1. Explore The History Of Peace
Over the span of this country’s history, many Canadians have taken action to make peace possible—and this is their exhibit. Billed as the first major exhibition to explore the many ways Canadians have acted for peace, it features more than 300 unique and important artifacts depicting those who acted as negotiators, provided humanitarian aid, shouldered arms or demonstrated against wars and weapons.

Peace Exhibition
July 1, 2013-Jan. 5, 2014
Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, ON
http://www.warmuseum.ca

Photo: Jack Lindsay

2. Experience East Coast Military Tradition
The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is a week-long event held every year in Halifax that features educational workshops, free festival events and a daily two-and-a-half hour show packed with bagpipes, highland dancers, acrobats and a huge serving of military tradition. A great family event.

Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
June 30-July 7, 2013
Halifax, NS
http://www.nstattoo.ca

Photo: J.P. Lafleur

3. Go West For The “Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth”
For more than 100 years now the Calgary Stampede has been an annual horse-wrangling, frontier-style cowboy rodeo extravaganza. Why would you want to miss that? You wouldn’t. So go this year and see it all, from concerts to horsemanship to serious western cooking, this nine-day event is a Canadian icon.

Calgary Stampede
July 5-14
Calgary, AB
http://cs.calgarystampede.com

Photo: Calgary Stampede

4. Witness The Battle That Saved Canada
The Battle of Crysler’s Farm is oftentimes referred to as “the battle that saved Canada” and for that reason alone you should make the trip to Morrisburg, Ont., to visit Upper Canada Village and see the re-enactment of this fight and celebrate its fortunate ending. There will be over 500 re-enactors representing naval, artillery, band and infantry units from across Canada and the United States.

The Battle of Crysler’s Farm
July 13-14, 2013
Upper Canada Village
Morrisburg, ON
http://www.cryslersfarm.com

5. Hear The Canadian Forces On Parliament Hill
Fortissimo is a military and musical spectacular created on the lawns of Parliament Hill featuring massed military bands, pipes and drums, guest performers and the soldiers of the Ceremonial Guard. There will be a light show and lots of military participation.

Fortissimo
Aug. 8-10, 2013
Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON
http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/land-terre/cg-gc/events-evenements/index-eng.asp

Photo: Combat Camera