When to go
The best time to visit
central and southern Canada, where the major cities are located, is from
late summer to early autumn (i.e. from late August to late September): in this way, you can avoid the climate extremes (both the cold in winter and the possibly hot days in summer), you can find fewer mosquitoes (which, in summer, are a plague in much of the country), and you can enjoy a quiet and often sunny weather (the so-called Indian summer, which sometimes lasts until October).
In addition, in late September, you can admire the spectacular colors of the forests of maples and other species of trees.
The period from
late spring to early summer, i.e. late May to late June, may also be fine.
The
warmest period (July-August) is not to be totally avoided, although it can sometimes be hot, with some afternoon thunderstorms as well.
The worst period, along with midwinter (December to February), is perhaps that of the thaw, which varies depending on year and area, and occurs around April in central and southern Canada: the melting snow turns into mud, and travelling becomes difficult, at least outside the cities.
In the
northern regions of Canada, the summer is the only period when the temperature rises above the melting point, but travelling may be easier when all the land is frozen. At high latitudes, you can see the white nights in June, while beyond the Arctic Circle the sun never sets for a longer or shorter period, depending on latitude.
At Easter, the vast northern territories are still frozen, but the days are already long enough. In winter, especially in December, the days are very short.
What to pack
In
winter, it is necessary to bring clothing for extreme cold conditions, especially for the north, such as synthetic, thermal long underwear, a fleece, a parka, a wind jacket, and warm boots. T-shirts or light shirts are sufficient for overheated indoor environments. For the Vancouver area and the milder west coast, bring warm clothes, a coat, and a raincoat or umbrella.
In
summer, in the major cities of the south, bring light clothing, T-shirts for hot days, a jacket and a sweater for the evening and for cooler days, and a raincoat or umbrella. For the Arctic region and high mountains, and for excursions to the northern seas and glaciers, warm clothes, a warm jacket, gloves, and a raincoat.
Back to the climate of
Canada