The best time to go to Canada is between June and October. Whilst Canada is perceived as a year-round destination, the temperatures of the summer months lend themselves to more of the outdoor activities for which Canada is renowned, although there are huge regional differences to consider, highlighted below, as well as best times to view specific wildlife.
Generally, in the South, the summer period is between late May and early September, whilst in the north, this is a much shorter season between mid-June and mid-September, after which snowfall can begin.
This is not an ideal month to travel to Canada for wildlife.
This is not an ideal month to travel to Canada for wildlife.
March is not the ideal month for a wildlife safaris, in places like Vancouver, you can expect quite a lot of rain, and similar on Vancouver Island. March is not a good time to see grizzly bears or spirit bears as they are in hibernation. If you can brave cold temperatures, for a very unique wildlife opportunity, this is the time to see polar bear cubs emerging from their dens for the very first time with their new born cubs.
Although not best for wildlife, it is a good time for sports in Canada, and the weather improves and thee days get longer.
During May, there is still some chill in the air but there are fewer crowds. It is a great time of year to watch for whales along the Atlantic coast, with humpbacks, minkes and belugas frequently sighted.
June is the start of wildlife season in British Columbia, and can be a great time to travel in order to see grizzly bears and spirit bears. Lakes and rivers have thawed, and the country is starting to come to life with long, warm days, and animals emerging from their hibernation.
July is a wonderful time to visit Canada for a wildlife safari, with numerous options available to you throughout British Columbia and further north in Manitoba. At this time it is possible to see grizzly, spirit and black, bears and even combine this with a polar bear safari. It is also an excellent time to see a few whale species along the coast.
August can be a thrilling month to explore Canada in search of wildlife, special thanks to the spawning salmon. The salmon run starts in late July, so by August is in full swing as the determined fish swim up river to where they were born in order to spawn and die. As they swim, hungry bears swipe with huge claws and jagged teeth, claiming these tasty treats before they manage to reproduce.
Similar to August, this can be a great month to travel if you want to see wild grizzly bears, as this is the last month of the natural phenomena, the salmon run. At this time grizzlies can often be seen in large numbers at the river banks, and even in the water itself, swiping calorie-rich fish as they try to swim upstream in order to spawn.
October sees the end of the salmon run, but can still be a great time to see grizzly bears and other wildlife in Canada In fact, with the end of the run, the spawned-out salmon are pushed back down the river mouth, making fishing easier for the bears and often bringing another spike in numbers!
In November, the grizzly bears can no longer be seen as the cold weather pushes them into their annual hibernation, so we no longer recommend travel to British Columbia if you are looking for a wildlife safari. There are other options in Canada though, from seeing the fascinating and unique ice grizzlies of the sub-Arctic Yukon, to watching polar bears in Churchill and the Arctic.
This is not an ideal month to travel to Canada for wildlife.
Spring is an excellent time for birdwatching, especially in southern and coastal regions. Migratory birds, including waterfowl and songbirds, return to Canada during this season.
Coastal regions like British Columbia and the Great Bear Rainforest are great for bear viewing during the summer months. Grizzly and black bears are active, and you can see them fishing for salmon. Summer is prime time for whale watching, particularly in places like British Columbia, Quebec, and New Brunswick, where you can see humpback, orca, and gray whales. You can also spot moose, bison, and other large mammals in national parks and wilderness areas.
Head to Arctic Canada in autumn, to see polar bears as they gather along the Hudson Bay, waiting for the sea ice to form. Witness the dramatic salmon runs in places like British Columbia, as thousands of salmon swim upstream to spawn. Head to Arctic Canada in autumn, to see polar bears as they gather along the Hudson Bay, waiting for the sea ice to form.
Visit northern regions like the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and parts of Quebec during the winter to witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Some waterfowl and eagles can be spotted in the winter months in coastal regions where water doesn't freeze.
In Alaska you can witness the salmon run via boat, viewing platforms or land vehicles, but for the most intimate and jaw-dropping experience, we offer the chance for you to walk among them, on foot. Similarly, you can experience this magnificent display in British Columbia in Canada.
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Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountain Range on the west coast of British Columbia, the ancient Great Bear Rainforest is one of the largest tracts of temperate rainforest left in the world. At a massive 21 million acres, it stretches over 250 miles up the mainland coast of B.C. and fjords stretch all the way into the ice-capped Coastal Range. A remote land of archipelagos and 1000 year old cedars, its unique position has allowed it to stay relatively isolated from the rest of North America.
Read about the RainforestCanada is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. For the best bear viewing, stay at the wonderful Tweedsmuir Park Lodge and venture through Bella Coola Valley, which is home to the highest concentration of grizzly bears in North America. Drift down the Atnarko River as grizzly bears swipe salmon from the water’s edge and eagles circle ahead. For polar bears, head to Arctic Canada.
Canada is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 450 bird species to spot. Visit national parks, wildlife reserves, and bird sanctuaries to see bald eagles, puffins, ospreys, and more.
Witness the spectacular salmon runs in places like British Columbia, where you can see thousands of salmon swimming upstream to spawn.
Canada's coasts, particularly in British Columbia, Quebec, and New Brunswick, offer excellent opportunities to spot whales, you can see humpback, orca, beluga, and gray whales, among others.
