For entrepreneurs, corporations, and investors interested in Canada's startup ecosystem, conferences and events on the ground are where connections with new business partners and investment opportunities expand quickly. Across Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, the calendar offers a wide range of opportunities throughout the year, from large-scale gatherings to specialized industry conferences.At DMZ Japan, we have put together the major events to help Japanese entrepreneurs access the latest developments in Canada and step into local networks. This article groups them into three categories: 1. Major large-scale events, 2. Industry-specific events, and 3. Investment, pitch, and awards events. Please note that the dates and figures listed are based on official sources, but they can change shortly before an event, so always check the official site for the latest information before deciding to attend.1. Major Large-Scale EventsThese are Canada's flagship tech conferences, spanning a broad range of industries and drawing anywhere from several thousand to tens of thousands of attendees. They suit those who want to get a feel for the ecosystem as a whole, or anyone attending a Canadian event for the first time.Web Summit Vancouver | May 11-14 (Vancouver)A large-scale conference operated by Web Summit. Held at the Vancouver Convention Centre, it brings together more than 20,000 entrepreneurs, investors, media, and tech leaders from over 100 countries. Covering a wide range of fields including AI, SaaS, fintech, and healthtech, it shines a light on the tech scene of one of North America's fastest-growing regions. The 2026 edition has already taken place, and the next one has been announced for May 25-28, 2027.Official site: https://vancouver.websummit.com/Toronto Tech Week | May 25-29 (Toronto)A citywide event running for a full week, with several hundred community-led independent events taking place during the period. Its inaugural 2025 edition drew more than 15,000 attendees. The main stage, "Homecoming," took place on May 27, where executives from companies that represent Canada, such as Shopify, took the stage. Sessions on a wide range of themes including AI, fintech, venture capital, and robotics unfolded across the city. The 2026 edition has already taken place. Dates for 2027 have not yet been announced, but the event is likely to return around the same time of year.Official site: https://www.torontotechweek.com/Startupfest | July 8-10 (Montreal)Canada's oldest startup event, with a 16-year history. Held at Montreal's Old Port, it has a festival-like atmosphere where entrepreneurs, investors, large corporations, and industry veterans come together. It offers pitch opportunities with prizes worth up to one million dollars, making it a practical venue for founders aiming to raise capital or gain media exposure.Official site: https://www.startupfest.com/ALL IN | September 16-17 (Montreal)Canada's largest AI event, led by Scale AI, the country's AI global innovation cluster. Held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, it brings together more than 6,500 decision-makers and experts from over 40 countries. It has grown rapidly into a place where researchers, data scientists, investors, and Canada's top 100 AI startups gather under one roof.Official site: https://allinevent.ai/Elevate Festival | September 22-24 (Toronto)Canada's largest homegrown tech and innovation event, reaching its ninth edition in 2026. Spanning fields such as AI, quantum, aerospace, and fintech, it brings together founders, investors, policymakers, and creators. The 2026 edition centers on the theme of "Canada's sovereignty" amid AI and geopolitical change. DMZ is among its corporate sponsors.Official site: https://elevatefestival.ca/2. Industry-Specific EventsThese are specialized events focused deeply on particular fields. When your business area is clearly defined, they lead to higher-quality connections.MaRS Impact Health | April 23 (Toronto)A healthcare innovation event hosted by MaRS Discovery District, one of North America's largest urban innovation hubs. It draws international investors, founders, researchers, and healthcare professionals from across biotech, digital health, and medical devices. It serves as the centerpiece of Toronto Health Innovation Week, a week-long event bundling together multiple summits. The 2026 edition has already taken place. Dates for 2027 have not yet been announced, but past editions have clustered around April to June, so the event is likely to return around the same time of year next year.Official site: https://impacthealth.marsdd.com/H2O: Home to Overseas Conference | June 8-11 (Halifax)Canada's leading conference for the ocean technology sector, held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and reaching its 11th edition in 2026. It covers innovation underpinning the ocean economy, including aquaculture, clean energy, offshore wind, and port technologies, connecting regional, national, and international ocean tech leaders through exhibits, panels, and B2B meetings. It is well suited to those interested in the ocean industry cluster of Atlantic Canada.Official site: https://h2oconference.ca/Global Energy Show Canada | June 9-11 (Calgary)One of Canada's largest energy trade shows and conferences, held at the BMO Centre in Calgary. It brings together more than 30,000 attendees and over 500 exhibitors from upwards of 100 countries. Going well beyond oil and gas, it covers renewable energy, cleantech, and technologies tied to the energy transition, gathering industry leaders, government representatives, and startups in one place. It is a strong option for getting a read on the energy sector in Western Canada, centered on Alberta.Official site: https://www.globalenergyshow.com/Canadian FinTech Forum | September 14-15 (Montreal)A forum specializing in Canada's fintech sector, held in Montreal. Leaders from the banking, insurance, and investment sectors gather to discuss the theme of technological disruption across the industry. It covers topics worth understanding when developing a fintech business in the Canadian market, such as payment technology and the regulatory environment.Official site: https://www.forumfintechcanada.com/en/homeSAAS NORTH | November 4-5 (Ottawa)Canada's largest conference for SaaS founders and operators, reaching its 11th year in 2026. Held at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa, it brings together more than 2,500 participants, including founders, operators, investors, and ecosystem partners. It focuses on commercializing B2B software during the transition into the AI era, addressing practical themes such as pricing, product, and distribution.Official site: https://saasnorth.com/MaRS Climate Impact | November 17-18 (Toronto)Also hosted by MaRS Discovery District, this is an event specializing in cleantech. Held at the MaRS Centre in downtown Toronto or online, it features panel discussions and company demos across two days. Cleantech innovators from around the world gather to discuss strategies for scaling the most impactful solutions.Official site: https://climateimpact.marsdd.com/Quantum Days | February 17-19, 2027 (Sherbrooke)The flagship conference that brings together Canada's quantum community. Its 2026 edition was held in Victoria, British Columbia, in February and drew researchers, industry, students, policymakers, and investors. The next Quantum Days 2027 is confirmed for February 17-19, 2027, in Sherbrooke, Quebec. With an emphasis on research commercialization and the creation of startup opportunities, it is a venue for projecting Canada's leadership in the quantum field both at home and abroad.Official site: https://2027.quantumdays.ca/3. Investment, Pitch, and Awards EventsThese events focus on building connections with investors through fundraising and awards.CIX Summit | March 25 (Toronto)Canada's largest startup awards and investment summit, hosted by Elevate and reaching its 19th year in 2026. Held at Toronto's Design Exchange, it is a venue where promising Canadian early-stage and growth-stage tech companies present themselves to global investors and advisors. More than 600 investors and entrepreneurs gather, and with one-on-one meeting opportunities and curated pitches on offer, it is known as a practical venue for founders aiming to raise capital. The 2026 edition has already taken place. Dates for 2027 have not yet been announced, but the event is typically held in March, so it is likely to return around the same time of year next year.Official site: https://cixsummit.com/Canada's events are best used in a flow that moves from large-scale gatherings for grasping the big picture, to industry-specific events for building deeper relationships, to investment events for translating those into concrete fundraising. When considering attending from Japan, choose the venue that fits your company by weighing your travel schedule against your business stage.