When is the best time to visit Canada?

Are you dreaming of immersing yourself in the grandeur of nature, surrounded by endless forests, majestic mountains, and an impressive array of wildlife, from moose and bears to whales and spectacular birds of prey like eagles?

If so, Canada should definitely be on your list of must-visit countries!

But when is the ideal time to travel to Canada?

In this blog post, you’ll find our handy guide to managing the weather in this magnificent North American country.

What is Canada’s climate like?

Sitting in the northern hemisphere, Canada is the second largest country in the world with a vast area of 9.98 million km². Nestled like a generous spread between the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Atlantic Ocean in the east, it’s no surprise that the weather across Canada varies greatly depending on where you are.

The coastal regions generally enjoy a more stable climate, with milder winters and cooler summers, while inland areas experience more extreme temperature swings, including colder winters and hotter summers than the coasts. In addition, the west coast tends to be warmer than the east, which is influenced by the cold ocean currents.

The northernmost part of the country, much of which lies within the Arctic Circle, is known for its cold and sometimes inhospitable climate. This is one of the reasons why the majority of Canada’s population chooses to live further south, where the climate is generally milder and more welcoming.

What time of year should you visit Canada?

Many travellers opt to visit Canada between May and October, when the weather is at its finest, with pleasantly mild temperatures and longer, lighter days – absolutely ideal for heading off on new adventures.

Canada truly is a year-round destination, so the best month for your tour depends entirely on what you’d like to experience. Read on to learn about Canada’s seasons and discover the ideal time for your trip.

Note: We only offer departure dates between May and October, as our self-drive and rail tour programmes cannot run outside of this period due to snow.

What are Canada’s seasons like?

With the exception of the northern regions, the country – including the areas you will explore on a tour with TourCompass – generally enjoys four distinct seasons:

• Spring: March to May
• Summer: June to August
• Autumn: September to November
• Winter: December to February

The timing and length of these seasons can vary considerably depending on the region.

Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures and blooming nature

As spring arrives, Canada starts to shake off winter’s icy grip. Temperatures gradually begin to rise, causing the snow to melt away. While March and April can still be marked by unpredictable weather and lingering cold, it’s in May that the gentle warmth of spring really takes hold.

May’s milder weather encourages the Canadian landscapes to burst into vibrant colours, making the country’s already spectacular scenery even more stunning. The conditions are ideal for hiking in the many breathtaking national parks, which, at this time of year, remain blissfully quiet and uncrowded. Bears are also emerging from their winter dens during these months, so you might be lucky enough to spot them ambling along with their newborn cubs.

3 advantages of travelling during the spring months:

• Fewer visitors than in the busy summer season that follows
• The natural world bursts into life, and you might even spot newborn bear cubs
• Temperatures gradually become milder and more pleasant

Summer (June to August): Warm days and the peak season for adventure

Summer is the season that draws the most visitors to Canada.

This time of year boasts delightful weather, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. July and August are especially popular, offering the warmest temperatures of the year. As Canada is so far north, the summer heat remains pleasant, with average temperatures rarely exceeding 25 degrees Celsius.

Summer is the ideal time to discover Canada’s wild and stunning landscapes, whether you’re hiking in the national parks or taking a road trip across the Canadian scenery, where you’ll find everything from crystal-clear lakes and lush forests to awe-inspiring glaciers. Plus, the summer months bring a host of cultural events, such as Canada Day – the country’s national celebration – taking place on July 1st.

3 advantages of travelling during the summer months:

• The warmest temperatures of the year
• Excellent conditions for outdoor activities, e.g. hiking, cycling, rafting, and horse riding
• The chance to celebrate Canada’s National Day

Autumn (September to November): Cooler weather and golden hues

Autumn in Canada brings a refreshing transition from the warmth of summer to cooler, yet still pleasant, temperatures.

The milder weather in September and October offers ideal opportunities to explore Canada’s rich flora and fauna – for example, witnessing the many majestic birds of prey in British Columbia or the mesmerising northern lights in Banff National Park. During this period, the forests are transformed by warm shades of red, orange, and yellow, reaching their most spectacular display in October.

In November, as winter starts to make itself felt, the temperatures drop noticeably. By now, the trees have shed their last leaves, and the weather tends to be cold and rainy – and in some regions, the first snowfall may already have arrived.

3 benefits of travelling during the autumn months:

• Enchanting landscapes awash with golden hues
• The chance to spot magnificent birds of prey and witness the northern lights
• Cooler yet comfortably mild weather

Winter (December to February): Bitter cold and snow-covered landscapes

Canadian winters are harsh and chilly, with daytime temperatures plunging as low as -15°C, and on the coldest nights, dropping to -35°C. Much of the country is blanketed in snow due to the persistent frost, and snowstorms are a common occurrence.

If you dream of experiencing snowy landscapes or the northern lights, the winter months are ideal. Fewer people travel to Canada at this time, so you can enjoy the attractions in a more peaceful setting. However, it’s important to note that some experiences are not possible during these months. For example, going on a road trip can be challenging. The cold temperatures often make for difficult and occasionally hazardous driving conditions, as roads can become icy, affecting both train and car travel. For this reason, we do not offer tours to Canada during the winter.

3 advantages of travelling during the winter months:

• Fewer visitors
• The landscapes are adorned with a beautiful blanket of snow
• Opportunity to witness the Northern Lights in the night sky

For those seeking something special

Is there something in particular you’d like to experience on your tour?

Below, you’ll find an overview of some of Canada’s most popular experiences, along with the best times of year to enjoy them.

When is the best time to see bears in Canada?

The best time to experience Canada’s bears is from May to October. During these months, the bears come out from their winter hibernation—some even accompanied by newborn cubs—and set off in search of food. With a bit of luck, you might spot these furry creatures in Banff National Park or Jasper National Park, both famous for their large populations of black bears and grizzlies.

From August to October, the bears are especially easy to find along the rivers, particularly in British Columbia, where they are busy fattening up for winter by feasting on large quantities of salmon.

When is the best time to see whales in Canada?

The prime time for whale watching in Canada is between April and October, which marks the whale season in the country.

However, as different species visit Canadian waters at varying times, the ideal period depends on which whales you’re hoping to encounter.

For example, if you join a whale-watching tour off the coast of Victoria on Vancouver Island, your best chance of seeing humpback whales and orcas is between May and September, whereas grey whales are most commonly spotted in the area from March to April.

When can you have Canada all to yourself?

If you’re dreaming of exploring Canada without the crowds, consider travelling outside of the peak season in July and August.

Visiting outside these busy months not only means more space to yourself, but you’ll often find that the prices are more appealing too.

When is the best time to go hiking in Canada?

The ideal time for hiking in Canada is from July to mid-September, when the weather is at its warmest and the trails are driest.

However, there are also advantages to hiking in the spring or autumn, when there are fewer people around and nature reveals a different side to itself. At these times, it’s important to dress appropriately, as the weather is usually cooler and more changeable.

When can you see the northern lights in Canada?

The best time to witness the northern lights in Canada is from late August to April, when the nights grow longer and the colder weather brings clearer skies.

If you’re lucky, you might catch this mesmerising phenomenon while exploring the national parks of the Canadian Rockies during these months, such as Jasper National Park or Banff National Park.

Do you know when to travel?

A tour to Canada is an unforgettable experience, no matter when you decide to travel. Given the vast size of the country, you’ll find considerable contrasts in both the weather and the sights and activities available on your tour.

Dreaming of the warmest weather? Want to have the attractions all to yourself? Hoping to spot some wildlife?

Our experienced travel specialists are ready to help you find the perfect time for your adventure.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller