Springtime is an excellent time to take a trip to Canada. Visitors in the Spring will find few tourists, as the summer travel season has not yet started and the winter season has come to a close. Spring is often known as the shoulder season or mud season, a time when the snow is melting and temperatures are beginning to rise.
Spring comes early on Canada's west coast, with February seeing the arrival of tulips and temperatures on average staying above 0 C (32 F). Elsewhere in the country, spring shows up to stay in April and extends through to June. April usually sees the last of the winter's snow, except in higher altitudes like Banff or Whistler - both popular ski destinations where the season doesn't end until May.
Spring could have many faces: from tulips in bloom in BC, to plenty of snow to ski on in Lake Louise...
Canada in Spring--What to Expect
Before you plan your spring visit to Canada, you first want to decide which part of the country you’d like to visit. Obviously, the West Coast will experience different weather conditions than the East Coast. If you’re looking for more spring-like conditions and more to do, West Coast destinations like Vancouver will definitely be more favorable.
Spring comes early on Canada's west coast - tulips in bloom near Vancouver
After you’ve chosen a spot for your Spring Canadian vacation, get to work on your plan. Prices are lower during the spring and you’ll find many places close to empty, as it’s too warm to ski and too muddy to do much hiking. Winter tends to hang around for a while, and it can snow through April. Temperatures during the spring range from 10.8 degrees Celsius (50 degrees F) to 19 C (66 F). You’ll want to dress in layers to account for rapidly changing weather. Pack a few sweaters and a light jacket to stay warm when temperatures stay cool. If you’re taking your spring vacation in an RV, you’ll be warm and toasty with one of CanaDream’s custom-built winter RVs regardless of the temperature outside. These RVs are built to withstand low temperatures and enable you to use all water (sink, shower and toilet) in temperatures as low as -30C.
Our RVs are ready for Canadian winters providing use of all facilities in temperatures as low as -30C
Because it might be muddy, practical shoes are a must. You may experience a mixed bag of weather - don't forget to pack a raincoat and an umbrella. Tulips and primroses will be in bloom and the landscape will be coming alive with greenery, though early spring will not be as lush as later in the season.
Plenty of Things to Do in Spring
Throughout March and April, towns across New Brunswick, Ontario and Nova Scotia host maple syrup festivals. Observe and even participate in making this sweet, sticky product. Guests will also get to sample some of the products along the way.
If you’re a lover of the outdoors, spring skiing might be your thing. Because the regular ski season has ended, you can take advantage of reduced price lift tickets, smaller crowds, and cheaper accommodations. Temperatures will be warmer than in winter but ski resorts will still be making snow, giving you the best of both worlds.
Another draw for springtime visits to Canada is touring their numerous wine regions. Sample a variety of wines across the country with the Okanagan Region in British Columbia and the Niagara Wine Region between Niagara Falls and Toronto being the most well known.
Still cold in Quebec? Try Maple Taffy! Sunny in the Okanagan? Enjoy the vistas
Visitors can enjoy dining in one of Canada’s many well-known restaurants, enjoying traditional foods like poutine, bannock, Nova Scotian lobster rolls, Saskatoon berry pie, and more. You’ll also find a number of fine dining options for every palate and purse size.
Spring might not seem like the right time to take a vacation but, to some, it’s the best time. Relax and unwind during your springtime trip to Canada.
Relax. Unwind. Take it all in. Welcome to Canada
