Canada is the world’s second-largest country by total area (after Russia), and it has both a gorgeous natural landscape and lots of sprawling modern urban buildings. They are often associated with their love for gaming and thriving gaming industry, especially with world-renowned developers like Radical Entertainment and Ubisoft Montreal having their headquarters there.
Canada has lots of fun activities lined up for gamers. Gaming conventions are usually held in major cities, while smaller towns are lined up with internet cafes and local gaming communities. Gamers can take part in esports competitions, casual mobile gaming, or visit popular gaming destinations across the country. All this makes up for an amazing travel-gaming experience. Check out this travel guide for gamers.
Gaming Conventions, Events, and Spots Worth Visiting
There are lots of gaming conventions and events in Canada. There are also nice spots where you can go sightseeing and still have the opportunity to play your favourite games.
Niagara Falls is located between the province of Ontario and the state of New York. It is comprised of three waterfalls, and the largest of the three is the Horseshoe Falls. The sight is breathtaking, but there’s a massive attraction for gamers right there. Fallsview Casino, a world-class casino, is located right near the bank of the Horseshoe Falls. It’s usually open 24/7, and you will find over 3,000 slot machines and over 100 gaming tables. For those who prefer a digital experience, there are plenty of online casinos for Canadian players offering a similar excitement from the comfort of your hotel room.
One of the largest and biggest gaming and pop culture events in the country is Fan Expo Canada, which is usually held in Toronto. It’s held annually during the late summer season, and lots of activities like gaming tournaments, exclusive previews, and celebrity appearances draw over 130,000 visitors each year.
Anime lovers will enjoy Montreal’s Otakuthon, a three-day event held every August that blends gaming and anime culture. Fans get to enjoy watching each other compete in retro gaming.
For gamers who are considering travelling to Vancouver, you’re not left out. There’s an active gaming scene in the city and a lot of local gaming communities that frequently host tournaments and competitive events like fighting games and first-person shooters.
Essential Gaming Gear for Canadian Travel
While travelling as a gamer, you need to pack smartly and come prepared. If you want to game while you’re on a flight, in your hotel room, or even on long train rides, there are a few things you’ll need to make the experience worth it.
- A high-capacity power bank is very important. If you love playing on your phone, there’s a huge chance you’ll run out of battery while still outside your hotel or Airbnb. To avoid or manage this, a power bank will keep your devices charged for long sessions. Look for models with a capacity of 20,000mAh upwards.
- A portable hotspot is important when you run into areas with poor network coverage. You’ll find a lot of carriers in Canada that rent out hotspots, which work well for short-distance trips.
- Noise-cancelling headphones, like the HyperX Cloud Alpha, are important when you’re gaming in a crowded space with lots of noise. This headphone has been praised by Tom’s Guide and PC Gamer as a great value for gamers on a budget, which most travellers are. It helps you focus squarely on your game and also avoids disturbing the people around you with the noise from your gameplay.
Top Gaming Destinations in Major Cities
Toronto’s gaming scene centers around the Entertainment District, where you’ll find several gaming lounges and internet cafes. The city’s Chinatown area has numerous PC bangs (gaming cafes) that stay open late and offer hourly rates for gaming sessions.
The Gastown neighbourhood in Vancouver is home to many retro gaming stores and gaming lounges. The neighbourhood is walkable, and that makes it easy to visit a lot of gaming venues in one day. In most of these places, you’ll also find food and drinks, which makes them a perfect venue for long gaming sessions.
Montreal’s Plateau district also has so many cozy gaming cafes that mix modern gaming with a Quebec French cafe vibe. They frequently host tournaments and provide a relaxing atmosphere where gamers can compete casually against each other.
Gaming Stores and Specialty Shops
The video game industry in Canada is doing well. By 2027, it is expected to cross $10 billion. In certain game stores across the country, you will find rare collectibles that you won’t easily find online. A&C Games is popular for their retro consoles, and their staff can also help you find specific titles or recommend local gaming communities you can join.
Vancouver’s Regional Assembly of Text doubles as a gaming store and creative space, hosting game development workshops alongside retail. They focus on indie games and offer a curated selection that the locals love.
Montreal’s Gameopolis provides a European-style gaming experience with an emphasis on board games and tabletop gaming. They regularly host events that bring together digital and analog gaming communities.
Budget-Friendly Gaming Travel Tips
Many gaming conventions create multi-day passes that cost less than single-day tickets for each day. Planning your trip around these events can provide days of entertainment at a reasonable price. Some conventions also give discounts to students and groups.
Before travelling, research the city you’ll be visiting, find local gaming communities, check event calendars, and pack appropriately for the different weather conditions you might experience. Enjoying your travel-gaming experience across Canada depends on how well prepared and aware you are.
