July is just around the corner, and now is the time to get active and enjoy Ontario. It doesn't matter if you're at Celebration Square in Mississauga, taking in the fireworks display in Brampton or setting up for family fun on the white sands of Sauble Beach, Canada Day tops the list for summer fun!

... but Canada Day is just the beginning.

1000 Islands Pirate Days (July 10-12)
Avast! There be a gathering of swashbucklers and scallywags at Gananoque. Join Captain Jack and his crew of pirates at the Gananoque Pirate Festival. These ruffians are family-friendly with a KIDS ZONE where the little ones can play, and there are plenty of live music, the Pirates parade and waterfront events for the whole family.

"Ontario plays host to outdoor fun and family adventure."

Experience Ganaraska (July 11-19)
Located on the north shore of Lake Ontario, the Port Hope-based Experience Ganaraska is like summer camp for the whole family. Try something different from your day-to-day life with instruction from local artisans on everything from sculpting stone to trap shooting, and yoga to orienteering.

Holstein Rodeo & Country Musicfest (July 9-12)
Less than two hours north of Toronto is Holstein and the area's 14th annual rodeo event. Fill your days with roping, riding and racing events and your nights with some of Canada's top country music performers, live and on stage.

Beaches International Jazz Festival (July 10-26)
If it's July and you're in Toronto, find your way to Woodbine Park and the 27th International Beaches Jazz Festival. Depending on which week you attend, you'll find jazz, reggae, hip-hop, Latin music and more on one of several stages across multiple venues. Besides the main stage attractions, the festival offers kids events and music workshops for music lovers of all ages.

Collingwood Elvis Festival (July 23-26)
Close out July with something unusual. Specifically, make your way to the Collingwood Elvis Festival. Get your tickets now because the festival is anticipating 30,000 attendees this year, and over 100 of them will Elvis tribute artists.

Forest Festival (August 12-16)
Celebrate nature and music in a unique setting at the heart of Ontario. Nestled on the shores of Bone Lake in the Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve, the Bone Lake Amphitheatre is a 600-seat venue arrayed around a stage that floats on the lake itself. Enjoy live music throughout the festival, but also note that the reserve is home to other attractions, including the world's longest canopy walk, a fresh water submarine tour and more.

Art by the River (August 29-30)
If you're looking for something more moderately paced than pirates, Elvis and bull riding, head to Amherstburg and the Fort Malden National Historic Park. Art by the River is an arts and crafts fair in support of the Gibson Gallery where 140 artists from all corners of Ontario will gather to celebrate art, culture and live entertainment.