Top 100 Events in Canada 2016 - Media & Literary Events

Toronto
#1 Media & Literary Event
The televised gala for the richest prize in Canadian fiction returns to downtown’s Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, hotel this year when 450 authors, editors, and publishers celebrate the $100,000 winner. André Alexis won in 2015 for his anthropomorphic novel 15 Dogs. Next: November 7, 2016

Toronto
#3 Media & Literary Event
The festival lost attendees in 2015 when it relocated from Queen’s Park to Harbourfront, but more than 200,000 were expected this year. Author Boat Cruises on Lake Ontario, a highlight of 2015, returned in 2016. TD and Gildan sponsored. Next: Fall 2017

Toronto
#4 Media & Literary Event
Irish literature and graphic novelists are the focus this year, when upwards of 12,000 book lovers are expected to attend and more than 200 Canadian and international authors are scheduled to participate. Publishers Penguin Canada and Harper Collins are sponsors. Next: October 20-30, 2016

Montreal
#5 Media & Literary Event (up from #7)
The literary festival with a social conscious grew to 60,000 attendees, including attendance at partner events, in 2016. The main venue was Hotel 10, and CBC and Concordia University were sponsors. God and literature is just one of the themes for 2017. Next: April 24-30, 2017

Banff
#6 Media & Literary Event
Roughly 1,700 entertainment and digital-media V.I.P.s flocked to the Rocky Mountain event in 2016, which focused on drama, comedy, branded, reality, and kids programming. It was sponsored by HBO and Bell Media. Next: June 11-14, 2017

Woody Point
#7 Media & Literary Event
The small but mighty festival sold out again in 2016, when authors Lawrence Hill and Guy Vanderhaeghe were joined by Newfoundland comedian Rick Mercer. A tribute to ailing Tragically Hip singer Gord Downie, sung by 250 festival attendees, was an emotional highlight of the Scotiabank-sponsored event. Next: August 15-20, 2017

Ottawa
#8 Media & Literary Event
Hosted in 2016 by former prime ministers’ children, Catherine Clark and Ben Mulroney, the sold-out dinner at the Fairmont Château Laurier drew 500 politicians, diplomats, and writers. John Ibbitson won the $25,000 prize for his biography, Stephen Harper. CIBC and Aimia were sponsors. Next: Spring 2017