When is the best time to visit to Canada? (2024)

FAQs

When is the best time to visit to Canada? ›

If you're searching for snow-capped landscapes and thrilling winter sports or adventure activities, visiting any time from November to April could work for you. Or, if you're into spring blooms or beautiful foliage, the shoulder seasons might just be your best time to visit Canada.

It's perfect to visit year-round, but generally the best time for a trip is between April to June, and September to November. In these periods, the temperatures are great for exploring, and it's less busy, making prices more affordable.

"If you want to experience everything, I'd recommend at least 4-6 weeks. However, in 2-3 weeks you could also experience lots of variety in different regions."

Summer — June 21st to September 20th

However, temperatures vary across the country, with highs between 70 and 95 Fahrenheit in Toronto and 65 to 80 in more temperate Vancouver. This gives plenty of opportunities to visit Canada's many sites of natural beauty. Generally, July is the hottest month in Canada.

How long you can stay. Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada. At the port of entry, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months. If so, they'll put the date you need to leave by in your passport.

Summer is a beautiful time across Canada. Between the months of June to early September, there is plenty of sunshine and we also experience the warmest weather of the year. There are also more hours of daylight as the sun rises earlier and sets later.

In July and August, most of Canada experiences hot humid summers with little rainfall, where average highs range between 25-32°C. The west coast maintains a pleasant climate year-round, with average temperatures hovering just above 20°C in its warmest months.

January is the cheapest month to travel to Canada. It is one of the coldest months in Canada and most tourists stay away. Airlines, hotels, restaurants and attractions at tourist destinations offer discounts to visitors in January and throughout winter. If you visit Canada in winter, you will find very few tourists.

Give it as much time as you physically can because there's so much to see! I recommend a 2-week trip as a minimum. However, if you only have 10 days you could just focus on the Alberta leg of this itinerary and save Vancouver/Vancouver Island for another time.

How much does it cost to travel to Canada? You should plan to spend around $173 (CA$236) per day on your vacation in Canada. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

What is the cheapest time to visit Canada? ›

The spring and fall shoulder seasons – namely April to May (outside Easter), and October to November – are a good time to visit the cities, when prices are more reasonable. Here's more of what you need to know as you consider the best time to visit the majestic nation of Canada.

Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.

February, which Phillips says is always considered the coldest month in Canada, was at its worst in 1979 in Eureka, Nunavut with an average overall temperature of -47.9 C.

The Canadian Rockies are a thing of beauty and first-time visitors to the country would not be disappointed making a stop in Banff National Park, or even spending their entire trip here. With stunning mountain scenery, picturesque lakes like Lake Louise, and quaint mountain towns, you'll be at one with nature.

The amount you tip in Canada will depend on where you are and what type of services you're buying. As a general rule, expect to tip around 10% of the bill. If you get exceptionally good service, say thank you with a tip closer to 15-20%.

If you are traveling internationally you will still need your passport. If you are traveling domestically, you will only need one valid form of identification – either your REAL ID or another acceptable alternative such as a passport, not both.

The best time to visit Canada for northern lights viewing is from September to March, when there's enough darkness at night to view them. In the summer, some of Canada's northernmost regions get 24 hours of daylight, so any aurora that is floating around is drowned out by the sun.

Give it as much time as you physically can because there's so much to see! I recommend a 2-week trip as a minimum. However, if you only have 10 days you could just focus on the Alberta leg of this itinerary and save Vancouver/Vancouver Island for another time.