The Best Time to Travel to Canada

With the world reopening, the prospect of travel is becoming a reality once again. Sure, things might look a little different for a while but we’re here to help guide you every step of the way. Our intention is to get you where you want to go, and there’s no better way to start planning your trip than by deciding where to travel in Canada — and when. Each season in this beautiful country offers plenty of reasons to visit. 

March–April–May

As Canada rouses from her Winter slumber, the Spring months are an ideal time to visit the untamed West Coast and Canadian Rockies.

West Coast: Experience the balance of laid-back city life, with delicious local cuisine like sushi and wild Pacific salmon, and tranquil ocean coastlines, perfect for storm watching and wildlife viewing. Our favorite West Coast spots include vibrant and cosmopolitan Vancouver, and the alpine wonderland of Whistler for skiing and gondola rides.

Canadian Rockies: With its ice-blue glacier lakes, windswept alpine forests, and dramatic rock formations, the wild backcountry of the Canadian Rockies is a breathtaking sight to behold. Visiting in the spring means that you can enjoy activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and glacier tours, set against the backdrop of the still snow-capped Rockies.

Across Canada: Spring sees the start of trans-Canada train routes — the best way to get a taste of all that this vast country has to offer. Journey from Halifax to Vancouver or begin in Toronto and travel to the West Coast. No matter which trip you choose, you'll have a unique chance to discover the raw beauty and enchanting culture of this vast country.

June–July–August

Canada in the summer invites a range of outdoor activities from hiking and kayaking, to outdoor music festivals and cultural celebrations.

Atlantic Canada: The charm and raw beauty of the Maritimes make this a place you’ll want to return to again and again. Watch the sailboats gliding into the shimmering water of Halifax Harbour, crack open a fresh lobster claw, or listen to tales of the region’s maritime history. Our favorite spots include the quaint fishing village of Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Peggy’s Cove with its iconic lighthouse.

Northern Canada: Accessible only by air and rail, the remote northern regions of Canada are home to a myriad of wildlife from polar bears and the elusive arctic fox to the playful beluga whales who return to the region now that the ice has receded. Experience the thrill of a wilderness safari and dog sledding, take breathtaking photos, and immerse yourself in the history of this wild region.

September–October–November

From late September, all across Canada, the forests explode into brilliant fiery hues of red and gold, transforming the landscape into a Fall masterpiece.

Eastern Canada: Set to the backdrop of Fall colors, the stunning countryside of Quebec will have you reaching for your camera, while Ontario’s Algonquin Park, filled with dense, colourful forests and thousands of lakes and rivers, is perfect for exploring by canoe or on foot. Fall foliage tours are guaranteed to enchant you. 

Northern Canada & The West Coast: As Canada’s wildlife begins preparations for hibernation, this is an ideal time to see the true Lords of the Wilderness in their natural habitat. Watch the largest migration of polar bears descend upon Churchill ahead of their annual seal hunt and see grizzly bears hunt salmon among the trees of the lush, abundant Great Bear Rainforest.

December–January–February

No one celebrates Winter quite like Canadians — we are the home of winter. We make the most of the snowy season with festivals, sports, and activities unique to the True North.

Canadian Rockies: While the Rockies are impressive all year round, the snow makes this a magical winter wonderland. Travel into a winter paradise of snow-covered mountains during the holiday season, experience the fun of dog sledding and snowshoeing, and let your imagination run wild as you ice skate around the spectacular Lake Louise ice castle.

The Yukon: Many people dream of witnessing the mystical Aurora Borealis first hand, and Canada’s northerly Yukon province is one of the best places in the world to view these majestic lights during the winter months. Combine your evening experiences with daytime wildlife encounters and Whitehorse’s charming frontier feel for a truly memorable winter vacation.

Eastern Canada: When the temperature drops, the country comes alive with winter festivals to toast the season. Experience the Carnaval De Quebec, one of the world’s largest winter carnivals, or Ottawa’s Winterlude, with it’s live music, ice-carving competitions, and even a triathlon!