The Top 6 Reasons Canada Has the Best Summers in the World

After cold, dreary winters, the true vibrancy and color of communities across Canada come to life. That makes summer a great time to enjoy the best of Canadian culture, nature, and food! Whether you are a visitor, Canadian resident, or passionate traveler, this article is your practical guide for enjoying summer in Canada to the max! Here are six reasons why you should love summer in Canada.

What to Expect During Summer in Canada

If you decide to visit Canada this summer, you won’t be alone. In fact, summer is the peak tourist season for Canada. While this might make you wonder whether you should reschedule your visit, don’t! There is plenty to do in this large country and ample opportunity for you to get away from the crowds. 

Summer in Canada is from mid-June to mid-September. During these months, you can expect to see a great variation in temperature across the country. You might see the hottest days in Toronto range from 70 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, while the more temperate city of Vancouver has highs in the 65 to 80 range. Typically, you can expect July to be the hottest month in Canada. That is also the month when schools get out, so expect to see families in Canada taking vacations together from July into August. 

After long and cold winters, you can expect that summer will be the time for everyone to get outdoors and make the most of the warm months!

1. Festivals and Outdoor Celebrations

From the Calgary Stampede to the Canadian National Exhibition, summer is the season for vibrant and lively festivals and parties across the country. Jazz festivals collectively bring together over a million people in major cities, for events like the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, Montreal International Jazz Festival, and the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. The Calgary Stampede is an iconic Canadian event, the biggest rodeo in the world, and a top agricultural event. Banff National Park is a beautiful sight to behold at any time, but the nearby Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity also gives visitors the chance to see visual art displays, independent film showings, and concerts throughout the summer. These are just a few of the incredible parades, community events, festivals, and activities that happen in Canada each year. They are a great reason to celebrate summer in Canada!

2. National Parks and Natural Wonders

Speaking of the breathtaking Banff National Park, Canada is home to numerous awe-inspiring national parks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland, and incredible wonders of nature. Wapusk National Park in Manitoba is the best location to see polar bears living in their natural habitat. Jasper National Park in Alberta is home to the Canadian Rockies, plus beautiful rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in British Columbia features towering old-growth rainforests, centuries of local indigenous culture, and the chance to see islands off of the Western Pacific Coast. 

These are just a few of the national parks you can hike, run, camp, and sightsee during Canadian summer. However, Canada is full of many other natural wonders and international visitor destinations. For example, summer is a wonderful time to take a trip to Niagara Falls. All across Canada, you can find incredible wilderness and landscaped parks alike to take in the natural beauty of this vast country. 

3. Coastal Activities and Beaches

Where do you go for a beach vacation for summer in Canada? Canada’s islands and coastline provide plenty of opportunities for beach and ocean activities. Prince Edward Island is just one place where you can find beautiful sandy beaches, old lighthouses, and charming cottages. Visit Prince Edward Island to eat seafood like lobsters and clams, kayak through local waters, golf in the summer sunshine, or do other activities nearby! Though Prince Edward Island is a favorite, it is certainly not the only destination in Canada that offers a prime summer vacation. 

Vancouver Island has a rugged shoreline where you can camp and surf. New Brunswick’s Parlee Beach Provincial Park near Shediac has the warmest saltwater access in the country. Clam Harbour Beach Provincial Park in Nova Scotia offers awesome bluffs and sandy beaches. Beyond these, Canada also has numerous freshwater beaches where you can enjoy lake views and lake swims all summer long.

4. Lakes

Speaking of lakes, did you know that Canada is home to more lakes than anywhere else in the world? That’s right, Canada contains 564 lakes that are larger than 100 square kilometers. However, in total, the country has over 30,000 lakes! Whether your idea of a good lake day looks like hiking the water’s edge, kayaking into remote areas, water skiing, boating, fishing, swimming, or sunbathing, summer lake days in Canada just cannot be beaten. There are numerous freshwater beaches scattered throughout the country, as well as everything from ice-cold freezing Great Lakes to smaller lakes with warm water.

5. History and Architecture

Summer is for getting outside and taking in all of the sights, smells, and tastes of a city. The summer months in Canada are the perfect opportunity to do just that by strolling the streets of a city new or old. Visit Québec City to take in over 400 years of Canadian history and take what some people describe as “European charm.” From the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Québec, where you can take a walking tour to dive into the area’s history, to old churches and government buildings, there is plenty to see and discover. If Montreal is more your vibe, consider learning about its important French Colonial history and visiting some of the many museums and historical sites. 

6. Food

No guide to Canadian summer would be complete without a reminder of some of the most delicious food you can find. Corn, cherries, peaches, and strawberries all come into season during the summer. Get your hands on some local produce and enjoy these sweet, delicious fruits and vegetables from local Canadian farmers. When Canada Day comes in July, host or attend a cookout! From grilled steaks to classic salads and vegetable dishes, Canada Day is an excuse for a summer barbeque. Some say that camping is an iconic Canadian activity. If that is the case, head out into the woods and do not forget the campfire wood! Start your fire and plan to whip out the graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows to make the quintessential summer food: s’mores!

Speaking of food, Canada has plenty of food and drink festivals to get you outside and ready to try something new. Check out Foodtruck Wars, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Try the Yukon Culinary Festival in Whitehorse. If you love oysters and all things seafood, you won’t want to miss the BC Seafood Festival in Comox Valley, British Columbia. These and so many other food-focused events provide plenty of chances to eat and drink the best food that Canada has to offer in the summer.