Canada When to Go
Canada climate varies tremendously, with warm days in summer and sub-zero temperatures in winter. The climate and daylight hours can be very different in the south compared to the north. Summer (June to August) brings long, warm, sunny days to most regions. This is the best time to see Grizzly and Black bears as well as whales.
Autumn (September to November) sees temperatures drop and foliage turn all shades of yellow, orange, and red. October to November is the best time to see polar bears and you may still see Grizzly and Black bears, as well as whales through to October. Snow begins to fall from October/November.
Winter (December to February) brings cold weather with temperatures dropping below zero. Cities and towns are geared to challenge the cold surroundings with many having covered walkways and indoor malls to protect from the elements. Snow falls most of the winter in many regions. The Northern Lights are best viewed in winter.
Spring (March to May) sees days getting longer and temperatures slowly rising. Snow starts to melt away in March/April and wildflowers begin to bloom. The whale and bear watching season generally begins in May. The Northern Lights may be seen through to March in some parts.
Canada Experiences
Bear viewing: Seeing these powerful animals in the wild is an experience you’ll never forget. Grizzly bears can be found in the Rockies, or fishing for salmon in rivers around Knight Inlet. Black Bears roam the forests of both the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines, and the spectacular Polar bear can be spotted around Churchill in Manitoba and out on the tundra of Arctic Canada. You’re bound to see other wildlife on your bear watching adventures, so keep an eye out for elk, moose, caribou and mountain goats. Wildlife spotting doesn’t get much wilder than this!
Ice fields parkway: Stretching 232 kilometers through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the Ice fields Parkway offers the road trip of a lifetime. This spectacular drive between Jasper and Lake Louise, winds its way through Jasper and Banff National Parks and reveals natural attractions at every turn. Get a photo at world famous Moraine Lake, see the bright turquoise color of Peyto Lake, and view the powerful Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls. Take an Ice Explorer ride out onto the Columbia Ice field, step in this impressive ice mass, and dare to walk in the glass-floored Skywalk.
Outdoor Adventure: With its craggy peaks, iridescent lakes and twisting and turning trails, Canada is a haven for outdoor adventure. Lace up the boots and hike to Lake Agnes Tea House for views of Lake Louise or take to the trails in Whistler and Sun Peaks for meadows of wildflowers. Pedal your way along city side pathways such as The Seawall in Vancouver or the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, or pick up the pace at Whistler Mountain Bike Park.
Bustling cities & Charming towns: From big cities to enchanting towns and remote villages, these unique communities beg to be discovered. Choose a cosmopolitan city break with no shortage of attractions in Vancouver or Toronto. Lose yourself in the French-influenced Quebec City or Montreal. Enjoy the Western appeal of Calgary or take a slower pace in the pretty little towns and maritime villages of Atlantic Canada.
Heritage and Culture: There are many different places to experience the traditions, history and culture of Canada and their people. Learn more about the first Nations at the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa. See collections of hand-carved totem poles in Stanley Park or Capilano Suspensions Bridge Park in Vancouver. From western charm in Calgary to French Flair in Quebec, from old gold mining towns like Dawson City.
Spectacular journeys: Canada’s iconic rail and cruise journeys give you an experience unlike any other, allowing you to discover otherwise inaccessible terrain. Inhale the mountain air and let nature take your breath away on Rocky Mountaineer. This world- famous train travels by the glacier-capped mountains, tumbling waterfalls and fleeting wildlife of the Canadian Rockies.
Natural wonders: Mother Nature has blessed Canada with some of the greatest spectacles. See the immense power of Niagara Falls from above or below. Discover one of the biggest finds of dinosaur fossils at Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta. Check out the world’s highest tides in New Brunswick, where you can kayak at high tide and walk on the ocean floor at low tide. An experience not to be missed is seeing the beautiful Northern Lights as they light up the night sky. Chase them in the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Manitoba, where the viewing is best from February to March.
Whale watching: The coastlines of Canada offer some of the best places in the world to view the incredible whale. Over 30 species reside in or travel along the waters on both the east and west coasts. Humpback, Minke, Orca and Blue whales can be found in the pacific waters in the west, or the Atlantic Ocean or St Lawrence River in the east, the playful and gentle Beluga whale can be seen at the estuary of Churchill River near Hudson Bay in Manitoba. Amazing photo opportunities can be had from selected shorelines, or head out on to the water with an eco- friendly kayak or boat tour.
Tours & Cruises: We have selected some fabulous days and extended touring and cruising options to help you plan your dream holiday in Canada. Discover iconic attractions such as Niagara Falls, travel through picturesque national parks, stopping at beautiful lakes charming towns along the way.
You’ll find a great range of extended touring options designed so you can explore your favorite cities and regions in more depth. Enjoy the independence of travelling on your own. Alternatively, see major highlights with a local guide and like-minded travelers on a fully escorted coach or small group tour.
Rail travel: Discover the best of Canada when you travel by rail. Sit back and relax as you watch the ever- evolving landscape pass by. Rocky Mountaineer is an iconic journey that takes you through the remarkable Canadian Rockies. Enjoy historic storytelling, world class cuisine and unparalleled service as the train hugs the sides of the mountains and weaves around lakes and rivers.
VIA Rail’s trains travel right into the heart of the Canadian cities. Enjoy room to stretch your legs and a choice of onboarding dining options as you travel to one of the many destinations across the country.
Self-Drive Holidays: There’s nothing more exciting that taking to the open road to explore Canada on a self-drive holiday. We’ve created a range of itineraries to showcase Canada’s best road trips and scenic drives.
Travel through the Rockies – perfectly made for a driving holiday with natural attractions at every turn. Explore the east, from the largest city of Toronto to the French-Canadian cities of Quebec City and Montreal. See Niagara Falls, or choose something a little different and discover Vancouver Island or Newfoundland.
Rocky Mountaineer:
Prepare to be truly moved. It is no wonder that Rocky Mountaineer journeys are known as the best way to see the Canadian Rockies. With Carefully Choreographed packages, three unique rail routes, and two levels of service, there is a life changing journey for even the most discern traveler.
Since 1990 over two million guests have shared memorable moments and made lasting friendships on board Rocky Mountaineer. Rocky Mountaineer destinations include Vancouver, Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff. This luxurious train travels by daylight with overnight stays in destinations such as Kamloops, Whistler and Quesnel, so as not to miss a single beat of the breathtaking scenery along the way.
Throughout the journey, Rocky Mountaineer Hosts provided engaging story telling of the passing regions and never fail to point out the glacier capped mountains, tumbling waterfalls and fleeting wildlife outside sparkling glass domed windows. The culinary adventure onboard reflects the regions through which the train travels, highlighting local ingredients, such as berries from Aldergrove and Pacific salmon.
Wildlife Experiences:
Canada is home to some of the most extraordinary wildlife you’ll find anywhere in the world.
Spot Grizzly and Black bears in the Canadian Rockies or near the estuaries and inlets off Vancouver Island. Go in and search of the Kermode bear, also known as the Spirit bear, an experience not to be missed.
In the waters off Vancouver, see whales, as well as other playful marine life including Sea otter, seals and Sea lions. These are just some of the amazing animals you may encounter.
Stay at a lodge, perfectly positioned for wildlife viewing or take a group tour. Be guided by the experts who know the best time and place for viewing opportunities.
