When to go to Canada?

Because of its size, Canada has a wide range of climate conditions causing large temperature variations from one season to another. During wintertime, temperatures can go down to -4°F while they can go as high as 86°F in the summer. Overall, a humid continental climate prevails in the country.

You can visit Canada in all seasons, with summer and winter being the peak tourist seasons.
Winter lasts 6 months, it begins in November and ends in late April. On the Pacific coast, winters are a lot milder than in all other regions of the country and temperatures usually remain positive. In this region it doesn’t snow very often with only 10 days of snow every year in Vancouver. On the Atlantic coast, winters are harsher and very windy with average temperatures that don’t exceed 35°F. Therefore, if you are looking for snow, Quebec City in the winter is the perfect place for you as it is covered in snow 150 days a year. During this time of the year, average temperatures are below-zero and only start going up in April. The coldest places in Canada are the North-West and Nunavut regions. In spite of the cold, there are many outdoor activities you can do during winter such as skiing, snowmobile riding, snowshoeing or dogsledding.
Spring comes back in April and only lasts for a few weeks before giving way to summer. During this period, nature slowly awakens, and temperatures get warmer. It is not necessarily the best time to visit Canada as some regions are very muddy when the snow thaw period begins.
Summer begins in June with mild temperatures that can go really high in July. In Quebec City, temperature can go up to 86°F during the daytime. In August, temperatures begin to drop, and evenings can get quite cool. Summer is the best time to visit the many national parks, navigate a river on a canoe or attend one of the many festivals in Quebec City or Montreal. You can also go whale-watching in Tadoussac and if you’re lucky enough you might even see blue whales, the largest animals on earth.
Fall is the best season to plan a trip to Canada. The weather is almost as pleasant as it is during the summer and you will have the opportunity to appreciate the vibrant fall colours. Photo enthusiasts will be delighted! In both Quebec City and Vancouver, maximum temperatures are around 68°F. During this time of year, you will be able to witness the snow geese coming from the Arctic making a stop along the St. Lawrence River for a few weeks on their migration to the south. Up North, in Churchill, you will have the chance to observe polar bears before they head to the Arctic in November.

Canada is a country that can be visited in both summer and winter with many activities available all year round. From snowmobile rides to kayak rides, Canada will please everyone! We recommend going there in September when the weather is pleasant, and temperatures are mild to enjoy the country’s beautiful colours and exceptional wildlife.