Canada is the second-largest country in the world, topping both the US and China in terms of landmass. Yet, despite its size, it has a relatively small population density, making it one of the best destinations for enjoying the untouched wilderness.
From paradise beaches to the snow-capped Rockies and coastal rainforests to the Okanagan Desert, there’s no landscape quite as diverse as Canada’s. Food, lifestyle, and culture are just as exciting here, making it a thrilling destination at any time of year. Here we give our expert tips on the best time to visit Canada based on your travel preferences, budget, and interests.
Table of Contents
- The Weather in Canada
- Canada’s Most Popular Annual Events
- The Best Tourist Attractions in Canada (And When to Visit Them)
- Canadian Sporting Events That Make Tourists Go Wild
- Canadian Public Holidays and Occasions
The Weather in Canada
Due to the size of the country, the weather can vary greatly from east to west, and many areas have their own micro-climates. But overall, you’ll have four main seasons to plan your travels around.
Spring (March to May)
From March to May, the temperature rises above freezing, with highs of 54°F in some parts. Spring can come early on Canada’s west coast, with tulips arriving in February. It’s a great time for travel deals, but be prepared for lots of rain in April or snowstorms near the Rocky Mountains.
Summer (June to August)
This is the peak tourist season, with July and August being the most popular summer months for travel. Temperatures vary across the country, but you can expect highs of 81°F in Vancouver and highs of 95°F in Toronto.
Fall (September to November)
Fall in Canada is an ideal time for sightseeing due to the milder temperatures for walking and hiking. In Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa, expect average temperatures of 62°F in September, 51°F in October, and 39°F in November.
Winter (December to February)
While it’s cold cross-country with temperatures below freezing, you’ll find milder weather in coastal cities like Vancouver, where there are highs of 39°F. This is a fantastic time to visit for winter sports and festivals but beware of rising airfares and busy public transport.
Canada’s Most Popular Annual Events
The best way to immerse yourself in the country’s unique culture is to attend one of its many festivals and events. Here are some of the most iconic ones that will make flying out worth it.
Quebec Winter Festival (January/February)
Thousands of visitors flock to this French-speaking city for fun winter festivities, including night parades and ice canoe races. In addition, this two-week affair features some of the world’s most jaw-dropping ice and snow sculptures.
Calgary Stampede (July)
As labeled by many, the ‘Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’ is a ten-day rodeo event. Witness incredible skill as competitors perform with their horses, bulls, and steers. On top of that, you can enjoy endless shopping, food, and drink, along with shows in the evening and plenty of live music. Rodeo tickets start from just 24 CAD ($19 USD).
Toronto Santa Claus Parade (November)
With over half a million visitors, this parade is now one of the largest in North America. It takes place on the third Sunday of November each year and is a fantastic friendly-family event that’s free to attend.
Vancouver Folk Music Festival 2022
Jericho Beach Park hosts one of Vancouver’s biggest music events from July 15th to 17th. For an adult weekend pass, ticket prices for the Vancouver Folk Music Festival 2022 start from 221.58 CAD ($177 USD).
Canada Pride Montreal 2022
From August 1st to 7th, Canada Pride celebrations descend upon the streets of Montreal. This annual LGBTQ+ festival is the largest in the country, with its highlight being the massive and colorful parade.
The Best Tourist Attractions in Canada (And When to Visit Them)
With so many cities and regions to discover, Canada is a playground for tourists, culture enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. Need inspiration for your itinerary? Take a look at some top sights and attractions below…
Niagara Falls
Perhaps the most popular attraction in Canada, Niagara Falls is a must-see for anyone staying in Toronto! The falls can be accessed for free all year round. However, some travelers prefer to book a tour through their hotel.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: The best time to visit Canada’s Niagara Falls is July/August, but this is also peak tourist season—so consider a visit in June or September.
Banff National Park & the Rocky Mountains
The majestic Rockies region is famed for its turquoise-colored lakes, snowy peaks, and gleaming glaciers. Enjoy a scenic drive or set off on a breathtaking hike in Banff. Daily entry into the national park is 10.50 CAD ($8 USD) for adults or 21 CAD ($17 USD) for families/groups. Children under 17 receive free entry.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: Plan your visit in July/August for the best weather. To skip the summer crowds, travel in September instead.
Whistler Blackcomb
Canada’s favorite ski destination is just two hours from Vancouver: Whistler Blackcomb. It’s also just as popular in the summer, with golf, mountain biking, and a lively town to explore. Plus, it’s a great location for spotting the beautiful Northern Lights.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: The best time to visit Canada for Northern Lights viewing is generally between October and March.
Canadian Sporting Events That Make Tourists Go Wild
Rub shoulders with locals and cheer on their favorite teams at these spectacular sporting events.
The Stanley Cup
This annual ice hockey championship is one of Canada’s biggest and most famous sporting events. Some top teams to watch include Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, and Vancouver Canucks.
NBA Playoffs and Finals
The Toronto Raptors are Canada’s pride and joy in the NBA. They’re also the only Canadian team left, making them a great team to root for if you love basketball. Get tickets from the box office at the Scotiabank Arena for home games.
Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Cups
A star player in the international bobsleigh scene, Canada is one of the best destinations in the world for experiencing a bobsleigh race. Whistler hosts World Cup events every winter, making December and January a great time to head out there.
Canadian Public Holidays and Occasions
As with many winter destinations, Canada can be very busy during Christmas. It’s recommended to book travel six months in advance if you plan to visit during the festive season, as airfares and hotel prices are more expensive around this time.
Cities can also get busy during the school summer break, with July and August being peak tourist months. However, finding great travel deals during these months is still possible.
Another holiday to bear in mind is Thanksgiving, but compared to the US, celebrations are much more low-key and shouldn’t impact your travel too much.
Want to find the best flight deals for your trip to Canada? Sign up for the Next Vacay newsletter to get them delivered straight to your inbox.
