Top Things For Gamers To Do In Canada Every Year
The gaming industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world, and in Canada, the sector is contributing significantly to the economy. Canada’s gaming industry covers mobile gaming, esports and casinos, and it has provided over 34,000 jobs in the video gaming corner and contributed over $11.7 billion to the nation’s GDP in 2024 alone.
Part of this growth is because online casinos are getting more popular. More Canadians now play on their phones, so operators are building safer and easier-to-use platforms to keep up. Canadians looking to find safe places to play can click here to see some of the most trusted options available, each one with attractive bonuses and large game libraries.
With its thriving market, Canada has continued to attract top talent in the gaming industry. Global companies like Ubisoft, Electronic Arts (EA) and Beenox Al operate in Canada, while local gaming studios like BioWare and Next Level Games add a bit of innovation and competition to the market.
For gamers looking to explore this active gaming market, Canada is just the place to visit. From gaming expos to futuristic gaming hubs, the Canadian gaming scene is a discovery with many exciting things for gamers to do every year.
Gaming Festivals
Fan Expo Canada
If you’re looking for a community of gamers, there’s no better place to look than the Canadian Fan Expo. It is arguably the largest gathering of gamers in Canada.
This annual four-day event attracts millions of gamers both in the provinces of Canada and abroad, with plenty to explore. At Fan Expo Canada, there is something for every type of gamer as it cuts across different sectors of the entertainment industry. You can find exhibitions on anime, casinos, esports , comics and even movies. You would meet other gamers, developers from global gaming companies like Sony, Xbox and Nintendo, and get access to new releases and updates.
DreamHack Canada
For esports fans, DreamHack is the real deal. As a production company, DreamHack is focused on esports, gaming and music and with this gaming festival, the company gathers thousands of gamers and esports enthusiasts to deliver a one-of-a-kind gaming experience. Canada is one of the key stops on the global DreamHack circuit, and this year, there is speculation that it may come to Montreal.
This festival has gone on for more than two decades, and every edition is bigger than the last. The Dallas edition for this year pulled in over 60,000 attendees, compared to the 55,000 from last year. Apart from gaming exhibitions, there are also tournaments where attendees face off for exclusive prizes. If you want to witness live gaming, this is the place to be.
Casinos
Casino de Montreal
Casinos are a big part of Canada’s gaming scene, and if you are a fan of slot machines and all-around entertainment, then add Casino de Montreal to your list of places to visit.
This is known as the biggest land-based gambling enterprise in Canada. With over 3,000 slots, a keno room, and a space to accommodate over 20,000 players, Casino de Montreal is exactly what a world-class casino feels like. If you want to enjoy your time here, be sure to carry cash, so you can easily place wagers and switch between games.
Casino Niagara
You have probably heard of Niagara Falls, as it’s one of the most famous tourist attractions in Canada. However, you may not have heard of the Casino Niagara, which sits at the heart of the Niagara Tourism area.
The casino covers over 95,000 square feet and, just like Casino de Montreal, it has over 3,000 slot machines and around 40 table games. As a first-timer, you may be overwhelmed by the number of games you have to choose from. The casino is also very close to Niagara Falls, meaning after a swell time in the casino, you can just step out to appreciate the beauty of the Niagara Falls.
Gaming Studios
Levelup Virtual Reality Arcade
Apart from gaming expos and casinos, one of the other things to explore as a gamer visiting Canada is gaming studios, and there is no better place to start than the Levelup Virtual Reality Arcade. The arcade is located in downtown Toronto, and it is a perfect place to hang out, make friends or meet in small groups.
The arcade is famous because of its immersive gaming experiences, which cut across horror, sports, action and adventure games. The main reason for this immersive experience is not just about the VR goggles but the haptic suit, which gamers are given to wear before playing a game. These suits have multiple vibrations, which allow you to feel in-game action, making the experience an unforgettable one.
Red Bull Gaming Studio
If you’re a huge esports fan, you have to check out the Red Bull Gaming Studio. Located inside OverActive Media’s headquarters in Liberty Village, the studio is a hub for the esports community. Fans come here to hang out, create content, watch live tournaments and celebrate their favourite players.
Apart from networking and meeting new people, you can also play a few games, and maybe even meet some esports talents who come to the studio for practice sessions and live interviews.
Conclusion
Gaming is a thriving sector in Canada, and it is becoming one of the top destinations for gamers across the world. By 2030, the sector is expected to generate over $20 billion in revenue. With world-class casinos, gaming festivals and studios, there is a lot to explore in Canada.
