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Canada in Autumn: 15 Reasons to Visit + Weather Guide
The best time to visit Canada is during autumn.
Honestly, after living in 7+ countries, I can easily say that the best autumn in the world is in Canada. No other country masters the crisp autumn breeze and the drastic foliage against natural backgrounds the way we do.
Americans will try to claim this title, but honestly, we do it better up in Canada.
The fall foliage you’ll find in our dense forests is unmatched, and the climate actually makes it easy to stay cool and enjoy being outdoors. The other part I love is that it’s way less crowded than in the summer months!
So, here are the most epic reasons to visit Canada in autumn, along with the best time to visit, popular festivals, and places to go!
Make the most of Autumn in Canada with this tour!
1. It’s Grizzly Bear Season
September and October are grizzly bear season in Canada.
But, if you’re hoping to spot a grizzly, you’ll need to go on a wildlife tour in Alberta or British Columbia.
The fact that the bears are eagerly fattening up for winter paired with the salmon runs means that you are almost guaranteed to spot a few grizzlies, and they are safe to watch from a distance (because it’s easier to catch salmon than you!).
The best grizzly tours in Canada start from Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
I have heard awesome things about this Grizzly Bear Boat Tour
2. Insane Fall Foliage
Canada in fall is the best spot in the world to see fall foliage.
Not only do we have an abundance of trees, but our temperatures create the right blend of frost and warmth to preserve one of the longest fall foliage periods around the globe.
It doesn’t really matter where you are in Canada since the leaves change all across the country, but the best way to enjoy fall foliage spots in Canada is by exploring the small towns and provincial parks.
This Algonquin Tour is one of the best from Toronto
3. The Famous Salmon Run
Late September and October are the best times to see hundreds of thousands of salmon return to rivers and streams throughout western Canada.
There’s nothing like seeing the fish run upstream and jump out of the water!
While living in Ontario, I found Collingwood to be a great place to see the Salmon Run, but Harrison Lake is arguably the most popular spot in British Columbia and has epic views, too.
The Humber River in Toronto is an underrated location in Central Canada where you can also see this natural wonder. It’s only a few stops west of downtown on the TTC to spot them at Old Mill Station.
4. Pumpkin Picking
Halloween is a huge deal in Canada, so it’s no wonder that we have a lot of pumpkins.
There are pumpkin patches and pumpkin lots in every town and city across the country where you can go pick a pumpkin to put on your front stoop.
Even if you don’t plan to buy one, visiting these sites is fun. Many people use them for their fall Instagram pictures.
5. It’s Apple Picking Season
Apple picking is a time-honored tradition in Canada.
Starting in September, apple orchards across the country begin to allow people to come and pick their own apples. These orchards are often in picturesque areas, making for the best spots to enjoy fall foliage or even take a hayride.
Check out the best places to go apple picking near Toronto, and be prepared to have a lot of apples in your house after a visit!
6. Stunning Scenic Drives
So much of Canada is covered in forests, which means it’s not hard to find fall foliage on road trips.
You can drive a few miles outside any city and be immersed in amazing, colorful trees.
Even if you visit in December (after all the leaves have fallen), there are enough coniferous trees that the scenery stays colorful late into winter. Pack a picnic to enjoy a full day on a fall road trip in Canada.
7. Ride a Forest Coaster
Not one for road trips? Instead, you can zip through the forest on a roller coaster!
In Ontario, there is a 1km roller coaster that runs through the forest at Blue Mountain.
The Ridge Runner Coaster is open most of the year, but they do close for the winter once it gets too cold. It’s hard to enjoy the ride with icy winds biting at your face the whole time.
8. Serene Hot Springs
One of my favorite things to do is to soak in hot water on a cool day,
So, I highly encourage you to visit Canada’s prettiest hot spring in Banff National Park in the fall!
The Banff Upper Hot Springs is open year-round and has an outdoor pool for swimmers of all levels. They have carved a pool into the mountainside so you can soak in the natural hot springs without worrying about slipping on the rocks or getting scratched.
That’s more my style, but they don’t sacrifice the natural atmosphere. I visited over a decade ago and still remember how amazing it was to soak in these waters. We even saw a moose on our way in from the parking lot!
I’ve also found a ton of awesome hot springs in Quebec, Canada!
9. Fall Train Ride
Agawa Canyon is home to the best fall train ride in Canada.
You can travel from Sault Saint Marie to the Agawa Canyon between September and November and view some of the most stunning fall foliage in Canada.
The train travels along the lake, through tunnels that were built by hand, and pass by cliffs with steep drop-offs into the water.
It’s a very cool way to see the fall leaves.
10. Nordic Outdoor Spa Experience
Like I said, I love a warm bath on a chilly fall day, but if I’m looking for a more immersive experience near Ottawa, I head to the Nordik Spa in Gatineau Park.
This luxurious outdoor spa has amazing hot pools you can soak in after hiking in the local park or touring nearby Ottawa or Quebec City.
I guarantee it will be the most relaxing day of your trip!
You can also book a facial, book a massage, or make a reservation for a high tea experience.
11. Hiking is Way More Comfortable
I’m a big hiker, and fall is my favorite season for a forest hike.
I love that there are fewer people, that the weather is still warm, and that there are different landscapes to enjoy versus summer and winter.
You’ll find amazing hikes in any national park across the country.
In eastern Canada, I recommend hiking in September for the beginnings of the tree changes without the muddy trails. My favorite trails include:
- Bebamikawe Memorial Trail
- Cup and Saucer Trail
- Centennial Ridges Trail
- Scarborough Bluffs
- Dundas Peak
On the West Coast, you can check out any trail into mid-October and November since fall comes a bit later, and it’s less cold.
12. It’s Halloween Season at Canada’s Wonderland
If you’re looking for a spooky Halloween adventure, head to Canada’s Wonderland.
This summer getaway transforms into a haunted horror show every October. I went once and was so scared I legitimately held my friend’s arm and cried the whole time. …yeah, I was not a very cool teenager.
Halloween Haunt begins the last week of September and runs through to Halloween. You’ll face creepy street performers, haunted houses, and other scare zones.
Oh, and they change annually, so you can never be sure what you’ll be faced with here.
13. You can Devour The Apple Pie Trail
Did you know that Canada has an apple pie trail?
Well, we do!
In Georgian Bay, this trail takes you through local orchards, breweries, cafes, and more to explore the best apple pies in the country!
If you’re not into pie but get dragged along by friends, don’t worry! There are ciders, beers, and plenty of interesting stops along the way.
This can be a day trip or turned into a weekend fall getaway.
You can visit the historic town of Thornbury, cycle through Beaver Valley, and canoe along Georgian Bay, all while eating the best apple pies.
14. Wine Harvest Season
Make the most of Canada in the fall by going on a local wine tour.
The most renowned wine regions are Okanagan Valley, Niagara on the Lake, and Prince Edward County.
These regions run amazing wine tours through the local vineyards, where you can learn about local wines and explore the landscape.
One of the best ways to do a tour is via cycle, so you can burn off the delicious treats they offer you so you have room to eat more at the next stop!
15. Treetop Trekking in Fall Colours
If you love the fall colors of Canada, you may want to climb amongst them!
A treetop trekking experience will let you explore Canada from the treetops!
The Treetops Adventure Park in British Columbia has over three kilometers of walking trails through the trees.
If heights don’t bother you, this is a great way to spend your day admiring Canada in the fall.
When is Fall in Canada?
Fall in Canada happens from late September to mid-November, but the exact dates vary each year. Here’s what you can expect during each month in Canada.
Canada in September
September is the first month of autumn in Canada.
Technically, it’s not actually fall until late September, when the fall equinox occurs on September 21st.
But since school is back in session after Labour Day, everyone in Canada considers September to be the start of the autumn season.
September still has warm weather, with temperatures hovering around 23°C during the day in Central Canada. Towards the evenings, temperatures will dip to about 12°C.
All you need is a light jacket at night over your summer dress to stay warm during this season.
Canada in October
October is when temperatures start to dip. It’s all the time to spot the best fall foliage in Canada.
In early October, temperates vary between the 20°Cs and the teens during the day.
By late October, around Halloween, you’ll need a thick jacket to go out at night (which always ruined our Halloween costumes growing up).
Canada in November
November is when fall weather is in full tilt, with daily temperatures in the low teens and evenings being properly cold.
You’ll need to look out for the first snows of winter around mid-November. They won’t settle on the ground, but these light snow flurries will start the transition to winter.
This is why November is when most Christmassy people will start to put up their trees in Canada.
Canada Weather in Autumn by Region
Canada is too big for the temperatures to be consistent across the country. Luckily, I’ve spent time living in 3 different provinces and have experience in all the major regions of Canada in fall.
So, let’s break down the climates across the country so you can plan where to visit during the fall season in Canada.
Atlantic Canada
Atlantic Canada gets the windiest weather in autumn. Expect to be blown away by November in places like Halifax that lie on the waterfront.
Temperatures will average 18°C during the day in September, then dip to 14°C in October. By mid-November, at least one snowstorm will hit the Atlantic provinces.
Eastern/Central Canada
Eastern Canada is very temperate in September. Temperatures will average 21°C during the day.
By October, temperatures start to dip to 18°C.
In November, you’ll be in the single digits for most days and every evening.
The Prairies
The Prairies (Manitoba and Saskatchewan) get extreme temperatures. By September, places like Calgary usually have at least one snowfall.
But this will volley back and forth between extremely hot and cold days.
Temperatures average 10°C during the day for late autumn but be prepared for the unexpected in this region.
Days are much more overcast in autumn in the Prairies.
Western Canada
Western Canada stays the warmest of all of Canada. During fall, temperatures stay around 15C for the entirety of the season.
However, temperatures dip a lot up in the mountains.
November is a great time to start surfing in the morning and skiing in the afternoon. The altitude change makes the weather perfect for both!
Watch out for autumn showers that are pretty regular in this region.
Northern Canada
Northern Canada starts to freeze over again by October.
By November, the days are almost fully engulfed in darkness as we head towards the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice.
Be prepared for cold temperatures, like -10 °C, throughout October and November nights.
During the day, you can expect slightly warmer temperatures that may rise to the single digits.
Pack warmly!
It will rain for about half of the autumn season, some of which makes it freeze enough to become snow.
Autumn Festivals and Holidays in Canada
Labour Day
The annual Labour Day holiday is held on the first Monday of September.
This holiday was founded as a day for workers to campaign for better rights and then as a way for employers to give them a day of rest. Now, it’s a federal holiday that also marks the first week of schools across the country.
This is a weekend usually celebrated with friends over a barbecue and fireworks.
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
I’ve lived in Toronto for 17+ years and always avoided the Toronto International Film Festival.
That’s not to say it’s not an epic thing to do, but we locals tend to shy away from anything full of traffic.
When I moved back, I desperately wanted to visit to go star-watching.
Celebrities flock to Yorkville for the fancy hotels and then head to Scotiabank Theatre downtown for red carpet releases of their films.
You have to apply for a lottery, but anyone can attend. You just never know which movie you’ll get to see.
It is held the second week of September, so book ahead if you plan to visit! This is one of the busiest weeks for hotels in Toronto.
Oktoberfest
Okay, this one isn’t an official Canadian holiday, but Canada has many Oktoberfest celebrations nationwide.
This biggest one is held in Kitchener-Waterloo, a university hub where the students have helped foster this German festival.
It’s actually the second biggest Oktoberfest in the world after Munich!
Be sure to prepare for lots of beer drinking, pretzels, and rowdy dancing!
It’s a two-week festival that runs the last week of September and the first week of October.
Nuit Blanche
Nuit Blanche is a one-night festival from sunset to sunrise held annually across Toronto.
The downtown streets transform into a living art gallery that features contemporary art pieces by local Canadian artists.
It’s free to attend and very fun to explore on foot.
Although many people go in the middle of the night, you can enjoy it earlier if you don’t want to stay up till 4 AM.
It is typically held on a night in the first week of October.
Thanksgiving
Canadian Thanksgiving is different from American Thanksgiving.
We host ours on the second Monday of October to celebrate an expedition in search of the Northwest Passage.
This is a federal holiday, so you won’t find many things open across the country.
Celebrate with turkey, stuffing, and a family dinner to be true to the Canadian style. You’ll have to wait for November for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, though!
Bala Cranberry Festival
Every year on Thanksgiving weekend, Bala hosts their annual cranberry festival.
As the cranberry capital of Canada, there’s no better place to celebrate this fruitful harvest.
You can walk through a cranberry bog, shop for local arts and crafts, eat cranberry-themed treats, and enjoy live music.
This annual festival draws thousands from around the country!
Halloween
Canada loves Halloween. We celebrate it as big as the US.
Dress up in costume on October 31st to trick or treat door to door or head to a fun Halloween party.
Spooky lovers can find haunted houses around the country where they can be properly scared.
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day is celebrated on November 11th every year to commemorate the brave fighters of WWI.
We hold a moment of silence at 11 AM on the day across the country and wear red poppies in honor of the troops.
In the Atlantic Provinces, this is a provincial holiday with parades throughout the city.
Other Festivals
- Jasper Dark Sky Festival (October in Jasper National Park, Alberta)
- Fall Okanagan Wine Festival (First week of October in Okanagan, British Columbia)
- Celtic Colours International Festival (Mid October in Nova Scotia)
What to Pack for Fall in Canada
Well, the weather is changing, and so does your wardrobe. Here’s what to pack:
- You’ll want a hat to cover your ears on cold nights.
- Gloves will be essential towards the end of autumn in Canada.
- I don’t recommend winter boots in September or October, but you might need them in November, depending on where you’re going.
- Warm jackets: no matter where you’re going, you’ll probably want a few good layers for your body so you stay warm.
- Scarves are amazing because you can use them in so many ways! They can keep you warm, dress up an outfit, or just be fun accessories!
- Layers are key! You’ll want to pack a variety of cozy sweaters that you can layer over tees and tanks, as the weather can change from hot to cold within the hour!
- Hiking boots, especially if you’re going to a national park.
FAQs
What is Canada like in the Fall?
Canada in fall is like the best of every season rolled into one. The leaves are changing, there’s a breeze, you can wear cozy sweaters and scarves, and everything feels magical!
Do I need to pack jackets for Canada in the Fall?
It might be wise to plan ahead depending on where you’re going. Even in September, you’ll likely want a light jacket or a fleece to keep you warm in the evenings.
In October and November, it’s a good idea to bring a light winter jacket, like a ski jacket, that can work for a variety of temperatures.
What can do in Canada in the Fall?
Fall in Canada is an excellent time to explore different towns and regions throughout Canada via a road trip, hiking, or a city break. You can also check out local festivals, Canada’s apple pie trail, wine tours, pumpkin patches, and haunted houses!
What are the Best Places to Visit in Canada in October
The best places to visit in October are the provincial parks or national parks outside of the city centers. Here you can enjoy the natural beauty of the autumn colors at their best, and you can pair them with hikes, scenic drives, and tours of the local festivals.
Wrap Up
Fall is such a beautiful time to visit Canada as the leaves change color, and the cooler weather is such a relief after a long, hot summer!
There are tons of awesome reasons to visit Canada during the fall.
You can watch Grizzly Bears hunt for salmon in British Columbia, take a wine tour through Ontario, or go hiking in Banff National Park.
Just be sure to pack appropriately for Canada’s changing weather in autumn!
Related Posts:
- Spring in Canada: Best Places to Visit and Things to Do [Local Guide]
- Canada in Summer: Best Places to Visit and Things to Do [Local Guide]
- Canada in Winter: Best Places to Visit and Things to Do [Local Guide]
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Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
