For outdoor adventures and city tours, the summer months of June to August are the best time to visit Canada. This is also the most popular season to visit the country for your luxury Canada holidays. However, consider the periods just outside the peak tourist season, May and September, when there are fewer crowds and excellent weather conditions. Catching the Ottawa Tulip Festival, whale watching and hiking through Banff National Park are some of the best things to do in Canada during these months. Fall and winter bring their own tourist attractions, from participating in winter sports to spotting wildlife, and are also a great time to visit the country.
January is the coldest time of year. In most parts, temperatures are below freezing, and snow is a common feature. Ski season is in full swing. Vancouver and other coastal cities in British Columbia experience milder temperatures.
We recommend
Witness the Northern Lights in Alberta or Whitehorse, Yukon
Ski down the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia
Overview
Temperatures, though higher than January, are still sub-zero. But there’s plenty to do if you can brave the cold, from winter sports to participating in local festivals. Prepare for snowy and wet days.
We recommend
Enjoy parades, shows and snow sculptures at the Quebec Winter Carnival
Ice skate on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, the world’s largest ice skating rink
Overview
Temperatures are creeping up, but it’s still a cold and wet month in most parts of Canada. The first signs of spring appear in British Columbia as Vancouver celebrates its cherry blossom festival. Pack warm layers and rainproof jackets
We recommend
Head out on snowmobile tours during the day in Banff, then take a relaxing soak in a hot spring
Marvel at the country’s spectacular scenery from aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train
Overview
Though weather conditions are unpredictable, the country offers a good mix of activities in April—skiing in Whistler Blackcomb and Montreal and springtime activities in Vancouver. Day temperatures inch towards the double digits, but you will still need your sweaters, jackets, and rain gear
We recommend
Visit maple farms and sugar shacks in Ontario and learn how maple syrup is produced
Be awed by gigantic masses of floating ice at Iceberg Alley off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador
Overview
With spring well underway, day temperatures are pleasant and perfect for city tours. Rain is still a possibility, so be prepared. It’s not the peak tourist season yet, so this is a good time to visit.
We recommend
Cycle around Vancouver’s Stanley Park amid cherry blossoms and other blooms
Surround yourself with spring colours at the Ottawa Tulip Festival
Overview
June marks the start of summer. With temperatures in the 20s C at many popular tourist destinations and the peak tourist season yet to start, it’s one of the best times to visit Canada. Evenings can still be chilly so carry a sweater or light jacket.
We recommend
Wine and dine in the Okanagan Valley
Hike the beautiful trails of Vancouver Island
Overview
Peak tourist season is here. Day temperatures in most cities range from the mid to upper 20s C. Locals and tourists pour into the cities and national parks, as it’s the perfect weather for hiking, camping and fishing, as well as for urban attractions. Summer events make this a festive time. Plan at least four to six months ahead for the best accommodation.
We recommend
Camp under the stars at Jasper National Park
Sign up for an exciting food tour through Montreal
Overview
With pleasant temperatures and plenty of sun, August is one of the most popular times to visit Canada. The prairie provinces are hot and dry, while the coastal regions have temperate weather conditions. The northern provinces may have up to 24 hours of daylight. Parks and cities are at their busiest, so book ahead.
We recommend
Witness Niagara Falls in all its glory
Live it up in Toronto—the city is abuzz with festivals and events
Overview
The crowds leave, but great weather conditions linger, making September one of the best months to visit Canada. Temperatures are now in the 15-22°C range, and the landscape changes colour by month-end. It’s a wonderful time to roam Canada’s national parks. Carry warm clothes for chilly mornings and evenings
We recommend
Hike through Banff National Park; the trees sport shades of red, yellow, orange and golden
Spot humpbacks, grey whales and more on a whale-watching tour in Victoria
Overview
There’s a nip in the air, but October is the best month to visit Canada for fall foliage. Temperatures are now in the 10-15°C range in the southern and coastal regions and a lot colder further north. Jackets and fleece are a must if you are visiting Canada in October.
We recommend
Watch grizzlies in action during the salmon spawning season at Knight’s Inlet in British Columbia
Visit Ontario’s Algonquin Park, all dressed up in autumn hues
Overview
Winter sets in, the days are shorter, and temperatures fall to the single digits. Many parts have experienced their first snowfall, but the ski slopes are yet to open. Expect rain and snow. Despite the cold weather, the country gears up for the upcoming festive season with parades and events.
We recommend
Say hello to the polar bears of Churchill
Take a walking tour of Old Quebec with its European architecture, cobblestone streets, and Christmas festivities
Overview
Most regions experience below-freezing temperatures. The ski resorts open, offering plenty of activities. Revel in the Christmas spirit as towns are decked with lights and decorations. Explore Christmas markets and savour traditional goodies. Carry heavy winter gear.
We recommend
Witness the Niagara Falls in winter and be part of the Festival of Lights at the falls
Go dog sledging in British Columbia
Best time to visit Canada – By season
Canada has four well-defined seasons, each equally beautiful. Each season is ideal in its own way for travellers to enjoy their Canada multi-centre holidays. The best time to visit Canada depends on which region you are visiting and what you are looking to do there.
Summer: June to August is the high tourist season with locals and tourists looking to make the best of the great weather. Long, sunny days and temperatures in the 20s C (and sometimes 30s) bring people into city streets and nature trails in national parks. The humidity is slightly higher during these months, but it’s not uncomfortable.
Autumn/Fall: September and October see cooler temperatures. The scenery changes as trees display their fall colours—deep reds, fiery goldens, bright yellows, and more. Autumn is the best time to visit Niagara Falls in Canada—the summer crowds are gone, and you can see the waterfalls against a riot of colours..
Further north in the Yukon, it is salmon spawning season, so you can watch bears make their way to waterbodies to catch their favourite snack.
Winter: Winter sets in by October and November, with some places receiving their first snowfall as early as mid-October. Resorts prepare for ski season. From December to March, the slopes are full of skiers and snowboarders, as it is the best time to go to Canada for winter adventures. Be sure to layer up for sub-zero temperatures. The lively Quebec Winter Carnival takes place in late January and early February. This is thebest time to visit Canada if you plan to see the Northern Lights.
Spring: By April, it starts to warm up, and it’s the last chance to hit the ski slopes. Weather conditions can be unpredictable, and you may experience rain, snow, and sunshine within the span of a few days. By May, temperatures are in the double digits, making it the best time to visit Canada without the crowds.
Best time to visit Canada – By activity
Sightseeing and hiking: June to August provide the best conditions for outdoor activities, with 12-15 hours of daylight and moderate temperatures. However, it is also when the country’s national parks receive the most visitors, so book ahead, especially if you want to visit popular destinations such as Banff or Jasper.
Northern Lights: With much of Canada inside the Auroral Oval, the country offers fabulous opportunities to witness the Northern Lights. The best time to experience this phenomenon is from November to March-April and late August to October. Northern Manitoba, Alberta, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories are the best places to see the Northern Lights.
Whale watching: The giants of the ocean visit the waters off Canada’s coasts between April and October. Victoria, Vancouver, and Tofino are some of the best places in British Columbia to go whale watching.
Skiing and winter activities: The skiing season can start as early as mid-November and extend as late as mid-April. Peak season is from mid-December to March. British Columbia has some of the best ski resorts in the province, including famous Whistler Blackcomb
What to pack for Canada?
With significant temperature variations between seasons, what you pack for your trip to Canada depends on when you travel to the country.
Hiking –If you are travelling to the national parks in summer, pack cotton or quick-dry long-sleeve T-shirts and hiking pants. Weather conditions can change dramatically, so carry a windcheater and sweater for cool evenings.
Warm layers – Spring and autumn evenings are cold and can be rather unpredictable. Carry warm layers. Rainwear is a must, as is a warm scarf.
Bring your warmest jackets if you plan to travel during the winter. Thermals, woollen socks, gloves, winter caps and warm shoes are a must if you visit during the peak winter months.
Discover the allure of Canada in each season! Contact us and allow us to show you a Canada that is much more than the “Great White North”.
Hear from our Experts
“I’ll never forget seeing my first breaching orca whilst I was in Canada – it was a truly memorable moment.”
Val
Senior Travel Consultant
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