but few offer the chance to hobnob with the musicians themselves. At the Tremblant International Blues Festival, artists and festival-goers can easily mingle in the intimate setting of the pedestrian village, or interact at one of the music workshops where fans can ask questions, learn tricks of the trade, or get autographs. The event runs from July 8 through 17 and is renowned for its quality programming, featuring musicians from around the globe, performing in more than 100 mostly free concerts on several indoor and outdoor stages. Past acts have included Mavis Staples, Bettye LaVette, Johnny Winter, Buddy Guy, and Keb' Mo' ( www.tremblantblues.com). THIS TATTOO IS ALL PLEASURE, NO PAIN There's nothing else like it in Canada. The CANADA'S LIVELY FESTIVAL SCENE BY DIANE SLAWYCH CaLGarY StaMPeDe, aB toronto internationaL fiLM feStiVaL • WireiMaGe GettY for tiff/GeorGe PiMenteL FESTIVALS