8 Best Event Ticketing Platforms in Canada (Event Registration)

Olivier Rousseau
2 June 2025 Alternatives 2 min read

Selling out your event shouldn’t mean juggling multiple tools or worrying about where your attendees’ data is stored. Whether you’re running a festival, fundraiser, or community event, choosing the right ticketing platform can make or break your success.

In this updated list, we review the 8 best event ticketing platforms in Canada, including local solutions that support Interac e-Transfers, bilingual service, and full compliance with Canadian privacy laws. Compare features, fees, and key benefits to find the perfect fit for your next event.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Choose a Canadian-based platform to ensure compliance with privacy laws and offer local payment methods like Interac e-Transfer.
  • Look for integrated tools that go beyond ticket sales like SMS/email reminders, digital waivers, and automated follow-ups.
  • Compare fees carefully: some platforms (like Zeffy) are free for nonprofits, while others charge based on ticket price or volume.
  • Prioritize mobile-friendly checkout and built-in communication tools to reduce no-shows and boost attendance.
  • Activity Messenger stands out as an all-in-one Canadian solution that handles ticketing, automation, and attendee engagement in one place.

 

Table of Contents

 

DISCLAIMER: Activity Messenger is our software. We created it after experiencing the various shortcomings of existing email marketing software for years.

Common Issues for Event Organizers

Event organizers frequently encounter similar challenges when managing ticket sales and communicating with attendees. Here are some of the most common pain points:
  • Can’t send SMS reminders or updates to attendees
  • Attendance tracking tools are limited or unreliable
  • Ticket sales aren’t fully integrated into your website
  • The checkout process feels clunky, especially on mobile devices
  • Need multiple tools (Mailchimp, EZTexting, Smartwaiver) to fill feature gaps
  • No built-in automation for reminders or post-event follow-ups
  • Can’t include waivers or consent forms during ticket purchase
  • Lack of tools to retarget abandoned carts or incomplete registrations

Comparison Table

Platform Description Key Features Ticket Fees Best For Capterra Rating
 

Activity Messenger 🇨🇦

 

Canadian all-in-one solution combining ticketing, SMS/email, and automation. Customizable ticketing, SMS/email reminders, Canva & Stripe integration. 1% + credit card fees Schools, studios, sports clubs, municipalities 4.7/5
Eventbrite Global platform with advanced event marketing tools. Registration management, analytics, marketplace promotion. $0.79 + 3.5% + CC fees Festivals, large public events 4.6/5
Weezevent French platform with Quebec-based support. Customizable tickets, access control, analytics. $0.99 + 2.7% Festivals, corporate events 4.7/5
Tixigo 🇨🇦 Canadian ticketing for groups and attractions. Group ticketing, Stripe integration, flexible setup. 5% + CC fees Local attractions, tourist activities N/A
Ticketpro 🇨🇦 Trusted Canadian solution for arts and culture. Multilingual support, detailed reporting, POS tools. $1.50 + 3% Theatres, concerts 4.5/5
Event’nroll 🇨🇦 Local platform for streamlined registration and reporting. Ticket customization, real-time reporting, credit card payments. $1 + 5% Small and mid-sized events N/A
Zeffy 🇨🇦 Free ticketing platform for nonprofits. Donation-based model, online ticketing, no platform fees. 0% (donation-based) Fundraisers, community events 4.8/5
TicketLeap Simple platform for small events and workshops. Mobile check-in, social sharing tools, event promotion. $1 + 2% + CC fees Community events, workshops 4.5/5

1. Activity Messenger (Built in Montreal)

Best canadian tool to sell tickets online

Description:

Activity Messenger is a Canadian online ticketing platform that combines ticket sales,

seating arrangements, bulk SMS, newsletters, surveys, and automations for any type of event, conference, or competition.
Key Features:

  • Customizable online ticketing
  • SMS reminders and notifications
  • Customizable seating arrangements
  • Automated post-event surveys
  • Integrates with Canva, Stripe, and Interac

Strengths: User-friendly and flexible forms, automated communication options.
Ticket Fees: 1% + credit card fees.
Ideal For: Schools, sports clubs, municipalities, community organizations.

2. Eventbrite

Eventbrite Alternatives

Description:
Eventbrite is a globally recognized platform for event management, offering promotional tools to boost ticket sales.

Key Features:

  • Registration and ticket management
  • Real-time analytics
  • Promotion via their marketplace

Strengths: Globally recognized, integrated marketing tools.
Ticket Fees: $0.79 + 3.5% + credit card fees.
Ideal For: Public events, international gatherings, and festivals.

3. Weezevent

Weezevent Alternatives

Description:
Weezevent is a French solution with a Quebec-based team, offering simple and customizable tools for ticketing and access management.

Key Features:

  • Online ticketing
  • Ticket customization
  • Access management

Strengths: Easy to use, customizable options.
Ticket Fees: $0.99 + 2.7%.
Ideal For: Festivals and corporate events.

4. Tixigo

Tixigo Alternatives

 

Description:
Tixigo is a platform specialized in ticketing for group outings, theatres, and local attractions.

Key Features:

  • Ticket management for group activities
  • Online payments via Stripe
  • Flexible organizational tools

Strengths: Tailored to local needs, excellent French-language support.
Ticket Fees: 5% + credit card fees.
Ideal For: Tourist activities and local attractions.

5. Ticketpro

Ticketpro Alternatives

 

Description:
Ticketpro is a Canadian solution ideal for cultural and artistic events.

Key Features:

  • Ticketing platform with multiple features
  • Multilingual support
  • Detailed reporting

Strengths: Personalized service, bilingual support.
Ticket Fees: $1.50 + 3%.
Ideal For: Theatres and concerts.

6. Event'nroll

Eventnroll alternatives

 

Description:
Event’nroll is a local platform focusing on efficient ticket and registration management for various events.

Key Features:

  • Credit card payments
  • Ticket customization
  • Real-time reporting

Strengths: Local focus, responsive customer support.
Ticket Fees: $1 + 5%.
Ideal For: Small and medium-sized events.

7. Zeffy

Zeffy Alternatives

 

Description:
Zeffy is a no-fee solution for not-for-profits to maximize revenue for community events.

Key Features:

  • Ticket management
  • Fundraising with no platform fees
  • Payment through donations

Strengths: No platform fees, designed to maximize revenue.
Ticket Fees: None.
Ideal For: Fundraisers and community events.

8. TicketLeap

Ticketleap Alternative

 

Description:
TicketLeap is a user-friendly platform designed for events of all sizes, offering tools for ticketing, promotion, and attendee engagement.

Key Features:

  • Intuitive ticketing system
  • Event promotion and social sharing tools
  • Real-time analytics and insights

Strengths: Easy to use, scalable for events of any size.
Ticket Fees: $1 + 2% + credit card fees.
Ideal For: Small to medium-sized events looking for straightforward ticketing and promotion solutions.

Features To Look For

Core Ticketing & Payments

  • Customizable Ticket Types: Offer flexible pricing tiers (VIP, Early Bird, etc.)
  • Real-Time Reporting: Track sales and revenue as they happen
  • Online Payment Integration: Accept credit cards and Interac e-Transfers
  • Mobile Check-In / QR Scanning: Enable fast, contactless entry
  • Refunds & Cancellations: Manage changes or refunds easily
  • POS Capabilities: Process onsite payments for tickets or merchandise

Marketing & Communication

  • Email & SMS Reminders: Reduce no-shows with automated alerts
  • Social Media Integration: Promote events directly on Facebook or Instagram
  • Promo Codes & Discounts: Offer exclusive deals to members or partners
  • Waitlist Automation: Notify attendees when a spot becomes available
  • Post-Event Follow-Ups: Send surveys, thank-you messages, or rebooking offers

Security & Administration

  • Digital Waivers: Collect liability or consent forms at checkout
  • Multi-User Admin Access: Assign staff roles and permissions
  • Staff Management: Schedule and track event staff or volunteers
  • Data Privacy Compliance: Ensure your platform meets GDPR and local standards
  • Integrations & Workflow Tools: Embed events on your site, sync calendars, and export reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ticketing platform has the lowest fees in Canada?

If you’re a nonprofit, Zeffy offers 0% platform fees and relies on optional donations from buyers. For other organizations, Activity Messenger offers competitive rates (1% + credit card fees) with more built-in communication features.

Can I sell tickets online and in person at the same time?

Yes. Most modern ticketing platforms (including Activity Messenger, TicketPro, and Eventbrite) offer POS or mobile scanning tools for on-site ticket sales alongside your online store.

How can I reduce no-shows at my event?

Choose a platform with automated SMS and email reminders (like Activity Messenger). You can also send a post-purchase confirmation and a reminder 24–48 hours before the event.

Do I need to store event data in Canada?

If you’re collecting personal information from Canadian attendees, storing data in Canada ensures compliance with privacy laws like PIPEDA and some provincial rules (e.g., Quebec’s Law 25).

Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Ticketing Partner for Your Event

Selecting the right online ticketing software isn’t just about selling tickets—it’s about creating a smooth experience for your attendees, from first click to post-event follow-up.

For Canadian organizers, local platforms like Activity Messenger, Tixigo, and Zeffy offer advantages such as bilingual support, Interac e-Transfers, and compliance with Canadian privacy laws. Global tools like Eventbrite and Weezevent can be great for international reach, but may lack localized features. Make sure the platform allows you to import and issue tickets in bulk, if necessary.

The right choice will depend on your event type, audience size, and the importance of integrated tools like SMS, email, and automated workflows. Take the time to compare features and fees to find the ideal solution that will streamline your event management.

 

💡 Want to simplify ticket sales, attendee communication, and event follow-up in one place? Book a demo call today to see how Activity Messenger can save you time, boost attendance, and keep your events running smoothly.

Written by Olivier Rousseau Olivier is a kids' sports programs owner who has been operating for over a decade with locations in Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa. He also helps Gymnastics Clubs, Swim Schools, and Dance Studios streamline their operations. He is the co-founder of Activity Messenger an online registration platform for the sports & leisure industry.

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