Canada is primarily a summer destination: the country gets three times more foreign visitors in July than January. In a land of seriously frigid winter temperatures and – in the far north – little daylight, summer is a welcome respite when you can unlock the pleasures of 48 national parks, enjoy an abundance of festivals and dine alfresco in a host of cosmopolitan cities. There are even beaches to explore and a burgeoning wine culture to savor.
For those not averse to a little winter chill, the snow-accustomed Canadians offer an alternative winter culture. Whistler is North America’s largest ski resort, Ottawa’s Rideau Canal hosts the world’s biggest skating rink, and Quebec City’s February carnival is one of the planet’s most renowned winter festivals.
Here's our month-by-month guide to what's happening in Canada.
High season sunshine in June to August attracts many tourists
In common with most northern hemisphere countries, June to August is Canada’s bonanza season, or to be more specific, Victoria Day (late May) to Labour Day (first weekend in September). Sunny weather, snow-free landscapes, and long hours of daylight (the sun barely sets in the far north) conspire to pull in foreign tourists and huge domestic crowds. Satisfying the demand, everything is open, from museums to hiking trails to wildlife excursions. Even winter ski resorts convert themselves into summer hiking and biking destinations. Summer caveats include higher prices (count on paying 30% more), busier facilities, and more limited availability. Book ahead and come armed with a variety of options.
Shoulder season of May, September, and October may mean some cheaper deals area available
Savvy travelers visit Canada in September. While prices and crowds fall after the Labour Day weekend, good weather usually holds until the end of the month meaning you can still hike at high altitudes, kayak in ice-free waters, and visit the beach. Early October remains snow-free in many regions and is the height of the surfing season on the Pacific coast. Fall foliage turns rust-red and sandy-brown towards the end of October and is particularly impressive in the eastern provinces: Ontario and Prince Edward Island are favorites. May is often relatively warm but snow can still linger at higher altitudes, especially in the Rocky Mountains. The Victoria Day weekend (Monday preceding May 25) usually marks the start of the summer season. From here on you can wave goodbye to any deals or discounts until September.
Low season runs November to April, but it's prime time for snow sports
Days are dark and temperatures are cold – really cold in the territories, the prairies, and parts of Québec. However, there is a silver lining: skiing and other associated winter sports usually kick off in late November/early December and keep going until early April depending on the weather. While prices drop in most regions, ski resorts ramp up their costs for a mini-high season, especially in the peak months of January and February. Elsewhere, November and April are the best months for all-round bargains.
Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter.
January is ideal for ice skating and skiing
Frozen lakes and rivers provide skating opportunities; ski resorts get big dumps of snow – some offer floodlit skiing and cozy warming huts to light up dark evenings.
Key events: Ice wine festivals in Ontario and BC.
February has winter festivals
As the freeze prevails, the Canadians put on plenty of winter festivals to keep warm. The Family Day weekend (third weekend in February) can see a mass rush to the ski slopes.
Key events: Yukon Quest, Quebec City’s Winter Carnival, Winterlude in Ottawa.
March means less snow, more hiking, and whale watching from the shore
The clocks spring forward in mid-March lengthening the evenings; Spring break (last two weeks of March) sees many Canadians flee abroad to warmer climes. In national parks and wilderness areas people start swapping their snowshoes for hiking boots. The Pacific Rim Whale Festival on the west coast of Vancouver Island celebrates all marine life. You may even be able to see gray whales from land as they pass near the coast on their northerly migration to their summer feeding grounds.
Key event: Pacific Rim Whale Festival.
April marks the end of the ski season
The ski season peters out as mountain resorts begin transitioning to the summer season in late April. Hikers and bikers hit lower altitude trails. In cities, bars and restaurants start to open their outdoor patios.
Key events: Stratford Festival, World Ski & Snowboard Festival.
May is great for white water rafting
Bears are awake, the snow is melting in the mountains, and rugged rivers experience choppier currents – a perfect time to go white water rafting.
Key events: Canadian Tulip Festival, Manito Ahbee.
June marks the start of summer
Canadian schools break up in late June heralding a full-on family exodus to the countryside. Hockey’s Stanley Cup Finals can have the whole country on tenterhooks. Trails are mostly snow-free but can still be wet and muddy. The LGBTIQ+ community celebrates across the country.
Key events: Montreal Jazz Festival, Pride Toronto, Alianait Arts Festival.
July is peak tourist time in Canada
The peak month for visitors with sunny weather, long days, an abundance of festivals and pretty much everything open for business. Spectacular wildflowers carpet alpine meadows in late July.
Key events: Canada Day, Calgary Stampede, Winnipeg Fringe Festival, Just for Laughs Festival.
Summer festivities continue through August
A continuation of July with only a minor drop in visitor numbers. The last of the snow melts in the mountains as wildlife and mosquitos come out to play. Bring bear spray and insect repellent!
Key events: Edmonton Fringe Festival, Festival Acadien, Royal St John’s Regatta.
September is a little cooler
While temperatures cool slightly, the weather remains relatively reliable for most of September. Some outdoor facilities close after Labour Day, but many trails, lakes, and campgrounds stay accessible until early October.
Key events: Toronto International Film Festival, PEI Fall Flavours.
October is the best time for surfers in British Colombia
Warmer weather can persist on the coast in early October, while the prairies and territories get an early dusting of snow. Good swells and tepid seas make this the best all-round surfing month in British Columbia.
Key events: Dark Sky Festival, Celtic Colours.
Catch the last of the fall foliage in November
In the east, fall foliage can last well into November while, in the west, wet and windy weather has led to a growing interest in storm-watching, particularly on Vancouver Island.
Key event: Niagara Festival of Lights.
December means more visitors to the ski resorts
By early December, most ski resorts are firing on all cylinders. This is also peak season for migratory eagle spotting in British Columbia. Big cities host Christmas markets.
Key events: Vancouver Festival of Lights, Christmas.
You might also like:
The 15 most incredible places to visit in Canada
Explore Canada's great outdoors on these 11 hiking trails
21 epic experiences to supercharge your Canadian adventure
