Freezing temperatures and high snowfall in many places mean that it is all about winter sports. Wrap up well and embrace the downhill, cross country, snowmobiling, ice-skating and husky sledding opportunities. Experience the Northern Lights or take in an ice hockey game. Thermals are a necessity!

Spring can be a good time to travel to Canada. Families can enjoy milder temperatures on the coast whilst high ski resorts are still in operation. Pacific Grey whales can be spotted from Vancouver and Victoria and black bears are starting to emerge from hibernation. The weather can be unpredictable though so pack for all contingencies.

Spring has arrived with foliage bursting into life and wildlife getting out and about (and easily spotted from the highways – watch out for moose lumbering onto the road without warning). Humpback whales can be seen off the coast of BC and black bears roam the Rockies. Eastern Canada is also a good destination although be wary of the black flies – Canada’s equivalent of the mosquito.

The ideal time to visit ahead of the summer crowds with warm, long sunny days. Hiking trails are open, rivers have thawed (though only the brave would dare a dip) and wildlife is becoming progressively more active. Humpback whales can be spotted off the coast of BC and black bears roam the Rockies.

Peak season with high temperatures (and humidity in cities) and plenty of sunshine in the mountains. Advance booking in key places is essential. Humpback whales can be spotted off the coast of BC and black bears roam the Rockies. 1 July is Canada Day where the entire country celebrates with gusto – head to Vancouver for its Celebration of Lights musical firework display, known as the ‘Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’. The annual Calgary Stampede also takes place this month and is a fun-filled 10 day rodeo festival that kids will love.

Peak season with high temperatures (and humidity in cities) and plenty of sunshine in the mountains. Advance booking in key places is essential. Humpback whales can be spotted off the coast of BC and black bears roam the Rockies.

The summer crowds are starting to dissipate although it is still busy due to the spectacular autumn foliage, most stunning in the eastern provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Temperatures are cooler but pleasant meaning most outdoor activities can still be enjoyed. Humpback whales can be spotted off the coast of BC and black bears roam the Rockies. Towards the end of the month is the start of the great salmon run in BC where thousands of salmon up to 5ft in length run the rivers to spawn – watched greedily by black and grizzly bears and eagles.

A great time to visit outside peak season although it is still busy due to the spectacular autumn foliage, most stunning in the eastern provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Temperatures are cooler but pleasant meaning most outdoor activities can still be enjoyed. Humpback whales can be spotted off the coast of BC and black bears roam the Rockies. The great salmon run takes place in BC where thousands of salmon up to 5ft in length run the rivers to spawn – watched greedily by black and grizzly bears and eagles. In Churchill, Manitoba, large numbers of polar bears gather to wait for the big freeze – when they can travel onto the ice of the Hudson Bay to hunt for seal.

Definitely getting much colder now, snow will probably have started to fall and days are much shorter. Ice-rinks re-open and summer retreats morph into winter resorts. The great salmon run takes place in BC where thousands of salmon up to 5ft in length run the rivers to spawn – watched greedily by black and grizzly bears and eagles. In Churchill, Manitoba, large numbers of polar bears gather to wait for the big freeze – when they can travel onto the ice of the Hudson Bay to hunt for seal.

Days are short and dark with freezing temperatures and wind chill but there are plenty of seasonal festivities to enjoy in towns and the underground mini-cities enable life to continue in comfort without even having to poke your nose outside! High snowfall means that it is all about winter sports. Wrap up well and embrace the downhill, cross country, snowmobiling, ice-skating and husky sledding opportunities. Experience the Northern Lights or take in an ice hockey game. Thermals are a necessity!