When to Go

When to go to Canada depends a lot on what you plan to do when you get there. Although much of Canada lies above the 49th parallel, and therefore has long and often intense winter weather, this isn't particularly a negative if you are going to Canada to ski. Although some tourist facilities in small centers are closed in winter, most remain open (after all, Canadians live in Canada year-round and require a full network of services).

Summer, from late June through August, brings the finest weather and not surprisingly the largest influx of travelers. Prices are highest, accommodations are frequently booked up, and crowds fill the wilderness. In many ways, the fall months, particularly September and October, are the most pleasant time to travel, as the weather is frequently very pleasant, the crowds have dispersed, and prices begin to fall. If you are looking for value, spring is the best time to visit Canada. However, it's not a good time to plan a trip centering on outdoor activities as it is also the "mud season" when all that snow melts.

The Weather

In southern and central Canada, the weather is the same as that in the northern United States. As you head north, the climate becomes Arctic, meaning long and extremely cold winters, brief and surprisingly warm summers (with lots of insects), and magical springs.

As a general rule, spring runs mid-March to mid-May, summer mid-May to mid-September, fall mid-September to mid-November, and winter mid-November to mid-March. Pick the season best suited to your tastes and temperament, and remember that your car should be winterized through March and that snow sometimes falls as late as April (in 1995, a foot of snow blanketed Prince Edward Island in May). September and October bring autumn foliage and great opportunities for photographers.

Evenings tend to be cool everywhere, particularly on or near water. In late spring and early summer, you'll need a supply of insect repellent if you're planning bush travel or camping.

With the huge size of some provinces and territories, you naturally get considerable climate variations inside their borders. Québec, for instance, sprawls all the way from the temperate south to the Arctic, and the weather varies accordingly. For up-to-date weather conditions and forecasts for any Canadian destination, check out Environment Canada's weather center on the Web at http://weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca.

Holidays

National holidays are celebrated throughout the country; all government facilities and banks are closed, but some department stores and a scattering of smaller shops stay open. If the holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday is observed.

Canadian national holidays include New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day (in mid- to late May, the weekend before U.S. Memorial Day), Canada Day (July 1), Labour Day (first Mon in Sept), Thanksgiving (in mid-Oct), Remembrance Day (Nov 11), Christmas Day, and Boxing Day (Dec 26). Many provinces also celebrate a provincial holiday, usually on the first Monday of August. In addition, you may run into other provincial or local holidays, some of which are listed in each provincial, regional, or city section.

Festivals & Special Events -- Canada has some wonderfully unique festivals and events, from the Vancouver Folk Festival to the Calgary Stampede to the Stratford Festival Theatre to the Québec Winter Carnival. The best of each province's, region's, or community's special events are listed in the following chapters. As the dates for events often change from year to year, it's a good idea to check the events calendar at each destination's website. These Web calendars are the easiest way to get the most up-to-date information.