When to visit Canada

With hiking, kayaking and wildlife viewing in the summer and world-class skiing in winter, British Columbia is a classic year-round destination. Summers can be hot, with temperatures frequently topping 30ºC inland and 28ºC on the coast. Winters on the coast are relatively mild, while the interior sees plenty of snowfall. Spring and autumn are both pleasant times to visit and less expensive than the peak summer months.

The peak summer months (June to August) see the highest visitor numbers, especially during the Calgary Stampede, which takes place each July. Winters (November to March), when skiing conditions are at their prime, can also be busy. If you're hoping to make the most of the great outdoors, but prefer to avoid the crowds, head to Alberta in April or October, when you'll miss the coldest weather and benefit from the best prices.

With so many outdoor pursuits available, summer in Ontario is an absolute joy, although crowds are at their peak and prices can be high. If you'd prefer to avoid the rush, consider travelling in spring of autumn, where the 'fall' colours make for some exceptional photo opportunities. Winters can be very cold, especially in the north. Wrap up warm and it's possible to enjoy skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling and husky safaris.

From November to April, Québec's ski season is in full swing, with excellent downhill opportunities at resorts such as Mont Tremblant. Hôtel de Glace opens its doors in Québec City and activities including dog-sledding and snowmobiling are available. In summer the emphasis moves to wildlife, hiking and other outdoor pursuits in the province's national parks. The cities come alive with festivals and cosy bistros give way to al fresco dining.

Like much of Canada, the Atlantic provinces can be visited throughout the year. In summer, visitors enjoy hiking, kayaking, fishing and wildlife watching, while the region's towns and cities are alive with festivals and locals dining al fresco. In winter the weather can be challenging, but even the most remote corners, like Fogo Island, are open for business, with skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and even storm watching among the activities on offer.

While the Yukon never gets really busy, the summer (May to September) sees the biggest crowds, and towns like Whitehorse and Dawson come alive with festivals. Summer also brings the endless daylight of the Midnight Sun, making it a popular time for adventure seekers, with hiking, rafting and canoeing all on the agenda. Although winters can be bitterly cold, it's also a time for activities including dog-sledding and the chance to see the Northern Lights.

Summer (May to September) in Canada's northern provinces brings clement weather and the best chances to see wildlife. You can swim with beluga whales in Somerset Island (Nanavut) and Churchill, and see abundant birdlife along with other species including Arctic fox, seals and muskox. In Churchill, the main polar bear viewing season is short, running for around a month between mid-October and mid-November. As winter approaches, much of the north is frozen and desolate, with temperatures plummeting to -30ºC in places.