When is the best time to go to Canada? Winter, Summer or Indian Summer

Canada, many of you want to go there! If some of you are put off by the winters which can be harsh there, others dream of seeing them in person. Given the size of the country, the question of the best time depends on the region to be visited and what you want to do there.

The seasons in Canada

Each Canadian season has its own particularities, and the landscape changes throughout the year.
The winter period is generally considered unfavorable, unless you like the great cold. From March to April and from October to November, the conditions are still not ideal, but they are less unpleasant than in the middle of winter. From May to September, the conditions are the mildest. This is the ideal season to visit Canada.
From May to July, the climate is more and more pleasant. Canada presents the best panoramas at this time. After this month, the temperatures start to drop and September is probably the last month in which it is recommended to visit the country if you really want to enjoy it.

Summer from June to August

If you plan on hiking and trekking, or just enjoying the Canadian wilderness, summer is the best time to go. Discovering the Yukon by raft, crossing the Rockies mountains or kayaking in Quebec is always better when the weather is warm!
This is also the best time to observe bears and beluga whales in their natural habitats. Humpback whales are also seen off the coast of Newfoundland during the summer.

You can still take advantage of the warm season to go around the cities, especially Vancouver and its beaches or Montreal and its very active urban life.
It is also an opportunity to attend the many festivals that take place here and there throughout the month of July. Rodeo lovers won't miss the Calgary Stampede. Blues fans will also enjoy Bluefest Ottawa. Do you know the show “Juste pour Rire”? Its actors meet in July in Montreal to present a one-of-a-kind festival.

If you plan to visit Canada in the summer, you should know that you will not be the only ones with this idea. Our advice: if you don't want to postpone your trip, think about preparing it well in advance.

Autumn from September to November

During this season, temperatures begin to drop. Autumn also represents the period of Indian summer in Canada. It starts around mid-September. The weather is particularly mild: lots of sun and little rain, with mild temperatures for the season. Foliage glows in all its glory, especially in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes.
You will be able to observe Canadian biodiversity with the salmon migrating on the Pacific coast. In the aftermath, they attract a host of predators - killer whales in the ocean, grizzly bears on land, in rivers and streams. Note, however, that this show captures the attention of many tourists. If you want to see it, you will have to think about booking your accommodation.
This season also evokes that of love among the moose. You can observe it in Algonquin Park.

If you like wine, you can go to the Okanagan Wine Festival. It is held during the harvest in October, in British Columbia. On the program: visit of vineyards, tasting, restoration around wine, etc. You can also attend the other Niagara Wine Festival in Ontario.

In Nova Scotia, the Celtic Colors Festival also takes place in October. On the agenda, more than a week of concerts and festivities articulated around Celtic roots.
Another original event held in the fall: the Lantern Magic Festival in Montreal. Spend an exceptional evening in the Chinese garden. You can witness the illumination of hundreds of lanterns.

Winter from December to March

Those who are not afraid of the cold will find this season particularly magnificent. The Canadian winter is an opportunity to try many activities including dog sledding, ice hotels or even skiing. Moreover, the Canadian Rockies ski resort and the village of Tremblant are visits not to be missed during the winter.
The best known events of this season are the winter carnival in Quebec City, the Winterlude in Ottawa, the Banff Snow Days or the Ice Magic festival on Lake Louise (ice sculpture) and The Northern Lights in the skies of the Yukon.

January is the Banff Snow Days. There are thus 11 days of events around giant snow sculptures. You can try a large number of winter sports: curling hockey, climbing on a giant wall… Note that the international ice sculpture competition takes place at the same time at Lake Louise.
In February, Quebec City hosts the Winter Carnival, one of the biggest in the whole country. The activities are also numerous: canoe races, night parades, Snowman Palace, ice sculptures, etc.
Finally, the Winterlude is a winter festival around ice sculpting competitions, snow games, ice skating and sports competitions. During this event, the Rideau Canal is transformed into a giant skating rink.

Spring from April to May

Spring is coming and the temperatures are getting milder. This is the time when tourists are scarce. The period is quieter and hotels are also cheaper in low season.

In April, you can attend the Cherry Blossom Festival in Vancouver. Many cultural activities take place there, such as art classes, guided walks, bike rides and discovery events around Japan.

In May, you will find the Tulip Festival in Ottawa. These are millions of blooming tulips, originally planted by the Dutch people to thank Canada and the city for hosting the Royal Family during World War II.

In Nova Scotia, the Apple Blossom Festival - in the Bay of Fundy - celebrates the arrival of spring with parades, concerts and fireworks.