CANADA FOR MUSIC LOVERS

Canada boasts a wealth of musical talent and caters for all tastes. Summer festivals abound across the country, where you can soak up sounds in the great outdoors. In winter, attend classical concerts at a splendid venue, head for a steamy jazz joint, or enjoy the heady songs of the French chansonniers.

Incredible Venues

There’s no better place to hear today’s musical stars than in one of Canada’s historic concert venues, and there are shows to suit all tastes. The Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto, which stages Broadway musicals and hosts world-class concert performers, is the country’s oldest continuously operating theater. In Vancouver, you can hear Grammy award-winners at the Art Deco Commodore Ballroom, or spend an evening with the symphony orchestra at the opulent Orpheum Theatre.

Chansonniers

The troubadours of French Canada, chansonniers have their roots in the traditional music of the first European settlers. Whether upbeat or melancholy, their simple, haunting songs are almost always romantic. Head to Quebec City’s bars to sample an authentic selection of the genre.

Razzama-jazz

Canadians love jazz, and aficionados can sample a range of styles at dozens of venues, such as the live bar at Quebec City’s historic Hotel Clarendon (57 Rue Sainte-Anne) or Toronto’s elegant Jazz Bistro (251 Victoria St). There are also more than 20 jazz festivals, many of which are international events.

Paddle Time

Whether you go solo or join a group tour, the hardest part of canoeing in Canada will be choosing where to plunge your paddle. Top spots include the Thousand Islands  where you can glimpse elusive wildlife against a backdrop of bizarre castles set on miniature islets – and the Fundy National Park , the high tides of which offer spectacular sea-kayaking adventures.