The best time to go to Canada is between June and October. Whilst Canada is perceived as a year-round destination, the temperatures of the summer months lend themselves to more of the outdoor activities for which Canada is renowned, although there are huge regional differences to consider, highlighted below, as well as best times to view specific wildlife.
Generally, in the South, the summer period is between late May and early September, whilst in the north, this is a much shorter season between mid-June and mid-September, after which snowfall can begin.
This is not an ideal month to travel to Canada for wildlife.
Spring is an excellent time for birdwatching, especially in southern and coastal regions. Migratory birds, including waterfowl and songbirds, return to Canada during this season.
Coastal regions like British Columbia and the Great Bear Rainforest are great for bear viewing during the summer months. Grizzly and black bears are active, and you can see them fishing for salmon. Summer is prime time for whale watching, particularly in places like British Columbia, Quebec, and New Brunswick, where you can see humpback, orca, and gray whales. You can also spot moose, bison, and other large mammals in national parks and wilderness areas.
Head to Arctic Canada in autumn, to see polar bears as they gather along the Hudson Bay, waiting for the sea ice to form. Witness the dramatic salmon runs in places like British Columbia, as thousands of salmon swim upstream to spawn. Head to Arctic Canada in autumn, to see polar bears as they gather along the Hudson Bay, waiting for the sea ice to form.
Visit northern regions like the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and parts of Quebec during the winter to witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Some waterfowl and eagles can be spotted in the winter months in coastal regions where water doesn't freeze.
In Alaska you can witness the salmon run via boat, viewing platforms or land vehicles, but for the most intimate and jaw-dropping experience, we offer the chance for you to walk among them, on foot. Similarly, you can experience this magnificent display in British Columbia in Canada.
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Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountain Range on the west coast of British Columbia, the ancient Great Bear Rainforest is one of the largest tracts of temperate rainforest left in the world. At a massive 21 million acres, it stretches over 250 miles up the mainland coast of B.C. and fjords stretch all the way into the ice-capped Coastal Range. A remote land of archipelagos and 1000 year old cedars, its unique position has allowed it to stay relatively isolated from the rest of North America.
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Located to the north of Vancouver Island in Klemtu, accessible via seaplane and water taxi, Spirit Bear Lodge is a unique concept built and run by the local Kitasoo/Xaixai community. The lodge itself directly reflects their culture as it has been built in the style of their traditional long houses, the interior of the lodge itself and the furnishings used within are also reflective of their culture with many antiques used to decorate the space.
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Sailing on the central coast of British Columbia, in the Pacific Ocean, is where you will find the Island Roamer exploring the sheltered inlets of the Great Bear Rainforest. The Island Roamer is a certified Canadian Ministry of Transport vessel and meets all safety standards including necessary equipment, electronic navigation aids etc that you would expect of a boat of this quality.
Read moreCanada is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. For the best bear viewing, stay at the wonderful Tweedsmuir Park Lodge and venture through Bella Coola Valley, which is home to the highest concentration of grizzly bears in North America. Drift down the Atnarko River as grizzly bears swipe salmon from the water’s edge and eagles circle ahead. For polar bears, head to Arctic Canada.
Canada is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 450 bird species to spot. Visit national parks, wildlife reserves, and bird sanctuaries to see bald eagles, puffins, ospreys, and more.
Witness the spectacular salmon runs in places like British Columbia, where you can see thousands of salmon swimming upstream to spawn.
Canada's coasts, particularly in British Columbia, Quebec, and New Brunswick, offer excellent opportunities to spot whales, you can see humpback, orca, beluga, and gray whales, among others.
