Canada's Best EDM Festivals - 2017 Edition
Matthew Monteith- May 1, 2017
- 10 min read
Canada, the land to the north where you find beavertails, igloos and...EDM festivals. There are a lot of festival rankings out there but none which really focus on EDM in Canada, so I thought it would be useful to do some research.
Choosing the best festivals is always going to be subjective, and no, I often don't speak from personal experience. I've only attended a handful of festivals due to my student budget (feel free to donate to the Matt Monteith festival fund). However, I will add a level of objectivity that will make for some interesting comparison on Canada's best EDM festivals of 2017.
Canada is also celebrating its 150th year of independence, so expect something special from every single festival as people all over the world flock to see what Canada has to offer.
Canada's 2017 EDM Festivals
Organized by Date
Electric Elements | May 20th and 21st
Ever After | June 2nd - 4th
Escapade | June 24th and 25th
Bud Light Dreams | July 7th and 8th
Fvded in the Park | July 7th and 8th
Bass Coast electronic Music and Arts Festival | July 7th - 10th
Future Forest | July 28 - 31
Center of Gravity | July 28 -30th
Eclipse | August 3rd - 7th
Veld | August 5th & 6th
Chasing Summer | August 5th & 6th
Ile Soniq | August 11th & 12th
Shambhala | August 11th - 14th
Mutek | August 22nd - 27th
Veld
Headliners: Future, Major Lazer, Tiesto, Zedd, Tory Lanez
Number of Attendees in 2016: 40,000
When: August 5th & 6th, 2017
Location: Downsview Park, Toronto, Ontario
Cost: $180 for the festival pass
Arguably the biggest EDM festival in Canada, Veld has been pumping out Ultra-like lineups for the last 2 years. I was able to attend in 2016 and I was impressed enough that I decided to set aside money to go back in 2017. The only problem is their lineup this year is a bit underwhelming. A quarter of their artists are rappers, and although there are a couple of non-headliner gems such as W&W, 3LAU and Tchami, many Veld fans are simply left wanting more renowned EDM artists.
However, Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world and the DJs make sure to bring their A-game. If you're only able to attend 1 festival this year I still suggest you go to Veld.
Veld 2016 After-movie
Escapade
Headliners: Tiesto, Above & Beyond, Steve Aoki, Oliver Heldens
Number of Attendees in 2014: 30,000+
When: June 24th and 25th, 2017
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Cost: $135 for the festival pass - ridiculously affordable given the lineup
WOW! For a supposedly small festival Ottawa really is pulling out all the stops. Part of it has to do with the surge of Canada 150 events going on in Canada's capital. Martin Garrix headlined last year, but this lineup is by far the best Escapade has ever had. It's safe to say they're gonna have a jam-packed crowd in 2017.
Electric Elements
Headliners: Carnage, R3HAB, KSHMR, Knife Party
Number of Attendees in 2016: 12,000 - 15,000
When: May 20th and 21st, 2017
Location: Wasaga Beach, Ontario
Cost: 135$ for the festival pass and 85$ for a 1-day pass
Known for its inaugural celebration of Victoria Day weekend, the biggest seller for Electric Elements is the atmosphere. From what I've heard Electric Elements is full of good, pure summer vibes. Their lineup is also decent and encompasses various genres ranging from KSHMR's progressive house all the way to Carnage's trap music. However, the actual set venue lacks style as it takes place on the parking lot which they've labelled Playland Park Square.
If you're still stuck deciding whether you should fork out the cash and go, just ask yourself - what's better than being able to rave during the day and skinny dip in the beach at night...just don't tell Wasaga police I said that.
Ever After
Headliners: BassNectar, Excision, French Montana, Zed's Dead
Number of Attendees in 2016: 30,000 per day
When: June 2nd - June 4th, 2017
Location: Kitchener, Ontario
Cost: $125 for the full festival pass and 70$ for a 1-day pass
Ever After's slogan - Welcome To Wonderland
Ever After popped up out of nowhere in 2015 and isn't going anywhere anytime soon. The focus is on the adventure, and they make sure every festival-goer has a great time. The 3-day festival is extremely affordable and there are also various camping packages available.
With attractions such as a water park, midway games, inflatable football, and a WipeOut obstacle course (which I've always wanted to try) there is plenty to keep you occupied. That's not to say that their line-up isn't good but it has a bit too much dubstep for my liking.
Bud Light Dreams
Headliners: Above & Beyond, DVBBS, Steve Angello
Number of Attendees in 2014: 29,000
When: July 7th and 8th, 2017
Location: Echo beach, Toronto, Ontario
Cost: 180$
Initially I really wanted to know who their unnamed headliner was, but when they announced that it was Dillstradamus I was left even more confused as I've never heard of this DJ before. I later figured out that it was the duo of Dillon Francis and Flosstradamus, which I must admit is pretty epic. Suffice to say there are very few big names and for a Toronto festival you expect them to be pulling in bigger fish.
This is one of the festivals I suggest you pass on for a couple of reasons. Firstly, they are labeling it as a "boutique luxury festival experience"...WTF does that even mean?? Secondly, this is one of those festivals that seems to have no problem being a corporate pet as they've renamed the festival from Digital Dreams to Bud Light Dreams...Yay for advertising. Thirdly, Mark Russel (Project Manager for Bud Light Dreams) states "This isn’t a festival for everyone, it’s not a catchall festival, it’s for an older fan who has been to a few festivals". I understand they may want to move away from main-stage EDM to a more mature crowd, but the EDM scene isn't at the stage yet. They are using this an excuse so they don't have to go and work to attract major talent.
Sorry Digital...I mean Bud Light Dreams. You may have a great location but I can't recommend that people attend when there are better festivals for similar prices.
Ile Soniq
Headliners: Tiesto, Porter Robinson, AfroJack, I refuse to add Migos here
Number of Attendees in 2014: 30,000+
When: August 11th & 12th, 2017
Location: Parc Jean-Drapeau, Quebec
Cost: $190
Do not sleep on Ile Soniq this year! Their lineup is deceptively good. Tiesto is the OG, Porter Robinson is the future of EDM and this is Afrojack's only Candian stop this year. As for Migos, they can go **** themselves but it doesn't detract from Ile's lineup. The only downside is the tickets are a bit pricey, but if you can muster up the cash I see no reason not to attend.
Ile showcases true festival vibes and always stays true to its fans. The Quebecers are also known for their wild parties and the after-parties have been described to me as mind-boggling. C'est la vie.
Bonus Points:
Wheelchair Accessible
Hammocks where you can chill and relax when the partying gets too hard
By far the dopest festival mascot I've ever seen
Fvded in the Park
Headliners: The Chainsmokers, Wiz Khalifa, PND, Dillon Francis
Number of Attendees in 2016: 40,000
When: July 7th and 8th, 2017
Location: Holland park, Surrey, BC
Cost: 220$ for full festival pass and single day passes for 140
Fvded-in-the-park pronounced Faded in the Park
I have nothing but admiration for the Chainsmokers as you can see here and besides them Fvded has done an admirable job with their lineup choice. Yes they branch into rap and hip-hop, but they seem to have found the right balance. You can't go wrong with names such as Matoma, Yellowclaw and Dillon Francis, and when you have rappers such as PND and Wiz you know you're gonna have a good time.
Any festival in BC is going to be in a superb environment and "People can see how beautiful British Columbia is but Fvded also exposes us to world class artists.”
Bass Coast Electronic Music and Arts festival
Headliners: None; Bass Coast 2017 Artists
Number of Attendees in 2016:
When: July 7 - 10, 2017
Location: Merritt, British Columbia
Cost: Tickets have already sold out but minimum purchase amount is $249
What is known as an international exhibition of electronic art and music, this festival takes place in the beautiful BC. It has been touted as a stepping stone for aspiring musicians and is a place to go not to rave hard to big bangers, but to find new and exciting music and artists. At no other festival will you be closer to the action than at this artist owned and operated event.
"A DIY endeavour founded and run by women with no sponsors or corporate presence whatsoever, it's a unique fixture in a region already known for its plethora of festivals...." - Bass Coast resident Advisor
Future Forest
Headliners: Wish I could tell you
Number of Attendees in 2016:
When: July 28 - 31, 2017
Location: Near Fredericton, New Brunswick
Cost: 199$ for the festival pass although there arevarious pricing options
This is a fairly low-key festival as you won't find any big names (or even semi-recognizable names). However, the allure is the camping and the sense of community as you engage in a partnership with not only your fellow campers but with the forest itself. With music playing at almost all hours of the day (even at 7am!) you can literally not sleep and still be able to jam out to the DJs.
"THE FESTIVAL FEATURES THREE UNIQUE STAGES THAT ARE BUILT USING THE NATURAL RESOURCES THE FOREST PROVIDES. THE TALL TREES AND BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES ARE UTILIZED FOR STAGE CONSTRUCTION AS WELL AS THE LATEST SOUND AND PROJECTION VIDEO MAPPING TECHNOLOGY." - Music Festival Wizard
Center of Gravity
Headliners: Marshmello, Snoop Dogg, Schoolboy Q, Cash Cash
Number of Attendees in 2016: 30,000
When: July 28 -30th, 2017
Location: Kelowna, BC
Cost: 210$ for full festival pass
CANADA’S HOTTEST BEACH FESTIVAL
The cool part about this festival is that they combine EDM with sports."It's like an X-Cross style games event with five sports and music." This year the sports include beach volleyball, basketball, FMX, skateboarding and BMX. In the past year they've even included bikini contests and beer gardens (is this heaven?).
The downside is their 2017 lineup is admittedly weak; I'm an EDM fanatic and past the first 6 artists I recognize only 2 names. Besides Marshmello and Cash Cash, I'd much rather spend my hard earned cash somewhere else. The only reason I'd choose CoG over other festivals is because of the sports aspect (very few festivals in the world do this).
Chasing Summer
Headliners: Tiesto, Zedd, W&W, Jauz
Number of Attendees in 2016: 34,000
When: August 5th & 6th, 2017
Location: Max Bell Centre, Calgary, Alberta
Cost: 160$ for full festival pass
Alberta's biggest EDM festival and arguably the biggest in western Canada, Chasing Summer is celebrating its 5th birthday in 2017. Despite various drug incidents, including 17 drug overdoses in 2015 and 10 hospitalized in 2016, the festival still manages to attracts thousands and has come a long way from its humble beginnings.
Taking place on Heritage Day Long weekend Chasing summer is about...you guessed it... enjoying the last of summer. Their 2017 lineup is OK but dam I really wish they did a repeat of 2016 where they had Martin Garrix, Hardwell, The Chainsmokers, Galantis, Marshmello and Don Diablo.
Mutek
Headliners: No headliners per-say as their artist are all internationally renowned
Number of Attendees in 2016: unknown
When: August 22nd - 27th, 2017
Location: Quartier De Spetcacle, Montreal, Quebec
Cost: Various pricing options ranging form 74$ - 192$; 15% student and group discount
Not only is Canada celebrating its 150th, but Montreal is also celebrating its 375th year so you can be sure the city will be ablaze with life this summer. Known as the International festival of digital creativity and electronic music, Mutek is THE place to see exclusive appearances, artist premiers and artistic ingenuity. They even have international versions which have taken place in Mexico, Spain and Argentina.
This is a festival for those with an air of sophistication. Mutek focuses on the quality of their artists, rather than booking big names as "This is not the place to indulge in a surfeit of illicit substances and mindlessly dance to bangers." Having said that, Mutek is the least festival-esque out of this entire list and really takes the essence of electric music to its very core. If you've never visited the stunning city of Montreal, there couldn't be a better time since during Mutek the city erupts with vivid lights shows and showcases boundary pushing sets.
For an In-depth look here is Vice's recap of MUTEK 2016
Shambhala
Headliners: The Polish Ambassador, Clozee, Illenium, Shaun Frank
Number of Attendees in 2016: 17,000+
When: August 11th - 14th, 2017
Location: Salmo River Branch, BC, Canada
Cost: 395$ for full festival pass
Shambhala is a staple for EDM festivals in Canada, which is why its such a surprise that so many people don't know about it! Lasting 4 days and 4 nights Shambhala is one of the longest running music festivals in Canada (it's their 20th year and tickets sold out in 15 hours). One testimonial states that the music generally runs 24 hours during the weekend. This festival has 0 corporate sponsorship and is completely attendee-run.
The images above are lineups for only 2 of their 6 stages, which each has specific theme - Pagoda, Village, Fractal Forest, Living Room, Amphitheater and The Grove.
As Shambhala themselves say "When you dig into the 2017 line-up, you will find there is something for everyone." I could not agree any more. If you're anywhere near BC in August do yourself a favor and attend!
Eclipse
Headliners: Many international names but no headliners
Number of Attendees in 2016: Unknown
When: August 3rd - 7th, 2017
Location: Sainte-Thérèse-de-la-Gatineau , Quebec
Cost: 215$ for full festival pass
Eclipse is a biennial festival meaning it only happens every 2 years but for some reason they've decided to give it a go again in 2017 even though it was also held last year.
There is plenty to do during the 5 days as there is just as much of a focus on the activities as there is on the music, and this is probably the only family friendly EDM festival as they even have a kid's village. You're more likely to find a long-lost cousin than a DJ who you recognize but that's just the way Eclipse is as they focus on bringing in international artists.The festival also provides free camping and there's even a nearby beach for you to cool off.
"The first twenty-four hours of the festival will be exempt of musical performances, and will be dedicated to the connection to earth and reunion." This sounds like something straight out of a hippie's dream!
This is a teaser trailer for 2016...Please don't be afraid.
Remember to party hard, and stay safe my friends.
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