Canada may not be known for its lavish party scene like Los Angeles or New York, but it has hosted its fair share of extravagant celebrity events over the years. From movie premieres to charity galas, these parties have cost millions and attracted A-list stars. Keep reading to learn about some of the most expensive parties ever held in Canada and the celebrities who attended.
What are some of the most expensive parties that have been held in Canada?
Canada has been home to several famously expensive parties attended by celebrities over the past few decades. Here are some of the most notable:
TIFF Gala in Toronto
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) hosts an annual charity gala to kick off the festival. TIFF 2018 set a new fundraising record, bringing in $1.25 million for the event. Gala tickets started at $2,500 per person for the red carpet reception and show. Celebrities like Julia Roberts, Viola Davis, and Sam Rockwell attended.
Mont Tremblant Music and Arts Festival
This weekend festival took place in the ski resort town of Mont Tremblant, Quebec in the 2000s. The 2006 event cost a record $12 million to produce and included performances by Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, and other stars. Resort rooms went for thousands per night during the festival weekends.
Calgary Stampede Centennial in 2012
This famous rodeo and festival in Calgary hosted a $1.6 million kickoff party called the Centennial Hoe Down to celebrate 100 years. With celebrity guests like Jann Arden and Colin James, the event featured extravagant western-themed food and décor.
Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Gala
When hockey greats get inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, an exclusive black tie reception and dinner is held in Toronto. Table packages at the gala event start at around $15,000. Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and other hockey legends have attended.
The Love Ball in Montreal
This fundraiser for the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts brought in $2.5 million in 2014. The event had 800 guests at $1,500 per ticket enjoying entertainment from Diana Krall and cuisine from Chef Daniel Boulud. Celebrities included George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio.
What are some of the most expensive celebrity weddings held in Canada?
Canada is home to several lavish celebrity wedding venues that provide beautiful backdrops for over-the-top nuptials.
Michael Bublé and Luisana Lopilato
This crooner couple wed at a small church ceremony in Buenos Aires in 2011. They followed it with a more lavish reception at a resort outside Vancouver. The four-day event cost an estimated $3.5 million.
Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries
Before she wed Kanye West, reality star Kim Kardashian had a $10 million wedding with basketball player Kris Humphries in Montecito, California in 2011. Part of their lavish weekend celebrations included a $1.1 million reception at a private estate in Mont Tremblant.
Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones
The Great One married his bride in a 1988 Edmonton ceremony that reportedly cost between $500,000 to $1 million – a princely sum at the time. The 600+ guests included other hockey stars and celebrities who dined on lobster and champagne.
Paul Allen and Alexandra Lenas
Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen wed his bride Alexandra Lenas in a $1.5 million celebration in 2004 at his 124-acre estate in Vancouver. The event featured three days of activities leading up to the ceremony.
Shania Twain and Frédéric Thiébaud
Canadian country star Shania Twain exchanged vows with Swiss businessman Frédéric Thiébaud in 2011 at a small resort in Rincon, Puerto Rico. They followed it with a reception at a chateau in Mont Tremblant reportedly costing $3 million.
What are some of the most extravagant celebrity home purchases in Canada?
With its privacy, beautiful landscapes, and attractive taxes compared to the U.S., Canada is a popular destination for celebrity home purchases. Here are a few of the most lavish:
- Music power couple Celine Dion and René Angélil built a custom $25.5 million waterfront mansion near Las Vegas that they called home part of the year. The Quebec chateau-style estate has its own pool, tennis court, and golf course.
- Actress Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell own a $7.25 million lakefront property in Muskoka, Ontario purchased in 2003. The rural retreat features eight bedrooms and a private waterfront for boating.
- Chinese action star Jackie Chan bought a 14-acre gated estate in Ontario’s Niagara-on-the-Lake for $10.5 million in 2005. The property includes stables, a pool, and tennis courts.
- Pop star Justin Bieber made headlines in 2015 with his purchase of a $5.8 million lake house in Ontario at just 21 years old. The luxurious cottage has its own private dock and boathouse.
- Prince owned two lavish homes in Toronto before his death in 2016. One was a $12 million suburban estate with a tennis court, and the other was a $9.5 million complex with multiple buildings.
- Comedian Mike Myers reportedly owns a luxury condo in Toronto and massive rural property outside the city. His country estate cost $15.5 million and measures 1,300 acres.
What are some of the most expensive celebrity vacations in Canada?
When celebrities come to Canada to unwind, they often spare no expense to enjoy luxury travel experiences. Here are some notable examples:
- Jay-Z and Beyoncé rented out the $25,000 per night Presidents Suite at the Hazelton Hotel during the Toronto International Film Festival in 2014. Their two-day stay likely cost around $50,000.
- George Clooney and his wife Amal took a 10-day motorcycle tour through Alberta in 2017 with stops at the luxurious Glacier View Lodge and Emerald Lake Lodge. Similar private tours average $18,000 per person.
- David and Victoria Beckham chartered a $19,000 per day, 150-foot yacht called “Ultraviolet” in 2017 to explore the British Columbia coastline with family. The total cost of their weeklong excursion was estimated at $133,000.
- Drake has hosted his celebrity friends like Chris Brown and French Montana on fishing trips to his rural Ontario mansion. These VIP weekends include expensive dinners out and adventures in his $300,000 custom DeCecco yacht.
- Tom Cruise enjoyed a ski and spa getaway with Katie Holmes at the five-star Fairmont Chateau Whistler in 2005. They stayed in the $7,000 per night presidential suite and were helicoptered in from the Vancouver airport.
- Music couple John Legend and Chrissy Teigen chartered a seaplane and stayed at the Fogo Island Inn during a trip to Newfoundland in 2015. A night at the all-inclusive luxury hotel starts at $1,575.
- Ellen DeGeneres treated her wife Portia de Rossi to a helicopter sightseeing trip over the Rockies followed by a stay at the Post Hotel in Lake Louise, Alberta for her 40th birthday in 2008.
What are the most expensive hotels and resorts in Canada popular with celebrities?
When celebrities come north of the border, they often opt to stay at these high-end hotels and resorts known for luxury amenities, privacy, and price tags over $1,000 a night:
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – This iconic lakeside lodge features $1,000+ nightly rates, luxe spa treatments, and excellent mountain views. Drake, Tom Cruise, and Mariah Carey have stayed here.
Post Hotel, Lake Louise – Reported favorite of Ellen Degeneres, this boutique mountain lodge offers lavish rooms starting around $800/night and a renowned restaurant.
Le Germain Hotel, Calgary – Beyoncé stayed in one of their $1,500+ luxe Prairie Suites featuring fireplaces and saltwater baths.
Wedgewood Hotel, Vancouver – Overlooking Vancouver, the urban boutique Wedgewood offers $900+ suites frequented by stars like Lady Gaga and Daniel Craig.
Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland – Perched on the rugged, beautiful Fogo Island, this inn offers all-inclusive stays starting around $1,500 nightly in eco-luxury surrounds.
Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino – On Vancouver Island, this beachfront lodge offers nature-infused luxury with rates from $800-1200/night in peak season.
Sparkling Hills Resort, Vernon – Oprah Winfrey raved about the $3,000+ night Swarovski Crystal Suite at this Okanagan resort focused on wellness and adventure.
Jasper Park Lodge, Alberta – Set along scenic Lac Beauvert, this Fairmont property features luxury cabins, a spa, and golf for $1,000+ nightly.
What are some famous examples of celebrities getting married or having their wedding celebrations in Canada?
In addition to lavish celebrity weddings mentioned earlier, here are a few other cases of famous people tying the knot or partying in Canada:
- Actress MacKenzie Davis reportedly wed singer/musician Bob Gaffigan in a private Vancouver island ceremony in 2022.
- Tennis superstar Serena Williams had bachelorette party festivities in Toronto leading up to her New Orleans wedding in 2017. Her girls’ weekend included a chaperone, chef, and Blue Jays game outing.
- Pop singer Justin Bieber and model Hailey Baldwin were legally married in a simple New York courthouse service in 2018, followed by a second wedding in South Carolina. In 2019, they had their official wedding reception at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel in Montecito, California.
- Actress Natalie Portman and choreographer Benjamin Millepied wed at a private home in Big Sur, California in 2012. They followed it with a ceremony at Millepied’s childhood summer camp on an island near Montreal.
- Canadian hockey player P.K. Subban of the New Jersey Devils and American skier Lindsey Vonn got engaged in 2019 after Subban proposed at his Toronto condominium.
- Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds and American actress Blake Lively held their 2012 wedding reception at Boone Hall Plantation near Charleston, South Carolina. But the wedding festivities also included party time in Reynolds’ native Vancouver.
- Pop star Justin Bieber and model Hailey Baldwin held a wedding reception in fall 2019 at the Le Germain Hotel in Ontario. Guests included Ed Sheeran and music manager Scooter Braun.
What are some examples of foreign celebrities who own homes in Canada?
Thanks to Canada’s natural beauty, privacy, and attractive taxes, numerous foreign stars own homes north of the border:
- Tiger Woods – He purchased a $20 million waterfront property in Muskoka, Ontario in 2006 as a vacation retreat. It has since been listed for sale.
- Kate Hudson – The actress bought a ski chalet in Aspen, Colorado but also owns a rural home outside of Vancouver.
- Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber – This celebrity couple bought a lakefront summer home near Perth, Ontario in 2015 for under $2 million.
- Susan Sarandon – The actress purchased a lakeside cabin in the Muskoka region of Ontario as a holiday residence.
- Richard Gere – He bought a 200+ acre estate in Bedford, Quebec in 2005 that features a over 10,000-foot main residence.
- Diana Ross – The singer owns a rustic cottage on several acres of land fronting a lake in Muskoka, Ontario.
- Martin Short – Known for comedy films like Father of the Bride, Short owns a summer home on Lake Rosseau in Ontario’s cottage country.
- Steven Spielberg – He purchased a penthouse apartment in Toronto upon filming Ready Player One there in 2017.
- Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn – In addition to their Vancouver home, they also reportedly own a cottage near North Bay, Ontario for occasional visits.
How do Canadian taxes and regulations make it attractive for celebrities to live or vacation there?
Several key factors make Canada an appealing destination for celebrity homeowners and travelers:
- Lower income taxes – High net worth individuals can face combined federal and state tax rates over 50% in California. Canada’s highest income tax bracket is 33% nationally and around 53% in the highest provincial bracket (Nova Scotia), so it provides significant savings versus the U.S.
- Incentives and tax credits – Some provinces offer tax credits for purchasing a home or working in the film/TV industry, which draws stars north. Certain cities also give tax credits to musicians for living and recording there.
- Privacy laws – Canada offers stronger privacy protections for celebrities than American laws. Paparazzi photos are considered intrusion of privacy if taken on private property. This makes Canada more attractive for stars seeking refuge from media scrutiny.
- Beautiful landscapes and outdoors – Canada’s rugged coasts, mountains, lakes, and forests appeal to celebs wanting peaceful natural vacation retreats away from urban areas. These landscapes provide security, recreation, and stunning backdrops.
- World-class cities – For celebrities still wanting urban amenities, metropolitan hubs like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal offer luxury hotels, shopping, dining, arts, and culture to rival top American cities.
- Travel access – It’s relatively fast and easy for celebrities to travel between the U.S. and Canada via short flights or driving across the border. This allows stars to conveniently access homes and tours in Canada.
What are some of the most popular ski resorts and vacation regions among celebrities in Canada?
When celebrities come to Canada to ski, snowboard, or enjoy winter recreation, these mountain destinations are hotspots:
Whistler, British Columbia – North America’s largest ski resort is a favorite of celebs like Tom Cruise, Bill Gates, and Mariah Carey who can afford stays in $5,000+ per night suites and multi-million dollar chalets.
Mont Tremblant, Quebec – Close to Montreal, this charming ski village offers rolling hills for winter sports along with luxury lodging, fine dining, and spas drawing stars like Jay-Z and Beyoncé.
Sun Peaks, British Columbia – Unlike busier Whistler, this resort near Kamloops offers more seclusion and shorter lift lines for celebrities like Clint Eastwood who want to ski and relax away from crowds.
Lake Louise, Alberta – The stunning scenery of Banff National Park brings celebrities like Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas to Lake Louise for skiing and enjoying the glacial lake views.
Jasper, Alberta – Celebrities like Anthony Hopkins and John Travolta have enjoyed heli-skiing in remote Jasper wilderness accessible only by chopper from towns like Jasper.
Muskoka, Ontario – Not a ski destination, this lakes region attracts stars in warmer months who stay at cottages owned by Goldie Hawn, Tom Hanks, and other boldface names.
Nova Scotia – Celebs like Dick Van Dyke and Steven Spielberg summer in this maritime province known for pleasant weather, beautiful coastlines, and relative seclusion.
How do options for private air travel accommodate wealthy tourists and celebrities visiting Canada?
Celebrities can take advantage of several private air travel options when jetting to Canada or between its major cities:
- Most major Canadian airports have private jet facilities and services available for chartered planes. Major airports also offer discrete VIP terminals and check-ins catering specifically to celebrities and high net worth travelers.
- Private jet companies like Skyjet, AirSprint, and JetSetGo allow celebrities to book on-demand charters out of major American cities direct to destinations across Canada.
- For remote wilderness destinations, air charter seaplane companies like Harbour Air can fly celebrities directly to waterside villas and lodges across British Columbia.
- Luxury helicopter companies offer charters out of Canadian vacation hotspots like Vancouver, Jasper, and Muskoka for customizable sightseeing trips or transport to remote rural getaways.
- Air ambulance companies like LifeAir in Ontario offer medically equipped private jets for discreet, ultra-luxury travel. Celebrities occasionally use these for Canadian flights when a higher level of privacy is desired.
- Some celebrities own their own jets. Wayne Gretzky has a personal jet and legendary hockey player Mario Lemieux also bought a private jet in part to facilitate travel between homes in Montreal and Florida.
- Canada offers many small regional airports with customs clearance abilities allowing private planes from the U.S. to avoid the major hubs. These offer VIP visitors more privacy during arrival/departure.
What measures do hotels and resorts take to provide privacy and security for celebrity clientele?
Protecting the privacy and safety of celebrity guests is a top priority for Canada’s luxury hotels and resorts. Some standard services and accommodations they provide include:
- Discrete private entrances and lobby/elevator access to allow celebrities to avoid crossing through public hotel areas.
- Private check-in services with minimal front desk interface. Registration cards and keys can be brought to the client’s room to complete arrival privately.
- Separate wings, floors, or buildings are reserved solely for VIP visitors. These exclusive areas have keycard-only access.
- Luxury suites with special amenities like professional recording studios, private exercise rooms, infrared saunas, and 400+ thread-count sheets.
- Childcare options ranging from licensed nannies to full-service kids programs and activity clubs so celebrity parents can enjoy private downtime.
- In-room spa services so stars can indulge in massage and beauty treatments without attending the public spa.
- Careful screening and security checks for all staff with access to celebrity rooms or buildings. Discretion is contractually obligated.
- Tasting menus and customized gourmet meals served in-suite so stars can avoid crowded hotel restaurants.
- Secure transportation like helicopter charters, limos with privacy screens, and discrete underground valet parking areas.
- Mobile check-in options so VIP guests can go straight to rooms without any lobby appearance.
Conclusion
Canada may be overshadowed by Hollywood and other celebrity hotspots, but its beautiful landscapes, excellent skiing and hiking, private villas, and luxury hotels have attracted plenty of star power over the years. Lavish weddings, parties, film festivals, and vacations in locales like Vancouver, Muskoka, and Banff have cost millions. While Canadians are generally polite about gawking at famous faces, hotels take every measure to provide privacy.
Cheaper taxes and gorgeous scenery continue to draw diverse stars looking to unwind in the Great White North. For travelers seeking their own luxury getaways, destinations like Whistler, Mont Tremblant, and Tofino offer upscale amenities on par with celebrity-grade indulgence. Canada’s unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant cities ensures it will continue rolling out the red carpet for the rich and famous far into the future.
FAQs about Expensive Celebrity Events and Travel in Canada
What are some of the most exclusive hotels in Toronto and Vancouver?
Some of the most exclusive luxury hotels in Toronto include the Ritz-Carlton, the Shangri-La, the Four Seasons, and The Hazelton. Top options in Vancouver include the Shangri-La, Fairmont Pacific Rim, and Rosewood Hotel Georgia. Nightly rates at these hotels often start between $500-$1000+ for basic rooms and climb much higher for lavish suites.
Have any famous weddings happened in Niagara Falls, Ontario?
Yes, Niagara Falls is a popular wedding spot for couples around the world, including celebrities. NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick married Liza Barber there in 2007. IndyCar driver Dario Franchitti wed actress Ashley Judd at Skylon Tower in 2001. Even Napoleon’s brother Jérôme Bonaparte married Elizabeth Patterson in Baltimore and then had a second honeymoon at Niagara Falls in 1803.
What celebrities own homes in Mont Tremblant, Quebec?
Mont Tremblant is a charming ski village popular with wealthy vacation property owners. Reported celebrity homeowners include former Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher, actress Susan Sarandon, musician David Foster, hockey star Vincent Lecavalier, and former Blink-182 member Tom DeLonge.
Which luxury hotels do celebrities prefer in Montreal?
Montreal’s premiere luxury hotels include the Ritz Carlton Montreal, St. James Hotel, Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, and Le Mount Stephen. Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, and George Clooney are among the A-list stars who have booked the high-end suites at these properties while in town.
Where do celebrities stay when visiting Charlottetown, PEI?
When celebrities visit Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island, the top hotel options include The Great George and Rodd Charlottetown Hotel. Late night host Jimmy Fallon reportedly stayed at Rodd Charlottetown while filming a show segment in 2018. The Great George underwent luxury renovations in 2015 to better accommodate stars and high-end travelers.
What special luxury amenities are offered at ski resorts like Whistler?
Top ski resorts like Whistler have private residences, chalets, and hotel suites that come with VIP perks. These can include five-star dining, butler service, grocery delivery, airport transfers, heated pool access, and ski valets who custom-tune your equipment and have it ready daily. Nightly rates run $1500 to tens of thousands.