So when should I go to Canada?

In case you hadn’t noticed Canada is a vast country, it is over 8,000 km wide (from the Atlantic to Pacific coasts), is only slightly smaller than the whole of Europe, has 6 time zones and 10 provinces across 3 territories.

If you want to know the best time to go you will need to consider what you would like to see and do while you visit and where that is in this amazing country.

The chances are you wont be able to do everything as you wont have that much time, even if you do have time some of the places you want to be at the same time will be so far away from each other that you cant do it all.

Different parts of Canada offer different sites and experiences so I would say consider these first. Once you have an idea about what you want to do, take a look at the info on the seasons below and try to match some of this together then you can narrow your list and focus on when you want to be there.

You could always just do what I did though, you know just turn up and see how it goes along the way. You would be amazed by the amount of things I got to see that I never knew was there to see and also how experiencing the unknown stopped me seeing some of what I thought I wanted to see.

I don’t regret it at all, I know where the popular places are, I couldn’t tell you where some of the best places I experienced were and doubt I could ever find them again…

And so, on to some info about the provinces…

When should I go to Canada? not too sure yet?

The Prairies

Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Alberta flatlands

The prairies are often referred to as “The breadbasket” of Canada. Here you will find small cities such as Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, and Calgary just brimming with enthusiasm.

You can discover the wide open expanses and observe the inherent beauty of the wheat fields or the mountains, hills and lakes.

If you are interested in architecture, art, museums, and culture you should head to Winnipeg. I did but didn’t stay too long.

It was there in Winnipeg that I discovered my first buffalo roast, a local truck driver who had broken down was waiting for a part to his truck to turn up, he had just cooked it up and was serving out to the travellers in the hostel when I arrived.

This generous guy shared it round with anyone who wanted some along with nice a cold beer and some doughnuts for desert. I had never tasted anything like it before, the meat was amazing, soft, succulent and full of flavour!

You don’t get that kind of moment every day on your travels so when you do make sure to savour it…

British Columbia – “BC”

BC is well known for its beautiful Rain Forests, Rugged Coastline with its capital Victoria situated on Vancouver Island.

Did you know that Victoria has the worlds tallest totem pole? Standing at 127 feet and 7 inches, that is one impressive structure…

A little place you may have heard of is The Rockie Mountains, which are located in BC Canada and offer Breath-taking scenery across back to back mountain ranges, beautiful Turquoise lakes, Glaciers and National Parks.

If you are thinking of going skiing change your mind and pick up a snowboard but either way this is one of the best places to go for that in Canada along with Banff, Calgary and Lake Louise…

When should I go to Canada? I am sure you are starting to get it now?

The Maritimes

A grouping of 3 Provinces (Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick)…

Visit here and you are sure to find a definitive Scottish-Celtic flavour. These provinces are dominated by forests, farming Fishing Villages and Coastal Scenery.

Newfoundland and Labrador

This is where the Vikings first landed in Canada. Expect to discover Rugged Coastline and an area dominated by Forests and Rocks.

Ontario

When you arrive in Ontario you will probably get the feeling that the area it is dominated by water. The capital city is Ottawa and sits alongside the mighty Ottawa river.

You can discover the 1000 Islands on the St Lawrence River, historic canals, Cottage Country tailored to those of you who adore the outdoor life and the amazing “Great Lakes” of Lake Erie and Lake Superior.

Southern Ontario

Southern Ontario is the most largely populated part of Canada and forms a horseshoe around the western end of Lake Ontario.

As you would expect the area with the largest population is home to Canada’s largest city which is Toronto. Toronto is well known for its world-class Theatre, Dining & Entertainment along with the CN tower.

Southern Ontario is also home to the truly magnificent and magical Niagara Falls and the Niagara Region is also known for its Wine, Agriculture, Historic Sites, the Shaw Theatre and the Welland Canal.

Northern Ontario

Northern Ontario is dominated by the Canada Shield which sits on an area mostly composed of igneous rock which relates to its long volcanic history.

Her you will find Forests, Rock Faces, Rivers & Lakes and rugged wilderness.
With its untouched beauty it has surely become a favourite with Fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Quebec

Quebec is Canada’s predominant French Speaking Province and was the birthplace of the North American Settlement Quebec City which is the cradle to French-Quebecois Culture.

In Quebec you will find plenty of things to discover including a Historic Quebec City, a more Cosmopolitan Montreal, Whale Watching on the St Lawrence river, The Laurentians and Mont Tremblant home to Eastern North America’s best rated ski resort.

When should I go to Canada? errrrr NOW?

Temperatures

Temperatures can vary wildly depending on the time of year and the location you are visiting so make sure you do some research and be prepared.