Summer 2025 Story Starters – Canada
May 22, 2025
NORTH AMERICA
Cincinnati, OH and Northern KY – www.visitcincy.com
Summer in Cincy is even easier thanks to the Air Canada flight launch from Montreal (YUL) to Cincinnati (CVG) taking place on May 22.
This June, The Banks along the Ohio River will welcome “The American Manifest,” an art installation created by Charles Gaines, one of the foremost conceptual artists of the 21st century. The three-part project was designed for Governor’s Island in Manhattan and The Banks of Cincinnati because of the roles these rivers played in the transatlantic slave trade. The project includes a massive outdoor art installation making its way to Cincinnati in summer 2025; a second installation “Roots” coming to the Cincinnati Art Museum; and an original musical composition, “Manifestos Four,” to be performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
The FIFA Club World Cup Matches will take place at Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium June 15-25. From July 24-26, Cincinnati Music Festival features performances by Earth, Wind & Fire, Anthony Hamilton, LL Cool J and Toni Braxton, featuring Jubu with special guest appearances by Ronald Isley, to name a few.
New hotels like the 171-room Hotel Celare and the 111-room Moxy Hotel are open for bookings. The Homewood Suites by Hilton Newport is located across the river in Northern Kentucky near Newport. The 21c Museum Hotel “Nightwatch” Suite has unveiled a sleep-in art installation called “Nightwatch.”
Expedia Group — www.expedia.ca
Expedia Group shares its latest research on sports tourism and how it is transforming travel and creating massive opportunities for the industry. The study reveals that sports tourism now represents 10% of global tourism spending and is projected to reach $1.3 trillion in 2032. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup and upcoming Olympics in Italy and Los Angeles, the momentum is picking up. In Canada alone, 86% of the respondents are planning for a sporting event in the next 12 months, with 52% planning for 2 or more sports trips. The study also highlights that 44% of sports fans travel internationally for events, with this figure rising to 56% among 16–34-year-olds. Canadians were also the most likely to travel internationally for sports (62% vs. 44% average).
In Canada, the top priorities for their sporting trip were attending the event itself (68%), spending time with friends/family (49%), and experiencing the destination (46%).
The Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP) announces the launch of its platform’s newest feature: the agency service charge, which gives travel advisors the option to add a discretionary charge to an Expedia TAAP lodging booking. This highly requested feature ensures that travel advisor partners can be compensated further for their expertise and time without requiring a separate transaction outside of the Expedia TAAP platform. With the agency service charge feature, travel advisors can apply up to 30% of the total booking value as an agency service charge.
Expedia Group announced an industry-first partnership with award-winning travel content agency, Beautiful Destinations, to enhance the way travelers discover and book their travel experiences. The partnership combines Beautiful Destinations’ unparalleled expertise in creating high-quality content with Expedia Group Media Solutions’ in-house creative studio (E Studio). A recent Expedia Group survey shows that 61% say social media is their top influence for travel inspiration, over other sources like friends and family, booking websites, and travel agents.
Greater Miami and Miami Beach, FL – www.miamiandbeaches.com
Summer travel in Miami and Miami Beach means good deals. Miami Spa Months take place in July and August, offering luxury spa experiences at discounted rates. Miami Spice Restaurant does the same from August and September, but for dining, providing an opportunity to explore new culinary experiences and flavours by the best chefs in Greater Miami and Miami Beach. The programme offers three-course meals at top eateries for lunch/brunch and dinner, with prices set at $30 or $35 for lunch/brunch, and $45 or $60 for dinner.
Events take visitors to Miami and Miami Beach beyond the sandy coastlines. The Hyundai Air & Sea Show returns to Miami Beach for its eighth annual “Greatest Show Above the Earth” extravaganza on Memorial Day weekend. PARAISO Miami Swim Week, from May 29 to June 1, highlights the latest in swimwear fashion with runway shows, exclusive parties, and pop-up shops.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens hosts its Vizcaya Village Night Market. Local vendors showcase their crafts on the second Thursday of each month from May through December 11, offering visitors a chance to explore local food, art and community programming in a scenic open-air setting. The Haitian Heritage Museum in Little Haiti showcases Haitian art, historical artifacts, music, film, and literary works.
Montréal, Canada – www.mtl.org/en
Canada’s Cultural Capital comes alive with summer festivals. The Montréal International Jazz Festival, the largest jazz festival globally, kicks off on June 26. Les Francos de Montréal celebrates French-language music with hundreds of free performances from June 13-21. LASSO brings the beats and culture of country music to Parc Jean-Drapeau from August 15-16.
MURAL transforms Saint-Laurent Boulevard into an open-air museum featuring massive murals created live by local and global artists from June 5-15. The Festival International Nuits d’Afrique (July 16-21) and Montréal First People’s Festival (August 5-14) highlight the rich musical and cultural heritage of the African, Caribbean, and Indigenous communities.
And from July 31-August 10, Montréal Pride celebrates the LGBTQ+ community in the Village and Olympic Park, featuring spectacular drag shows, community days and the Pride parade. Montréal’s festival takes place in August, which sets it apart from the other Pride celebrations.
Quebec’s first MOXY location is the city’s latest hotel opening, situated between Old Montréal and Griffintown, keeping top attractions and neighbourhoods nearby. SonoLux is set to redefine hospitality as Montréal’s first immersive sound and light hotel, opening in spring 2025. Housed in a stunning 1914 Neo-Classical building in Old Montréal, this 36-room boutique destination blends transformative acoustics with experimental video art across its guest rooms and multiple exhibition spaces.
Orlando, FL – www.visitorlando.com
Orlando is turning up the heat for Canadian travellers this summer, unveiling its first new theme park in 25 years. Universal Epic Universe features 50 attractions across five immersive worlds, from SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to the magical Ministry of Magic set to open on May 22. Meanwhile, Walt Disney World is launching two new shows on May 27, “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” a reimagined production inspired by the classic film at the refreshed Animation Courtyard theatre, and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After,” taking over the park’s Sunset Showcase with appearances by dozens of infamous evildoers — including Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent.
On May 1, SeaWorld launched Expedition Odyssey, the world’s first fully immersive Arctic-themed flying theatre. LEGOLAND Florida will debut SEA LIFE Florida on May 23, a brand-new aquarium, and kicks off a month-long LEGO Festival, making it a must-visit for families.
Soccer fans can catch global stars like Erling Haaland and Marta as Orlando hosts matches for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and showcases both men’s and women’s teams at Inter&Co Stadium.
The city’s culinary scene is sizzling, with two new Michelin-starred restaurants, including Orlando’s first-ever Two MICHELIN Star venue, Sorekara, plus chef-driven hotspots like Bourbon Steak and speakeasy-style dining at Corazón by Baires.
Accommodation options have expanded, including Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, now open at Universal Orlando Resort, feature 750 double-queen guest rooms with spaceship-styled windows, a variety of dining options and amenities including resort-style pools, fitness centres, and game rooms.
San Francisco, CA – www.sftravel.com
Sunset Dunes is a new two-mile stretch of the Upper Great Highway running parallel to Ocean Beach from Lincoln Way (Golden Gate Park) to Sloat Boulevard (San Francisco Zoo) that has been reborn as a 43-acre park. The largest pedestrianisation project in California debuted in April, with interactive art installations, murals celebrating coastal ecology, a learn-to-bike zone, skate space, hammocks, lounge areas and stunning views.
The Counterculture Museum opened in spring 2025 at the famous corner of Haight and Ashbury streets. This new museum explores San Francisco’s legacy as the heart of cultural movements, from the Beat Generation and Summer of Love to LGBTQ+ rights.
Outpost Meadow debuts in July as a new addition to the popular Presidio Tunnel Tops. The gathering space offers shaded picnic areas, gardens, bike parking, food trucks, and family-friendly seating overlooking the Bay.
The Balloon Museum’s EmotionAir welcomes travellers to experience an immersive, sensory playground of large-scale inflatables, projections, and installations. This is its U.S. debut in San Francisco. The Ruth Asawa Retrospective at SFMOMA is the artist’s first posthumous retrospective showcasing the full range of Asawa’s work over six decades. Skateboarding is part of the art scene with two exhibitions at 111 Minna Gallery and the San Francisco Public Library celebrating decades of skate art and the city’s skate culture. And Art of Manga at the De Young is the first major (and massive) museum show in the Americas dedicated to the art of Japanese manga
San Francisco offers one of the country’s most dynamic and eclectic event calendars, including its iconic Jazz Festival in the Fillmore District from July 5-6. Stern Grove Festival and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (25th anniversary) anchor an epic lineup of free shows. The 25th Yerba Buena Gardens Festival hosts 80+ free performances spanning music, dance, theatre, and poetry. Haight Street Daydream organises monthly festivities celebrating the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary every first weekend. Carnaval San Francisco takes over 17 Mission District blocks with music, dance, and over 400 vendors, plus a massive, colourful parade. Circus Bella’s “HOOPLA!” is a free, family-friendly circus popping up in parks all summer. Pier Party at the Wharf holds concerts every second and fourth Saturday from June through September.
U.S. Virgin Islands – www.visitusvi.com
The Beach to Beach Power Swim on May 25, 2025 in St. John, features an open-water swim race with three course options ranging from 1 to 3.5 miles. Participants can race solo or as part of a team, all while supporting youth swim programmes and marine conservation. King of the Wing on June 14 welcomes more than 40 teams to compete at Magens Bay for the title of best wings, with the winner advancing to the National Buffalo Wing Festival.
St. Croix Pride Month kicks off on June 1 with events celebrating the LGBTQ+ community that will take place across St. Croix throughout the month of June.
The St. John Celebration from June 28-July 4 is a week of cultural festivities honoring both Emancipation Day (July 3) and Independence Day (July 4) with parades, music, and community celebrations. On July 6, Mango Melee celebrates mango season with tastings, cooking demos, workshops, and a lively mango-eating contest. This family-friendly event is bursting with flavour and fun.
Washington, D.C. – www.washington.org
WorldPride 2025 is taking place in Washington, DC from May 17–June 8, marking the 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations in the city and drawing an expected 2-3 million visitors worldwide. The theme, “The Fabric of Freedom,” highlights the diverse cultures and identities within the LGBTQ+ community, with marquee events including an international rally and march from the Lincoln Memorial to the US Capitol, a massive street festival, and a closing concert featuring global artists. Highlights also include the World Pride Music Festival at RFK Stadium on June 6-7, featuring multiple stages and top DJs, plus a human rights conference and community-centred Pride events celebrating various identities.
Beyond Pride, visitors can enjoy the popular Passport DC embassy open houses showcasing European culture and cuisine, while Flower Mart at the National Cathedral brings colour and bloom to the city and the National Memorial Day Concert & Parade, offering rich cultural and patriotic experiences. Art lovers can explore the National Gallery Nights with themed after-hours events and the Wonder of DC Trees traveling exhibit at Zenith Gallery.
For new stays, travellers can check out Mint House, which will open on June 1, offering 85 boutique suites in an 11-story former office building featuring full kitchens, spacious living areas, a fitness centre, a Grab-and-Go station, and a stylish basement lounge, all located just steps from DC’s iconic landmarks, or Sixty DC, opening in the summer, a stylish 73-room boutique hotel located in the vibrant Dupont Circle neighbourhood, featuring modern luxury accommodations, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant called Casamara, a trendy cocktail bar named Reynold’s, and a spacious 3,000-square-foot rooftop lounge.
INTERNATIONAL
Barbados – www.visitbarbados.org
Each summer, snowbirds flee the island, making for a more wallet-friendly, less crowded Caribbean escape. For a limited time, select island hotels are offering two complimentary nights when guests book a five-night stay, making a weeklong getaway even more affordable.
During July and August, the most-anticipated Caribbean festival returns with festivities and the infectious energy of the Crop Over Festival filling the island to celebrate the end of the sugar cane harvest. Explore Barbadian culture and discover the wonders of the marine environment at the Dive Fest Barbados from Aug. 15-20. Don’t miss the Barbados Jazz Excursion and Golf Tournament October 10-13, along with the tantalising flavours of the Barbados Food and Rum Festival from Oct. 23-27. This year also marks a 12-month island-wide journey of We Gatherin’ where each parish from St. Lucy to St. Michael opens its heart through engaging, community-focused celebrations. Every month, a different parish takes the spotlight, showcasing its unique culture and spirit through a series of events that promise to unite and inspire. Find the latest events here.
At Apes Hill Barbados, the “Little Apes” 9-hole golf course opened recently this spring, alongside four brand-new Bedroom Golf and Sea View Villas available for booking. Guests can now enjoy in-villa chef experiences, private spa services, and complimentary golf rounds. A new partnership with Oyogo introduces wellness specialists to enhance the guest experience, and a beach shuttle service has launched for added convenience.
The Blue Monkey Hotel & Beach Club reopens this summer 2025 with 28 fully renovated rooms from the global luxury brand. In 2025, Marriott expanded its portfolio with adult-only icons The Waves and Treasure Beach, both long-time favorites on the island.
Belize – www.travelbelize.org
Chocolate Festival of Belize takes place annually at the end of May in Toledo District. This festival celebrates cacao farmers and Mayan heritage. It features chocolate tastings, cultural performances, and educational workshops.Another Beautiful Day in San Antonio (ABDISA) on June 29 showcases the culture and resilience of the Yucatec Maya community with competitions like corn shelling and corn grinding, traditional dances, music, and delicious cuisine.
Lobsterfest is celebrated in San Pedro, Placencia and Caye Caulker with lobster-themed dishes, live music, and beach parties. For two weeks in July, Lobsterfest in Belize is an official summer kickoff event coinciding with the first lobster harvests. The nationwide event turns Belize into one big homage to crustaceans, celebrated in Caye Caulker, San Pedro, and Placencia. Keeping with the nautical theme, the Deep Sea Fishing Tournament in Ambergris Caye on August 1-2 boasts more than $150,000 prizes.
Independence Day Celebrations on September 21 includes weeks of festivities leading up to Independence Day, including the Belize City Carnival, Orange Walk’s Carnival Road March, Jouvert, and the Battle of St. George’s Caye. These celebrations commemorate Belize’s independence from British colonial rule, featuring colourful parades, costumed dancers, live music, and authentic Belizean cuisine. Belize Carnival in September includes a massive parade as part of the celebrations.
Chile – www.chile.travel
North American travellers can spend their summer in Chile’s winter, where a wide variety of climates range from the arid deserts in the north to the tundra and polar regions in the south. In August, Chile further solidified its appeal as a tourist destination through key developments that enhance its position in the global market.
This summer, Chile has The Winter Carnival and Fireworks of Punta Arenas between July 21 and 22. The capital of the Magallanes Region offers this festivity of colours, dance, and music. Every year, La Tirana, located 72 kilometers from Iquique, holds the Virgin of La Tirana festivity, during which more than 250,000 people gather to join this week-long celebration of Andean roots.
In September, Chile celebrates Independence Day in grand style to commemorate the beginning of Independence from the Spanish Crown. Most major celebrations occur around the 18th and 19th, but the festivities can last up to a week.
Monaco – www.visitmonaco.com/en
Monaco’s summer cultural calendar is headlined by the Grimaldi Forum’s highly anticipated exhibition, “Colours! Pompidou Centre Masterpieces” (July 8–August 31), featuring more than 100 works from icons like Picasso, Matisse, and Basquiat. The Oceanographic Museum continues to captivate with Polar Mission, a multi-sensory deep dive into the mysteries of the Arctic and Antarctic, complete with immersive installations.
Don’t miss Monaco’s signature international events, including the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival (July 5-August 15) hosted at some of Monaco’s most iconic venues like the Salle des Étoiles and the Opéra Garnier Monte-Carlo, and the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show (September 24–27), drawing the world’s most impressive superyachts to Port Hercule for four days of luxury and innovation. Visitors can also enjoy performances by Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo and summer concerts at the Prince’s Palace, or just relax at Monaco’s Larvotto Beach.
Scotland (BUSINESS EVENTS PR) – www.businessevents.visitscotland.com
Scotland’s MICE landscape is more dynamic than ever, with a host of new venues and experiences for business events. Seaton House has opened in St Andrews, offering 42 luxury rooms and gourmet dining by acclaimed chef Roy Brett, blending tradition with modern elegance. The historic Crossbasket Castle has reopened after major renovations, now featuring state-of-the-art facilities ideal for high-end meetings and retreats. The Edinburgh Gin Distillery introduces immersive tours and tastings, perfect for unique group activities. Mar Hall has refreshed its luxury event spaces and wellness amenities, while Lost Shore Surf Resort brings adventure and sustainability with luxury lodges and Scotland’s first plant-based wetsuit rentals.
New direct flights from Montreal with Air Canada, Boston with JetBlue, and Philadelphia with American Airlines now make accessing Scotland easier than ever for North American delegates, opening even more opportunities for international events.
Toronto (BUSINESS EVENTS PR) – www.destinationtoronto.com
Toronto is more than a summer destination—it’s a city built for bold ideas and unforgettable gatherings. This season, the city comes alive with cultural energy, from the Luminato Festival (June 4–22) and TD Toronto Jazz Festival (June 20–29) to the Toronto Caribbean Carnival (July 31–August 4). Add in major concerts like Oasis’s reunion tour and The Weeknd’s stadium show, and your attendees will have plenty to talk about beyond the boardroom.
Meeting planners will find a reimagined city filled with new luxury hotels, elevated venues, and immersive experiences. From the brand-new TOOR Hotel and Union Hotel to the highly anticipated NOBU Toronto and its 15,000 sq. ft. dining space, there’s no shortage of stylish accommodations and hosting options. Creative venues like the gothic-chic Imperial, sky-high SixtyEight Event Space, and sports fans and corporate groups will love the Rogers Centre’s $400 million facelift, now featuring upgraded premium lounges and event space. And just in time for summer, the brand-new Rogers Stadium will open as Toronto’s largest outdoor concert venue with a capacity of 50,000.
Vienna – www.wien.info/en
The Summer Night Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic at Schönbrunn Palace is a must-see, offering classical music under the stars. Along the Danube Canal, enjoy chill spots like Strandbar Herrmann, the Badeschiff pool boat, and rooftop bars like Klyo, where you can enjoy refreshing cocktails. For water lovers, the Old Danube is perfect for diverse water activities, such as boating and stand-up paddling.
Cool down with Vienna’s rich ice cream tradition, blending 19th-century tradition with modern flavours. Visitors can explore picturesque vineyards, taverns, lush parks, and engaging zoos while enjoying outdoor adventures, cultural activities, and culinary delights.
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