Squamish psych surf rock band to bring ‘Modern World Blues’ across Canada and the United States
SQUAMISH, B.C. — British Columbia psych surf rock outfit Surf Hat has announced an extensive North American tour this fall, building on growing momentum that has helped the band surpass 30 million combined streams and views across digital platforms.
The tour will see the Squamish-based group perform a mix of headline concerts, festival appearances and supporting slots across Canada and the United States, marking another milestone for a band that has steadily expanded its audience through touring and consistent releases rather than relying on a breakout viral hit.
The run begins Sept. 30 in Ottawa before moving through major Canadian cities including Montreal and Toronto. After a festival appearance in St. Catharines, Ont., the band will head south for a series of U.S. dates, including performances in Washington, D.C., New York City and Boston.
A sound shaped by British Columbia’s coast and mountains
Surf Hat has carved out a distinctive niche with what the band describes as “cold-water surf rock,” a style influenced by the unique geography of British Columbia’s Sea-to-Sky region. Blending surf-inspired guitar work with elements of psychedelic rock, indie music and synth-driven textures, the group has developed a sound that reflects both the Pacific coastline and surrounding mountain landscapes.
Drawing inspiration from artists such as Allah-Las, The Growlers and Talking Heads, Surf Hat’s catalogue spans breezy guitar-driven tracks and more experimental arrangements, allowing the band to evolve while maintaining a recognizable identity.
That approach has become increasingly evident on the group’s latest album, Modern World Blues, released in November 2025. The record expanded the band’s sonic range while staying true to the relaxed and authentic songwriting philosophy that has guided the project since its formation.
From a beachside idea to a touring act
The band’s origins trace back to 2022, when founding members Jon Allan and Evan Camm decided to launch a new musical project during a trip to Tofino, B.C.
What began as a simple commitment to create music without overthinking the process has since grown into a full-fledged touring operation with three full-length albums and an expanding fan base across North America.
Their growth has largely been driven by word-of-mouth support, regular touring schedules and a commitment to connecting with audiences in person. Industry attention has followed, including a featured appearance on Audiotree Live in 2026, helping introduce the band to new listeners beyond Western Canada.
Earlier this year, Surf Hat joined fellow Canadian rock group The Sheepdogs on a winter tour, performing in front of some of the largest audiences of its career. The experience provided additional exposure and helped position the band for a larger headline run of its own.
Cross-border tour highlights growing profile
The upcoming tour includes several notable venues and collaborations. After Canadian headline dates, Surf Hat will join Mo Lowda & The Humble on portions of that band’s “Tailing the Ghost” tour, performing in established U.S. music markets including Washington, D.C., New York and Boston.
Additional dates alongside Twin Fin and Echo Plum will further expand the group’s reach throughout the northeastern United States.
Following the American leg, Surf Hat will return west for a series of smaller theatre, club and venue performances across British Columbia and Alberta. Stops include Nelson, Cranbrook, Banff, Edmonton, Calgary, Kelowna, Whistler, Nanaimo and Victoria before the tour concludes with a hometown performance in Squamish on Nov. 28.
Tour closes with hometown performance
The final stretch of the tour reflects the region that helped shape the band’s identity. By ending the run in Squamish, Surf Hat returns to the community where its unique blend of coastal and mountain influences first took form.
As the band continues to expand its audience across North America, the upcoming tour represents another step in a gradual but steady rise built on live performances, grassroots support and a growing catalogue of music.
For fans of modern psych rock, surf-inspired indie music and emerging Canadian acts, the fall tour offers an opportunity to experience a band whose reputation has been built one show at a time.