The Biggest Gaming Conventions in Canada
Several gaming conventions are scheduled to take place across Canada. These entertaining and informative extravaganzas will attract throngs of gamers, developers, and other stakeholders from all over the world. Below, you can find out when and where the biggest gaming conventions in Canada are happening, who’s organizing them, and how you can be a part of them.
Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo
Since its debut in 2012, the Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo has evolved into one of Canada’s premier gaming conventions. The next convention is scheduled to commence on June 25, 2022. You’ll be able to find your favorite retro consoles and games along with collectibles and much more. Attendees can also play their favorite classic games such as Tetris for free. Enjoy the musical performances, learn a thing or two from special guest speakers, and compete in one of the retro video game tournaments. For those seeking more modern gaming experiences, the expo provides a perfect opportunity to explore the world of online casinos in Canada, which offer a wide array of games and exciting bonuses to enhance your gaming journey. As you delve into these online gaming platforms, it’s essential to understand the intricacies of engaging with them, such as the concept of wagering requirements. Wagering requirements are a key aspect of online casino bonuses, dictating how many times you need to bet the bonus amount before withdrawing any winnings. For a thorough understanding, consider exploring resources like the “Wagering Requirements Explained: Updated Guide for Beginners,” which offers invaluable insights for both new and experienced gamers navigating the online casino landscape.
Visit http://www.vancouvergamingexpo.com for tickets and other information.
Enthusiast Gaming EGLX
Not only is the ELGX the largest gaming convention in Toronto, but it is one of the biggest in North America. In 2020, this annual Toronto gaming expo drew over 30,000 attendees along with over a million viewers who tuned in Tik Tok, Twitch, and other streaming platforms. It was a star-studded affair that featured eSports icons, celebrities, guest speakers, and non-stop tournament events for gamers. The 2021 EGLX Toronto gaming expo promises to be even more exciting and immersive.
When: September, 2021
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front Street West, Toronto, ON
Check out https://eglx.com/ for more information.
Fan Expo Canada
There’s a lot more to Fan Expo Canada than gaming. It is an exciting mix of anime, sci-fi, comics, and pop culture. This family-friendly Canadian gaming show gives guests the opportunity to meet celebrities, anime characters, famous authors, legendary comic creators, and more. Have fun cosplaying as you browse for rare comic books, memorabilia, video games, and other interesting trinkets. In addition video game events for all ages, main attractions include autograph sessions, photo ops, celebrity Q&As and loads of workshops and seminars.
When: August 26 – 29, 2021
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front Street West, Toronto, ON
Visit https://fanexpohq.com/ for more details.
Montreal International Games Summit
The Montreal International Games Summit (MIGS) is one of the most immersive and biggest gaming conventions in the country. This annual event is designed to give exposure to Quebec’s thriving video game industry, and it showcases hundreds of the best video game developers in the world. The 2020 gaming convention was held online and broadcast in two parts. The first portion of the convention concentrated on careers and education while the second part centered on business development and visibility in the media. Organizers have yet to confirm whether this year’s game summit will be held at the Grand Quai du Port de Montréal or if it will be conducted online. It will happen either way.
When: November 2021
Where: Grand Quai du Port de Montréal, 200 de la Commune Street West, Montreal, QC
VCON
VCON’s roots go all the way back to 1971 and it is now one of the oldest and biggest fan-run sci-fi conventions in Canada. VCON features guest speakers, workshops, book and game launches, as well as crafts and copious amounts of cosplaying. You can find all sorts of memorabilia, games, and other items of interest at various dealer booths along with spectacular 2-D and 3-D artwork. Of course, there is also plenty of space devoted to your favorite tabletop and video games.
When: October 15 – 17, 2021
Where: Hilton Metrotown, 6083 McKay Avenue, Burnaby, BC
Go to https://vcon.ca/ for more information.
Dreamhack Montreal
Dreamhack gaming conventions have taken place in several countries over the last 25 years. Despite being a video game conference that will certainly entertain console gamers and arcade fans, more recent Dreamhack gaming conferences have primarily focused on eSports. The most respected industry professionals will tell you everything you need to know about the latest hardware and upcoming game launches. Try out a newly released game or sit back and watch as some of the most talented players on the planet vie for supremacy.
When: To Be Announced
Where: To Be Announced
More information will be posted on https://dreamhack.com/montreal/ as it becomes available.
Major Gaming Conventions Expected in 2021
So far, we have mentioned a few of the top gaming conventions. By no means is that all of them. There are several other exciting conferences scheduled to happen across Canada in 2021. Here’s a province by province look at some others.
British Columbia
Fan Expo Vancouver
When: June 25 – 27, 2021
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, BC
Website: http://www.fanexpovancouver.com/
Alberta
Fragapalooza
When: To Be Announced
Where: Leduc Recreation Centre, Leduc, Alberta
Website: http://www.fragapalooza.com/
Manitoba
Legiocon
When: To Be Announced
Where: Royal Canadian Legion No. 4, 1755 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB
Website: http://legiocon.ca/
Ontario
CanGames
When: May 2021
Where: Rideau Curling Club, 715 Cooper Street, Ottawa, ON
Website: http://www.cangames.ca/
Gryphcon
When: To Be Announced
Where: University of Guelph, Guelph, ON
Website: http://www.gryphcon.org/
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Hal-Con
When: October 22 – 24, 2021
Where: Halifax Convention Centre, 1650 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS
Website: http://hal-con.com/
Will They Be Postponed Due to Covid-19?
While some gaming conventions in Canada managed to go off without a hitch in 2020, many of them were forced to cancel due to the pandemic. Organizers for many of these events remain optimistic for 2021. However, the possibility that they will be forced to cancel still looms as the situation develops. It’s worth noting that some of these events found success online in 2020. Fans can anticipate more of these events to follow that trend in 2021. Check the organizers’ websites to get the most current updates.
Video Game Conventions Already Cancelled
While a few related conventions such as Toronto Comicon, Kitchener Comicon, and Anime North have officially cancelled, most Canadian gaming conferences are still planning to go ahead as scheduled. However, with so many of these gaming events having yet to set firm dates, it is quite likely that some of the upcoming Canada games festivals could be cancelled or moved to online venues.
Popular Companies Organizing Gaming Events
There are a variety of companies and other organizations that contribute to Canadian gaming conventions. For instance, digital media company Enthusiast Gaming is responsible for the Enthusiast Gaming Live Expo in Toronto which is one of the best-attended gaming events in North America. Some other notable companies that organize these events include Alliance Numérique and Dreamhack. Of course, the contributions of sponsors such as Tik Tok, Luminosity, and countless others cannot be forgotten.
Online-Only List of Gaming Conventions
Moving gaming summits to online platforms certainly makes it a lot easier for people from all over the world to attend. For instance, there’s no longer a need to travel to Leduc, Alberta to attend Gamealot. You can soak it all in via live streams from the comfort of your own home.
Some of the world’s biggest gaming conventions that will only be accessible online include:
As far as the events we covered above, the following will move online for 2021:
Gamealot
CastleCon
Enbicon
Impossible Realities
It is also possible that events with no set dates may also decide to take the fun and excitement online.
Where to Find Gaming Conventions Online
If you want to virtually attend a Canadian gaming convention online, make sure you check with the event’s website to find out where you can tune in and participate. While some events will live stream on the event’s website, others will use streaming services like Twitch, Tik Tok, and YouTube.
How to Get to Gaming Expos in Canada
If you want to attend a gaming expo in Canada, you will need to make travel plans unless you live close by. Organizers typically post more than enough information about how to purchase tickets, how to get to the venues, and other tips relating to hotels, restaurants, and local services.
Tips for Attending a Video Game Con in Canada
1. Be prepared to have fun and mingle with like-minded people
2. Purchase your ticket and register for events well ahead of time
3. Make a schedule for the things you want to do
4. Don’t be afraid to try new things
5. If you are from out of town, book a room as close to the venue as possible
6. Be prepared to alter your dining schedule
7. Expect large crowds and be ready to stand in line
8. Carry water and a supply of snacks
9. Give in to your desire to cosplay
FAQ
When is the next gaming convention in Toronto?
While a couple of gaming conventions will take place close by, Toronto’s next major gaming event is expected to be Fan Expo Canada which runs from August 26 – 29, 2021.
Where to see upcoming gaming event schedules in Canada for 2021?
A simple Google of “Gaming conventions Canada”, or something similar will lead you to several sites that have upcoming gaming conventions listed along with other helpful information.
What video game events go online only in 2021?
Gamealot, CastleCon, Eubicon, and Impossible Realities are all confirmed to be going online for their 2021 events. Expect other conferences to do the same.
What major gaming conventions are expected in 2021?
The list of major gaming conferences that are expected in 2021 includes:
• Fan Expo Vancouver
• VCON
• Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo
• Dreamhack Montreal
• The Montreal International Games Summit
• Enthusiast Gaming EGLX
What is the major gaming expo in Toronto?
Fan Expo Canada might be big, but the Enthusiast Gaming EGLX is the biggest gaming expo in Toronto and all of Canada.