Toronto
#1 Media & Literary Event (up from #2)
The highlight of the literary calendar, the award doubled its prize money this year to $100,000. In 2014, Sean Michaels won for his novel Us Conductors and was feted at the black-tie gala dinner for 450 authors, editors, and publishers at the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto. Next: November 10, 2015
Vancouver
#2 Media & Literary Event
Named by the Canadian Tourism Commission as the best large literary festival in Canada, the Vancouver favorite continues to set attendance and ticket-sales records, with 18,000 book lovers expected this year. Amazon sponsors the event. Next: October 20-25, 2015
Toronto
#3 Media & Literary Event (up from #4)
The festival relocates to Harbourfront Centre and the revitalized Queen’s Quay this fall. The indoor-outdoor venue is increasing programming options, including newly added Author Boat Cruises where readers can cruise Lake Ontario with writers. Next: September 27, 2015
Toronto
#4 Media & Literary Event
In 2014, the 11-day festival featured the best of contemporary fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama, as well as a focus on World War I and a special event in support of PEN Canada featuring film director David Cronenberg. Next: October 22-November 1, 2015
Banff
#5 Media & Literary Event
About 1,700 digital-media and entertainment-industry leaders attended the 2015 event nestled in the Rocky Mountains. Branded content and digital-first programming were highlights. Grand patrons included Bell Media and Shaw Media. Next: June 12-16, 2016
Woody Point
#6 Media & Literary Event (up from #8)
The town’s population nearly doubles to 600 for the growing festival on “the Rock.” Highlights in 2015 included rubbing shoulders with authors Margaret Atwood and Bruce Cockburn at impromptu readings and musical performances. The event is sponsored by Scotiabank. Next: August 2016
Montreal
#7 Media & Literary Event (new to the list)
The international festival, promoting creativity and intercultural understanding, grew by 29 percent to 37,000 attendees (and 293 authors) in 2015. New for 2016: love and sex in the age of social media, and a diversity award for a Montreal author. Next: April 11-17, 2016
Ottawa
#8 Media & Literary Event
Some 500 politicians, diplomats, and writers attended in 2015 in support of the Writers’ Trust at the Fairmont Château Laurier. The highlight was the awarding of the $25,000 prize for political writing, sponsored by Aimia, to Joseph Heath for Enlightenment 2.0. Next: Spring 2016
