When to visit Canada, season by season
Canada can be visited all year round, but each season is a different trip. The country is vast: it can be mild in Vancouver while Montreal is under snow. The right time depends mostly on what you want to do.
Summer, the high season
From late June to early September, days are long and warm in both the East and the West. It is the best time for national parks, hiking in the Rockies and festivals, which are plentiful in Montreal and Quebec City.
- Who for: a first trip, families, outdoor lovers.
- Good to know: it is also the busiest period. Book flights, cars and accommodation several months ahead.
Autumn, the season of colours
From late September to mid-October, the maples of Quebec and Ontario turn red and orange. Temperatures drop, and so do visitor numbers.
Peak colour varies from year to year and region to region. Keep some flexibility in your dates.
Winter, for the snow
From December to March, the cold can be intense in the East and centre of the country. It is the season for skiing, dog sledding and winter carnivals. The West Coast around Vancouver stays milder but rainy.
- Who for: winter sports fans and lovers of snowy landscapes.
- Plan for: proper cold-weather gear and some slack in your travel plans in case of storms.
Spring, the shoulder season
April and May bring the thaw. Some outdoor activities are not open yet, but prices are often lower and cities quieter.
When to apply for your eTA
Most eTA applications are approved within minutes, but some require additional documents. Apply as soon as your trip is decided, ideally before buying your tickets.
Check the requirements before you start, then the specifics for your passport on the page for your nationality.