Which Canadian Cities Have the Best Weather?

Planning a move to Canada? Contrary to popular belief, not all of Canada is a year-round, snowy wonderland. From B.C.’s temperate west coast and Okanagan Valley, to the sprawling prairies and the Atlantic seaboard, you can find variety in Canada’s distinct climates.

Summers are gorgeous in Canada, with long, hot sunny days and cooler nights. With the exception of the west coast rainforest, Canada is snowy for many months in the winter. This is perfect for those who enjoy winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating or snowshoeing.

In this article we outline weather patterns in different Canadian cities.

Why should you consider the weather before moving to Canada?

Canada experiences a wide range of climates, which can have a huge impact on your lifestyle, comfort and even your pocketbook.

Areas of Canada such as the Prairies, Northern Canada and parts of Ontario and Quebec experience harsh winters. With temperatures dropping well below zero accompanied by heavy snowfall, you need to invest in proper winter clothing, adequate heating for your home, and specialised tires for your vehicle.

The winters in Canada are long and dark, and many Canadians experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression related to seasonal changes.

Canadian weather impacts daily life in different ways. Snowy, icy winter roads can affect commuting times and public transit availability, and milder year-round weather offers a longer window of time for outdoor activities.

Driving in the ice and snow can be a learning curve, as the roads become more slippery and unpredictable. Winter tires aren’t enough to prevent accidents–there are certain techniques for winter driving that need to be adopted so your car doesn’t lose control and cause an accident.

Familiarising yourself with Canadian weather patterns can help you make an informed decision on where you would like to live, based on your lifestyle preferences and finances.

What cities have the best weather?

Canadian weather is diverse and at times, intense. There are a few Canadian cities that stand out from the rest in regards to desirable weather. We’ve compiled a list of cities that offer decent year-round weather combined with promising work opportunities:

• Victoria
• Vancouver
• Kelowna
• St. Catharines
• Halifax
• The best cities in Canada for winter recreation

Victoria

Victoria, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, is B.C.’s capital and often referred to as Canada’s “Hawaii” as it has the warmest winters in all of the country. The coldest winter temperatures hover between 4°C - 9°C (at night).

Victoria receives the most sunny days out of all the regions along B.C.’s coast, with summer temperatures ranging from 18°C - 24°C. Residents are lucky to be able to enjoy outdoor activities year-round.

Fun facts!

• Victoria has palm and banana trees sprinkled all over the city. Due to the city’s mild winters, exotic plant and tree species are able to survive throughout the year.

• Victoria sits along the 49th parallel, while the rest of Canada’s southern border sits along the 46th parallel, making Victoria the southernmost region in Canada.

Many people choose to move to Victoria because they are seeking city amenities, but are looking for a more relaxed pace than metropolitan Vancouver. The tourism, parks and hospitality industries are big in Victoria, and being a capital city, there are a plentitude of government jobs with exceptional pay and benefits.

Vancouver

Vancouver, located in southwest mainland B.C., is the third biggest city in Canada. Vancouver’s temperate climate means that winters rarely drop below freezing, with winter temperatures hovering around 1°C - 8°C. Summers are warm and comfortable with temperatures ranging from 18°C - 25°C. Coastal cities benefit from ocean breezes, which keep temperatures cooler during the summer months.

Vancouver is one of Canada’s top 5 rainiest cities during the spring, fall and winter, receiving on average 1450 mm of precipitation, annually. The city sees around 160 rainy days per year.

Fun Fact! Even though Vancouver is famous for the amount of rain it receives, the northern B.C. town of Prince Rupert gets the highest amount of rain in all of Canada, receiving on average 2590 mm of rain annually–exceeding Vancouver’s average by over 1000 mm. On average Prince Rupert sees 235 rainy days per year.

Vancouver is a popular, bustling metropolis with huge film and tech industries. The beautiful natural surroundings of Vancouver and Whistler draw tourists from all over the world. Because of these exponential Vancouver industries, there are endless job opportunities for new arrivals.

READ: Where to Adopt a Dog or Cat in Vancouver

Kelowna

Kelowna is part of B.C.’s Okanagan Valley and has a semi-arid climate. The city boasts hot, dry summers with daytime temperatures ranging from 17°C to 35°C. Winter temperatures are mild for Canadian standards, rarely dropping below 5°C.

Kelowna is right in the middle of wine country, and the Okanagan is one of Canada’s major producers of stone fruits and apples. Tourists are drawn to the area for wine tours and tastings, breweries, boating and other lake activities, and hiking.

Fun Fact! The Okanagan Valley is Canada’s only desert, home to species of cacti, rattlesnakes and lizards. Summer heat waves are common, with temperatures rising above 40°C for periods of time.

Kelowna is the fastest-growing city in B.C., with people flocking to its lakeside shores to escape overpriced, overcrowded Vancouver neighbourhoods. While Kelowna is still relatively cheaper than Vancouver and Victoria, real estate prices continue to climb as the city grows in popularity.

READ: Exploring Canada: The Best Ways to Travel Between Cities

St. Catharines

St. Catharines is situated on the shores of Lake Ontario and boasts the mildest temperatures in all of central Canada. This is due to the lake moderating the climate and keeping winters from getting too cold.

Summers are warm and humid with temperatures hovering around 4°C to 28°C. Winters are cold but not harsh like most other Canadian regions. Winter temperatures range from 4°C to 2°C.

Fun Fact! St. Catharines is home to the oldest continuously operating farmers market in Ontario. The market started in 1860, and offers local produce and artisanal goods to this day.

St. Catharines is an affordable city with close proximity to Toronto and Buffalo, NY. Its mild climate allows for abundant wine and fruit industries, and Ontario’s Niagara region draws tourists from all over to enjoy its scenic beauty and rich history. These factors (and more) contribute to a high quality of life for St. Catharines’ residents.

Halifax, NS

Located on Canada’s east coast in Nova Scotia, Halifax is the overall warmest city in eastern Canada.

The city’s warm summers have daily temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C. The mild winters hover around 0°C to -8°C. Weather conditions can shift rapidly within a day, due to the influence of the ocean.

Fun Fact! Halifax has the second-largest natural harbours, next to Sydney, Australia. The harbour never freezes and it served as a naval base during both World Wars. It is still used extensively for commercial shipping, the fishing industry and the Royal Canadian Navy. The harbour’s deep waters and strategic location has made Halifax a crucial maritime hub for centuries.

People are drawn to Halifax for its natural, oceanside surroundings, its mild (yet unpredictable) climate, and its multiculturalism.

READ: Here Are the Best Moving Companies in Halifax

The best cities in Canada for winter sports and activities

Not all people who move to Canada are seeking mild-weathered cities. Most of Canada is known for its beautiful, snowy winters. Its geography brings diversity to winter recreation and outdoor activities. Tourists come from all over to visit beautiful cities like Whistler, Banff, Jasper and Quebec City to enjoy activities such as:

• Downhill and cross-country skiing

• Snowboarding

• Snowshoeing

• Ice skating

• Ice hockey

• Ice fishing

• Sledding

• Ice sculptures

Fun Fact! Churchill, Manitoba is known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”. Tourists can go on guided tours and see the bears in their natural habitat. This adventure tourism initiative promotes habitat conservation and education, and sets a precedent for other communities with abundant wildlife.

Moving to Canada?

Whether you prefer the mild climate of coastal B.C. or Quebec City’s winter wonderland (or anything in between), Canada offers residents a high quality of life with excellent work opportunities.

Moving to Canada could be the perfect choice for both your career, and your lifestyle. Need help with your big move? Professional movers are available across the country to help you with every step of the process. Book your next move here.

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