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When to visit Canada

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.

GRI St Canada Grizzly Bear Shutterstock Naturesmmentsuk
CAN St Canada Emerald Lake Shutterstock Trphotos

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The best time to visit Canada


  • JAN
  • FEB
  • MAR
  • APR
  • MAY
  • JUN
  • JUL
  • AUG
  • SEP
  • OCT
  • NOV
  • DEC

This is not an ideal month to travel to Canada for wildlife.

Spring: March to May

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.

Summer: June to August

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.

Autumn: September to November

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.

Winter: December to February

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.

What to do in Canada

Bear Viewing

Canada 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.

Birdwatching

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.

The Salmon Run

Witness the spectacular salmon runs in places like British Columbia, where you can see thousands of salmon swimming upstream to spawn.

Whale Watching

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.