Wherever you go in Canada, January is the coldest month of the year. That's great news if you're a keen skier or snowboarder or would like to try other fun winter sports. From snowshoeing in British Columbia to ice skating in the capital, Ottawa, or just hunkering down indoors and enjoying a museum (or three), there's a lot to do in Canada in January.
February is mid-winter in Canada, which means it's cold and snowy: ideal conditions for skiing or snowboarding in the Rocky Mountains, snowshoeing through the backcountry of Nova Scotia, or ice-skating in downtown Ottawa. Travelers seeking a remote adventure will also love aurora-watching in the Yukon, a vast and isolated area of the north. Find out more about traveling to Canada in February below.
March is late winter in Canada, meaning snow and cold temperatures linger in some parts of the enormous country, but tentative spring-like conditions can be found. If you want to ski, snowboard, or enjoy other snow sports, this is still possible in the Rocky Mountains and elsewhere. However, coastal British Columbia is a good option to take advantage of thawing conditions and milder temperatures. From skiing to iceberg viewing, here's what to see and do in Canada in March.
April is shoulder season for travel to Canada, with conditions wintery in some places and spring-like in others. Even where temperatures remain cold, longer days make sightseeing easier. In April, you can enjoy snow sports on one day and warmer-weather activities like kayaking or hiking on another. From maple syrup festivals to iceberg viewing, here are a few ideas about what you can see and do in Canada in April.
Visit Canada in May for a shoulder-season combination of mild temperatures and few tourists. With thawing snow, white-water rafting and kayaking are fun, icebergs float down the east coast, and birds and wildlife are abundant in the national parks, such as Alberta's Jasper. Read on to find out more about where to go and what to do in Canada in May.
June is the start of summer in Canada and an ideal time to visit to avoid the crowds that descend on popular places later in the season. With comfortable temperatures throughout the country, this is a great month to get outdoors. Paddle a canoe on a glacial lake, spot beluga whales on a zodiac boat tour, or while away the warm days at a cottage beside the Great Lakes: there are plenty of things to see and do in Canada in June.
July is midsummer in Canada, which is also peak travel season. But Canada is an enormous country, and it's easy to get away from the crowds if you want to. While the Rocky Mountains are wonderful in summer (book in advance!), you could also head to the central coast of British Columbia or the shores of Hudson Bay for a remote natural experience. Find out more about traveling to Canada in July.
August is midsummer in Canada, and you'll be spoiled for choice about where to go. The most frequented places—including the Rocky Mountains, Niagara Falls, and the lakeside towns of the east—are popular for good reasons, but you can also find many quiet, remote spots across this enormous country. Rent a cottage at the Great Lakes, kayak off the coast of British Columbia, hike in the mountains, and much more. Discover some of the best sights and activities in Canada below.
With film festivals, wine events, colorful foliage, and mild weather, September is a fantastic time to visit Canada. Toronto hosts one of the world's biggest film festivals this month, and the nearby Niagara region and Algonquin Provincial Park offer respites from the busy city. Over in the west, make time to explore the wine-producing Okanagan Valley and its harvest-time festival. Read on to find out more about traveling to Canada in September.
Though temperatures drop in Canada in October, signaling winter's just around the corner, the month is full of color. Autumn leaves can be enjoyed in parks large and small, the aurora borealis appears during the long nights, and one of the country's largest wine-producing regions hosts a lively festival. Pack some warm layers and get ready to enjoy Canada's natural attractions in October.
November is the end of fall and the start of winter in Canada. Temperatures drop, turning rain to snow. But that's great news if you want to enjoy winter sports as the ski season starts later in the month. Wrap up warm and go sightseeing in atmospheric Montréal or Québec City, or head north for aurora borealis viewing. There's plenty to see and do in Canada in November.
December is mid-winter in Canada and prime time to enjoy snow sports, whether you're a keen downhill skier/snowboarder or want to try something new like snowshoeing or snowmobiling. Vancouver has relatively mild conditions if cities are more your thing, and Toronto hosts a great winter market. There's no reason to avoid Canada in the depths of winter: here's what you can see and do.
