Best Diwali events in Canada 2025. See top 15 city celebrations in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary & Montreal—dates, venues, maps, tips, and official links.

Best Diwali Events in Canada 2025 – Top 15 City Celebrations in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary & Montreal

Looking for the Best Diwali Events in Canada 2025 – Top 15 City Celebrations in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary & Montreal all in one place? You’re in the right spot. This national guide highlights Canada’s biggest, most-loved Diwali and Deepavali festivals—with verified addresses, official links, and practical planning tips. From Times Square-level street vibes in Toronto’s Gerrard India Bazaar to family-friendly civic squares in Mississauga and Brampton, to Diwali Fest across Vancouver and Surrey, and temple-led Annakut in Calgary, Montreal, and beyond—you’ll find everything you need to pick your perfect celebration.

You’ll also get a Canada-wide Diwali week calendar, fireworks by-law links, packing lists, and crowd hacks. Use the table of contents to jump around.

Table of Contents

• Quick Answer: Top 15 Diwali Events in Canada 2025
• What Makes These 15 “Best”? Criteria We Used
• Canada Diwali 2025: Date, 5-Day Calendar, and Puja Timing
• Event-by-Event Guide: Cities, Venues, Maps, and Official Links
• Getting Around: Transit, Parking, and Crowd Hacks
• Food, Shopping, and Kids’ Zones: What to Expect
• Fireworks & By-Laws: Read This Before You Light Anything
• Weather & Packing: October Across Canadian Cities
• Eco-Friendly and Sensory-Friendly Diwali Ideas
• Personal Story: A Calm, Happy Diwali in a Busy City
• Key Statistics (With Sources)
• FAQs
• Internal Links (Recommended)
• External Links (Authoritative)

Quick Answer: Top 15 Diwali Events in Canada 2025

Featured snippet-friendly list you can skim and save. Dates update closer to October—use the official links to confirm.

• Toronto — Gerrard India Bazaar Diwali Fest of Lights
  • Official: https://gerrardindiabazaar.com/events/
  • Area map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Gerrard+India+Bazaar+Toronto
• Mississauga — Diwali RazzMatazz at Celebration Square
  • Official: https://diwalirazzmatazz.com
  • Venue: 300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga, ON
  • Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=300+City+Centre+Dr+Mississauga+ON
• Brampton — Garden Square Diwali Celebration
  • City events: https://www.brampton.ca/EN/City-Hall/Events/Pages/Welcome.aspx
  • Venue: Garden Square, 12 Main St N, Brampton, ON
  • Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Garden+Square+Brampton
• Vancouver — Diwali Fest (Diwali Downtown Vancouver)
  • Official: https://www.diwalifest.ca
  • Typical venue: Roundhouse Community Arts Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews
  • Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Roundhouse+Community+Arts+Centre+Vancouver
• Surrey — Diwali Fest (Diwali Downtown Surrey)
  • Official: https://www.diwalifest.ca
  • Typical venue: Surrey City Hall/Civic Plaza, 13450 104 Ave
  • Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=13450+104+Ave+Surrey+BC
• Calgary — Diwali Mela & Annakut (Hindu Society of Calgary)
  • Official: https://hindusocietyofcalgary.com
  • Venue: 2225 24 Ave NE, Calgary, AB
  • Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=2225+24+Ave+NE+Calgary+AB
• Edmonton — Deepavali & Annakut (Hindu Society of Alberta)
  • Official: https://hsalberta.com
  • Venue: 9241 34 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB
  • Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=9241+34+Ave+NW+Edmonton+AB
• Ottawa — Diwali & Annakut (Hindu Temple of Ottawa‑Carleton)
  • Official: https://www.ottawahindutemple.com
  • Venue: 4835 Bank St, Gloucester, ON
  • Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=4835+Bank+St+Gloucester+ON
• Montreal — Diwali & Govardhan Puja (ISKCON Montreal)
  • Official: https://www.iskconmontreal.ca
  • Venue: 1626 Pie‑IX Blvd, Montreal, QC
  • Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=1626+Pie-IX+Blvd+Montreal+QC
• Winnipeg — Diwali & Annakut (Hindu Temple and Dr. Raj Pandey Hindu Centre)
  • Official: https://www.hindutemple.mb.ca
  • Venue: 999 St Anne’s Rd, Winnipeg, MB
  • Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=999+St+Anne%E2%80%99s+Rd+Winnipeg+MB
• Halifax — Diwali (Hindu Temple of Nova Scotia)
  • Official: https://hindutemplens.com
  • Venue: 6421 Cork St, Halifax, NS
  • Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=6421+Cork+St+Halifax+NS
• Hamilton — Diwali (Hindu Samaj Temple of Hamilton & Region)
  • Official: https://hindusamajtemple.com
  • Venue: 6297 Twenty Rd E, Hamilton, ON
  • Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=6297+Twenty+Rd+E+Hamilton+ON
• Richmond Hill — Diwali & Annakut (Vishnu Mandir)
  • Official: https://vishnumandir.com
  • Venue: 8640 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, ON
  • Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=8640+Yonge+St+Richmond+Hill+ON
• Markham — Diwali (Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre)
  • Official: https://www.sanatanmandir.com
  • Venue: 8401 Country Glen Rd, Markham, ON
  • Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=8401+Country+Glen+Rd+Markham+ON
• Toronto (Etobicoke) — Diwali & Annakut (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir)
  • Official: https://www.baps.org/Global-Network/North-America/Toronto.aspx
  • Venue: 61 Claireville Dr, Etobicoke, ON
  • Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=61+Claireville+Dr+Etobicoke+ON

Important: Most 2025 lineups and exact times publish 3–6 weeks ahead. Always confirm the latest details on the official links before you go.

What Makes These 15 “Best”? Criteria We Used

• Scale and community appeal: Large, diverse crowds and broad programming
• Cultural richness: Music, dance (garba, bhangra, classical), rangoli, diya lighting
• Family-friendly design: Kids’ zones, accessible layouts, clear amenities
• Reliability: Established organizers, city-backed venues, or well-known temples
• Verification: Public addresses, official websites, and maps included

Additionally, we focused on major metros and regional hubs so travelers can plan long weekends around them.

Canada Diwali 2025: Date, 5-Day Calendar, and Puja Timing

Diwali 2025 falls on Monday, October 20, 2025 (verify locally). Plan your week with this easy calendar:

• Dhanteras: Saturday, Oct 18
• Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali): Sunday, Oct 19
• Diwali / Lakshmi Puja: Monday, Oct 20
• Govardhan Puja / Annakut: Tuesday, Oct 21
• Bhai Dooj: Wednesday, Oct 22

Puja timing tip:

• Start Lakshmi Puja after local sunset during Pradosh Kaal.
• Check your city’s muhurats and Amavasya Tithi:
  • Sunset times: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/

Event-by-Event Guide: Cities, Venues, Maps, and Official Links

Short, scannable profiles so you can pick fast, plan smart, and have fun.

1) Toronto — Gerrard India Bazaar Diwali Fest of Lights

• Venue area: Gerrard St E between Coxwell Ave and Greenwood Ave, Toronto, ON
• Official: https://gerrardindiabazaar.com/events/
• Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Gerrard+India+Bazaar+Toronto
• Why go: Toronto’s iconic “Little India” comes alive with lights, music, street food, rangoli, and vendor specials.
• Family tip: Arrive in the first hour for shorter food lines; return at dusk for the glow.

2) Mississauga — Diwali RazzMatazz at Celebration Square

• Venue: 300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga, ON
• Official fest site: https://diwalirazzmatazz.com
• City venue page: https://www.mississauga.ca/places/celebration-square/events/
• Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=300+City+Centre+Dr+Mississauga+ON
• Why go: Big-stage performances, kids’ activities, and tons of food options in a highly accessible civic square.
• Family tip: Sunday late afternoon usually has easier stroller movement.

3) Brampton — Garden Square Diwali Celebration

• Venue: Garden Square, 12 Main St N, Brampton, ON
• City events: https://www.brampton.ca/EN/City-Hall/Events/Pages/Welcome.aspx
• Garden Square info: https://www.brampton.ca/EN/Arts-Culture-Tourism/Centre-For-The-Arts/Pages/Garden-Square.aspx
• Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Garden+Square+Brampton
• Why go: Outdoor stage energy, local dance schools, and community showcases.
• Pro move: Bring a light blanket for lawn seating and arrive early for prime viewing.

4) Vancouver — Diwali Fest (Diwali Downtown Vancouver)

• Typical venue: Roundhouse Community Arts Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver, BC
• Official: https://www.diwalifest.ca
• Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=Roundhouse+Community+Arts+Centre+Vancouver
• Why go: Long-running festival with classical dance, bhangra, film, rangoli, and hands-on workshops.
• Tip: Workshops fill—watch the schedule drop and RSVP quickly.

5) Surrey — Diwali Fest (Diwali Downtown Surrey)

• Venue: Surrey City Hall & Civic Plaza, 13450 104 Ave, Surrey, BC
• Official: https://www.diwalifest.ca
• City events: https://www.surrey.ca/news-events/events
• Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=13450+104+Ave+Surrey+BC
• Why go: Family-friendly, covered atrium areas, and great vendor variety.
• Tip: SkyTrain (Surrey Central) makes arrivals easy on busy nights.

6) Calgary — Diwali Mela & Annakut (Hindu Society of Calgary)

• Venue: Radha Krishan Temple, 2225 24 Ave NE, Calgary, AB
• Official: https://hindusocietyofcalgary.com
• Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=2225+24+Ave+NE+Calgary+AB
• Why go: Traditional puja, aarti, and Annakut displays with community programs.
• Tip: Annakut queues are longest at opening; early or late visits are calmer.

7) Edmonton — Deepavali & Annakut (Hindu Society of Alberta)

• Venue: Maha Ganapathy Temple Complex, 9241 34 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB
• Official: https://hsalberta.com
• Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=9241+34+Ave+NW+Edmonton+AB
• Why go: Devotional music, diya lighting, cultural showcases, and community meals.
• Tip: Dress in layers—Edmonton evenings in October can be brisk.

8) Ottawa — Diwali & Annakut (Hindu Temple of Ottawa‑Carleton)

• Venue: 4835 Bank St, Gloucester, ON
• Official: https://www.ottawahindutemple.com
• Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=4835+Bank+St+Gloucester+ON
• Why go: Classic temple Diwali with serene aarti and photogenic Annakut the next day.
• Tip: Parking fills quickly—arrive early or carpool.

9) Montreal — Diwali & Govardhan Puja (ISKCON Montreal)

• Venue: 1626 Pie‑IX Blvd, Montreal, QC
• Official: https://www.iskconmontreal.ca
• Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=1626+Pie-IX+Blvd+Montreal+QC
• Why go: Kirtan, aarti, and Govardhan Puja traditions right in the city.
• Tip: Watch for family workshops and cultural talks leading up to Diwali.

10) Winnipeg — Diwali & Annakut (Hindu Temple and Dr. Raj Pandey Hindu Centre)

• Venue: 999 St Anne’s Rd, Winnipeg, MB
• Official: https://www.hindutemple.mb.ca
• Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=999+St+Anne%E2%80%99s+Rd+Winnipeg+MB
• Why go: Welcoming community, vibrant rangoli, and delicious prasad.
• Tip: Bring a small offering (fruit, sweets) if the temple requests.

11) Halifax — Diwali (Hindu Temple of Nova Scotia)

• Venue: 6421 Cork St, Halifax, NS
• Official: https://hindutemplens.com
• Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=6421+Cork+St+Halifax+NS
• Why go: Intimate atmosphere and friendly volunteers—great for first-time visitors.
• Tip: Check for cultural evenings hosted by local associations.

12) Hamilton — Diwali (Hindu Samaj Temple of Hamilton & Region)

• Venue: 6297 Twenty Rd E, Hamilton, ON
• Official: https://hindusamajtemple.com
• Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=6297+Twenty+Rd+E+Hamilton+ON
• Why go: Community-forward celebrations and accessible programs for all ages.
• Tip: Combine with a daytime fall colours drive on the Niagara Escarpment.

13) Richmond Hill — Diwali & Annakut (Vishnu Mandir)

• Venue: 8640 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, ON
• Official: https://vishnumandir.com
• Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=8640+Yonge+St+Richmond+Hill+ON
• Why go: One of the GTA’s most photogenic Annakut displays.
• Tip: Arrive early with elders; seating fills during peak aarti.

14) Markham — Diwali (Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre)

• Venue: 8401 Country Glen Rd, Markham, ON
• Official: https://www.sanatanmandir.com
• Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=8401+Country+Glen+Rd+Markham+ON
• Why go: Traditional rituals plus cultural programs and community seva.
• Tip: Check for youth-led performances on the weekend after Diwali.

15) Toronto (Etobicoke) — Diwali & Annakut (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir)

• Venue: 61 Claireville Dr, Etobicoke, ON
• Official: https://www.baps.org/Global-Network/North-America/Toronto.aspx
• Map: https://maps.google.com/?q=61+Claireville+Dr+Etobicoke+ON
• Why go: Grand architecture, luminous diya displays, and breathtaking Annakut.
• Tip: Weekday mornings are quieter—even during festival week.

Bookmark the official links for each city—their 2025 schedules usually go live between late September and early October.

Getting Around: Transit, Parking, and Crowd Hacks

• First, use transit for downtown events (Toronto, Vancouver). Parking is limited and pricey near main stages.
• Additionally, take a quick map photo of your parking bay or drop-off pin; it saves time when you leave.
• However, if you must drive, arrive 45–60 minutes before prime time to avoid gridlock.
• Therefore, set two alarms: one for sweater/blanket time at dusk, and one as your exit reminder 10 minutes before the final act.

Pro move: Eat a snack before arriving so you’re not stuck in the first food-line rush.

Food, Shopping, and Kids’ Zones: What to Expect

• Food: Street favourites (chaat, dosa, kebabs, vada pav), desserts (jalebi, gulab jamun, kulfi), and hot chai.
• Shopping: Diyas, rangoli kits, festive wear, jewelry, candles, masalas, and gift hampers.
• Kids’ zones: Face painting, diya painting, rangoli tables, henna, and photo walls.

Queue-busting tips:

• Eat off-peak (2–4 PM or after 8:30 PM).
• Share plates so you can taste more with fewer lines.
• Carry tap-enabled cards; some vendors are cashless.

Fireworks & By-Laws: Read This Before You Light Anything

By-laws differ across cities—and change over time. Always check official pages:

• Toronto fireworks rules: https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/fireworks
• Mississauga fireworks rules: https://www.mississauga.ca/services-and-programs/fire-and-emergency-services/fire-prevention/fireworks/
• Brampton fireworks rules: https://www.brampton.ca/EN/City-Hall/Bylaws/Pages/Fireworks-By-law.aspx
• Surrey fireworks rules: https://www.surrey.ca/services-payments/bylaws/fireworks
• Vancouver fireworks rules: https://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/fireworks.aspx
• Calgary fireworks rules: https://www.calgary.ca/communities/bylaws/fireworks.html
• Edmonton fireworks rules: https://www.edmonton.ca/residential_neighbourhoods/fire-permits/fireworks-permits
• Ottawa fireworks rules: https://ottawa.ca/en/arts-heritage-and-events/special-events/fireworks

Contrarian viewpoint: Many families now skip fireworks entirely and report a calmer, more inclusive Diwali—better for pets, elders, and air quality.

Weather & Packing: October Across Canadian Cities

• Toronto/GTA, Ottawa, Montreal: Evenings 5–12°C—pack a warm layer.
• Vancouver/Surrey: Milder but wetter—carry a rain shell and waterproof shoes.
• Calgary/Edmonton/Winnipeg: Colder nights—gloves, beanies, and warm coats help.

Packing checklist:

1. Refillable water bottle
2. Portable phone charger
3. Light blanket or foldable seats
4. Tissues, wipes, sanitizer
5. Small umbrella or rain shell
6. Reusable tote for shopping
7. Kids’ headphones (for loud stages)

Eco-Friendly and Sensory-Friendly Diwali Ideas

• Eco tips: Clay diyas or LED lamps, bio-based rangoli, reusable thalis and tote bags, and diligent recycling.
• Sensory-friendly: Plan quiet breaks, stand away from speakers, and bring ear protection for children.
• Condo-friendly: Wind-safe balcony lanterns, LED candles, and indoor diya trays on non-flammable mats.

Personal Story: A Calm, Happy Diwali in a Busy City

We tried a “two-stop” Diwali last year: an early stroll through the Gerrard India Bazaar just as vendors opened, then Lakshmi Puja at home after sunset. We skipped fireworks and instead took our kids to see diyas at a nearby temple. The night felt peaceful and connected—and cleanup took 10 minutes. Sometimes, less noise brings more joy.

Key Statistics (With Sources)

• Hindus in Canada: 830,000+ (about 2.3% of the population, 2021)
  • Source: Statistics Canada — https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/221026/dq221026b-eng.htm
• South Asians are Canada’s largest visible minority: 2.6 million+ (2021)
  • Source: Statistics Canada — https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/221026/dq221026a-eng.htm
• “Diwali” search interest spikes each Oct/Nov across Canada
  • Source: Google Trends (Canada) — https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?geo=CA&q=Diwali
• Puja timing matters: late-October sunsets in major Canadian cities hover around early evening
  • Source: timeanddate.com (choose your city) — https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/
• Fireworks permissions vary by city; many restrict or prohibit consumer use
  • Sources: City by-laws (see links in the Fireworks section)

FAQs

Related internal guides

• Diwali Celebration in Canada 2025: Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary Guide
• Toronto Diwali Festival of Lights 2025: Oct 11–12 at Nathan Phillips Square
• BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir Toronto Diwali 2025: Oct 20
• Diwali 2025 Date in Canada: Oct 20 + Toronto Puja Times
• How Indian Canadians Celebrate Diwali: Traditions, Community Events

External Links (Authoritative)

• Statistics Canada (Religion 2021): https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/221026/dq221026b-eng.htm
• Google Trends (Canada — “Diwali”): https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?geo=CA&q=Diwali
• timeanddate.com (Sunrise/Sunset): https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/
• City fireworks by-laws: Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Surrey, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa (see section above)

Conclusion with CTA

Canada’s Festival of Lights fills October with color, music, and community. With this Best Diwali Events in Canada 2025 – Top 15 City Celebrations in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary & Montreal guide, you now have the addresses, official links, and smart planning tips to choose your perfect celebration—from big public squares to serene temple aartis and dazzling Annakut displays.

Bookmark this page, share it with your group, and set reminders to check each event’s 2025 schedule in late September. Want a personalized plan—best arrival time, transit route, or a kid-friendly food crawl in your city? Comment with your city and group size, and we’ll map it out. Which city are you celebrating in this year?